Switch: E92 M3 to B8 S4 and back to E92 M3

[BAMFM3]

BLUF: Went from a E92 M3 to a B8 S4 and decided to go back to the E92 M3...for a good reason.

In early 2012 I made the switch from a 600 awhp Evo to a Jet Black 2009 E92 M3 that had full Dinan bolt ons with the M-DCT. I loved the switch even though the M3 wasn't as fast, obviously. I drove the car for about 7 months and then we deployed back to Afghanistan for 9 months. During the deployment about halfway through, some chick in a big truck backed into the M3 going a few miles an hour, resulting in repaint of the rear bumper, and some of the quarter panel. Upon redeployment, I noticed it had some flaws in it, as obviously it will never be 100%. I always knew what had happened, even though most others couldn't tell.

These little flaws bugged me, even though I only drove the car twice a week (had a 2007 Audi A4 6MT as a daily), so I decided I was going to start looking for a car. Living in NC with little to no snow I decided I wanted another M3 but with the possibility of moving to Maryland (where it does snow) I looked at RS4s. When I couldn't find an RS4 with low miles within 1000 miles of me, I started looking at the B8 S4. I found one about 100 miles away...a 2012 Glacier White S4 Prestige (DSG, not 6MT) that had full APR bolt ons...and only 6000 miles on the odometer. I decided to trade the M3 and the A4, since the mileage was so low. I was happy...the car was faster than the M3 to 100+mph but just didn't quite feel the same, handling wise. The M3 was definitely more of a driver's car than the S4. I started to regret the decision, but decided this was the smart move in the long run and that I would buy another M3 down the line. Less than 4 weeks after switching to the S4, and regretting the S4 more and more...I found out Maryland was no longer an option and that I would move to Florida instead and that I couldn't stand not having Emma (the M3) around.

Finally found a bone stock 2011 Melbourne Red E92 M3 with 6MT less than 20,000 miles in New Jersey. I decided this was the car for me. I drove 11 hours up to trade the S4 in and got my Emma back. I have never been happier...

In the end, I did lose some money from the S4 but I am extremely glad I went back to the M3. The S4 was extremely nice and very fast, but just didn't have the same feel or driver input as the M3. I plan on keeping this M3 forever, as these E9X M3s are the last full bred M3, with BMW switching to forced induction emissions and gas friendly cars. Sure, the new F8X M3/M4 is faster, lighter and will go around a track faster, but nothing beats the steering feel, directness and the sound of the 8300rpm S65B40 V8 that the E9X generation M3 possesses.

[davesaddiction]

Congrats on getting your true love back!

The more I read stories like these, the more I'm convinced that I should never part with this car...

[klammer]

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

Congrats on getting your true love back!

The more I read stories like these, the more I'm convinced that I should never part with this car...

+1 hope to have it forever.

[Curt2000]

I've been through several tuner and euro cars over the past decade and I totally agree…once you own the e92 M3, nothing compares to the driving satisfaction. The only car that comes close IMO is the S2000.

[tjsabec]

I have a b8 a4 and man is it humongous, it dwarfs my m3, I can't imagine being excited for the s version of that platform just based on size, even though I have always been more of an Audi guy than a BMW guy.

[AlpineV8]

That's good to know. I too had an Evo IX. Not quite the numbers you were pushing but about half that. Still fast as hell. I think the thing with that car was that because it was so light it just felt snappier. But when you go from that to an M3, there is simply no comparison as far as quality and creature comforts go. It's going from boy racer to adulthood. I did have a 370z in between which was still a huge quality step up.

I'm glad to hear about the S4. I sold my 08 M3 and was thinking of getting into a 2011 S4 with the Stasis challenge package. It was white with DSG, Premium package so I thought I was sold on it. But the mileage was just over 40k and it needed a bit of TLC on the wheels and driver seat which was torn. I decided against it at the last second because I found an E90 that was essentially perfect for me package/color wise with about 10k miles less.

Really glad to be back in the real drivers car. I love my M3 to death.

[Nola 32/65]

Welcome back!

On that B8 S4, how much power was it making with the APZr bolt ons?

[BAMFM3]

Originally Posted by Nola 32/65

Welcome back!

On that B8 S4, how much power was it making with the APZr bolt ons?

Supposedly 388AWHP, 377AWTQ. I think that's why it was faster than the M3 to about 100mph. I will say I did love (and miss from my Evo IX) that all wheel drive!

However I've learned my lesson and will NEVER get rid of my E92 M3 again!!

[Nola 32/65]

Originally Posted by BAMFM3

Supposedly 388AWHP, 377AWTQ. I think that's why it was faster than the M3 to about 100mph. I will say I did love (and miss from my Evo IX) that all wheel drive!

However I've learned my lesson and will NEVER get rid of my E92 M3 again!!

I gotcha, yea I figured it had to make a decent more then stock to be fast then the M.

We all make mistakes, you're forgiven lol.

[AshyLarryMP]

E92 interior and exterior is better looking than the audi or F80.

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

Congrats on getting your true love back!

The more I read stories like these, the more I'm convinced that I should never part with this car...

Dave,

For the first time in ten years, I am now DD my car for work. Nothing puts a smile on my face quicker than driving the M3 home after work on a coastal highway, and just revving that S65 up past 7k rpms. Mmmmmm

[Edward]

I like your story bro. Except that you got a manual tranmission. Just my opinion but that transmission takes a wonderful drivetrain and dumbs it down too much. In any case, it's a better car than the other ones you mentioned.

I am 31 now and the M3 is feeling pretty boy racer to me so while I intend to keep my car for a while, it is certainly likely to be my last M3. The new F80/82 is about as interesting to me as wet socks. If I can't make a jump up to Porsche or a larger GT size car, I'll be moving onto a big SUV or something.

Cars will get faster and lighter but I don't think they will be much more fun than what this car provides.

[gatorfast]

^M3 boy racer??? You say that as if its an Evo or something and not a an expensive luxury german sports car. And you do realize that 31yo is still very young to own a car like the M3 right?

[davesaddiction]

Originally Posted by MikeD

Dave,

For the first time in ten years, I am now DD my car for work. Nothing puts a smile on my face quicker than driving the M3 home after work on a coastal highway, and just revving that S65 up past 7k rpms. Mmmmmm

It's just fantastic, isn't it?

Check this out: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/wha...ove-1566904946

[BAMFM3]

Had a DCT on my 2009...I loved it, but I didn't like the idea of a "sealed transmission with lifetime fluids". And I also didn't like that fact that the dealer would not authorize transmission flush...and didn't want to bring it to a non-BMW dealer to do it. I plan on keeping this car forever and 6MT made more sense in the long run. Clutch replacement is wayyyyyyyy cheaper, so is tranny.

And very nice post, Dave! I've been toying with the idea of getting a DD, as when I move to Florida I'm going to have a pretty decent commute to work, but I did buy the M3 to drive it....

[davesaddiction]

Thanks! The M3 makes little sense as a commuter car, but I guess that's why it puts a smile on my face every... single... time...

And I'm definitely with you on the manual for the long haul. That, and I just love the feeling of engagement I get driving a car with a clutch pedal and rowing through the gears.

[modkrazy]

My dealer offered a transmission flush for $400 and there are several reputable Indy shops that would do it for $300. Not concerned with transmission longevity.

[BAMFM3]

Originally Posted by modkrazy

My dealer offered a transmission flush for $400 and there are several reputable Indy shops that would do it for $300. Not concerned with transmission longevity.

That's a good deal since the fluids alone I thought cost upwards of $200...!

[ChrisF]

Very cool to me to see the similar ownership paths that get us all here.

Have a somewhat similar ownership history with a few others in between: '03 EVO VIII, '12 S4 and now '11 E92 M3. The EVO was awesome but lacking in DD sophistication. The S4 was a really great DD but was sent back to AoA as a buyback due to wonky DSG. Simply love my M3. May be one of the best DD's ever. Comfy, luxurious and heaps more performance than any sane person could use on the street.

OP great story. Hope the car keeps you very happy. Thank you also for your service!

[Nola 32/65]

Originally Posted by Edward

I like your story bro. Except that you got a manual tranmission. Just my opinion but that transmission takes a wonderful drivetrain and dumbs it down too much. In any case, it's a better car than the other ones you mentioned.

I am 31 now and the M3 is feeling pretty boy racer to me so while I intend to keep my car for a while, it is certainly likely to be my last M3. The new F80/82 is about as interesting to me as wet socks. If I can't make a jump up to Porsche or a larger GT size car, I'll be moving onto a big SUV or something.

Cars will get faster and lighter but I don't think they will be much more fun than what this car provides.

How is a $75k ($60k used) car a "boy racer"?

Also, the transmission is user choice. IMO I feel the same as you do but about the DCT transmission. Although I'm not a professional driver I still thoroughly enjoy rowing through the gears and hearing the v8 scream upwards of 7-8k rpms and physically grabbing the next gear, not just pulling a lever with my index finger. Everyone is different and I think it's great that BMW offered this great driving vehicle with both transmission options to please everyone but its definitely user choice on which one is better, their is no right/wrong answer.

[Edward]

Originally Posted by Nola 32/65

How is a $75k ($60k used) car a "boy racer"?

Also, the transmission is user choice. IMO I feel the same as you do but about the DCT transmission. Although I'm not a professional driver I still thoroughly enjoy rowing through the gears and hearing the v8 scream upwards of 7-8k rpms and physically grabbing the next gear, not just pulling a lever with my index finger. Everyone is different and I think it's great that BMW offered this great driving vehicle with both transmission options to please everyone but its definitely user choice on which one is better, their is no right/wrong answer.

Don't get offended. Money and price are relative. To people buying bigger better nicer cars, an M3 is nothing more than a kids toy.

Also, while no one can knock your preference for shifting with an oar and a clutch pedal, the car is simply more capable and more efficient with a dual clutch and this is why I chose that one. Not trying to tell anyone that MT is flat out not the better option because I understand people have weird ass reasons to like the things they do.

[scutts]

Originally Posted by Edward

Don't get offended. Money and price are relative. To people buying bigger better nicer cars, an M3 is nothing more than a kids toy.

Also, while no one can knock your preference for shifting with an oar and a clutch pedal, the car is simply more capable and more efficient with a dual clutch and this is why I chose that one. Not trying to tell anyone that MT is flat out not the better option because I understand people have weird ass reasons to like the things they do.

No need to turn this into another DCT vs MT... Why continue to instigate?