E90 Sedan or E93 Convertible?

[Manifold]

We're close to pulling the trigger on getting either a new E90 sedan or E93 convertible, and will be hopefully test driving both back to back today at a local dealer.

If the performance of the E90 isn't much better than the E93, we'll definitely get the E93, and may even be able to bring it home today. Otherwise, we may get the E90, but then if we don't get a convertible, options like the 911 coupe, 1M, Cayman R, etc. also get back on the radar (the car will be a fun third car, and a usable back seat is desirable but not mandatory).

Have any of you driven both the E90 and E93 enough to offer a comparison of their performance (real-world acceleration, handling, sharpness of steering, feedback from the road, etc.)? Or do you know of a review which provides a reasonably detailed comparison of the two cars?

I've already asked these questions in another thread and did get some responses (thank you!), but I'm starting a new thread for this because my other thread title didn't explicitly pose this question, so a lot of potential responders may not have read that thread.

Again, I'm looking for comparisons based on experience with both cars, not armchair speculations.

Thanks!

Addendum: When I say E90 and E93, I'm referrring to the M3. I didn't realize these designations also include the other 3-series.

[BigHat]

The search function can be your friend. Hundreds of assessments on this question.

You really can't ask people for an opinion on this because the only opinion that matters is yours.

As a vert owner, and a driver of E90s and E92s I'll try to encapsulate the answers you're most likely to get.

First, the facts. The vert adds about 400 lbs. All things being equal, the E90 and E92 will perform better. Regarding handling, many find the rigidity of the E90 makes it better than the E92/93. So in absolute terms the answer is clear.

You need to consider how you plan to drive it. Going to the track a lot?

Personally, I find the E93 to handle very well and have PLENTY of power. Any of these cars can get you a felony reckless driving charge in the lower half of their power band. In other words, if you're just into spirited driving on roads and highways all versions are great and capable of painting a smile on your face. So in practical terms, they're all a blast to drive.

Top down driving can be a lot of fun. It's a personal matter if it's worth the extra money. The vert does eat into the trunk when down, so that limits cargo handling a bit. While the rear seats don't fold down, there is a "pass through" from the trunk for longish items. I pretty much keep my rear seat facing folded down and thus have a carpeted storage space vs a rear seat most of the time. So you'll you'll need to weigh cargo handling into your assessment and again, that's dependent of how you'll use the car and what other vehicles you may have.

Good luck. Really can't go wrong.

[Manifold]

Originally Posted by BigHat

The search function can be your friend. Hundreds of assessments on this question.

You really can't ask people for an opinion on this because the only opinion that matters is yours.

As a vert owner, and a driver of E90s and E92s I'll try to encapsulate the answers you're most likely to get.

First, the facts. The vert adds about 400 lbs. All things being equal, the E90 and E92 will perform better. Regarding handling, many find the rigidity of the E90 makes it better than the E92/93. So in absolute terms the answer is clear.

You need to consider how you plan to drive it. Going to the track a lot?

Personally, I find the E93 to handle very well and have PLENTY of power. Any of these cars can get you a felony reckless driving charge in the lower half of their power band. In other words, if you're just into spirited driving on roads and highways all versions are great and capable of painting a smile on your face. So in practical terms, they're all a blast to drive.

Top down driving can be a lot of fun. It's a personal matter if it's worth the extra money. The vert does eat into the trunk when down, so that limits cargo handling a bit. While the rear seats don't fold down, there is a "pass through" from the trunk for longish items. I pretty much keep my rear seat facing folded down and thus have a carpeted storage space vs a rear seat most of the time. So you'll you'll need to weigh cargo handling into your assessment and again, that's dependent of how you'll use the car and what other vehicles you may have.

Good luck. Really can't go wrong.

Thanks for the info. I did try the search function, and found some info, but that process was getting pretty haphazard so I thought I'd ask my question via a new thread.

My wife will be driving the car pretty modestly, whereas I'll be driving it somewhat hard, and I'd like to take it to the track (Summit Point) if they allow it. That's why my wife prefers a convertible, whereas I don't want to compromise performance too much. I have a C63 which I can drive hard, but to me the point of getting an M3 is to have another car which can be driven hard - a "true" M3.

I recognize that the extra weight will reduce acceleration, and I'm OK with that, but I'd prefer to not compromise too much on handling, steering precision, etc.

Based on your comments and those of others so far, my impression is that the E93 is the real deal. Not quite an E90, but maybe at least 90% of the E90, and that may be enough.

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by IAA-C63

I recognize that the extra weight will reduce acceleration, and I'm OK with that, but I'd prefer to not compromise too much on handling, steering precision, etc.

Based on your comments and those of others so far, my impression is that the E93 is the real deal. Not quite an E90, but maybe at least 90% of the E90, and that may be enough.

Sounds like you have a great handle on the differences in the various models and a good grasp about how your life issues fit in. I think a couple test drives will really seal the deal one way or the other for you. The wife acceptance factor (WAF) may have an impact too. Dropping the top does have some advantages.

[k5ng]

Originally Posted by BigHat

The search function can be your friend. Hundreds of assessments on this question.

You really can't ask people for an opinion on this because the only opinion that matters is yours.

As a vert owner, and a driver of E90s and E92s I'll try to encapsulate the answers you're most likely to get.

First, the facts. The vert adds about 400 lbs. All things being equal, the E90 and E92 will perform better. Regarding handling, many find the rigidity of the E90 makes it better than the E92/93. So in absolute terms the answer is clear.

You need to consider how you plan to drive it. Going to the track a lot?

Personally, I find the E93 to handle very well and have PLENTY of power. Any of these cars can get you a felony reckless driving charge in the lower half of their power band. In other words, if you're just into spirited driving on roads and highways all versions are great and capable of painting a smile on your face. So in practical terms, they're all a blast to drive.

Top down driving can be a lot of fun. It's a personal matter if it's worth the extra money. The vert does eat into the trunk when down, so that limits cargo handling a bit. While the rear seats don't fold down, there is a "pass through" from the trunk for longish items. I pretty much keep my rear seat facing folded down and thus have a carpeted storage space vs a rear seat most of the time. So you'll you'll need to weigh cargo handling into your assessment and again, that's dependent of how you'll use the car and what other vehicles you may have.

Good luck. Really can't go wrong.

+1!

2 different cars. Had the same dilemma. Driven E90, E92 and E93s, although the prior were not M's. Really depends are what your heart really desires. I had to go with the sexy! Nothing like driving around with the top down!

[FVM3]

e93

[bsiciliano]

E93. Ive had the top down for 5 days straight!

If you want to pick up some lost power from the added wait, get a tune, or just go on a diet.

On a serious note, don't under estimate the added need for sun block.

[AngelinIsRich08]

Simple! Get the E90 M3 then get a convertible Porsche! Really the only things you should worry about the convertible M3 is that the added 400 lbs slow its 0-60 time by 3/10 of a second. Goes instead to 60 in 5.0 instead of 4.7 sec.

[FVM3]

e93 is slower but you can enjoy the top down

[chmura]

E90 for me as I have one on order.

[k5ng]

Which ever one you decide, just make it a 6MT!

[AngelinIsRich08]

Originally Posted by k5ng

Which ever one you decide, just make it a 6MT!

DCT will give it a better resale value and the wives can drive it.

[mexicanmike]

The real question is, How often, and where do you plan to track? Many tracks do not allow verts. That being said, it sounds like the track aspect was just a added bonus.

The e93 is a great car, your wife will love it, and when you decide to push it, so will you.

[AngelinIsRich08]

There will no longer be sedan M3's when the E9x production ends.

[FVM3]

Originally Posted by k5ng

Which ever one you decide, just make it a 6MT!

Not all the people like 6MT.

[Kiemyster]

Im biased to the E90. So you may want to ignore this post.... But im gonna say what I got to say. I think the E93 looks sharper than the E92, the weight/balance makes a small difference, but its marginal. If you want the convert, go for it! All the cars are the same essentially, the only main difference is that the E90 has a stiffer body and the 4 doors are an obvious plus. But if you want that drop top, get it! dont let the performance be the deciding factor because these cars are all the same really. E93 is a bit hefty but so what? its what YOU want. I always enjoyed the more aggressive look of the E90, as the E92/3 are more "sexy" cars. Good luck OP.

[mdosu]

I got the E90 because I need the ulility, if you don't need the ulility and don't care about going to the track, then I say get the E93, hands down it is so fun to drive with the top down.

[groovybmw]

Test drove the e90, bought an e93. In the real world, on street, the two are pretty comparable, but the e93 does feel a bit heavier. On the street it was difficult to hear the engine on the e90 unless you're always really revving it an keep the windows open. In the e93 with the top down you can hear it so much better all the time, it makes the car 'feel' so much more special, in my opinion.

[mPlasticDesign]

Back in 2008 I chose the E90 M3 over the coupe/vert for many reasons that fit all my criteria. Now, that being said, I don't really think of it as a third car I would save for the weekends. Seems like the E92/93 would fit that bill better...

[Titanium Silver]

E92!!!

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by groovybmw

Test drove the e90, bought an e93. In the real world, on street, the two are pretty comparable, but the e93 does feel a bit heavier. On the street it was difficult to hear the engine on the e90 unless you're always really revving it an keep the windows open. In the e93 with the top down you can hear it so much better all the time, it makes the car 'feel' so much more special, in my opinion.

I agree 100%.

[m3keash]

I chose my criteria first then picked the car. Convertible was a requirement. Hard top too. True 4-seater. Great performance. M3 was the only car that met the criteria.

I got lots of bonuses when I picked the M3. I've driven it with the top down much more than the top up and am loving it.