I am becoming an "old timer"

[LarThaL]

When I was younger, I always wanted the latest and greatest when it came to cars. The newer, the better. While I certainly appreciated the "old timers" with their 50's, 60's, 70's muscle cars, I never really wanted one for myself.

Sometimes, however, I feel that with my e92, I have hit the turning point of becoming an "old timer". A lot of the newer engines and car tech just doesn't appeal to me. The e92 still has enough visceral feel and driver connection mixed up with a good amount of sophistication and tech. Many of the latest variants of all cars, the M3/4 included, to me have lost desirability. Sure they are better on paper, but the driving experience isn't as visceral, and the tech is too much. I don't want 8 million gadgets and a self driving car.

There really isn't much out there that I find significantly more desirable than my e92. I still love that combo of a V8, RWD, and manual gearbox. Have I turned the generational corner? Am I becoming an "old timer"?

[1MOREMOD]

It happens. Latest and greatest starts to seem not so great and you quit trying to keep up.

[///M///]

I drove the new M3 and if I could transfer that low end torque to my E90 it would be perfect. I love my car but I do feel that the power isn't usable on the street. Really wish there was more instant usable power int he lower rpm's. That would be my only critique for the current generation.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

When I was younger, I always wanted the latest and greatest when it came to cars. The newer, the better. While I certainly appreciated the "old timers" with their 50's, 60's, 70's muscle cars, I never really wanted one for myself.

Sometimes, however, I feel that with my e92, I have hit the turning point of becoming an "old timer". A lot of the newer engines and car tech just doesn't appeal to me. The e92 still has enough visceral feel and driver connection mixed up with a good amount of sophistication and tech. Many of the latest variants of all cars, the M3/4 included, to me have lost desirability. Sure they are better on paper, but the driving experience isn't as visceral, and the tech is too much. I don't want 8 million gadgets and a self driving car.

There really isn't much out there that I find significantly more desirable than my e92. I still love that combo of a V8, RWD, and manual gearbox. Have I turned the generational corner? Am I becoming an "old timer"?

About your question...Am I becoming an "old timer" ?
The answer is no ! Because when driving an ///M3 keeps the hart "very young" !
About your age...think approximately same as me ! But not sure...
BTW.....Keep in mind the P/car Turbo-S !

[M3/4 life]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

When I was younger, I always wanted the latest and greatest when it came to cars. The newer, the better. While I certainly appreciated the "old timers" with their 50's, 60's, 70's muscle cars, I never really wanted one for myself.

Sometimes, however, I feel that with my e92, I have hit the turning point of becoming an "old timer". A lot of the newer engines and car tech just doesn't appeal to me. The e92 still has enough visceral feel and driver connection mixed up with a good amount of sophistication and tech. Many of the latest variants of all cars, the M3/4 included, to me have lost desirability. Sure they are better on paper, but the driving experience isn't as visceral, and the tech is too much. I don't want 8 million gadgets and a self driving car.

There really isn't much out there that I find significantly more desirable than my e92. I still love that combo of a V8, RWD, and manual gearbox. Have I turned the generational corner? Am I becoming an "old timer"?

I concur, however the 2014 Porsche Carrera S with the power kit that adds 30hp is something I have my eyes on. And is the only other car I would consider in place of my M3, however I’m still struggling with the idea of getting rid of my M3 (especially since she’s an 09 with 25,000 miles). I plan to go test drive the Porsche in the coming weeks to see how she feels vs. the M.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by dsm918

I drove the new M3 and if I could transfer that low end torque to my E90 it would be perfect. I love my car but I do feel that the power isn't usable on the street. Really wish there was more instant usable power int he lower rpm's. That would be my only critique for the current generation.

Throw a Harrop under the hood ! And the torque will drip out of your ears !

[Ezio]

i am in my early 20s, and I feel the same way. I really want to like the newest and great stuff. its fun to be younger person with a nice car. But man its really frustrating to find the right car. I feel in love with the E92 M3 from the start.


I dont really like the looks of a lot of the new cars.
have issue with the overall move into small turbo engines
I dont electric assisted steering
I dont like the new interiors of a lot of cars, i also really hate the touch screen stuff that GM is doing. The new interior on the F80 M3 is simple do not like.
(this is just a few things i named off.)
There are a few cars i do like though. the F type R with the blown V8. good chance they are going to come in a manual soon. If that the case i will probs try to jump on that.

[modkrazy]

This is a fair assessment. Cars have almost completed their evolution into disposable iphone-like products that completely insulate you from the road and do most of the work for you. Or imo make people even more careless since "the autobrake will take care of it". I literally saw a commercial the other day that used a woman applying makeup and a fat guy scarfing down a burrito and being saved by their car's nanny tech as examples of why you need it.

My favorite part about my M3 are the stealth cupholders. I tell people I don't have cupholders at all, so they are going to have to shove that big gulp up their asses if they want to ride along.

[thekurgan]

I feel the same way, although I have no plans to let go of the E90, I had my eyes on an E30M3, but wow man, prices for them in decent condition are skyrocketing!

[BobS]

I am right on your level. I was driving to the beach this afternoon and had the radio turned off, listening to every up and downshift...enjoying my car so much. I love the e92. I even like the styling better....its a great package. It sounds so mean and gets a ton of looks.

I'm in no rush to get rid of this car. Its a good thing.....

BBK goes on in 2 weeks, its the ultimate m3 for me

[Agent-GHQ]

When I paid off my old car, I told myself that I really don't need anew car. Especially, having a car payment and it feels good not having any payments. I did not necessarily desire the latest and the greatest but when I learned that BMW is doing a way with the M3 and that the new M4 will have an inline six turbo, I immediately placed an order for the 2013 E92. After years of hard work, I now have the money to walk in the dealership and drop that $75K for my first BMW ever. Which I've always dreamed of owning since high school.

I have absolutely no regrets when compared to the newer M4. Virtually just about every aspect of the E923 is on point in terms of body design, motor, and performance. I love the NA V8 and the sound is just intoxicating. A very well balanced car.

I think the timing for me was just perfect for the E92 ///M3 because I was at the age where I don't need to have the latest and the greatest and that I can afford a $75K car.

[Rambler]

Good post, I know the feeling. I've always wanted to be that guy who could buy a nice car and keep it for 30 years. It seems to be a rare thing these days. The problem with technology is that few people want to keep their cars post warranty due to fear of complicated, expensive fixes or problems occurring. Also, with rapid changes and improvements in energy, guzzlers like the E92 could become undesirable relics shorter than we might like.

But for now, I will continue to love my M more and more and would likely only trade it for a 991 iteration but probably not for a good while.

[Denk]

I'm still in love with the e92...the new generation isn't tempting enough to pull me away. It's still my favorite car <$100K.

Maybe it isn't so much as becoming an "oldtimer" as having an awesome car that keeps pushing the right buttons.

[m3ray]

You probably just feel this way because you like your purpose built track cars with full leather interior, trim and all the amenities

[1MOREMOD]

Do you wear depends yet for track days. That's when your full on old timer.

[Ezio]

Originally Posted by Rambler

Good post, I know the feeling. I've always wanted to be that guy who could buy a nice car and keep it for 30 years.

i feel the same way, i really want this. IMO the best setup is to be able to buy a new car for a daily driver, then also hold on to the M3.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Do you wear depends yet for track days. That's when your full on old timer.

Hey...not a bad way to go. If I am on a track in my depends, I will really be enjoying my old age.

[TrevorM3]

I feel a bit of the same at 23. I hate all this new modern gadgetry.

[davesaddiction]

At this stage in my life, with three little kids, I need four doors.

I can think of any other car on the road right now that I'd prefer to have than mine... Just go to show I made the right decision when I picked her up two years ago. Here's to many more years of enjoying our beautiful beasts!

[BrewRifle]

It is slim pickings for cars in the M3 category and I wouldn't trade it for any of them. Once you get over 100k, things start to get much more interesting, but still, cars seem subdued like many have chimed in with. I've got 0 desire to get the new M4/3 considering I drove an N54 for a couple of years and while the turbo torque was awesome, it stands no chance against the overall feeling of driving the E92 M3.

We are not alone in these sorts of feelings, as I imagine other performance drivers from other manufacturers fight this battle as well.

[KGIL]

Let me lend a unique perspective to this conversation, as this is my first post on the M3 board. I sold my '02 M5 6 months ago and picked up a '12 335 w/ 3k miles on it and auto transmission. It's about the same size as the E39. I love the style of the car and the interior for the most part. It's pretty safe to say I've disliked the car from the moment I got it. Feels cheap and I'm finding that I hate starting at an iPad-like screen in the center console. I'm now selling it and seeking an E90 M3 w/ manual. I just can't drive an auto. I thought I'd like it and the paddle shifters, but, l guess I'm an old-timer, too (at the 44 yrs old).

There are some good things about the 335. I think it's a great design, the N55 engine is sweet. Great power and very efficient, but the car feels "disposable". Like a cell phone or appliance one would toss after a few years. It just doesn't drive or "feel" like my old BMW's.

Currently considering an '09 E90 in Morton Grove, IL w/ 43k on the clock. Manual w/ no iDrive. I'm in Nebraska, so I need someone to go check it out if I want to take it to the next level.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Hey...not a bad way to go. If I am on a track in my depends, I will really be enjoying my old age.

I plan to track for quite some time if things go my way.