E92 M3 tech package recommended?

[Z06335i]

Hi all,

New to forum. I currently have an E92 335i and a c5 z06 and I am considering changing both cars for an M3. I do some track days in the summer but it will also be my daily driving. I found an 08 E92 close by. It is a 6 speed but no other options. Pretty base. Now I read that people prefer the tech package since that includes the damping option (don't know exactly what it's called). Given that I track the car, any advice on this one? Or should I be patient to find one with the tech package? These things are so rare right now. Thanks for any insight.

I have been reading this forum for a while and it rocks!!

[Boostin FD]

I don't think Tech Package has anything to do with Suspension or "damping option" I think it's more navigation and HD Radio etc.

[Z06335i]

It is the M drive I was thinking about. Is that related to the middle button next to the shifter? So is it worth having the M drive option? And what do I loose if I do not have it. Remember I am coming from tracking my Z06. Again thanks for any feedback/ advice.

[jphughan]

On pre-2011 cars, the Tech Package includes:

M Drive
Navigation
EDC
Comfort Access
HD Radio? (shown on some US MY2009 ordering guides but not all....)

EDC is the middle button on the shifter, flanked by Power and DSC Off. EDC was also available as a standalone option, but M Drive was not. I'm not sure how that build sheet pic above has the Technology Package but doesn't list EDC, that's really odd. I just went back and looked at the 2008 and 2009 Order Guides and EDC was definitely included (and I believe HD Radio became included with Nav for 2009 when the updated iDrive system was fitted), so that build sheet is either misprinted or it's a correct listing of an incorrectly built car. Some of the first 2012 M3s that had the Premium Package didn't include Nav even though Nav is included in that package for 2012; the factory just messed those up.

From MY2011 through 9/2010 production (before so-called 2011.5 started), the Tech Package was replaced by the Convenience Package and Competition Package, and M Drive became standard. Starting with MY2012, the Convenience Package was rolled into a larger Premium Package.

OP, I tend to like EDC, but if you'll be tracking a lot you might be thinking of doing aftermarket suspension, in which case not having it would make your life far easier. M Drive is pretty cool though because you get MDM -- although if you contact Mike Benvo on the boards he's found a way to retrofit M Drive to cars that don't have it if you purchase a relatively cheap and easy to install replacement part. More info on that here: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=676825

So I'd say for a track car, this could be your baby especially if you pursue the M Drive retrofit option.

[crabman]

Get the M drive, when you are not familiar with the car it seems a bit gimmicky but once you have it you find there are many options and being able to go to guns and back to mild with the push of a button is actually pretty convenient. The button is wheel mounted.

I'm getting the impression you are either against the wall on money or trying to get as few options as possible for performance sake. In either case I would hold out for exactly what you want in general. That said to the latter the only thing that really slows down the car is getting the vert. To a much lesser extent the sunroof. After that the options do almost nothing to hurt performance as combined they weigh very little. I wouldn't skip any I might want unless the track usage heavily outweighed the roadgoing attributes of the car.

[tlow98]

OP, what tends to be pretty rare right now? M3s? I don't think anyone could ever describe them as rare... Special, yes, but not rare.

[Z06335i]

Thanks everyone for the response. I am in MN and there are about 4 E90/92 available. I am not interested in a vert. I test drove today the one I am talking about (08 E90, as base as it gets) and I like the way it drives although the clutch needs to get used to. Very different to my 335i and z06. I was just wondering what I will be missing by not having these options. I will investigate more on the M drive add-on. Thanks for the advice all, and please keep them coming So is the suspension different from cars with the M-drive and EDC?

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by Z06335i

So is the suspension different from cars with the M-drive and EDC?

Yes. EDC is an electronically adjustable suspension and has parts to enable that; it's also an adaptive suspension so even in a given firmness setting, it will adjust according to road conditions. I'm told the non-EDC suspension is roughly the firmness of the Normal EDC setting, but without the condition-based adaptation capability.

[CBS]

OP: As mentioned above, the M Drive is great but if you plan on tracking a lot you will eventually replace it with a dedicated suspension. If you track occasionally and daily drive the M3, M Drive is fine but not a necessity.

Good Luck!
Chris

[dom_cmh]

OP. Get M-Drive. If you don't you may regret it. I had a friend who didn't and is not interested in or capable of doing a retrofit. It was a must-have option for me and literally killed the deal on 4 or 5 potential cars I was looking at. You may also need to broaden your search and fly somewhere to buy your car and drive it home.

[Z06335i]

Well, I found the car that I wanted. A manual 09 coupe with the tech package, 19' wheels, premium package, cold weather package.



Drove yesterday to Chicago and took delivery.

[Z06335i]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Congrats!

Thanks. Loved the drive back yesterday. Now looking forward to get to know the car.

[Scotch M3]

Congrats. that's a fine looking machine. Enjoy her!

[mmm def]

Nice looking car, congrats!

[Mike van D]

Congrats on the ride! Enjoy...

[pedrobot]

Well done sir. Congrats!