New E92 M3 owner
Discussion
Hi, have just collected a 2008 E92 M3 with quite a good spec. It's white, manual, with the later competition wheels and 50K miles.
It's largely stock though I'm pretty sure the exhaust is a aftermarket. Not had much chance yet to fully exploit her but first impressions are very positive though can't say I was that impressed with the brakes. I'm not planning on doing much to it though I've head good things about the Evolve stage 2 re-map and I'm sure if I decide to take it on track at some point the brake pads/discs will need upgrading. The engine very similar in character to a mildly modded 996 GT3 I had for many years where all the action was at the top of the rev range.
I live on the Surrey/South London border and looking at suggestion for a good BMW independent to use for servicing as I'm sure BMW similar to Porsche in that main dealers best avoided for older, specialist models.
It's largely stock though I'm pretty sure the exhaust is a aftermarket. Not had much chance yet to fully exploit her but first impressions are very positive though can't say I was that impressed with the brakes. I'm not planning on doing much to it though I've head good things about the Evolve stage 2 re-map and I'm sure if I decide to take it on track at some point the brake pads/discs will need upgrading. The engine very similar in character to a mildly modded 996 GT3 I had for many years where all the action was at the top of the rev range.
I live on the Surrey/South London border and looking at suggestion for a good BMW independent to use for servicing as I'm sure BMW similar to Porsche in that main dealers best avoided for older, specialist models.
RBM in Hook would be my recommendation.
Used Ross for some years now, always very happy with the quality of work, price and efficiency - never felt I'm being told to pay for work that doesn't need doing.
Always has someone different's E92 there whenever I've been.
Shouldn't be too far, a blast down the M3 a few junctions.
Used Ross for some years now, always very happy with the quality of work, price and efficiency - never felt I'm being told to pay for work that doesn't need doing.
Always has someone different's E92 there whenever I've been.
Shouldn't be too far, a blast down the M3 a few junctions.
Yes, I've been using Ross since he opened RBM Hampshire in late 2019 and always been very pleased.
He's done an Inspection 2 and replaced crank rod bearing shells on my Z4M Coupe, and there was a Group Buy on M3Cutters recently for E9* M bearing shell replacements. He's also had my 330i there a few times!
Before that I used Will at TWG in Camberley who was also very good, except he charges for his "loaner" and since I moved I'm not within walking distance any more!
Like Ross, Will is also ex-Sytner so know these cars from when they were new.
He's done an Inspection 2 and replaced crank rod bearing shells on my Z4M Coupe, and there was a Group Buy on M3Cutters recently for E9* M bearing shell replacements. He's also had my 330i there a few times!
Before that I used Will at TWG in Camberley who was also very good, except he charges for his "loaner" and since I moved I'm not within walking distance any more!
Like Ross, Will is also ex-Sytner so know these cars from when they were new.
First thing to check is that the car has had its rod bearing changed at some time.
Second is that the car has the latest ~2012 IIRC ECU software, as this brought some engine reliability upgrades.
Myself I would stick to the OEM software, the ion sensing anti knock software is fairly sensitive to being dicked around with.
Pick one grade of higher octane fuel and stick with that blend.
Second is that the car has the latest ~2012 IIRC ECU software, as this brought some engine reliability upgrades.
Myself I would stick to the OEM software, the ion sensing anti knock software is fairly sensitive to being dicked around with.
Pick one grade of higher octane fuel and stick with that blend.
porschegeoff said:
Hi, have just collected a 2008 E92 M3 with quite a good spec. It's white, manual, with the later competition wheels and 50K miles.
It's largely stock though I'm pretty sure the exhaust is a aftermarket. Not had much chance yet to fully exploit her but first impressions are very positive though can't say I was that impressed with the brakes. I'm not planning on doing much to it though I've head good things about the Evolve stage 2 re-map and I'm sure if I decide to take it on track at some point the brake pads/discs will need upgrading. The engine very similar in character to a mildly modded 996 GT3 I had for many years where all the action was at the top of the rev range.
I live on the Surrey/South London border and looking at suggestion for a good BMW independent to use for servicing as I'm sure BMW similar to Porsche in that main dealers best avoided for older, specialist models.
Congrats on the new arrival, they're great cars. Had mine over 3 years, also 2008 with DCT with EDC. With regards to the brakes, yes standard are weak on road ... woefully weak. Hoses, fluid and a decent set of pads (I have DS Uno's and they do squeal a bit but they stop v well) are all you need for road ... and track use, you don't need a caliper/disc upgrade unless you're a serious track dayer and are hunting quicker lap times. It's largely stock though I'm pretty sure the exhaust is a aftermarket. Not had much chance yet to fully exploit her but first impressions are very positive though can't say I was that impressed with the brakes. I'm not planning on doing much to it though I've head good things about the Evolve stage 2 re-map and I'm sure if I decide to take it on track at some point the brake pads/discs will need upgrading. The engine very similar in character to a mildly modded 996 GT3 I had for many years where all the action was at the top of the rev range.
I live on the Surrey/South London border and looking at suggestion for a good BMW independent to use for servicing as I'm sure BMW similar to Porsche in that main dealers best avoided for older, specialist models.
As mentioned above, rod bearings might need changing, I think it was later 2010 LCI that didn't use the same material so generally ok. Actuators go when they go, usually replacements come with a lifetime guarentee anyway.
The best thing I've had done is a full geo set up (standard EDC but lowering springs) which has made the car feel so well balanced.
JEA1K said:
porschegeoff said:
Hi, have just collected a 2008 E92 M3 with quite a good spec. It's white, manual, with the later competition wheels and 50K miles.
It's largely stock though I'm pretty sure the exhaust is a aftermarket. Not had much chance yet to fully exploit her but first impressions are very positive though can't say I was that impressed with the brakes. I'm not planning on doing much to it though I've head good things about the Evolve stage 2 re-map and I'm sure if I decide to take it on track at some point the brake pads/discs will need upgrading. The engine very similar in character to a mildly modded 996 GT3 I had for many years where all the action was at the top of the rev range.
I live on the Surrey/South London border and looking at suggestion for a good BMW independent to use for servicing as I'm sure BMW similar to Porsche in that main dealers best avoided for older, specialist models.
Congrats on the new arrival, they're great cars. Had mine over 3 years, also 2008 with DCT with EDC. With regards to the brakes, yes standard are weak on road ... woefully weak. Hoses, fluid and a decent set of pads (I have DS Uno's and they do squeal a bit but they stop v well) are all you need for road ... and track use, you don't need a caliper/disc upgrade unless you're a serious track dayer and are hunting quicker lap times. It's largely stock though I'm pretty sure the exhaust is a aftermarket. Not had much chance yet to fully exploit her but first impressions are very positive though can't say I was that impressed with the brakes. I'm not planning on doing much to it though I've head good things about the Evolve stage 2 re-map and I'm sure if I decide to take it on track at some point the brake pads/discs will need upgrading. The engine very similar in character to a mildly modded 996 GT3 I had for many years where all the action was at the top of the rev range.
I live on the Surrey/South London border and looking at suggestion for a good BMW independent to use for servicing as I'm sure BMW similar to Porsche in that main dealers best avoided for older, specialist models.
As mentioned above, rod bearings might need changing, I think it was later 2010 LCI that didn't use the same material so generally ok. Actuators go when they go, usually replacements come with a lifetime guarentee anyway.
The best thing I've had done is a full geo set up (standard EDC but lowering springs) which has made the car feel so well balanced.
JEA1K said:
Congrats on the new arrival, they're great cars. Had mine over 3 years, also 2008 with DCT with EDC. With regards to the brakes, yes standard are weak on road ... woefully weak. Hoses, fluid and a decent set of pads (I have DS Uno's and they do squeal a bit but they stop v well) are all you need for road ... and track use, you don't need a caliper/disc upgrade unless you're a serious track dayer and are hunting quicker lap times.
As mentioned above, rod bearings might need changing, I think it was later 2010 LCI that didn't use the same material so generally ok. Actuators go when they go, usually replacements come with a lifetime guarentee anyway.
The best thing I've had done is a full geo set up (standard EDC but lowering springs) which has made the car feel so well balanced.
Agree on the geo set up. If its slightly off the car can feel a little odd.As mentioned above, rod bearings might need changing, I think it was later 2010 LCI that didn't use the same material so generally ok. Actuators go when they go, usually replacements come with a lifetime guarentee anyway.
The best thing I've had done is a full geo set up (standard EDC but lowering springs) which has made the car feel so well balanced.
Thanks for the recommendations. I'll check out RBM in Hook and TWG for the 4-wheel alignment.
Loving it so far. It appears to be stock apart from the exhaust which is louder than the standard E90 saloon I looked at without being OTT.
Has only covered around 2K miles in the last 3 years which is not always a good thing. The previous owner, an elderly guy who wanted something a bit less focused, used BMW main dealers for servicing, not something I would have considered on a high performance model many years out of production.
Loving it so far. It appears to be stock apart from the exhaust which is louder than the standard E90 saloon I looked at without being OTT.
Has only covered around 2K miles in the last 3 years which is not always a good thing. The previous owner, an elderly guy who wanted something a bit less focused, used BMW main dealers for servicing, not something I would have considered on a high performance model many years out of production.
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