Thoughts on my M3 test drive.

[Rochester TVR]

On Saturday I took a Black M3 Saloon out for a test drive along some very nice roads in Kent.

Although I liked the car, I didn't come away thinking I MUST own one of these, personally it didn't feel as fast as I was expecting it too. (in the cars defence had just over 1000 miles on the clock so maybe it still had some loosening up to do)

All in all its left me in a bit of dilemma, I was expecting to love the new M3 and to now be discussing finance options and putting a deposit down, but I've been left feeling a bit let down by it.

It was noticeably faster than my old 335i but not as much as I was expecting, I liked the function the 'M' button gave with being able to have different settings for throttle response, suspension etc.

I think the problem is that the car is so good at covering distances at speed that it almost detracts from the driving experience.

My dad has an E46 M3 and for pure driving pleasure I think this it is leagues ahead of the E90 M3.

So my decision is that I wont be buying an M3, I'm looking for one single car to replace the practical abilities of my Audi but also excite me in a way the TVR rawness did... and I don't think that car exists... so im left clueless as what to do next, other than to look at getting 2 cars, but my circumstance would mean the sports car would hardly ever get used and I would end up driving the practical car that would proberly be even less involving than the M3...

[dan101smith]

Nearly new M5 instead?

[Rochester TVR]

dan101smith said:

Nearly new M5 instead?

(Hi mate, hows things?)

I like the M5, but I prefer smaller cars that can be chucked about a bit... if only Alpina would put the B5 S engine into a 3 series!

I also drove the RS4 and was impressed - but not enough to buy one, plus its 4-wheel drive which i dont find as involving as rear wheel drive.

Ive also been thinking of the Supercharged VXR8 (the one with 600bhp) so I might track one of them down...

[Andrew330Ci]

Hi there,

Just a quick question with only 1000 miles on, do they not have running in services on the E90?
In theory you shouldn't have revved past 4-5000rpm? I have read all the power comes in really late around 6-7000rpm, its really manic at the top end i would be amazed if the dealer allowed you to rev past this whilst being run in. Very poor dealer.

M5 another great option, you could even look at a used M6 for that money and I must admit i thought the M6 was amazing.

Thanks

[JKay]

Not sure how practical you want but would you consier a 996TT or 997 C2S ?

[Rochester TVR]

Andrew330Ci said:

Hi there,

Just a quick question with only 1000 miles on, do they not have running in services on the E90?
In theory you shouldn't have revved past 4-5000rpm? I have read all the power comes in really late around 6-7000rpm, its really manic at the top end i would be amazed if the dealer allowed you to rev past this whilst being run in. Very poor dealer.

M5 another great option, you could even look at a used M6 for that money and I must admit i thought the M6 was amazing.

Thanks

I took it all the way to the red line (8400rpm I think) Agreed its not how you should treat a car, I wouldn't dream of doing it if it were my car.

The dealer said 'go for it' though... Im sure I had more respect for the car than he did as I insisted on waiting until the engine was up to tempreture until I opened it up.

One reason why I'd never buy an ex-demo car. (especailly that one)

Thoughts on the M6: Ive never driven one but Ive never really been a fan of its looks, but its something which is worth consideration.

Part of me is thinking 'sod it' just get an M3, but its alot of money to spend on something that im not overly happy with.

[Rochester TVR]

JKay said:

Not sure how practical you want but would you consier a 996TT or 997 C2S ?

I've thought about getting one of these but the problem here is that we have a 1 year old child, so although they are capable of taking child seats etc, I doubt the boot (bonnet) space is enough to take the buggy plus any shopping or luggage. As our sole car I think its lack of storage space rules it out.

What I need is an Alpina B3S CSL Saloon, only problem is they dont exsist! What a car it would be though!

[dan101smith]

Rochester TVR said:

(Hi mate, hows things?)

Yeah, all good thanks - you missed a great Le Mans! Next year...

How about going a bit older, and looking at an E46 M3 CS as a compromise?

[Rochester TVR]

dan101smith said:

Rochester TVR said:

(Hi mate, hows things?)

Yeah, all good thanks - you missed a great Le Mans! Next year...

How about going a bit older, and looking at an E46 M3 CS as a compromise?

(Definatly going next year, but I think ill be going to the Classic)

I think you might be onto something there with the M3 CS, everything Ive read about it say it was actually the best version made... Hmmmm (off to autotrader)

One option that I do keep mulling over is to either keep the Audi (or possibly change it for an Alfa 159 Ti or Alpina D3 something a bit more interesting) and save a few more pennies and get an Aston V8 Vantage as they are dropping to below £50k now... tempting very tempting.

The CS is something I hadn't thought of though...

Cheers

[dan101smith]

(Classic isn't on next year, as it is every two years and has just happened. Man up and come with us!)

When I last looked there were some decent looking CSs on the BMW AUC site.

[GTWayne]

Have you considered a Z4MC?

[squeezebm]

I thought the same when i test drove the Coupe,nice but not mind blowing........but ordered one anyway glad i did, you need to get used to it to get the best out of it and no test drive can do this . 5000miles later and loving it now it is starting to loosen up a bit.For me no regrets but everyone is different...

[dan101smith]

GTWayne said:

Have you considered a Z4MC?

No back seats though to attach a kiddie seat.

[rassi]

Rochester TVR said:

I'm looking for one single car to replace the practical abilities of my Audi but also excite me in a way the TVR rawness did... and I don't think that car exists...

How about an E46 CSL?

[kusee pee]

rassi said:

Rochester TVR said:

I'm looking for one single car to replace the practical abilities of my Audi but also excite me in a way the TVR rawness did... and I don't think that car exists...

How about an E46 CSL?

What he said - a totally awesome car.

[Ian67]

How about a 135i with a software tweak? Close to 400bhp and over 400lb/ft in a nimble, chuckable car (it has a completely different character to the 335i, despite being similar on paper).

Warranty might be a problem though.

[Pugsey]

Ian67 said:

How about a 135i with a software tweak? Close to 400bhp and over 400lb/ft in a nimble, chuckable car (it has a completely different character to the 335i, despite being similar on paper).

Warranty might be a problem though.

REALLY!!! Tell me where to get it. Nearly 100bhp from a software tweak? Girlfriend has a 135iMsport Cab. Fantastic little car, superb chassis and just fun fun fun - I've posted a mini rave about it before - and another 100bhp would be just the ticket! In standard form it's pretty much got E46 M3 performance.

[Ian67]

The 1addicts forum is the best place to look. Here's the sub-forum for engine modifications:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=...

The one I was referring to is the Dinan tune, which I think is sold by BMW dealers in the states and comes with it's own warranty for $2k all-in. I could be wrong though. Apparently it gets 384bhp and 421 lb/ft (I rounded the former up and the latter down 'cos I couldn't remember the exact numbers). They reckon the stock car puts out about 330bhp and 330lb/ft anyway, but BMW are conservative with their figures.

Here's a thread about it with plenty of dyno numbers etc:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35...

If BMW dealers did it here for same price and with a warranty then it would have been a no-brainer for my 135i Cab, but without the warranty I'm not so sure.

[Pugsey]

Ian67 said:

The 1addicts forum is the best place to look. Here's the sub-forum for engine modifications:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=...

The one I was referring to is the Dinan tune, which I think is sold by BMW dealers in the states and comes with it's own warranty for $2k all-in. I could be wrong though. Apparently it gets 384bhp and 421 lb/ft (I rounded the former up and the latter down 'cos I couldn't remember the exact numbers). They reckon the stock car puts out about 330bhp and 330lb/ft anyway, but BMW are conservative with their figures.

Here's a thread about it with plenty of dyno numbers etc:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35...

If BMW dealers did it here for same price and with a warranty then it would have been a no-brainer for my 135i Cab, but without the warranty I'm not so sure.

Cheers for that. Think the warranty side of things would be an issue for the g/f. Tbo it's a cracking car anyway and as I said performance is already on a par with the E46 M3 but with a lighter more 'fun' feel to the chassis. Seriously thought about getting a Coupe version myself - in white - completely gutting it, popping in a cage and lightweight seat and using it as a reliable and quick 'Ring tool. In the right hands I think it would have a few Porsche drivers scratching their heads.

[diffstar]

Interested in what good roads are in Kent???

Did you drive the DCT or manual?