Going from a Boxster 2.7 to an E46 M3

[thornettj]

HI
As the title suggests. Presume I am going to see an awful lot more performance in the M3, what about handling?

Grateful for any thoughts, especially if anyone has made the same trade up

Cheers
James

[RobbieM-Evo]

Just do it! Im sure you will love it!

[rob05]

Very different car in terms of handling and if its the feel of the boxster is what you are expecting then you are going to very dissapointed.As an all rounder with four seats the M3 is great car but if you want like for like handling steering buy a csl.

[thornettj]

Thanks - presumably the M3 is not just a slightly stiffer 3 series though is it?, thought they were heavily developed from the basic car.

I am more than willing to trade some of the Boxster's handling for some proper grunt - presumably the M3s just fly?

[housemaster]

You will loose a big chunk of steering feel, even if you go the CSL route, and the handling is not quite as sweet either, though the CSL is much better as a track tool. What you will get is one of (if not the) best 6 cylinder engines on this earth and performance that will make your 2.7 Boxter feel sluggish! The M3 is a great hooligan car that you can balance on the throttle very easily and chuck around with great ease. It is a very flattering car to drive quickly because its very competent unless your in that final 10% which most people will not (and should not!) get close to on the road.

The M3 is a great car to own and to drive and you will not regret buying one I suspect.

[n1ckm]

After a Boxster 2.7 with the special order "pink" leather, Phoenix yellow is of course the only colour to have.....

[thornettj]

I wouldn't touch Phoenix yellow with a barge pole, I believe the trade call it "snot yellow". They can be difficult to shift eh Nick?!

[CatherineJ]

We did the same last year. We had a first generation Boxster and shortly afterwards went for an M3.

The M3 was superb and I do regret getting rid of that car.

We are currently in a 987 2.7 at the moment and after a test drive in a 335i this morning I think we know where we could be heading next.

[thornettj]

I think I want one. Seems like 19" wheels, HarmonKardon and satnav are pretty much non negotiable if you want an easy resale - it that right? I can afford a 52, maybe an 03 plate

[housemaster]

thornettj said:

I think I want one. Seems like 19" wheels, HarmonKardon and satnav are pretty much non negotiable if you want an easy resale - it that right? I can afford a 52, maybe an 03 plate

Sat Nav will make it easier to sell private, but not trade. You will get more for a car with it too, but not more than it cost to buy in the first place!

[taffyracer]

The HK is pants and everyone knows it so it won't do anything for the prices, satnav and 19's are safe options. The steering on an M3 is quite numb in comparison and it is a fair chunk heavier but as mentioned, for a 4 seat practical car nothing else comes close, unless you are considering the RS4

Edited by taffyracer on Saturday 7th October 13:24

[gaz1234]

ive driven both, cained the boxter around thruxton and drove the M3 fairly hard and the M3 is leagues better.