E93 M3 alongside 997GTS
Discussion
Hi all,
Looking for opinions. I used to run a Maserati Granturismo alongside my GTS which was epic, but I needed to release some cash. The Maz had to go and I traded down to a much older E93 330i which I love. The 997 is a keeper and not going anywhere. What I do miss however is the V8 in the Maz (I previously owned 3x V8 TVRs) and want a fun cabrio with 4 seats for the family and a V8. The GTS is a keeper but I’m interested in 911 owners who have had the E9x M3 and what they thought. That’s why I’m not posting in the BMW area.
Would you run one alongside your 911, are they different enough from the 997 (The Maz was very different GT vs sports car), is the V8 as good an engine as everyone makes out (the 4.7 in the Maz was epic), would I retgret selling the cheap, clean, reliable 330i MSport that looks pretty smart, drives well but doesn’t give that fizz?
Thoughts?
Looking for opinions. I used to run a Maserati Granturismo alongside my GTS which was epic, but I needed to release some cash. The Maz had to go and I traded down to a much older E93 330i which I love. The 997 is a keeper and not going anywhere. What I do miss however is the V8 in the Maz (I previously owned 3x V8 TVRs) and want a fun cabrio with 4 seats for the family and a V8. The GTS is a keeper but I’m interested in 911 owners who have had the E9x M3 and what they thought. That’s why I’m not posting in the BMW area.
Would you run one alongside your 911, are they different enough from the 997 (The Maz was very different GT vs sports car), is the V8 as good an engine as everyone makes out (the 4.7 in the Maz was epic), would I retgret selling the cheap, clean, reliable 330i MSport that looks pretty smart, drives well but doesn’t give that fizz?
Thoughts?
I've got a 997 GTS and owned two M3's in the past although not an E93...but I did test drive the latest M4 around the same time I bought my 997 GTS. I think that whilst you'll no doubt enjoy the E93's V8 you may find the rest of the driving experience a bit uninspiring compared to your GTS.
I am guessing you'll be using the M3 as your DD ? Which I am sure it'll be fantastic for but I suspect what you might find is the rest of the package in terms of steering, chassis, brakes etc to be a little underwhelming compared to the GTS. Really depends what your priorities are and what you really like!
When I bought my GTS the brakes, steering, gear change (mine is a manual) and chassis all sold me the car....I felt in particular the chassis on the latest M4 was a real weak point (and the s
te engine/exhaust note).
If I wanted an M car and was desperate for a V8 I'd be thinking about an E39 M5 alongside a 997 GTS. That would be a fantastic combination IMHO....although the manual box on the E39 might rule it out for you.
I am guessing you'll be using the M3 as your DD ? Which I am sure it'll be fantastic for but I suspect what you might find is the rest of the package in terms of steering, chassis, brakes etc to be a little underwhelming compared to the GTS. Really depends what your priorities are and what you really like!
When I bought my GTS the brakes, steering, gear change (mine is a manual) and chassis all sold me the car....I felt in particular the chassis on the latest M4 was a real weak point (and the s
te engine/exhaust note).If I wanted an M car and was desperate for a V8 I'd be thinking about an E39 M5 alongside a 997 GTS. That would be a fantastic combination IMHO....although the manual box on the E39 might rule it out for you.
I had a 997 GTS for 2 years, followed by a GT4 which has now been replaced my an E92 Comp pack M3 and a Cayman R.
The M3's V8 is a great engine, fantastic at higher RPM and offers ample performance BUT it does feel a weighty thing and coming from a GTS / GT4 you feel the weight over the front and the brakes are the cars weakness when pushing on. As a daily the E92 is a very easy car to live with giving me the flexibility of 4 seats and a large boot when needed. The M3 DCT box will feel its age (compared with a similar PDK box) and isn't as intuitive to use, its great in full-speed-paddle-shift drive it like you've stolen it mode but not so pleasant as the PDK when being used in lazy auto settings. Don't know how it would compare with the Maser as no experience of living with one.
The M3's V8 is a great engine, fantastic at higher RPM and offers ample performance BUT it does feel a weighty thing and coming from a GTS / GT4 you feel the weight over the front and the brakes are the cars weakness when pushing on. As a daily the E92 is a very easy car to live with giving me the flexibility of 4 seats and a large boot when needed. The M3 DCT box will feel its age (compared with a similar PDK box) and isn't as intuitive to use, its great in full-speed-paddle-shift drive it like you've stolen it mode but not so pleasant as the PDK when being used in lazy auto settings. Don't know how it would compare with the Maser as no experience of living with one.
Would be a great combo, just the right level of excitement/practicality to complement your GTS. The engine is as amazing as everyone says, just make sure you rev it out all the way! Don't listen to the people who say it has no torque, they don't know how to use a gearbox.
I'd go for the DCT, IMO it's a better box than the PDK in my 997.2 which feels too much like an auto (dunno if the one in your GTS is any different...).
Just be aware that the metal roof in the E93 does add a huge amount of weight though!
I'd go for the DCT, IMO it's a better box than the PDK in my 997.2 which feels too much like an auto (dunno if the one in your GTS is any different...).
Just be aware that the metal roof in the E93 does add a huge amount of weight though!
I can’t help with the E93 but I wouldn’t discount a F80 M3/4 too quickly. I run an M4 as my daily alongside a 997 GTS and it’s a good car - handling nowhere near the GTS but it’s plenty quick enough, has loads of space and lots of toys. Stick an MPE exhaust on it with the right tyres and a factory software upgrade to latest spec and it’s not as bad as some would have you believe. And plenty to be found quite cheap with all that depreciation!
Cheib said:
I've got a 997 GTS and owned two M3's in the past although not an E93...but I did test drive the latest M4 around the same time I bought my 997 GTS. I think that whilst you'll no doubt enjoy the E93's V8 you may find the rest of the driving experience a bit uninspiring compared to your GTS.
I am guessing you'll be using the M3 as your DD ? Which I am sure it'll be fantastic for but I suspect what you might find is the rest of the package in terms of steering, chassis, brakes etc to be a little underwhelming compared to the GTS. Really depends what your priorities are and what you really like!
When I bought my GTS the brakes, steering, gear change (mine is a manual) and chassis all sold me the car....I felt in particular the chassis on the latest M4 was a real weak point (and the ste engine/exhaust note).
If I wanted an M car and was desperate for a V8 I'd be thinking about an E39 M5 alongside a 997 GTS. That would be a fantastic combination IMHO....although the manual box on the E39 might rule it out for you.
The M3 wouldn’t be my DD as I have a VW Up for the 3 mile drive to the station. It’s another weekend car for going out with the family for summer fun or winter practicality. The E39 would be great but I really want a cab as its just for spirited cruising, with the GTS for more serious drivingI am guessing you'll be using the M3 as your DD ? Which I am sure it'll be fantastic for but I suspect what you might find is the rest of the package in terms of steering, chassis, brakes etc to be a little underwhelming compared to the GTS. Really depends what your priorities are and what you really like!
When I bought my GTS the brakes, steering, gear change (mine is a manual) and chassis all sold me the car....I felt in particular the chassis on the latest M4 was a real weak point (and the s
te engine/exhaust note).If I wanted an M car and was desperate for a V8 I'd be thinking about an E39 M5 alongside a 997 GTS. That would be a fantastic combination IMHO....although the manual box on the E39 might rule it out for you.
Porsche911R said:
I kept my E92 M3 comp for 2 months , it just feels big and heavy imo over my old CSL, the engine is amazing though.
I am not looking for a replacement for the GTS, just something fun. The Maz was a heavy old bird but game when pushing on and always had a sense of occasion.Edited by Porsche911R on Friday 9th February 10:43
Shaoxter said:
Would be a great combo, just the right level of excitement/practicality to complement your GTS. The engine is as amazing as everyone says, just make sure you rev it out all the way! Don't listen to the people who say it has no torque, they don't know how to use a gearbox.
I'd go for the DCT, IMO it's a better box than the PDK in my 997.2 which feels too much like an auto (dunno if the one in your GTS is any different...).
Just be aware that the metal roof in the E93 does add a huge amount of weight though!
As I have the E93 330i I’m used to the weight but think the M3 will make up for a lot of it with the Revvy V8. Would be going Auto also so sounds like you think I’m heading in the right directionI'd go for the DCT, IMO it's a better box than the PDK in my 997.2 which feels too much like an auto (dunno if the one in your GTS is any different...).
Just be aware that the metal roof in the E93 does add a huge amount of weight though!
rds1 said:
I can’t help with the E93 but I wouldn’t discount a F80 M3/4 too quickly. I run an M4 as my daily alongside a 997 GTS and it’s a good car - handling nowhere near the GTS but it’s plenty quick enough, has loads of space and lots of toys. Stick an MPE exhaust on it with the right tyres and a factory software upgrade to latest spec and it’s not as bad as some would have you believe. And plenty to be found quite cheap with all that depreciation!
It’s all about the V8 on this purchase and no interest in a turbo engine. Also my budget wouldn’t stretch to the newer car anyway. chrisABP said:
I had a 997 GTS for 2 years, followed by a GT4 which has now been replaced my an E92 Comp pack M3 and a Cayman R.
The M3's V8 is a great engine, fantastic at higher RPM and offers ample performance BUT it does feel a weighty thing and coming from a GTS / GT4 you feel the weight over the front and the brakes are the cars weakness when pushing on. As a daily the E92 is a very easy car to live with giving me the flexibility of 4 seats and a large boot when needed. The M3 DCT box will feel its age (compared with a similar PDK box) and isn't as intuitive to use, its great in full-speed-paddle-shift drive it like you've stolen it mode but not so pleasant as the PDK when being used in lazy auto settings. Don't know how it would compare with the Maser as no experience of living with one.
Thanks Chris. I can assure you that the dct will be better than my Maz single clutch MC Shift was, and I loved that gearbox! GTS is a manual so that won’t compare with the DCT. Handling wise I’m happy to keep clear water between the GTS and the M car. How else would I justify both The M3's V8 is a great engine, fantastic at higher RPM and offers ample performance BUT it does feel a weighty thing and coming from a GTS / GT4 you feel the weight over the front and the brakes are the cars weakness when pushing on. As a daily the E92 is a very easy car to live with giving me the flexibility of 4 seats and a large boot when needed. The M3 DCT box will feel its age (compared with a similar PDK box) and isn't as intuitive to use, its great in full-speed-paddle-shift drive it like you've stolen it mode but not so pleasant as the PDK when being used in lazy auto settings. Don't know how it would compare with the Maser as no experience of living with one.
Just traded in my 2013 e92 m3.. bought a 996 to replace it.
Great cars, bit heavy and the steering is a vague otherwise do as you'd expect and are very well built. Come to life at illegal speeds, rest of the time do as any 3 series does.
I never had any problems apart from a Lambda sensor. Engine was magnificent.
Go for a DCT with Comp pack or like me you'll struggle to sell it on. I had a 2013 with only 30k miles fully loaded etc ... was asking £25k, ended up trading it in against an x5 for the wife for slightly less. Comp packs sell easier.
Great cars, bit heavy and the steering is a vague otherwise do as you'd expect and are very well built. Come to life at illegal speeds, rest of the time do as any 3 series does.
I never had any problems apart from a Lambda sensor. Engine was magnificent.
Go for a DCT with Comp pack or like me you'll struggle to sell it on. I had a 2013 with only 30k miles fully loaded etc ... was asking £25k, ended up trading it in against an x5 for the wife for slightly less. Comp packs sell easier.
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