2012 Individual Japan Red E92 M3
Discussion
Morning chaps. Apologies, quite an introduction here; Having been away from the M scene - at least in an owning-a-car sense - for almost a year (having owned a E46 M3 - will post pics on the this build thread), I decided to bite the bullet, completely cripple my finances and jump back into the M3 hotseat. After selling the E46, I took a year out and leased a Golf R, which I found to be a lovely car, but not very involving and because it wasn't technically my car, I couldn't associate it with it very well. So I decided to look at either an E92 M3 or a brand new M140i. It was a tough choice, but ultimately I was led down what I hoped to be the correct path by several online BMW communities, including - quite surprisingly - the BabyBMW.net community 
First off, I was looking for a Monte Carlo Edition. I didn't know much about them, but enjoyed oggling lovely examples on the forums. I came to the conclusion that I wasn't paying the sort of money they were commanding, quite simply. Beautiful cars, but I decided to go for a younger model, in either Melbourne Red or, preferably, the much rarer Individual Japan Red (Electric Red), of which I believe only 37 were ever made.
Spec wishlist was less than 45k miles, Competition Pack, DCT, EDC and as many options as I could get.
I got frustrated seeing £30k+ price tags and started watching E92 M3 reviews on Youtube, and noticed that the white cars looked really good. This opened up a new spectrum of choices for me (those being white
), so I put a thread up about them on M3Cutters. I then got a PM off a fellow Cumbrian, who claimed he knew where a Japan Red car may be for sale, and only 45 minutes drive from me. I figured it would either be out of my price range, or not the spec I wanted. After a bit of sleuthing on Cutters, I found the owner and sent him a message. The car wasn't for sale, but he was willing to let it go, and it was for a price I was happy to pay. Then I read the spec and my mind was completely made up:
A couple of (completely unfiltered to capture the colour) pictures to kick things off when I bought the car. Apologies as these aren't the best locations and I was just trying to make the most of the weather, so a distinct lack of tyre shine.
As I said, the spoiler and splitters were next to go on, as well as my plate which has been on a few cars now. 7 is my favourite number, but V8 SCU would have been so more apt!
Pictures as she is today, now on 44k miles:
I've not done much else other than update the iDrive software and installed BMW Apps to allow Spotify etc from my phone. I also have to say, the noise this thing makes; Oh my word. It is incredible. I'd never driven a V8 before, that hypnotic growl and then dragon-esque roar - completely sold! Love it
Owned the car since September last year, and still contemplate painting the 359's hyper silver. Can't quite shift that temptation, but I do think the gloss black looks good contrasting against the Japan red paintwork.
I appreciate this colour or car won't be to everyone's tastes, but I love it, and I've had a lot of positive feedback from random folk in town about it and wanting to chat and take pictures - always nice
First off, I was looking for a Monte Carlo Edition. I didn't know much about them, but enjoyed oggling lovely examples on the forums. I came to the conclusion that I wasn't paying the sort of money they were commanding, quite simply. Beautiful cars, but I decided to go for a younger model, in either Melbourne Red or, preferably, the much rarer Individual Japan Red (Electric Red), of which I believe only 37 were ever made.
Spec wishlist was less than 45k miles, Competition Pack, DCT, EDC and as many options as I could get.
I got frustrated seeing £30k+ price tags and started watching E92 M3 reviews on Youtube, and noticed that the white cars looked really good. This opened up a new spectrum of choices for me (those being white
), so I put a thread up about them on M3Cutters. I then got a PM off a fellow Cumbrian, who claimed he knew where a Japan Red car may be for sale, and only 45 minutes drive from me. I figured it would either be out of my price range, or not the spec I wanted. After a bit of sleuthing on Cutters, I found the owner and sent him a message. The car wasn't for sale, but he was willing to let it go, and it was for a price I was happy to pay. Then I read the spec and my mind was completely made up:- 2012 Individual Japan Red
- 40k Miles
- Competition Pack
- EDC
- DCT
- Fully Loaded - Nearly all options ticked (well, aside from rear blind) - circa £80k new
- Extended Black Leather with Individual Red Stitching
- Logic7/HK Surround Sound
- Eisenmann Race exhaust (OEM exhaust with black tips included in sale)
- 12mm Spacers
- Michellin Sport 4's
- FBMWSH with Service Pack
- BMW Extended Warranty
- Full Protective GTechniq Paint Detail
A couple of (completely unfiltered to capture the colour) pictures to kick things off when I bought the car. Apologies as these aren't the best locations and I was just trying to make the most of the weather, so a distinct lack of tyre shine.
As I said, the spoiler and splitters were next to go on, as well as my plate which has been on a few cars now. 7 is my favourite number, but V8 SCU would have been so more apt!
Pictures as she is today, now on 44k miles:
I've not done much else other than update the iDrive software and installed BMW Apps to allow Spotify etc from my phone. I also have to say, the noise this thing makes; Oh my word. It is incredible. I'd never driven a V8 before, that hypnotic growl and then dragon-esque roar - completely sold! Love it
Owned the car since September last year, and still contemplate painting the 359's hyper silver. Can't quite shift that temptation, but I do think the gloss black looks good contrasting against the Japan red paintwork.
I appreciate this colour or car won't be to everyone's tastes, but I love it, and I've had a lot of positive feedback from random folk in town about it and wanting to chat and take pictures - always nice
Those eisenmann sport systems really frees up the engine note of the S54, can imagine it must sound like the apocalypse when the newer V8 is freed up by it. Very nice looking machines you've got there!
Extra points for seeking out a rare colour. as well - it's a performance car, it ought to be brightly painted!
- Oh yeah, one frustrating detail... V7 numberplate on a V8 car? Are you doing this to upset the PH population deliberately? ;D
Extra points for seeking out a rare colour. as well - it's a performance car, it ought to be brightly painted!
- Oh yeah, one frustrating detail... V7 numberplate on a V8 car? Are you doing this to upset the PH population deliberately? ;D
Edited by NorthernSky on Friday 9th February 11:46
Thought I recognised that plate! Then I bothered to look at the username...
Hi Neil, Rob here from the Cliosport days (Englebert)! The M3 looks awesome, albeit not as good as your CSL rep to these eyes. I bet the V8 sounds awesome with that exhaust!
Think i'm with you on going silver for the wheels.
Hi Neil, Rob here from the Cliosport days (Englebert)! The M3 looks awesome, albeit not as good as your CSL rep to these eyes. I bet the V8 sounds awesome with that exhaust!
Think i'm with you on going silver for the wheels.
NorthernSky said:
Those eisenmann sport systems really frees up the engine note of the S54, can imagine it must sound like the apocalypse when the newer V8 is freed up by it. Very nice looking machines you've got there!
Extra points for seeking out a rare colour. as well - it's a performance car, it ought to be brightly painted!
- Oh yeah, one frustrating detail... V7 numberplate on a V8 car? Are you doing this to upset the PH population deliberately? ;D
Haha; not intentional at all, sadly. The V8 plate would have been great, but as it's followed me around now on a few cars, I had to suck it up. Extra points for seeking out a rare colour. as well - it's a performance car, it ought to be brightly painted!
- Oh yeah, one frustrating detail... V7 numberplate on a V8 car? Are you doing this to upset the PH population deliberately? ;D
Edited by NorthernSky on Friday 9th February 11:46
I did look for the V8 SCU plate, as it happens, but it wasn't available
hondansx said:
Thought I recognised that plate! Then I bothered to look at the username...
Hi Neil, Rob here from the Cliosport days (Englebert)! The M3 looks awesome, albeit not as good as your CSL rep to these eyes. I bet the V8 sounds awesome with that exhaust!
Think i'm with you on going silver for the wheels.
Englerob - long time, mate! Hope you're well Hi Neil, Rob here from the Cliosport days (Englebert)! The M3 looks awesome, albeit not as good as your CSL rep to these eyes. I bet the V8 sounds awesome with that exhaust!
Think i'm with you on going silver for the wheels.
The E46 was a beautiful car, but I have to admit the E92 has it's number, for me. The 46 feels more raw, but the 92 ticks so many more boxes. Aside from fuel consumption. Can't really change that though
NorthernSky said:
Those eisenmann sport systems really frees up the engine note of the S54, can imagine it must sound like the apocalypse when the newer V8 is freed up by it. Very nice looking machines you've got there!
Extra points for seeking out a rare colour. as well - it's a performance car, it ought to be brightly painted!
- Oh yeah, one frustrating detail... V7 numberplate on a V8 car? Are you doing this to upset the PH population deliberately? ;D
The one thing the stock exhaust system doesn't deliver is a sound reflective of the car and engine. That's why so many folk do the 2 pipe modification, I guess. The Eisenmann was already on the car when I bought it thankfully, and it does indeed sound incredible coupled with that engine. Extra points for seeking out a rare colour. as well - it's a performance car, it ought to be brightly painted!
- Oh yeah, one frustrating detail... V7 numberplate on a V8 car? Are you doing this to upset the PH population deliberately? ;D
Edited by NorthernSky on Friday 9th February 11:46
TheAngryDog said:
Yus! Love it. Looks stunning in red, you made a great colour choice. Not jealous at all!
Your old E46 looks very nice as well, it sits nicely and looks about spot on.
Thanks mate Your old E46 looks very nice as well, it sits nicely and looks about spot on.
Lovely car OP I had been looking at a similar car local to me but Ive changed my mind and decided I want a TVR. Beautiful car mind I love Japan red.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Stu-nph26 said:
Lovely car OP I had been looking at a similar car local to me but Ive changed my mind and decided I want a TVR. Beautiful car mind I love Japan red.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Yeah that is pretty much identical to when I bought mine privately. It's a lovely colour. Good price too from a trader, although many will argue. Do love a TVR mind...https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Scutch said:
Yeah that is pretty much identical to when I bought mine privately. It's a lovely colour. Good price too from a trader, although many will argue. Do love a TVR mind...
Its just been dropped in price from 29k I still keep looking at it on AutoTrader because I can't find a Cerbera I want. Scutch said:
The E46 was a beautiful car, but I have to admit the E92 has it's number, for me. The 46 feels more raw, but the 92 ticks so many more boxes. Aside from fuel consumption. Can't really change that though
Well, you can... You can drive slower. 
But where's the fun in that? Lovely car, OP - I especially like the colour.
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