Do I make the jump M2C to M3
Discussion
The idea keeps going round in my head to sell my M2C for the new M3, it’s more practical and we can actually use it as a family car plus I’m getting older!
I absolutely adore the M2C, I could of gone other routes but for me it just ticks almost every box. There nothing I don’t like about it apart from the lack of space in the rear for the kids. People moan about the suspension and lack of steering feel but I find the faster you driver it the better it gets.
It’s a tuned Litchfield car and is a total weapon, the smiles per miles are off the chart. I love the idea of the new M3 and the looks but I can’t help thinking it’s not going to be as fun when you want a Sunday afternoon blast or as fast. The M2 is currently running 560bhp and 560ftlb and it puts the power down with ease.
Has anyone gone from a M2C to the new M3 and what was their experience? I keep telling myself just keep the M2 and save hard for the 3 and have the best of both but I’m getting itchy to buy something.
I currently have a T6 Transporter and the wife has a Fiat 500 so if I went down the M3 route I think the Transporter could go, maybe go for the M3 Touring
as we have 3 children, 15, 10 & 4.
I know it’s only an M2 but it’s only one of few cars out of the many I have owned I’m not sure I want to let go.
Do I book the test drive?
I absolutely adore the M2C, I could of gone other routes but for me it just ticks almost every box. There nothing I don’t like about it apart from the lack of space in the rear for the kids. People moan about the suspension and lack of steering feel but I find the faster you driver it the better it gets.
It’s a tuned Litchfield car and is a total weapon, the smiles per miles are off the chart. I love the idea of the new M3 and the looks but I can’t help thinking it’s not going to be as fun when you want a Sunday afternoon blast or as fast. The M2 is currently running 560bhp and 560ftlb and it puts the power down with ease.
Has anyone gone from a M2C to the new M3 and what was their experience? I keep telling myself just keep the M2 and save hard for the 3 and have the best of both but I’m getting itchy to buy something.
I currently have a T6 Transporter and the wife has a Fiat 500 so if I went down the M3 route I think the Transporter could go, maybe go for the M3 Touring
as we have 3 children, 15, 10 & 4.
I know it’s only an M2 but it’s only one of few cars out of the many I have owned I’m not sure I want to let go.
Do I book the test drive?
I've just bought an 2019 M4, and throughout the whole process every dealer I spoke to tried to get me into the new M3.
I mentioned this to the dealer I ended up buying my car from, and he wasn't surprised - apparently sales on the new M3 and M4 are really bad, partly due to looks but also because his view was that it's a massive step down in terms of driving enjoyment.
I haven't driven the newer cars to see if he's right, but based on his assessment, it sounds like you'd be disappointed with switching. Doesn't hurt to test drive one though.
I mentioned this to the dealer I ended up buying my car from, and he wasn't surprised - apparently sales on the new M3 and M4 are really bad, partly due to looks but also because his view was that it's a massive step down in terms of driving enjoyment.
I haven't driven the newer cars to see if he's right, but based on his assessment, it sounds like you'd be disappointed with switching. Doesn't hurt to test drive one though.
Pupp said:
No experience to offer on your dilemma unfortunately but interested in knowing what was involved in the Litchfield soup-up? Mapping alone or hardware changes?
Confess the new M4CSL really appeals but part of me thinks hang on to M2C and hone it is perhaps better value ultimately…
The Litchfield upgrade consists of: crank hub fix, full exhaust leaving the cats in place, OPF’s are removed then just mapped. The mapping is very smooth and allows you to get all the power down in the dry, in the wet you can dial it down a bit or just be more patient on the throttle. You can go more, around 580 I believe with sports cats but I think it’s right in the sweet spot with what they have done to the car. Runs boost by gear so is very controllable and can easily be changed by your iPhone on the move. Confess the new M4CSL really appeals but part of me thinks hang on to M2C and hone it is perhaps better value ultimately…
If I sold for around 40k I’ve still got to spend another 30k to get to a decent M3, in terms of value you could be absolutely bang on and isn’t something I had actually considered.
Including the car I spent a total of 45k so very good value for money for the performance.
I haven't driven the M2 for a while, but I had an F82 and besides a great engine and I liked the DCT, I thought the handling was way too stiff, to such an extent, I always felt it was ready to break traction. I moved to a F90 and love it, gutsy engine and the 4wd keeps the fun real, you just drag the brake a little longer on the way in.
I ordered a M3 a month ago and the difference is night and day; handler way sharper (as you'd expect), engine laggy, where the M5 has torque galore, BUT, get the turbo's spinning and it was a real riot and got me signing on the line
The only way is to drive it.
Also, I think they haven't sold because of the price, and the fact it's almost a year on order!
I ordered a M3 a month ago and the difference is night and day; handler way sharper (as you'd expect), engine laggy, where the M5 has torque galore, BUT, get the turbo's spinning and it was a real riot and got me signing on the line
The only way is to drive it.
Also, I think they haven't sold because of the price, and the fact it's almost a year on order!
New M3 is an amazing car. I’ve had one for a year and driven 14k miles. I’ve driven an M2, but not owned one, M2 is smaller and nimble, but latest M3 is a leap forward in terms of performance, tech and imho overall package. I did have previous gen M3 and new one is in a different league in most aspects. It can be a motorway hack one minute, and B road blaster the next. Amazingly competent. Traction even on 2WD is so much better than prior generation. 500bhp+ in family saloon…. What’s not to like? 
I was tempted and reviews are good. When my M4 was in for a service, I asked to borrow their demonstrator. They fobbed me off with some awful excuse, not unsurprisingly as my local dealership's sales are challenging. Never bothered since.
I'm disillusioned with the current car market at the moment and treading water. Not sure I fancy rolling the dice on an over-priced, under-discounted, long wait for a new one with a recession looming. Could be looking at a big loss down the road. Then again, I could just be over-causious. Sounds like the M2 is under your skin a little and the grass might not be as green on the M3 side.
Interested to hear your thoughts after a test drive.
What about a 2019ish AUC M5 Comp and negotiate a second year's warranty. Little more room in the back for the kids. I can't believe Ben is 15!
I'm disillusioned with the current car market at the moment and treading water. Not sure I fancy rolling the dice on an over-priced, under-discounted, long wait for a new one with a recession looming. Could be looking at a big loss down the road. Then again, I could just be over-causious. Sounds like the M2 is under your skin a little and the grass might not be as green on the M3 side.
Interested to hear your thoughts after a test drive.
What about a 2019ish AUC M5 Comp and negotiate a second year's warranty. Little more room in the back for the kids. I can't believe Ben is 15!
Mark83 said:
I was tempted and reviews are good. When my M4 was in for a service, I asked to borrow their demonstrator. They fobbed me off with some awful excuse, not unsurprisingly as my local dealership's sales are challenging. Never bothered since.
I'm disillusioned with the current car market at the moment and treading water. Not sure I fancy rolling the dice on an over-priced, under-discounted, long wait for a new one with a recession looming. Could be looking at a big loss down the road. Then again, I could just be over-causious. Sounds like the M2 is under your skin a little and the grass might not be as green on the M3 side.
Interested to hear your thoughts after a test drive.
What about a 2019ish AUC M5 Comp and negotiate a second year's warranty. Little more room in the back for the kids. I can't believe Ben is 15!
Ben is a massive pain in the arse ?? 15 going on 25 it’s like living with kevin and Perry! I'm disillusioned with the current car market at the moment and treading water. Not sure I fancy rolling the dice on an over-priced, under-discounted, long wait for a new one with a recession looming. Could be looking at a big loss down the road. Then again, I could just be over-causious. Sounds like the M2 is under your skin a little and the grass might not be as green on the M3 side.
Interested to hear your thoughts after a test drive.
What about a 2019ish AUC M5 Comp and negotiate a second year's warranty. Little more room in the back for the kids. I can't believe Ben is 15!
I had a play in the new M3 yesterday and the M2 is staying, the new M3 is a better all round car no question, it’s nowhere near as exciting as my M2, I know that’s mainly down to Litchfield handy work and not really fair to compare but I’m not selling it.
I done some man maths - the T6 is going and a new X5 family bus is inbound, just got to wait 6-8 months to get one.
FatManJim said:
Ben is a massive pain in the arse ?? 15 going on 25 it’s like living with kevin and Perry!
I had a play in the new M3 yesterday and the M2 is staying, the new M3 is a better all round car no question, it’s nowhere near as exciting as my M2, I know that’s mainly down to Litchfield handy work and not really fair to compare but I’m not selling it.
I done some man maths - the T6 is going and a new X5 family bus is inbound, just got to wait 6-8 months to get one.
Royal Steering Wheel
1.11 Pads and decent fluid
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff