[ajvee]

I think you should look at an E36 M3 for a number of reasons. There are many out there so you will have your pick of the bunch and you could pick up a decent one for under 10k, which will put you well under your budget as well. If you are clear that this is your transititonary car then I would look to save as much money as possible.

That M coupe is sweet but I would want it black on black though. I would be tempted to keep that thing forever!

[IRL-MN]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Yeah the M coupe's are special cars. That one is a little too wild interior wise (Anvar, feel free to give me crap) but for the right price, I'd go for it. I remember my first M coupe experience when I was working at the body shop. It was green on black and when I first saw it, I was like WTH is this thing??? It was just like the one in the link. It was the neatest little car.

I think you're fine with your purchase - the F32 isn't going to be out until '13 and who knows when they'll be available state side (I'm assuming at least 3-4 months after the debut?). It's going to be hard to beat the lines of the E92 though, man (IMO)! I'm sure they'll deliver another knockout (I hope anyway!).

How many miles do you have on your new one? I just rolled 33K - remember when I first met you at the Imola meet, we were both at about 11K. So far, my only real issue with the car (which is related to my tires) is the rear console sliding door rattles which drives me nuts! On my way to/from work I have to open it all the way now so I don't hear it and with my OCD issues, it kills me almost as much leaving it open as the rattle! I have issues

Nick

I agree that some of the M coupes interior color combos can be a little loud, but I think it's part of the character of the car. Wouldn't put me off! You know I might consider going to a 4 dr depending on how the F30 looks

I only have about 1300 on the new one. I can't believe that you racked up 22k miles since January! You won't feel it till next January comes along, so keep enjoying it before it goes back. I also have some OCD issues, I find myself frequently re-orienting the roundels on my wheels to be in-line with the ///M badge. I need to find a way to tighten the fit so they don't spin lol

[airwolf878]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Yeah the M coupe's are special cars. That one is a little too wild interior wise (Anvar, feel free to give me crap) but for the right price, I'd go for it. I remember my first M coupe experience when I was working at the body shop. It was green on black and when I first saw it, I was like WTH is this thing??? It was just like the one in the link. It was the neatest little car.

I think you're fine with your purchase - the F32 isn't going to be out until '13 and who knows when they'll be available state side (I'm assuming at least 3-4 months after the debut?). It's going to be hard to beat the lines of the E92 though, man (IMO)! I'm sure they'll deliver another knockout (I hope anyway!).

How many miles do you have on your new one? I just rolled 33K - remember when I first met you at the Imola meet, we were both at about 11K. So far, my only real issue with the car (which is related to my tires) is the rear console sliding door rattles which drives me nuts! On my way to/from work I have to open it all the way now so I don't hear it and with my OCD issues, it kills me almost as much leaving it open as the rattle! I have issues

Nick

Maybe I missed something, but why are you getting rid of the E92?

If you're set on an E36 I would recommend digging through the classifieds on bimmerforums.com. Lots of the cars that get sold there are enthusiast-owned and well cared for. Also many are sold by long-time forum members, which gives the nice benefit of searching forum history about the car. Might be able to find a gem there.

[airwolf878]

All this talk of M5's has me all excited. The new F10 looks amazing.

[MNm3]

[ajvee]

Hmmm, I am not sure about the new M5 to be honest. It is a bit too subtle IMHO. I will reserve final judgement until I see the car in the flesh though.

[ajvee]

Originally Posted by airwolf878

Maybe I missed something, but why are you getting rid of the E92?

If you're set on an E36 I would recommend digging through the classifieds on bimmerforums.com. Lots of the cars that get sold there are enthusiast-owned and well cared for. Also many are sold by long-time forum members, which gives the nice benefit of searching forum history about the car. Might be able to find a gem there.

His lease will be up.

[BSME90]

Nick, just get a E92 M3 like Anvar.

[BSME90]

Btw, my vanity plates arrived. Also sharing one of my friend's rolling shot.

[ajvee]

Originally Posted by BSME90

Nick, just get a E92 M3 like Anvar.

Long time no sound Martin, hope things are well with you. As always that is a spectacular shot of your car and that vanity plate is awesome!

[MNm3]

haha. Good stuff.

[MNm3]

Originally Posted by ajvee

Hmmm, I am not sure about the new M5 to be honest. It is a bit too subtle IMHO. I will reserve final judgement until I see the car in the flesh though.

I have my reservations as well with the M5 and all new Ms for that matter, especially with them all being turboed now. No offense to the 335 guys at all, but the Ms have always been small, high revving engines with very linear power curves; perfect for what they were made for...

Don't get me wrong, I love a powerful turbo car, there is nothing more satisfying then when the turbos kick in with the rush of power but I always thought it was awesome that the Ms spanked the competition with these smaller engines and "on paper" seemingly less performance (see C63 & E55 AMG, RS6, RS4 vs M3, M5 etc...). To me, it is just an inexpensive way to further progress their M cars.

That being said, BMW has proven me wrong on my worries before. I hope they do it again.

[airwolf878]

Originally Posted by MNm3

I have my reservations as well with the M5 and all new Ms for that matter, especially with them all being turboed now. No offense to the 335 guys at all, but the Ms have always been small, high revving engines with very linear power curves; perfect for what they were made for...

Don't get me wrong, I love a powerful turbo car, there is nothing more satisfying then when the turbos kick in with the rush of power but I always thought it was awesome that the Ms spanked the competition with these smaller engines and "on paper" seemingly less performance (see C63 & E55 AMG, RS6, RS4 vs M3, M5 etc...). To me, it is just an inexpensive way to further progress their M cars.

That being said, BMW has proven me wrong on my worries before. I hope they do it again.

Lots of people also had a fit when BMW announced they were putting a V8 in the E9x M3.

I dunno if you've driven any of the new turbo BMW's, but it really is hard to tell they are turbocharged. They've done a great job eliminating and/or hiding any turbo lag. In the end I think one of the considerations is fuel economy and being able to meet the stricter standards the government is setting. By going this route they can still get the crazy M performance and improve their fleet average fuel economy.

[M3x2]

Originally Posted by airwolf878

Lots of people also had a fit when BMW announced they were putting a V8 in the E9x M3.

I dunno if you've driven any of the new turbo BMW's, but it really is hard to tell they are turbocharged. They've done a great job eliminating and/or hiding any turbo lag. In the end I think one of the considerations is fuel economy and being able to meet the stricter standards the government is setting. By going this route they can still get the crazy M performance and improve their fleet average fuel economy.

what he said.....

[MNm3]

Originally Posted by airwolf878

Lots of people also had a fit when BMW announced they were putting a V8 in the E9x M3.

I dunno if you've driven any of the new turbo BMW's, but it really is hard to tell they are turbocharged. They've done a great job eliminating and/or hiding any turbo lag. In the end I think one of the considerations is fuel economy and being able to meet the stricter standards the government is setting. By going this route they can still get the crazy M performance and improve their fleet average fuel economy.

Yes, I've driven the e90 335 numerous times. My brother has one. I haven't driven the newest single turbo versions though. You are right, they have done an excellent job of ridding the car of turbo lag, but it is still there. I also understand the why from an economical/green standpoint. I don't know, I just think they could have/should have done it differently by making it lighter, reducing drag or something else.Take a Z06 Vette for example that weighs just shy of 3200 lbs making over 500 hp with a V8 and get 25 mpg.

Like I said, I'm sure they will prove me wrong and make it badass and I will likely want to own one when it comes out... Just thought I'd start up some convo. It had been a few days with no posts... Gotta have something to do while at the office

[airwolf878]

Originally Posted by MNm3

It had been a few days with no posts... Gotta have something to do while at the office

Touche...

[ajvee]

Originally Posted by MNm3

Yes, I've driven the e90 335 numerous times. My brother has one. I haven't driven the newest single turbo versions though. You are right, they have done an excellent job of ridding the car of turbo lag, but it is still there. I also understand the why from an economical/green standpoint. I don't know, I just think they could have/should have done it differently by making it lighter, reducing drag or something else.Take a Z06 Vette for example that weighs just shy of 3200 lbs making over 500 hp with a V8 and get 25 mpg.

Like I said, I'm sure they will prove me wrong and make it badass and I will likely want to own one when it comes out... Just thought I'd start up some convo. It had been a few days with no posts... Gotta have something to do while at the office

I think you guys have made some great points. While I am sure the new Ms will be nothing sort of amazing, I think there is something unique about the design philosophy behind the E92 M3 and the E60 M5. I think both cars' engines represent a "peak" in engineering indulgence, characterized by little regard for emissions or environmental regulations (I am not saying this is a good thing). No doubt the next generation M3 will be faster/"better" in all dimensions, personally I tend to have a bit of a "collector's" mentality and it was important for me to own one within the last generation of the naturally aspirated M cars. I only wanted 2 doors, so the M3 fit the bill nicely.

(Watch me change my tune once concrete details of the new M3 are released )

[ajvee]

Chaps,

I figured I would give you a rundown of our time at BIR yesterday. I attended the track session with my GF (Mazda 3s) and Brian (375i )

Attendance

There were a ridiculous amount of people thanks to the Groupon. Close to 90 people were registered and there were at least 60 cars at the track.

Cool Cars

1) 3000 lb Track Prepped E92 M3 - This car was sweet! It had a full AA exhaust that sounded great, but I didn't car much for the tips. Unfortunately, this M3 ended up in the wall towards the latter half of the session and incurred some serious damage on one side. I doubt the owner was too miffed though, because his "second" track car was a fully track prepped GTR .

2) Track Prepped GTR

3) 2 Track Prepped Z06s

Long Course

BIR ran the long course during the morning session that lasted about 2.5 hours. Given the attendance, I could only put 3 laps on the long course at low speed with an instructor, so I don't too many inputs in this regard. Brian could probably comment more

Short Course

I had more track time than I could have ever wanted on the short course. The one distinct thing from my 135i was the complete lack of body roll in the M. The car stayed beautifully flat through all of the corners and the OEM PS2s worked really well. The car was really confidence inspiring and I started to increase my speed through the corners quite quickly. For reference, I was running with one of the track prepped Z06s and while he pulled me on the straights, I would put some distance on him in the corners. I had the car in full M mode with DSC off, sportplus throttle, and sport EDC. I will play around with the settings during my next time out.

I was really proud of the GF as well, as she really flung that Mazda 3 around the track. Now I need to convince her that she needs more power to pass the other cars

I am pretty excited to do this again next summer and hope that some of you guys will join in.

Cheers.

[M3x2]

Glad you had a fun safe time, Anvar, and thatks for the write-up. I look forward to getting out there next Spring!

[mocad]

Does anyone have any 3-series wheels (06 on) for sale? I need to find something for the winter. Email me at elsten (at) gmail (.) com or just reply here.

[MNm3]

Originally Posted by ajvee

Chaps,

Cool Cars

1) 3000 lb Track Prepped E92 M3 - This car was sweet! It had a full AA exhaust that sounded great, but I didn't car much for the tips. Unfortunately, this M3 ended up in the wall towards the latter half of the session and incurred some serious damage on one side. I doubt the owner was too miffed though, because his "second" track car was a fully track prepped GTR .

2) Track Prepped GTR


Cheers.

I've seen this guy up there a number of times... very nice M3 (white I believe right?)... Yeah, I'm willing to bet that a run in with the wall doesn't really affect his pocket book too much given his garage of track prepped cars..... hmmm which one should I go out in during this session... GTR? M3?... GTR? M3?.... This is hard!!

I wonder what his daily driver is...

Glad you had a good time. It would be a blast to get a bunch of guys up there next year for sure.

[ajvee]

Both these cars are sexy! Frankly, I was more surprised to see a 6 speed cayenne than the Alpina B7.

In other news, I had my first appointment today with BMW of minnetonka for a small clearcoat peeling issue on my side skirt. It turns out they wouldn't do the work free because the clearcoat is not supposedly covered under warranty. Annoying, but no biggie as it shouldn't cost me more than $300 to get it fixed.

Other than that, the dealership looks great!