BMW E90 M3 - The Oppositelock Review

"BKRM3" (BKRM3) 08/03/2014 at 14:19 • Filed to: blog, bmw, m3, review

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The iconic E90 M3. Let's start with what you already know. It's a big, fat, heavy barge of a car compared to the E46. It's a torqueless, wasteful, barbarian troglodyte compared to the F8X M3. It was overpriced when new and it's a money pit out of warranty. Some say it even has single-piston front brakes.

It's also one of the best cars in the world at handling daily life and weekend track duty, it has an engine that screams the purest joy of motorsports past eight grand and it's the car Jeremy Clarkson called "pretty much perfect."

So, what's it like to own one, live with it as your daily and track it every chance you get? I'm glad you asked.

BMW M3 Sedan: The Oppositelock 15-Month Ownership Review

(Full disclosure: These disclosures are pretty pointless. I bought an M3 because, like many of you, I grew up drooling over them. I'm probably a little biased. BMW hasn't paid me to say any of this, but probably would consider paying me NOT to say some of it.)

The M3 is a car for enthusiasts. Its engine is the S65B40, a high-revving (8,400 rpm) 4.0L V8 that produces peak numbers of 414hp and 295lb-ft of torque. It has eight individual throttle bodies. Under load, the engine noise is all you can hear. Yes, the induction sound is godlike. While the exhaust note is relatively sedate with the stock mufflers, any aftermarket system (including the Dinan rear section on my car) will turn some heads, even at residential speeds. This car was sold with either the 18'' style 219M wheel made by BBS or the forged 19'' polished number known as style 220M produced by Fuchs. I happen to have both sets, and I use the style 220Ms as my summer set with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, 245 section in the front and 265 in the rear.

The gearbox in my car is the excellent-but-not-Porsche-level-excellent 6 speed manual, with a final drive ratio of 3.85. The car does come with a limited slip differential (which BMW calls "Variable M Differential Lock").

Although the drag coefficient of .30 for the sedan is slightly lower than that of the coupe or the convertible, the fuel economy ratings of 14mpg city and 20mpg highway are the same as the other body styles. In real world numbers, I've seen between 10 and 14 city, depending on the weight of my foot at any given time. I've also seen an average of 25mpg highway over the duration of a four-hour drive, but that only happened once. Normally it's more like 21-22 highway.

The suspension is the electronic damping control ("EDC") version that you get with the Tech Package, which has mode settings of comfort, normal and sport. You can choose which mode you'd like to use as the start-up default, and which you'd like to use when you press the M Drive button for those Mr. Hyde moments.

I could go on and on about the technology, engineering and motorsports heritage. You know what all that adds up to driving this on the street where I live? A hill of beans. I won't say the car doesn't get noticed, but it doesn't get commented about. It doesn't get Instagram'd at redlights. Children don't tug on daddy's sleeve and say "look at that car!" In the crowded sea of German luxobarges that is Philadelphia's Main Line, the M3 sedan is as much a sleeper as it is a highway stormer and a track weapon.

Are there downsides? Yeah, a few. At about 3,700lbs, it's a heavy car and a pretty solidly sprung one at that. In the comfort suspension mode the car is tolerable as a daily driver on the east coast but honestly you do bounce around some on these deteriorating roads. And god forbid you hit a pothole. Just don't. Trust me.

While the car isn't low enough to scrape during normal (careful) driving, it's low enough to plow snow on poorly cleared roads (and the Pirelli Sottozero snow tires seem to be made to handle only Italian winters, but that isn't the M's fault). Also in the winter you become painfully aware of how thirsty the car is and how frequent fill-ups become thanks in part to winter mix gas and in part to the thimble-sized 16.6 gallon fuel tank. My commute to work is only 4 miles each way, and I still feel like I'm constantly standing outside at my nearby BP, usually on a dark, 19-degree morning, battling wind burn and not-yet-caffeinated SUV drivers.

Finally, everything is expensive. You know that going in. No one buys an M3 without understanding that you're not going to be able to get that $34.99 oil change at the local corporate chain garage. My complaint is that a lot of things seem unnecessarily expensive. We're talking about a world of $8,000 aftermarket exhaust systems here. A world where Castrol 10W-60 TWS Synthetic oil is $14.50 per liter over the internet, plus shipping, and an oil change requires nine of them, plus a tenth for top-offs. Don't even ask about the differential fluid, which I imagine is made entirely from unicorn tears.

But the M3 sedan is so good that you don't care about any of that. It's worth a little bouncing around, getting to know your gas station attendant and trimming the Christmas budget a bit. It's just finicky enough that the typical BMW brand whore won't (or can't) buy one, and just reliable and cost-efficient enough that the reasonably handy enthusiast won't be intimidated by the regular maintenance schedule. On the highway it's a delight. On the track, bliss. If you're the kind of person who has found his or her way to this website, it's almost certain that you'd love driving this car. It's a special car and it makes its driver feel special, at least if "feeling special" to you means feeling like you're Joey Hand and the road to the grocery store is Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Will it help you pick up chicks? No. No it won't. Try a shirt with sleeves if ya got one, Romeo.

Exterior - 9/10

This car is beautiful. It's powerful. It has a damn bulge in hood where the plastic plenum covering the individual throttle bodies sticks up above the line of the hood and fenders. The rising crease from the fender "gills" through the quarter panels makes it look like it's moving fast even when parked. Unlike the other 3 series sedans, it has a pronounced forward rake to it. The wheels are big, brakes are cross-drilled and the center-oriented quad exhaust makes even the rear bumper look aggressive to some degree. The wheel arches are flared out, as they should be on an M car (I'm looking at you, E36).

Many people don't realize that the opening in the front bumper on the driver's side is actually the intake. It connects to a flow-through airbox design, which uses the driver's side "nostril" on the hood as the outflow vent. If you get some water in there it comes flying out at about 45mph, splashing onto the windshield right in front of your face. Way to think that one through, BMW.

The tail lights on the 2008 model were replaced with the Life Cycle Impulse "facelift" version for model years 2009 and up. They're LED and, to me, look much fresher than the prior tails – not that there was ever anything wrong with them.

The one thing that bothers me slightly about the sedan is that it was never offered with a carbon roof option, which was available on all years of the coupe. That would've added to the look in addition to lowering the center of gravity. My car has a sunroof, which I wish it did not because I never use it. You could order the E90 as a slicktop with no sunroof but no one did other than a handful of track rats.

Interior - 9/10

Butterlike fox red Novillo leather. Carbon leather trim. Aluminum pedals.

Dashboard styling and instrumentation is shared with the other E9X cars and is functional and well-integrated, unlike the horrendous design failure now prevalent at BMW and elsewhere that includes sticking half of an iPad into the dash and calling it a day.

Seats are supportive and extremely comfortable for road use. Heated but not ventilated, which I don't mind because this car doesn't need to be any heavier. Nothing short of a real race bucket is going to make me happy on the track, so I won't talk about that other than to say they're adequate but not great.

Steering wheel is thick and wrapped in the same awesome leather as the seats. Notably missing from this car is a leather dash and suede headliner, but I guess it's not a 911 and isn't trying to be.

The shift lever is a bit taller than you'd expect but it works well and I'm used to it now. Some people change it out for a shorter one – an idea I considered and then abandoned. That's the thing about this car: you can LOOK for things to modify if you want to but it doesn't really NEED anything.

Long story short is that the 3 series has a nice interior and this one is even nicer, particularly the leather. It's hard to find any real faults, other than the soft leather doesn't wear as well as you might hope after a handful of years. Man is it soft though.

Acceleration - 9/10

The acceleration is absolutely thrilling. Could not be any more awesome. The engine under load is simply the best sound in the world and it is SO revvy at the top end that you just can't believe how quickly it spins from 5,000rpm up to redline. It's a real animal up there. The S65B40 is what makes this car really special. If you like engines that really make you wring them out, this is the car for you.

That said, the acceleration category gets a 9 out of 10 because I do not consider it to be a fast car. Yes, Car and Driver got a coupe with the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) to do 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and 12.4 second quarter mile, but these days there are tons of cars out there with launch control and big engines with turbos that would take the M3's lunch money. It's no match against the bruiser AMGs or the new big horsepower Corvettes. It's fast in a way that's fun and plenty adequate for track use, but you're not going to win a ton of races between stop lights. That's just not the point of this car. When I sold my tuned 335i I realized I was buying a "slower" car. Haven't regretted it for a single second.

Braking - 6/10

Ok guys this is a tough category and I thought long and hard about giving it a 6 out of 10. At first I felt like giving it a 4 but didn't because, for street use, these brakes are adequate for the way most people are going to use them.

But here's my rant: I don't know what BMW was thinking. This is a car that is supposed to be able to handle track duty, and they gave it single piston ATE calipers the entire way around with cross drilled rotors. The calipers are dated. Even the 135i that was being produced at the same time got better front calipers. And we see what BMW did with the new F8X M3 front brakes (ignoring the pointless carbon ceramic option).

On the street the braking with stock pads is all initial bite. If you really lay on the brakes you're going to get ABS intervention sooner than you'd think, and as you get through the pedal you realize that the actual braking capacity doesn't match what the initial bite made you think was going to be there. I know OEM street pad compound is designed that way and that most people don't use much of the pedal except in emergency situations. It still sucks.

Do not take this car to the track with stock brakes. You will be killed. Actually, you'll just smear the OEM pad material all over the rotors and your day will be over in about 20 minutes and you'll have to buy new front brakes.

For track use I have changed to Goodridge stainless braided brake lines, Motul 600 racing brake fluid and Pagid RS-19 endurance compound pads. Now the brakes are solid and reliable, but they don't deal with heat as well as they could and the cross drilled rotors are still not ideal. It's like a cheese grater on your $315 race pads, which last about 8-10 track days depending on how hard the particular track is on brakes. Heat stress causes the drilled rotors to crack and when the cracks either connect between two drill holes or reach the edge of the rotor they're garbage. A new pair of front rotors is $650 from Turner Motorsports if you want the OEM parts. Ouch.

Given all this baloney, many people who track M3s with the frequency that I do end up installing a front big brake kit, which I haven't wanted to do just yet for a number of reasons. So for now I just swap pads a lot, which requires taking off the entire floating caliper. As I said, not ideal.

Ride - 7/10

I pretty much covered the suspension and ride quality above. Definitely comfortable enough to be a daily driver, but it's not going to ride like a seven series. Scored 7 out of 10 because of the EDC adjustability. Full stiff mode on the track works well enough that I don't feel like I need to hurry up and by aftermarket multi-adjustable coilovers, which is good because that crap is expensive.

Handling - 9/10

The steering is hydraulic, and it's excellent. You can fiddle with the settings to change the weight, with the "Sport" setting giving you the heavier wheel. Feedback is great, although not E30 levels of great. Some journalists complained about the steering when this car came out and I don't know what they're talking about. I've driven a Lotus Elise S and I still don't find the steering in the M3 to be lacking feel or feedback.

Cornering is solid although you will find understeer at the limit as with all modern BMWs. On the track I actually tried to dial that out a little by running the same width tires at each corner and increasing negative camber (-2.5 front, -2.0 rear so I can still use it on the street). It's definitely somewhat better that way but there's still going to be understeer. Nothing you can't even out with the throttle though – this is a 414hp car!

For a 3700lb sedan this thing handles better than it has any right to. If I didn't track this car I'd be giving it at 10 out of 10 in this category, but I've spent enough time with this car at speed to know it does have some shortcomings. The complaints are so minor (things like: the LSD doesn't lock quiiiite as quickly as some aftermarket units) that overall it still scores a 9. Hard to imagine any company could do a better job with a 400hp sedan. Want to see it in action? !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

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Gearbox - 9/10

BMW is not new to the 6 speed gearbox. This one is notchy and the whole driveline is a little lashy at parking lot speeds. Sometimes in first or second gear the car will want to start bucking at 5mph, especially if the engine is still cold and the idle hasn't dropped. M cars are like that. They make noises and rattles and clangs and there's resonance. If you didn't know to expect it you'd think "who on earth built this steaming pile?!" At speed, however, it's a different story. Shifting is smooth and flawless. Driveline is tight as can be and matches the motor's eagerness. Pedals are spaced properly so that heel-toe downshifts are a breeze.

The optional DCT gearbox is also fantastic if you can stand having only two pedals. Yes, the Germans insist it's better, faster, etc. and they're right. But I like the driving engagement of the manual and as a street car it's a fine choice. Some complain about the relative lack of torque and view the DCT box as a better match for the engine, which makes its peak hp at 8,300rpm. With all that shifting to stay in the power, they say, you need the dual clutch box.

Whatever. I love my 6MT and wouldn't have bought the car any other way. Maybe someday I'll grow up and get over the third pedal – or maybe I never will.

Toys - 10/10

What do I even say about this? The car has navigation, Bluetooth, BMW Assist, iPod integration, a hard drive, power rear sunshade, adjustable suspension, customizable variable steering, throttle sensitivity settings, rain-sensing wipers, "hill assist" for starting off on an incline so you don't have to use the parking brake and like eight million other neat little features that most BMWs have. I mean you can put down the windows by holding the unlock button. The door handles all have LEDs built into the bottoms so the ground lights up at night when you unlock the car. It has comfort access keyless entry so you don't have to take the key out of your pocket. It has garage door openers. It has electrochromic self-dimming mirrors. It has rear park distance control radar. It has cupholders. Kinda.

Sure, new cars have even more of this gimmicky crap but this car has absolutely every tech toy I need and a host of ones I don't. I don't want blind spot detection because, unlike most of America, I pay attention when I drive. Ten points.

Audio - 10/10

It has Enhanced Premium Sound, which is fantastic. I think it was a $2,000 option. I almost never use it. The engine and exhaust are just too good. As I mentioned before, iPod integration, HD radio, surround settings, etc. Audio isn't really my thing but I can't imagine you'd ever need to make this system any better.

Value - 10/10

These cars were $70,000 new, sometimes more depending on options. You can now get very nice examples like this one for about $40,000, give or take. As a used car, this represents tremendous value.

There must be a catch, right? Maybe you've heard about the scary rod bearing issue? Forget about it. If you send your oil in for analysis you should know way ahead of time if you've got a problem with the bearings, and when they're close to failing they make a very distinct noise. Yes, if you blow your engine it costs $20,000 to replace, but the risk is greatly exaggerated. Pay attention to your car, keep up on maintenance (not the BMW "maintenance" but real maintenance where you change your oil at 3,500mi intervals and replace things before they break) and you'll be fine. Knock on wood - this car hasn't cost a cent in unscheduled repairs since I've owned it. I've put over 12,000mi on it (now has 44k on it total), which includes ten track days. Ten. Not one thing has broken. Oil analysis shows the engine is happy. I couldn't be more impressed with the reliability, which is something I never thought I'd say after the experience I had with my 2007 335i.

I just don't know how you could buy MORE car for this amount of money. This car does everything. It goes in the snow, it's safe in the rain, it has reliable electronics, it has toys, it's a track beast and a reasonably comfortable road trip cruiser. And that V8. Good gravy.

Total 88/100

Engine: 4.0L naturally aspirated V8

Power: 414 HP at 8300 RPM/ 295 LB-FT at 3900 RPM

Transmission: Six-speed manual

0-60 Time: low-to-mid 4 seconds, depending on the driver

Top Speed: 155 electronically limited, 180 or so if not limited

Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight: 3,700ish LBS, depending on options

Seating: 5 – yes, I said it. FIVE.

MPG: LOL

MSRP: $68,400 as tested

Manuél Ferrari > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 14:26

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Interesting you gave it 7/10 even though you have EDC. If I had to rate my car I'd give it an 8.5 or 9 out of 10 due to EDC. I know there are comfier sports cars that use magnetic ride control and I'd give them the full 10/10. But EDC is "good enough" for me and makes the car feel super comfy for something that handles as well as it does. It doesn't jar my fillings at all when I drive on terrible roads. Overall I'm really happy with the ride quality on the E90 M3 and it doesn't give me any fatigue when driving for a long time on subpar roads. Any pre-991 911 that doesn't have PASM is a totally different story...

This part was awesome "MPG: LOL"!

Torque Affair > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 14:27

1

Awesome review! Now I want it even more. I love that you regularly go to the track which is where this car belongs. Which track do you go to?

Brian Silvestro > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 14:28

8

Love this so much.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 14:31

0

This car is calling your name.

You will own a blue E90 M3 one day. Hopefully SOON

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 14:33

1

So much want. Must get M3 SOON.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 14:38

3

One thing I can say from personal experience: most girls like getting picked up in the E9X M3 way more than any sports car. Because easier to get in and out of and more luxurious than a 2 seat sports car. One girl actually told me "why do you even have the 911, this is so much nicer", haha

Manuél Ferrari > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 14:41

1

One thing to make you feel better about how heavy your car is - the 2 seat Ferrari F12 may not actually be lighter:

http://www.0-60mag.com/news/2013/10/w…

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 14:42

1

LOL but then they probably think it's just an average boring 3 series.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 14:44

0

True

Which means most girls like riding in an average 328i over a 911!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 14:47

1

NO WONDER SO MANY WOMEN LIKE DRIVING 3 SERIES'S

Vi517, JDX Racing > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 14:50

1

Great review! I'm hoping to get one in a few years and this just made me even more excited. :)

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 14:53

0

I read a funny comment on FChat. A guy who has owned multiple Ferraris, including a Scud said his wife hates it. She calls it "the tin can".

You have to really be a gearhead to think that a car with no carpets or leather is actually GOOD. Everyone else just thinks it's a piece of shit at the factory never finished putting together.

BKRM3 > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 14:55

2

Yeah, it's pretty capable with EDC. I almost gave it an 8 but car companies are doing truly awesome things with magnetic ride etc as you said and I felt like it had to be scored with those in mind. The EDC in this car is nice, but strikes me as a little primitive and I thought BMW could've taken it a bit farther in its implementation. For me, the comfort isn't quite comfortable enough and the sport isn't quite sport enough. I never use the "normal" setting. I've been in some cars with real race suspension (like the JRZ adjustable systems) that are really comfortable on the street without any electronic nonsense - if BMW is going to have fancy buttons I want more than just the comfort/normal/sport they gave us in the E90. Your impression of the suspension might have to do with your road quality, which could not be anywhere near as bad as ours in PA. I've never seen roads this bad in any other state. =(

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 14:56

1

Yeah. I wonder what percentage of sports car owners are actually enthusiasts, and what percentage of that group is ultra crazy like us.

BKRM3 > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 14:57

1

Most recently was at Summit Point on the main circuit there. They have several tracks at that complex. There are two tracks at New Jersey Motorsports Park where I tend to spend most of my time due to proximity. Might to try to do an event at Pocono later this year. Next year Watkins Glen is a must-do for me. We have lots of tracks here in the east if you don't mind driving a few hours!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 14:59

0

One common theme on F chat is that there are a lot of enthusiasts who think like us. But their wives control what they buy.

Ferrari and Porsche had to make their cars more luxurious. Even if some of the rich customers prioritized weight savings over luxury, they wouldn't be allowed to buy the cars if their wives didn't approve.

This is why I need a 16M before getting married, haha. Most women would hate that car. A tin can that messes up your hair.

BKRM3 > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 15:00

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Haha thanks homie! I was on the fence about the TOW sticker, which was $1, but I'm glad I stuck it on there. I'll take it off in October after my track season is done. Also I was sick of people at cars and coffee asking me what the strap was for, so now they don't have to ask lol

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:00

1

"It's a big, fat, heavy barge of a car compared to the E46. It's a torqueless, wasteful, barbarian troglodyte compared to the F8X M3. It was overpriced when new and it's a money pit out of warranty. Some say it even has single-piston front brakes."

Ha! Well played.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:01

1

LOL "Ferrari: Secretly controlled by trophy wives"

Brian Silvestro > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:02

1

Hehe it's strange how many people have no idea what it's used for.

BKRM3 > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:02

1

FOUR THOUSAND POUNDS!?? Holy balls. I never in a million years would've guessed that.

Manuél Ferrari > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:03

0

Bummer your roads are so bad!!!

Minor mostly good, but bad in some areas. There are some areas where the government either can't keep up with repairs because the traffic is so heavy that there is never a good time to shut the road down, or they simply can't afford to make the repairs.

BKRM3 > Vi517, JDX Racing 08/03/2014 at 15:04

2

Do it! This car is the bomb dot com. I get excited every time I hit the Start button. It never gets old.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 15:04

0

trophy wives that were so hot that they got the guy to marry them without a prenup...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:05

1

Ever going to get the ZCP? Loving mine, if I never told you.

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 15:05

1

Thanks. And in spite of all that - or perhaps because of it - we find ourselves absolutely E90 obsessed. It's funny what people say about it when they haven't driven one.

Manuél Ferrari > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:06

0

All that luxury comes at the expense of weight.

Ferrari has gotten away with avoiding carbon fiber on their standard cars. They'll need to use carbon fiber tubs sooner than later on more than just the hyper cars.

AM3R > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:07

2

A sparkling graphite E92 M3 just popped up at my local audi dealer.

I'm suddenly not so satisfied with my sparkling graphite E90 328i.

Great review. Maybe I should review my 328i soon..

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:07

7

Love.

BKRM3 > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:08

0

Yeah I don't know what our deal is - I think it's a combination of weather and bureaucracy. This spring they were almost impassable. The road I live on was actually scheduled for "emergency" repaving in April.....which wasn't completed until this past Thursday. It would be comical actually if it weren't such a pain in the ass.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:08

1

That would be the second biggest mistake of a man's life (getting married is the first mistake)

Manuél Ferrari > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:10

1

Maybe it's a conspiracy to force everyone to buy trucks and SUVs? American car companies have more market share with those vehicles

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 15:11

0

LOL

You are literally never going to get married and have kids. Every time stuff get serious with the girlfriend you're going to dump her and say "sorry baby I need another Alfa"

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 15:12

0

ZCP springs? They're 10mm lower than the "civic" M3 springs, right? I guess I never really thought about it. I think if I changed them I'd do something like H&R sport+ in the hopes that I'd gain a little bit on the track. Although I guess you do see ZCP springs going for cheap on the forum. I dunno. You can really tell a difference?

BKRM3 > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:13

1

Truth. Every new car they release I expect to see a CF tub but nope.... Glad I'm not the only one wondering about that!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:13

0

"Maybe someday I'll grow up and get over the third pedal – or maybe I never will." I don't see it happening...

Did I tell you I drove a Cayman S a few weeks ago (at CarMax, just for grins)? It's another one of my dream cars, and it's great (low, light and tossable), but I was very happy to get back into my car. So awesome to actually own a car that makes so many others pale in comparison.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:13

1

Or she's going to give me a "it's me or the Alfa!" ultimatum and that'll be the end of that.

BKRM3 > AM3R 08/03/2014 at 15:16

0

You should review it, if you don't go trade it on the M3 that is =P The 328i is a great car. I was on track with one at Summit and the guy was pretty darn quick. He had the same brake upgrades I have and he had proper track rubber. It was a pretty lightly optioned car with 6MT. It was beige to boot! Guy was having an absolute blast. If you keep yours you should get it to the track! You'll have a whole new appreciation for it.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 15:16

0

girl: "I'm tired of riding in that stupid old GTV that you're so in love with. Don't understand why you love that crappy car. It's loud and uncomfortable. Why don't you grow up and get a Range Rover."

You: "have a nice life"

BKRM3 > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:17

2

Hahaha I doubt it. I think some state employees just need to be fired. And I am planning on getting a truck for this winter. It would just make life a lot easier.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:18

0

The shifter, not the springs. You wrote that you've decided against it.

Manuél Ferrari > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:19

1

They got aluminum design down to a science by using different alloys in different places. But I think they've pushed that technology as far as it can go.

Next step is carbon fiber.

Then the final evolution will be carbon nanotubes. Hopefully that technology becomes commercially viable in our lifetimes.

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 15:19

0

Agreed! No I didn't know you drove a Cayman S. I've been in them but never driven one. See a lot of them at the track. They're pretty tiny compared to the E90, which is already not a "large" car by modern standards. You looking for a dedicated track toy? =)

Manuél Ferrari > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:20

1

See the conspiracy worked!

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 15:23

0

Oh - sorry - I couldn't get the picture to load that you tagged. Something going on with the server I think. I had the ZHP knob on my 335i and loved it, but I think I'm sticking with the stock shifter in the M, unless I luck into a cheap stock unit from the forum to hack up so I can retain my original one. I nearly ordered the lit M5 shifter so I could swap the boot and all that, but it just seemed a bit involved.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:24

9

Seating: 5 – yes, I said it. FIVE.

BKRM3 > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:24

2

LOL

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:25

1

You know me too well....

"I've never seen it run the entire time I've been dating you Brian! Why the hell don't you sell it for scraps!?"

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 15:28

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"And when you try to get it running it fills the garage with smoke and the smell of gas. Eww!"

AM3R > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:28

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I'm certainly trying to head out to summit point soon. It's crazy how capable the E9x chassis is. I might do some brake upgrades just to remedy the horrible dust problem, I'm due for new front pads soon anwyays.

I don't think I'll be trading it unless the M3 has a CF roof. I really want an LCI E90. Sure, I'd be more than happy in any M3 but I'm willing to wait, but I love the color so if it has the right interior color (not grey, hopefully fox red) and doesn't have a sunroof I might just jump on it. It's a pretty good deal.

I'm gonna wash and clay the car soon, I'll try to write up a review right after I finish that up.

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:29

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The official SOON meme of Jalopnik. Use this picture for SOONing

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 15:30

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"And that stupid weird complicated stick in the middle between the seats is too hard to use! So even when it does work, I wouldn't want to drive it!"

"Why did I start dating you in the first place..."

BKRM3 > AM3R 08/03/2014 at 15:34

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My car is SO dirty in these pictures lol. It has rubber all over the front. I wanted to show what it looks like on any given day as opposed to dolling it up. I figured Oppo wouldnt hold it against me =)

AM3R > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:37

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Haha it's not too bad, that's what I like about space gray. It doesn't show dirt too easily. Luckily sparkling graphite is the same.

My front wheels are actually covered in brake dust, I don't think I'd be let off the hook for that lol.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 15:42

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Great review for a car I'll always dream about having for a daily driver!

Jimmy Tango > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 15:59

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You bet that I show this to my wife for proof of M3's utility.

Manuél Ferrari > In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you 08/03/2014 at 16:00

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this is my fav one that I took

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 16:09

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"You're so in love with some guy named Manuél. You're not straight."

GTiceman > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 16:09

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Great write-up. The pictures look great, glad my camera worked out. I need to do my 100k review of the 335 especially since I expect this might be my last full year with it.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 16:10

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*she starts crying*

"I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN WITH SOME GUY NAMED MANUÉL!!! YOU TALK ABOUT IT ON THE INTERNET ALL THE TIME"

me:

BKRM3 > Tim (Fractal Footwork) 08/03/2014 at 16:17

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Thanks! It's a real joy. Love every day of it.

BKRM3 > GTiceman 08/03/2014 at 16:18

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Thanks. Camera worked great! I didn't even edit them lol. So nice to use a good camera for a change instead of an iPotato. I'd love to read the 100k mi review of your car!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/03/2014 at 16:54

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Girl: "And if you were straight you wouldn't be into colors so much. All you talk about is the exact shade of blue you'd get if you were buying a Ferrari and what color leather and stitching you would get. And you're obsessed with owning an Alfa with 'triple layer' paint, whatever the hell that is. You're like a freaking fashion designer, except you like cars instead of clothes."

You:

Slow4o > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 17:47

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Talk about coincidence. I spent most of this morning looking at cars in the 30k price range (even though I would get the car in a year), and an 08 popped up at 29k. Granted, that had much higher mileage than yours. But I was interested in knowing the maintenance and reliability of these cars, so thanks a lot that was very informative. I'm cross shopping these with 09+ Cayman S's. But good lord, 8k exhaust systems?! That is more than half my budget for my 5.0 swap into my Mustang haha.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 17:52

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The M5 one is what I've got - it is a bit involved...

Arben72 > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 17:57

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It does plow snow pretty good... I love the e92 and the only cars that attract me to trade it in for cost almost double it's trade in value (I'm looking at you porsche). Sure there is faster and cheaper cars out there, but accelerating to 8,000 rpm hearing the engine (yes engine, even with the loudest race exhaust it still drowns it out) scream is amazing. Also the tossibility of it is great, it's always fun exiting an on ramp sideways at 2 in the morning. No amount of caffeine can wake you up like that. Yet it's completely subtle around town if you want it too be.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jimmy Tango 08/03/2014 at 17:57

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Glad to help!

Full disclosure: it is a tight fit with the little guy on one side and a booster on the other...

heliochrome85 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 18:00

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cute family!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 18:03

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It was absolutely just for grins - didn't feel bad for taking a few minutes time from the guy at CarMax. I fit fine inside, but definitely more of a toy. Will be more than a few years before I can get serious about anything like that. Still need to drive an Elise, but at least I know I fit.

Arben72 > Slow4o 08/03/2014 at 18:05

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My exhaust was $500 and sounds amazing (but LOUD). I've never have had problem except for rocks stuck in the rear brake dust cover, which I eventually found out reversing for a bit or accelerating hard will fix the problem.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > heliochrome85 08/03/2014 at 18:07

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Thanks - never a dull moment with them!

Rico > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 18:09

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Lol I swear this picture needs to be on BMW's configurator as a shot of the interior.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Rico 08/03/2014 at 18:16

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50% increase in sales!

Slow4o > Arben72 08/03/2014 at 18:22

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Cool. I'm wondering if an 8k exhaust consists of a full SS system of the headers to the tips haha. What year is yours/mileage?

Rico > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 18:25

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Lol then they'll be like "Why do you guys need wagons, this whole family fits in an M3!"

ly2v8-Brian > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 18:26

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judging by middle kid's face: tight indeed.

BKRM3 > Slow4o 08/03/2014 at 18:28

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You found one listed for $29k?! Wow.

AM3R > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 18:31

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You can definitely fit 5 adults too, although the middle passenger isn't gonna be too happy!

BKRM3 > Arben72 08/03/2014 at 18:31

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You must have bought the Megan racing exhaust. I've heard it sounds good but never seen one in person! I was talking about the full Akra titanium system, which I would never buy. It's a good exhaust, just ludicrously expensive.

I had the cowbell noise for the first time last week after being on track all weekend! Rock fell out before I even got to my office. If that's the extent of the "problems" with this car I'll take it =D

Slow4o > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 18:31

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Yup right here . And when I said high mileage, I meant high mileage haha.

BKRM3 > Slow4o 08/03/2014 at 18:34

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No it does not. It consists of header-back high flow catted titanium system, which is a work of art but hilariously overpriced. http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2433-akrapov…

My car is a 2009 and currently has 44k miles.

Slow4o > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 18:36

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Haha ok titanium makes much more sense for the price. I'm glad that most of them aren't too crazy. That is a purtty exhaust though.

BKRM3 > Arben72 08/03/2014 at 18:37

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It's the Swiss Army knife of sports cars.

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 18:40

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Oh man wait till you drive a Lotus! You're gonna need one for your mountain road trips. Not want. NEED.

BKRM3 > Slow4o 08/03/2014 at 18:46

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That car's probably fine, even with the mileage, depending on service history. Mine with 44k drives like it's new. My instructor at my last track event refused to believe it was a 2009. They hold up great. That one is pretty nicely optioned. You could probably drive it for two years and not lose a dime on it. 29k has to be fully depreciated.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 18:51

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I'll just explain to my wife how much more economical it would be for these sorts of trips. How can we afford not to buy one?!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ly2v8-Brian 08/03/2014 at 18:51

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But do-able and legal!

Arben72 > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 19:04

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I actually got the cnt race exhaust. It's really light weight and even louder then the megan. The tips look really aggressive too. I can't justify diminishing my measly mod fund buying a 6k exhaust when I'm probably going to supercharge it, and now I have to get a new shortblock for the saabaru.

Arben72 > Slow4o 08/03/2014 at 19:06

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2012/ 22k miles (had it since new). 8k gets you a header back exhaust with valves. It's not worth it in my book as you can get a supercharger kit for less than that.

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 19:26

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Exactly! It's a 1.8L engine from a Celica, it just screams practicality.

BKRM3 > Arben72 08/03/2014 at 19:32

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I agree about not wasting money on a bling bling exhaust. No reason. All the M3 needs is a muffler with better sound than stock. I have no idea why the stock muffler is so huge/heavy/quiet/terrible. Those tips do look good on yours!

GhostZ > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 19:35

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4 Door M3 with a tow hook and arrow sticker?

I mean, I can justify it if you've done 10 track days, but it seems to be such a contradiction. Additionally, are you concerned that it would make it hard to sell later on?

BKRM3 > GhostZ 08/03/2014 at 19:44

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Not concerned about resale, but, you know, I can just peel the sticker off, right? You don't think a four door car should be on track? We're required to have tow hooks in by the way.

slamcityrick > BKRM3 08/03/2014 at 21:52

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Gonna start out by saying I'd really appreciate a response. Okay, here it goes.

I've been OBSESSED with the E9x M3 ever since I parked next to one in my Genesis Coupe and noticed the differences. Then I got to drive my friend's sedan and I fell in love the moment I floored it in second gear. For me, the E90 M3 is the super hot chick you know you might regret hooking up with but she's so hot you just don't care. So let me ask you. I've found 2008's with about 40k-50k miles on them for about $32,000. I'll have about $20,000 cash by the end of the year saved up, so looking at loans I'd probably be spending about the same a month on payments as I am right now on my WRX. I plan to get one with 6MT, no Nav, no sunroof, and no premium sound. I'm trying to reduce as many possible failures as possible. I intend to replace the exhaust header back, get LCI taillights, coilovers, and wheels. That's it. That is all I need for in my eyes, the perfect daily. I'm 25 years old with a spotless record, so I'm hoping insurance won't be any worse than my WRX. What do you think? Should I get into bed with the super hot chick? Or keep my WRX?

BKRM3 > slamcityrick 08/03/2014 at 22:14

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If you can comfortably afford it, I don't see any issue with a 50k mile M3. Mine is going to be at 50k before too long and I trust it more now than I did when it had 35k on it.

One thing you should know is that the car is going to cost a lot more to run than just the payment. Have you owned a BMW before? A documented service history is paramout. The insurance was barely more than my 335, so it's not the issue. Once you get some miles you're going to have to start looking to replace suspension components. Plugs every 25k miles, oil constantly at $200+ per service. Diff fluid needs to be done at 50k, so does trans fluid. If you can handle all that in addition to having the payment then go for it, but if you think you'd need to skimp on service then I'd wait. If you're reasonably handy you can keep up with a lot of it yourself. God forbid anything big breaks though. As I said my car has been bulletproof but there always is some degree of risk. You don't want to find yourself in the nightmare scenario of owing 20k on a car worth 35 that needs a $10,000 repair. Probably wont happen, but you have to be ready for the worst.

Saracen > BKRM3 08/04/2014 at 00:29

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Dammit...I'm trying to be sensible and focus on getting a TDI for the 24k miles per year I drive...but you, davesaddiction and Rusto are really killing me here.

Jimmy Tango > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/04/2014 at 00:42

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Can relate. My daughter probably has a year left on rear facing car seat, and that jeopardizing my chance of getting a 4 gran coupe. Looks like even when we go 2, M3 can still be a sensible choice ;)

slamcityrick > BKRM3 08/04/2014 at 01:14

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Thank you for responding. I am extremely torn. I'm starting to think that the only way I'll truly be happy with one, is if I wait until I can afford to pay entirely with cash.

I drive almost 20,000 miles a year, so those $200 oil changes at every 4000 miles would add up. Suspension components isn't an issue for me. I am pretty handy with anything under the car, its when an issue arises in the actual engine bay I struggle a bit. I think my biggest concern and fear is owing 12k on a car that gets rod bearing failure. But as you said, I could consistently get it analyzed and be prepared right?

Andrew T. Maness > BKRM3 08/04/2014 at 02:57

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Damnit, I thought I had gotten over this car but over the last couple of weeks it's been popping up all over my radar, I think it might be a sign.

There's even one for sale on CarMax without nav and with the 18" 219M wheels that I love so much. With only 26k on the odometer, an asking price of $36,998 and the option for a CarMax warranty the question is, what are you waiting for? Hell, what am I waiting for?

*le sigh*

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/…

BKRM3 > Saracen 08/04/2014 at 06:04

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This is not a 24k a year car. The gas alone would be outrageous. If that's your situation I think an M would have to be a second car, not a daily.