So, no big deal, but I DROVE THE NEW M3 YESTERDAY!

"n54 & s38" (straight6)
09/02/2014 at 11:39 • Filed to: None

Ok, maybe it's a bit of a big deal. I show up at my mom's yesterday to find out that my step-brother-in-law (don't ask) just picked up a new 2015 BMW M3 on Friday. He also owns an E90 335i. Half an hour later, he comes by the house with it. I ask if we can go for a ride and he asks if I want to drive. Umm, YEAH I DO!.

He went with a silver M3 with extended leather, carbon fiber trim and the M-Dynamic package (or something). No other options. Traditional 6MT.

I jump in and he tells me to put it in 'M2' mode by pushing the M2 button on the steering wheel. This sharpens up the steering, increases throttle response, stiffens the suspension and makes the exhaust sound like a damn Ferrari. After getting settled in, I let out the clutch and we're off. Definitely a little jumpier off the line than my 335xi.

Now I didn't really push it hard seeing as it's someones else's new car and the engine is still in the break in period but wow! I was amazed at how docile the car is at low speeds. Just puttering around and upshifting early, you'd never suspect what the car is capable of. There's maybe a slight hint more turbo lag than the N54 in my car but that disappears when you put your foot in it a bit. And holy crap, the exhaust on that car is LOUD in M2 mode. As soon as you get past 2500 rpms, you can hear the valve open up and the exhaust start to wail.

I was also impressed with the ride and how civilized it is at low speeds. The whole chassis feels really rigid and the suspension isn't too hard or stiff. The steering, which I've disliked in previous drives of the new F30 3 series, also feels quite heavy and direct compared to the standard F30.

Overall, I pretty much drove it reservedly but I could feel just how high the limits of the car are. At a regular pace, you'd never even get close to really wringing the car out. I was shocked at how much grip the car had when I took it around a traffic circle. Almost no understeer and crazy high levels of grip.

So that's my story. Yeah, I didn't really bag on it and I've gone way faster in my car but it was still a hell of a lot of fun. Maybe once the break in is done, I'll be able to take it out again. Here's a few (bad) pics I took:

DISCUSSION (4)

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > n54 & s38
09/02/2014 at 12:00

Is that kinda like Uncle Daddy?

TheCraigy > n54 & s38
09/02/2014 at 12:08

Sweet.

Textured Soy Protein > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits
09/02/2014 at 12:09

I'm guessing step-sister's husband.

n54 & s38 > Textured Soy Protein
09/02/2014 at 12:17

Yup