The Journey to Another V8

"Danny Korecki" (dannykorecki)
02/28/2016 at 14:29 • Filed to: rightfootdown, e92 m3, bmw m3, bmw e92 m3, camaro, camaro ss, chevy camaro ss, chevrolet camaro ss

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It all started in mid-2015. When Chevrolet announced the 2016 Camaro SS would have 55 more horsepower than my 2013 Camaro SS and would be 200 pounds lighter with a refreshed interior and would come with a new “track mode” it began make my Camaro feel a bit dated. The 5 th Generation Camaro exterior has aged well, but as an enthusiast, I can admit the interior is not exactly timeless. Throughout its life, many claimed it was outdated, some believe it was from the moment it was released in 2010. The combination of more power (*Tim Allen Home Improvement-grunt*), weight trimming, new looks, and all the new driver modes were enough for me to begin feeling the new car itch. An itch that made me begin to contemplate trading in my Gen 5 Camaro SS for the new Gen 6 Camaro SS.

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Researching and Waiting

Like with any performance car release, you get little pieces of information slowly, very slowly. It always starts with Nurburgring pictures, or a quick video with the car covered black and white camouflage ripping around the track.

May arrived and Chevrolet officially announced the Gen 6 Camaro with the initial specs. That was probably enough to send some fanboys to their dealers begging to place an order. Additional specs hit the forums as rumors, which in many cases were true and later confirmed.

I read up on the new Camaro daily finding new bits of information or finding the newest leaked test mule pictures. In my mind, I become an unofficial expert on the Gen 6 Camaro knowing everything from the paint production code I want to the dual mode exhaust production code.

Then the waiting continued……how much is this thing going to cost?

Being a car enthusiast and an adult

Many months went by with rumors building regarding the price for each of the Camaro trims levels. The V8 was a must have in my book, so I constantly watched for any news of 1SS and 2SS trim level pricing. Camaro owners always have the buffer on the top end of the Corvette; the Camaro will never cost more than the Corvette in its base V8 model SS, the ZL1 and Z/28 are different stories.

It is the same type of speculation that the Porsche Cayman will never be better or more expensive than the 911. I used this assumption to estimate what the Gen 6 Camaro may actually cost. I nerd out, preparing spreadsheets with hypothetical pricing and comparing that to what I can actually afford.

In August, Chevrolet announces the MSRP and the options list pricing leaked out in the weeks following.

In 2013, the Camaro 2SS I purchased had a sticker price of $40,000. I got it at a real bargain, thousands less than that. Though I have progressed significantly further in my career, and could afford more, it felt like a silly decision to spend a new $45000 or more on car that I intended to keep for only 1-2 years before moving to a more family-sized vehicle. No matter how much I played with my spreadsheets, purchasing this new Camaro was never going to be a good financial decision, but the feeling in my stomach was not going to go away. I already committed in my mind to a new car. Thinking about getting this new Camaro set off a lightbulb in my head. I could get something better, used, and for less money. The search began….

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Finding the alternative

I am a huge fan of V8 engines. The Camaro was the only new V8 car on my radar, so I began to turn my eye to used performance V8 engined cars. An amazing warranty was a must in the used-market. I was constantly learning on how to wrench, but the cost of a major failure was my primary worry, not how to fix it. A good friend of mine had bought his last 3 cars through CarMax and he has said nothing but good things about them, besides reading !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! are enough to turn you into a believer. From my extensive research, my friend’s word, and Doug, I decided it would be a smart decision if I purchase a car through CarMax.

I began to search CarMax for prospective cars. Through endless searching I found myself being pulled in multiple directions, sporty coupe:

BMW E92 M3

Audi B8 S5

Or rugged truck:

Tundra TRD

Tacoma TRD

I realize I queued this up by saying that I am a huge fan of V8 engines, but the Tacoma TRD made the list while not being a V8, along with its V8 brother the Tundra TRD because I am also a fan of trophy trucks and Toyota’s TRD packaged trucks give off that vibe to me. The Tacoma was the first to drop from the list. It was not a V8 but it was a strong contender, I had test driven one at the Baltimore Auto Show and sat in this TRD Pro Tundra.

The Tundra TRD was also cut for now, but will more than likely become that future family sized vehicle I mentioned after this car choice. It was down to the BMW E92 M3 and the Audi B8 S5.

I began….you guessed it, by nerding out with spreadsheets weighing pros/cons and options of both cars.

Through my extensive research I decided the E92 M3 was the best choice for me, besides there was an emotional aspect; I always wanted one and through the wonders of depreciation I can actually now afford one.

Finding the right E92 M3

I decided where I was buying a car, and I decided what car, now came the struggle to find the one with all the options I needed to have. One of my biggest regrets about my 2013 Camaro SS was that I bought it with a sunroof. I am 6’6, and the Camaro already did not have enough headroom. I used to tell people I knew when I needed a haircut because my hair would touch the Camaro’s roof, so a non-sunroof car was a must. Luckily, the M Performance division at BMW like to use this amazing substance called carbon fiber. All non-sunroof E92 M3’s come with a carbon fiber roof, because weight reduction bro .

The interior spec was my next concern, BMW’s are not shy to use crazy leather color combinations. While !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , that’s not for me, so a black interior was a must. I was also looking for an M3 with a DCT gearbox. My car will be a daily driver. You do not want to shift gears in traffic all day. Besides, there will be a possibility of my wife needing to drive the car. An added bonus that was not necessary but always helps the resale value was the Competition Package known by its BMW order code ZCP.

So to recap:

Exterior color? Who cares?

Interior color? Black.

Roof? Carbon Fiber.

Gearbox? DCT.

Options? Competition Package.

I downloaded the CarMax Android app, created an account, and saved an M3 search so it would alert me when new matches arrived. Many M3’s came and went, and came back and went again. I was waiting until February to make this car purchase for two reasons. The first, weather, I did not want to buy an M3 in the beginning of winter, and I think I made a good call because we had the biggest snowstorm ever in my area. The second reason was a financial decision, I obtain my yearly raise and annual bonus around February. Always easier to think with a full stomach (or full pocket of money).

February came and I began seriously looking for the M3 and what happens? I ramble about my future M3 purchase so much Josh buys one! In the end, we got to compare notes on options and best practices on finding the right M3.

Unfortunately, all the cars that fit my requirements start dropping like flies. The night before I head to CarMax my #1 and #2 candidates are still available, and it was so close I cannot tell you which is #1 or #2. I wake up the next morning, and only one is left, a 2012 Melbourne Red M3 with the Competition Package.

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The CarMax Appraisal Trip

I walk into CarMax on a quiet day. The woman who would become my salesperson greets me at the main desk. I tell her I want to get my car appraised and depending on the appraisal I wanted to buy a specific car.

She has me fill out some information about me and about my Camaro. I warn her that I am extremely anal about my car and no one else has ever driven it. I request to sit passenger during any test drive.

I meet the appraiser gentlemen, he was a quiet guy. He informed me that, because my car was under 36,000 miles and less than 3 years old, they do not need to test drive it. Basically, if the car had any issues they would just get Chevrolet to fix it under warranty. So I feel like an idiot stressing about someone driving my car when they do not even need to. Oh well, it’s all part of being an enthusiast I guess. I watched him do his appraising magic and I thought some of the spots he was checking for repainting were kind of odd but what do I know? !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! He finishes checking his boxes and we go inside while I wait for him to deliver the appraisal to my sales person.

They give me the number. I won’t get into the exact specifics, but I will say it was the bare minimum I was going to accept for my car. If I wanted to sell it myself I imagine I could have made an extra $2-3k, but that extra $2-3k is not worth the time needed to post ads, answer a bunch of calls, have strangers test drive my car who do not even want it, etc.

I tell the salesperson I would like to move forward with ordering a car, the red M3. We look it up in the computer and it is in Florida. So to get it to the Baltimore, MD area will take 14 days to arrive and cost $300. I accept the terms, but began to worry that my bare minimum 7 day appraisal offer will even drop lower. I get a call from my sales person a day later informing me that the car checked out in Florida and that the car will only take 6 days to get to my location. Even then, there was some concern that I would just barely miss my appraisal offer window because of a two day long ice/snowstorm, but it arrived on time and was ready for me to check out exactly 7 days after ordering.

Time to buy

I get the call that my M3 is in Baltimore and ready for a test drive. I wait until I get off work and drive through the rush hour traffic to arrive nervously at CarMax. I park near a Maserati Quattroporte, wondering aloud if someone is attempting to trade this in? Do they not know the depreciation on a Maserati, especially the Quattroporte? I enter the CarMax, approach the receptionist desk, and request my salesperson. While waiting for my salesperson, another salesperson approaches a relatively well-dressed gentlemen in the lobby.

CarMax salesperson: “How can I help you?”

Gentlemen: “I would like to get my (mumbled year) Maserati Quattroporte appraised.”

Godspeed my friend.

My salesperson greeted me, obtained my driver’s license information, and then handed me off to a trainee so I could test drive my new-to-me M3. I took a glance at the dash and noticed that the mileage was at 033330 I took that as a positive sign that it was an M3 with all 3’s.

The CarMax is located right on a highway so we blast up and back and then tossed in some windy backroads before heading back to the store. I was accustomed my Camaro LS based V8. It has low end torque and only revved to around 5000 RPM. The M3’s S65 V8 was a different animal entirely. You are able to rev the engine out to over 8000 RPM. I loved the side bolstering of the seats, it reminded me of some Recaro’s I have sat in. My Camaro seats felt like they were made to hold wider people. Another huge bonus I noticed when test driving the M3 was the visibility. I drove my Camaro for over two years without ever being able to see the right front bumper, in the M3 I can see everything. On my Camaro, I added the 1LE performance bits. The front and rear sway bars and the strut tower brace, but the Camaro steering still felt a little loopy. The steering on the M3 is extremely solid. I have this amazing engine and I can put the car exactly where I want it through the steering.

My feelings after the test drive? I WANT IT!

I will not bore you with the details, but buying a car at CarMax has to be one of the simplest transactions I have ever done in my life. The only way it could have been easier is if the M3 was already at this CarMax location and I did not have to order it. Like Senor Demuro says buy your used car from CarMax! Especially if you need a longer warranty and peace of mind. I did, so of course, I bought a CarMax MaxCare warranty and drove off the lot with no buyer’s remorse.

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Initial M3 Thoughts

I am in love with this car. It has been said that Lamborghini’s make video game sounds, well this M3 makes LeMan’s sounds. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! comparable to the sounds that can be heard at IMSA races I have been to. The downshift rev blips alone are addicting.

The quality of the car is a step up from what I am used too. I am used to American cars and trucks and everything on this car seems to have the quality dial turned to 11. Driving it you feel like you are driving something special. You are cocooned in luxury, but somehow through all the luxury you feel like you are in a track car with just the right settings.

There is one flaw to my new M3.

My old Camaro was my first car. It was a car that I aspired to own, and I was fortunate to own it. In my mind, I put it on a pedestal, you always remember your first. It was a great looking car and made some good sounds of its own. The aforementioned flaw is…this M3 completely shattered my opinion of my first car, of my Camaro. I thought my Camaro was pretty great, but the M3 made me reset my scale. Everyone knows BMW M3’s are the benchmark upon which many other performance cars are blueprinted. I will always remember my first car, but I will smile thinking about it while at 8250 RPM in my second car.

To check out my car further, check out my !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Follow Danny @DKorecki

DISCUSSION (100)

maximillious > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 15:07

First. Awesome write up! That was a very well written and interesting read. Second. Congrats on the M3. Finally, I have to agree that selling a car or trading to carmax is ridiculously straight forward. I had a focus ST that I sold to them. While they did offer my minimum sale price they still came in 2-4k higher than any other dealership in Denver. It took me forever to decide on its replacement but I ultimately wound up with a dream car of mine, the Honda s2000. Like you I was dreading ssellingon CL and dealing with tire kickers and joy rides in my ST. Carmax removed that hassle and for the 2k I may have missed out on it was totally worth it. If I ever buy a second vehicle I would consider them. Although they are a little more expensive on the average, it seems the piece of mind of dealing with a federally standardized dealership is way better than some stand alone that in some states can put any old POS on the lot.

I look forward to some updates on your experience with the M3.

Bansheeisacomin > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 15:12

My dad made a spur of the moment decision and bought an e90 from a friend. I love how understated it is compared to other performance cars.

Shankems > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 15:34

Congrats!

I would however, say that the M3/4 is no longer the benchmark. Lap time wise, they’ve been equaled/bested since your 5th gen (1LE). The M4 is firmly in the GT category, with the ATS-V and new Gen 6 Camaro more on the true sports car side of things.

Interior is another story entirely, especially if you’re talkin’ used cars.

Danny Korecki > maximillious
02/28/2016 at 15:35

Thanks man I appreciate it.
Anything I edit to my car will make its way to my Wheel Well profile. Josh and I might do something with both our M3's as his is 6MT and mine is DCT. Nice comparison in the generation.

Danny Korecki > Bansheeisacomin
02/28/2016 at 15:37

E90 I would like long term, for the four doors.

Yep, other than enthusiasts, no one knows how powerful an E92 M3 is. The average joe believes it to be luxury only.

Bansheeisacomin > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 15:41

And it’s fairly easy to drive as well. The power band is almost perfectly linear. you can cruise on a highway and hit a back road without really any changes.

Changesonmyminda2323 > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 15:42

I literally just did the exact same thing with my Mustang in October. I had the Mustang since new in 2007 and was my first car. It was always going to be a car that I was going to hold on to, being that I put so much money into upgrades and the newer Mustangs were not that much more of a step up with the changes I’d made. This all changed when they debuted the GT350. After falling in love with that new flat plane crank engine, I knew I needed to have one. The $20-30K ADM squashed that dream.

I started shopping around for a different car with similar qualities: high revving V-8 with a good chassis and limited electronics. Luckily, the local Audi dealer just took a trade that checked all my box. The 2011 M3 was equipped with DCT, no iDrive or Navigation, ZCP package, and Speed cloth seats with manual adjustments. Similar mileage as the one you picked up, about 34K. I was, however, really disappointed with the stock exhaust note. It really did not showcase the majesty of that engine. This was solved with the addition of Borla Atak axle-back, and now I love cruising in this car. I do not miss my original car at all, even though I was a little heartbroken when I sold the thing.

JustJim > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 15:44

Very good work here. Nice car too.

Tony Hip Soldier > Bansheeisacomin
02/28/2016 at 15:47

As long as you check your tire pressures that is.

Matt Nichelson > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 15:49

Nice choice you made. I even like the color! Absolutely beautiful car. I hope you enjoy it!

CALUSA > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 15:50

Great story, better car!

treefiftyz > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 15:58

I love the whine from the transmission in low gears especially. I have a Meisterschaft exhaust on mine and it sounds AMAZING! It made it one of the best sounding cars I have ever heard.

ToastedTires > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:03

For emphasis, I read up on the new Camaro daily finding new bits of information or finding the newest leaked test mule pictures. In my mind, I become an unofficial expert on the Gen 6 Camaro knowing everything from the paint production code I want to the dual mode exhaust production code.

Anyways, nice car. I hated Mustangs until 2004. With hundreds collecting water spots on dealer lots in the fall of 2004, I picked up a base GT for $17k. Cloth and few options meant it was faster than the premium models magazines tested. It was nearly as quick as the S197 models coming out weeks later.

The the 2010 came. I bought one with a track pack and moths later discovered the next mustang would have 100 more ponies. I promptly ordered one. I was a mustang fan boy. My wife had a 2007, my 2011 was delayed and I picked up a Roush Stage 3 for $8k under MSRP. Then kids, Alaska, SUVs, and cars and coffee. Every asshat in a mustang was being an asshat. I couldn’t be associated with “those people.” German muscle was heavily researched. The BMWs are okay, but every one I sat in was in various stages of catastrophic failure.

Every Mercedes I sat in (worked over by AMG) felt like a bank vault hewn from a single chunk of steel and felt like it was going to pull road under it than shove the car across it’s top.

I wound up in an IS350 for fuel mileage reasons but the CLS55 was a fun dream.

Best of luck with your beemer!

sgoldste02 > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:07

Do you mind telling us how much you paid for the M3 and also for the warranty?

citizennick > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:10

Kinja'd!!!

I have no regrets. Love the E90/92 M3 though.

Ornery Duck Is Always The Answer > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:15

Fantastic choice!

Regarding your family-reasonable vehicle demand in a year or two, is there any reason you didn’t opt for a four-door with intentions to keep it into those years?

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:15

Beautiful colour and the E92 has a timeless style. Enjoy in good health!

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:19

Excellent write up, this is making me yearn to go out and buy m M3 for myself. But id probably go for the E90...I love fast sedans.

In fact, I’d probably just buy my long-time dream BMW...

Kinja'd!!!

...

Danny Korecki > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/28/2016 at 16:20

I appreciate it!

TheCackler > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:26

That was a good read. I was genuinely excited for you to get your M3. Good for you.

KekkleHyde > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:41

“only revved to around 5000 RPM.”

6000. The L99 had a 6000rpm redline.

Danny Korecki > KekkleHyde
02/28/2016 at 16:42

Without a tune, the gearbox will shift way before 6000 my friend.

graham > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:44

That's too bad you went with the auto instead of the manual. Shifting gears in traffic is the best part of my commute...otherwise you might as well be driving a Camry.

Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:46

You spent $40k on a Camaro with the shelf life of a banana, and then considered buying a Toyota truck, but Tacoma or Tundra (both will outlive the Camaro by a decade) ... and then end up with an M3 and you’re surprised that one of the finest cars even made happens to be ... somehow better.

All of this hurts my head.

1970camaroRS > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 16:54

Stock shift-point is 5,800-6,000 depending on which gear it’s shifting from and to. With the itty-bitty stock camshaft, no need to go much higher than that.

SoManyBlueCars > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 17:05

I've had mine for 6 years, and it's an amazing car. Congrats!

ross520 > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 17:10

I'd say the one flaw is the dct transmission. And you're letting your wife drive it? Goodness

LongbowMkII > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 17:22

Ew.

HiredDriver > citizennick
02/28/2016 at 17:24

Don't drive a V8 M3 or you just might.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 17:31

Congrats! With you, Josh & me all in an E9x, readers might not be wrong to consider us biased - ha!

BruceAE > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 17:45

2012 is the right year to purchase one of these M3's. I desperately wanted one a few years ago and did a lot of homework - the S65 was tweaked in the 2012 year to improve the reliability of the rod bearings, a problem in earlier year.

Damn now I’m rethinking my desperate need/desire to purchase an HSV VF GTS. (Living in New Zealand, it’s the closest we get to a Camaro.).

citizennick > HiredDriver
02/28/2016 at 17:45

Doubtful

Kinja'd!!!

ocbrad1 used to be iamhoff but is now just wandering around > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 17:47

Great article and congrats on the find! Haven’t narrowed down what my next car will be when I escape Canada and return home to California (will the wife decide one of us needs an SUV for the dogs or can I just get by with a sport sedan?), but between DeMuro’s Carmax shenanigans and your own experiences, Carmax is the likely source. Enjoy the M!

TheOnelectronic > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 17:52

Someone should really come up with a sort of transmission the driver can shift themselves. That’d be swell.

BBlades > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 17:56

Nice pick. When I was looking for a new car I tested an E9x 335, and a current gen 328, and it just seems like BMW went in the wrong direction. I’m sure the V8 is a monster.

472CID > Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief
02/28/2016 at 18:00

I’m confused how a $40k Camaro was his first car.

honor first > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 18:09

you are a fool for not getting a second gen CTSV. i could go into how inexpensive my original owner, new pirellis, black on black perfect V was, but obviously too little too late. enjoy your torque in the m3!

E92M3 > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 18:32

Well..you’ve done it now. AND it’s only your second car! You’re ruined, nothing else this side of a Porsche will ever be good enough from now on. You’ll flirt with the idea of getting something else, only to be disappointed with the steering feel, the engine, the extra weight, or larger dimensions after driving it.

Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief > 472CID
02/28/2016 at 18:33

That, also. I gave it the benefit and read it as “first new car” or “first real car” as going from no car to a $40k one doesn’t make sense to my tired old brains but it’s not impossible — depending on school and first job. A lot of guys at my place of employment get upwards of $100k salary for their first job. I guess if you live next to your college you might simply not ever need a car or borrow one from your family, etc. But then how do you end up being an enthusiast?

Ouch more advil. None of my questions have any kind of answers.

Phil > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 18:42

tl;dr: dude buys an M3 and gets a Carmax tattoo.

jeebus > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 18:43

Your story almost exactly mirrors mine two years ago. I was finally ready to buy my first ‘Murcan car. The 2015 Mustang GT. I nerded out for months and pre-ordered the car. During the wait, many specs came out that were less than the fanbase really wanted, but it still sounded like a solid choice overall. Then one arrived at my dealer, specced almost exactly as I had done mine (performance pack, manual, etc). I “liked” it. But I didn’t love it. I was expecting more from the experience. So I started looking at other, used options. As a multi-Bimmer owner, I honestly never thought I’d like the e9x m3. It was always the “fat” one. The one without that traditional straight 6, etc. But then I drove one, at CarMax no less. I didn’t end up buying the one I drove, but I found a sweet competition pack car near me at a local BMW dealer, complete with the 6 year/100k CPO, and took the plunge. It’s been a great car for me, I’ve put a ton of miles on it. It loves AutoX and never complains when daily driven. I even got the DCT, which was a strange choice for me since I ALWAYS get manuals. The DCT has been fantastic, though I do miss stick. Even when I’m in traffic. But I’m lucky enough to have a few other cars that still have sticks...and that DCT downshift blip is panty-dropping.

Art > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 18:43

Kinja'd!!!

If it was a 2013 Camaro 1LE with a Manual transmission I think you would be regreating your M3 purchase a bit more, at least I would. Since it was the L99 400 hp automatic version you had, I don’t think you will miss your camaro much. I myself bought a car at carmax not too long ago. It was a 2011 Mustang GT with 33k miles. I believe I got a great deal, given that it came with the brembo/track pack option which when pitted against thr M3 it beat it in a straight line and barely lost at the track. With that being said, I have driven a manual M3, 5G Camaro SS and my 2011 GT side to side. Without being bias, the M3 is a much better car all around and although the engine doesn’t have the punch or torque as compare to the 5.0 liter v8, it makes up for it with screaming high revving awesomeness. The Camaro SS I drove was my friends. It’s a 2010 six speed manual. Right away the car felt heavier as compared to the Mustang and the M3. The Camaro’s engine didn’t feel special either, the power was there but it didn’t feel like it was climbing, it was more of a torque grunt instead. Inside the camaro, it too wasn’t as special although the leather seat design do look best, everything else was cheap and plastics everwhere. The Mustang comes in second with a nice wide aluminum dash, follow by some great soft textures and retro vibe that just screams 1960s. The M3 is more elegant, feels richer and the leather treatment feels great to the touch. When it came to making my decision a couple of years ago, the M3 was not even an option, it was simply too much money. Today I too can afford one with under 30k miles which is ideal in my opinion. I however loved my Mustang, it makes 440 whp, revvs to 7800 rpms thanks to a newer manifold and it also looks great thanks to the addition of staggered forgestar wheels, 305 tires and a 1.5 inch drop in height. If I ever get an M3 it will probably be the 4 door, not because I don’t want the two door but because the reason I am trading my Mustang is because I need a bit more space and two extra doors.

Art > citizennick
02/28/2016 at 18:45

V8 M3 will only see the 2016 tailights so it’s not a big deal. I myself wouln’t mind either one. My true love though is the 2016 GT350

Art > jeebus
02/28/2016 at 18:46

Pics of your M3?

472CID > Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief
02/28/2016 at 18:49

It’s gotta be that, no 16/17 year old could swing that on their own unless they’re a stock market prodigy or killer drug dealer.

Art > Shankems
02/28/2016 at 18:51

Either way getting one is a hell of a deal. It’s true though. I once saw a test by motortrend between the M3 and the 2011 GT track pack. The Mustang won the straight mile by a nose and the M3 won the road course by a nose. Performance wise, the M3 was beaten by the much cheaper Boss 302 and 1LE of the time though. However that doesn’t take anything away from the M3, it simply is glorious. The recipe of the M3 is now in the hands of Ford with the nee 2016 GT350. That should of been the engine and nature of the new M3/M4 instead of thr twin turbo six. However does that buy the M3/M4 are not really all true enthusiast like us jalops.

jeebus > Art
02/28/2016 at 18:51

Street mode:

Kinja'd!!!

Beast Mode:

Kinja'd!!!

citizennick > Art
02/28/2016 at 18:52

The GT350 is amazing. I will say I'm slightly disappointed they announced the 1LE already. I figured they would have waited a couple years before they came out with that.

Chasaboo > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 18:57

Great thought process. It’s refreshing to read about someone buying a car and thinking it out properly.

Art > jeebus
02/28/2016 at 18:59

If I was to buy an M3 E90 it will no doubt be the 4 door with a Manual.

Bighead38 > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 19:27

You know you can own more than one car at a time right? You don’t have to sell your fun car to get a family car.

Your worried about payments and money yet you are willing to throw away at least $2-3000 by trading it in because you didn’t want to deal with selling it. Seems lazy imo because it’s really not hard to sell a car especially when it’s a car like yours and not some $1000 beater.

You say you don’t want a manual because of traffic and your wife. It’s not like your a trucker who is driving in traffic all day everyday. You deal with traffic for part of your commute whic would be what? 1 maybe 2 hours per day at a maximum? Other than that little bit of time the manual would provide much more driving pleasure. Personally I actually like having a manual car for my commute most days even when traffic was terrible. Of course there were some days I was just super lazy and wished I was in an automatic but those days were few and far between. Using your wife as an excuse is just sad. Unless she has a medical issue than there is no reason that she couldn’t learn to drive stick. She might actually enjoy it if she learns.

Sorry for calling you out but these things really stood out to me reading the article. Anyway the new car is awesome. Not my style and I would prefer many other cars but as a gear head I completely appreciate what the m3 is and what it does. Good luck with it, hopefully it treats you well.

Oh and since you want to compare the m3 and the Camaro how about making a video to show us if the m3 can do a big smoky American style burnout? Please!

tobythesandwich > jeebus
02/28/2016 at 19:32

holy shit the painted wheels are terrible. Where were you autocrossing? in the middle of a pep boys?

tobythesandwich > Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief
02/28/2016 at 19:35

I’m more confused on how you’re just making an assumption the Tacoma or Tundra would last longer than the Camaro.

BrillyOcean > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 19:40

Nothing about torque ratios...

Jake Kirn > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/28/2016 at 19:59

Kinja'd!!!

Do it! I did and I don't regret it even a little bit.

Dolby109 > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 20:06

What is this crazy thing...a gearbox that shifts for you????

DayWooTang > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 20:32

Congrats! That’s a really pretty Bimmer, love the red.

pizzaman09 > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/28/2016 at 20:49

Having ridden in an e92 M3 and owning an e39 M5, the two V8s are seriously different beast. Both are awesome in their own ways. The e92 wants you to rev it, you have to rev it, it makes great race car sounds. the e39 is a torque monster, it has 100 Nm more torque than the e92 and it starts pretty low. It only revs to 7000 rpm.

It is probably hard to go wrong with either car, they are both phenomenal cars in their own right. The biggest difference is the M3 rides hard, it drives like a go-kart and is wicked in the turns. The M5 is very much more a luxury ride, it is a comfortable highway cruiser that is suited well for a fast paced track.

Illegal Machine > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 20:49

I don’t think the 5th gen Camaro has aged well at all.

Patriot > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 20:50

You bought a BMW? LOL.

Even with a warranty you will spend 1 of those 2 years you plan to keep it waiting to pick it up from the dealer.

YumYumOfTheYum > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 21:05

Nice one, my fellow jalop! Wish u long road and miles ahead.

Although, my 2 wheels thumper revs to 11,500 *wink*

Wanna try?

jeebus > tobythesandwich
02/28/2016 at 21:41

hey thanks dick. First off, they are powdercoated. And I bought them used that way. And they are only my AutoX and track wheels....also I get more compliments on them than I ever imagined.

jeebus > Art
02/28/2016 at 21:43

4 door ftw. No carbon roof that way though. I’d also recommend the manual, if only for potential collect ability down the road.

chaozbandit > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 21:44

Any particular reason you went for a E92 M3 over a W204 C63 (w/ 507 pack)?

Danny Korecki > chaozbandit
02/28/2016 at 21:47

Not a fan of Mercs. I like BMW’s and Audi’s if I am picking German.

jeebus > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 21:48

here’s a tip...you WILL get little pebbles in the rear rotors. They will make clunkity clunk clunk sounds. It will annoy you. It has happened to me 12+ times in the 18 months I’ve owned an e90 m3. Either drive super fast and slam on the brakes or pull the dust shield back a pinch and try and pop the suckers out.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/28/2016 at 22:01

There also appears to be an e92 M3 GTS in the rear of that picture as well. I believe that is a sign you must acquire both the e39 M5 and the M3.

Dead Mike > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 22:03

Want to make it sound really exotic without the cost associated with an Akrapovic or Eisseman slip on exhaust? Get the Borla ATAK. Loved it on my E90 M3.

Brad02SS > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 22:03

When Miata isn’t the answer...Chevy SS is.

SoichiroFerdinandandEnzo > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 22:03

I’m 6'6" and surprised the M3 was comfortable, simply because the 5 series is so cramped

Art > jeebus
02/28/2016 at 22:11

Yeah I think the manual 4 doors are pretty rare and will be highly sought after down the road for a good model.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 22:24

When it’s time for a family car the journey will begin for a V12.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Patriot
02/28/2016 at 22:27

So what do you think of my car, a V12 Mercedes S class with 47,864 computers inside of it ? I ain’t your pap’s chebby

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
02/28/2016 at 22:29

Kinja'd!!!

Yeah, that orange is pretty striking.

Pics are from my C&C trip yesterday.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/28/2016 at 22:31

HNNNNNG I need it!!!

schwartz > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 22:38

Congrats! Been lusting over the new 2016 2SS as well, came to the same conclusion as you. Been looking at the E9x M3 as an alternative. The ownership and maintenance cost along with the fact that its German worries me. CarMax warranty takes care of part of that. I currently am all about 09+ Cayman S. They are hard to find.

SuPeRcHaRgER > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 22:57

Congrats! But one thing. What’s the life expectancy of the crank bearings on these? Because the ones on the S85 V10 tend to not last too long (fail around 70-85k miles) due to how high it revs. Just changing the oil very often should do the trick though, instead of how long BMW suggests to do it.

RoshDawg > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 23:23

Amazing choice. Future collectors car right there. One of the only modern cars that I can think of where the new one is worse than the old one.

Discerning > Danny Korecki
02/28/2016 at 23:26

The camaro is the much quicker and better handling car, but the E92 is still a brilliant car.

suckmyfish > Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief
02/28/2016 at 23:42

Right, he said his goal was to save money. KBB says 13MY M3 is 46,000 with DCT and comp package. He never wanted another Camaro. This sounds like a paid piece for Carmax. They tried to low ball me on my Sti trade in and I’ve never considered them since.

Discerning > HiredDriver
02/28/2016 at 23:47

Having driven both back to back, I can say with certainty that he will have zero regrets.

Discerning > citizennick
02/28/2016 at 23:54

You made the right choice. I am seriously considering trading my c5z in on a yellow 1SS with zero options. Have you had yours weighed?

What options did you go with? I’d rather go coilovers than bother with the magnetic ride control. I’m on the fence with the brembo’s though. They are pretty nice pieces with the two piece 14 inch rotors. 3 grand is a fair price for those if they are as good as the aftermarket stuff.

I imagine a 1ss with only brembo’s is the lightest you can go. I really wish I could find one with those options somewhere in Atlanta.

Congrats on the 6th gen.

citizennick > Discerning
02/29/2016 at 00:41

Your best bet is ordering one. It seems like most dealer ones have a sunroof or an automatic. Mine is a 2SS, 6-speed, MRC, adrenaline red leather, NPP.

I regret not going with the 6-piston Brembos. But eventually I’ll get something comparable.

I love MRC, didn't want to deal with coilovers again after having them on my previous car. Hopefully soon I'll get to see how it performs on the track.

Arben72 > Danny Korecki
02/29/2016 at 01:15

Welcome to the club. Now go use that launch control!

Keith > Danny Korecki
02/29/2016 at 01:32

NO WAY. An M3 is a better driving car than a Camaro? Holy jesus I’m gonna have to stop trying to get my pet elephant to tap dance next..

TheNotoriousBJMG > 472CID
02/29/2016 at 02:05

I’m confused as to why people are willing to pay $40k for a car as poorly built and appointed as a modern camaro. The “holy crap this car is so much nicer could just as easily be had sitting in a mark V-VII GTI any Audi. Any BMW ever. I mean, open your eyes. Most of the world makes better cars that are cheaper and nicer to be in than us. It's amazing how much faster a V8 is when you can turn.

Tribesman2004 > 1970camaroRS
02/29/2016 at 04:17

Can confirm. Friend just bought a 2011 SS to try to keep up with me, and he says at full tilt, it shifts right at 6K, or just slightly before.

Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief > suckmyfish
02/29/2016 at 05:29

I don’t think CarMax is scraping by having people write long articles and posting them to esoteric blogs that 99.999% of the world will never see. I think the writer was sincere although I have questions about details, but they are niggling details and my skeptical eyebrow raise was more due to the stated lack of car experience contrasted with the implied car experience. Paying $40k for a first car and randomly buying a M3 as the second is lunacy. I believe the original poster was sincere though and anything that stretched the truth was to add to the story for the benefit of the reader. Also, buying a car requires figuring out trade offs. I applaud such things as a bit of literary creativity regardless. Like anyone, I don’t care for a liar, but I certainly enjoy a good story, and even if this was 1000% fiction I enjoyed it and am glad I read it. Doesn’t matter if I have questions.

That said, and call me a shill if you like, but CarMax is the shit.

I’m the 3rd owner of a BMW 540i that picked up 12k miles from the first owner. The second owner bought the car from CarMax and got the DuMuro warranty. I bought it from that gentleman right as that warranty expired.

End result: I bought a 540i with zero evidence of it not being brand new, straight from the showroom. Not a single dead pixel on any display, all work done at the dealer, all paperwork. Everything. Even the coolant is BMW. One foglight was inop as he bumped a curb after the warranty expired. Literally, that was it. I even have the factory roof racks.

The car is a 2000 model E39. 120k miles and brand new.

The owner had everything to do with this car being how it is, but CarMax is no joke. That long article wasn’t penned by them, and neither is this. It’s cheaper to pay for repairs out of your own pocket unless you’re aiming for unreliable cars (DeMuro) but you won’t want to pony up the cash because holidays/birthdays/anniversary/whatever and you put it off ... but if you’ve paid in advance oh hell yeah you can’t wait for something to break.

I think CarMax might actually be a good company making a profit off of the same psychology that inspires people to go to the gym, which is shady as shit, but the big difference is that people actually take their car to the shop if it starts putting on the pounds.

CarMax > Oprah/WeightWatchers

Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief > tobythesandwich
02/29/2016 at 05:52

I was being a bit faceitious for effect but I think it’s commonly accepted that a Toyota will generally outlast a Chevy and/or most American cars. Lotta rad old Camaros out there but I think the new ones have make the same mistake Jeep made. Too much plastic, and the current ones — it’s a rolling blind spot. The HellCat and 350GT all have super high doors and massive blindpots over every shoulder. If it doesn’t die on it’s own, you’ll help it along by trying to change lanes. It’s a weird fad and I hope it changes. I digress.

Give it 10 years. There will be more 1976 BMW 2002 turbos (fastest car made that year so it’s a good comparison) rolling the year 2026 streets than 2012 Camaros or Chargers or Mustangs. As evidence, count how many 2002 year Camaros, Mustangs, etc, you see. All those 325s are from before 2002; mostly 80's.

Know what car name is a stupid choice? BMW 2002 (made in the 70's).

Know what will outlive a BMW? A Toyota.

Mad cow: Toyota.

Nuclear holocaust? Toyota.

OJ Simpson: Ford.

I still buy the BMW, but that’s because I have more to do than just travel from place to place. My girlfriend has a Toyota.

Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief > Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief
02/29/2016 at 05:54

Son of a bitch.

*2016 Camaros or Chargers

SoManyBlueCars > Patriot
02/29/2016 at 06:21

Please tell me more about your personal ownership experience. I've had mine 6 years now, without any issue.

cwick M3 > Danny Korecki
02/29/2016 at 08:18

So let me get this straight, you intend on daily driving the car, so a manual is out, but the competition package with it’s firmer suspension and larger rougher riding rim is in? Come on now. I know the M3 has a tunable suspension for comfort, but you have to see how you are contradicting yourself here. Nice car though, the E9x M3s are fantastic.

Kahless > Danny Korecki
02/29/2016 at 09:07

a car that was 65 new has a higher quality than one that was 35 new, no shit? you should’ve at least seen what they were giving him for the quattroporte. might’ve been cheaper than the m3 and 4doors so its kinda a family car.

Discerning > citizennick
02/29/2016 at 09:28

The biggest thing holding me back is the announcement of a 1le. It comes with mrc obviously. If it is comparable to coilovers, that will be one less thing i need to do.

How do you like the npp? With the added weight and my disappointment with it on the c6's, I never considered it.

ChrisFu > Danny Korecki
02/29/2016 at 09:43

You do not want to shift gears in traffic all day.

I really, truly, honestly don’t understand this sentiment. I drive a modern (2014) 6MT in DFW traffic on a daily basis and it really is No Big Deal.

Honestly, are people really that bothered to use a clutch pedal? The modern MTs are so light, its not like driving my GD WRX.

TheBoyScout > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/29/2016 at 09:45

I’ve had my e39 M5 for a couple years now... you will not regret it!!

tank > Danny Korecki
02/29/2016 at 10:04

Tony two times, says everything twice. You have that paragraph twice in a row in your article.

ivan256 > Danny Korecki
02/29/2016 at 10:18

it felt like a silly decision to spend a new $45000 or more on car that I intended to keep for only 1-2 years before moving to a more family-sized vehicle.

As long as you don’t have a third kid, an M3 is a perfectly reasonable family car. The Camaro would have worked too. It’s a little bit annoying getting kids in and out of the car seat, but that is 1000% offset by the fun you have driving. And it encourages you not to become one of those parents that lugs shit around.

My kids parents have a 335i and a Cooper S hardtop. The looks we get from parents with minivans are a delicious bonus.

wtfscienceyo > Danny Korecki
02/29/2016 at 10:35

how much did the warranty cost and what were the terms?

KmartSmart > Danny Korecki
02/29/2016 at 10:38

That was an excellent read! Thanks for sharing! I am from the Baltimore area as well and if you ever free on a Saturday morning and want to go for a drive you should visit the cars and coffee meet in Hunt Valley. It's called Hunt Valley Horsepower. It's every Saturday morning from 8-10. We would all love to see your new toy. This is one of my dream cars.... one day I will own one but I have a ways before that day will show up.