Think I should try and convince my friend to get this?

"E90M3" (e90m3)
09/06/2016 at 15:45 • Filed to: None

He got someone to take over the lease on his 328d xdrive wagon, and wants something a lot more fun to drive. We’ve been friends since 2003, so me talking about BMWs for almost as long has had some effect. This one was also made a mere 29 cars after mine. What are your thoughts oppo? Based on my choice of cars, you should be able in infer my position on this matter.

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Edit: probably should have said he’s pretty much between the E90 and E93 M3 now.

DISCUSSION (29)

S65 > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 15:47

That’s nice. mmmmm

petebmwm > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 15:52

if you have to convince him, he’s not your friend.

lone_liberal > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 15:55

I always go to the worst case scenario. What happens if the car in question turns out to be a huge lemon, or he just plain hates it for whatever reason? Will he blame you?

E90M3 > petebmwm
09/06/2016 at 15:55

Well, I think he’s decided on the M3, just not between the E93 and the E90. He’s thinking about the E93 cause he lives in LA and the weather is nice most of the time to justify a convertible. He really did like driving my E90 when he was visited me in TX.

E90M3 > lone_liberal
09/06/2016 at 15:57

He is gonna get it from Carmax with a warranty. I’ve had mine for 2 years so he’s aware of how expensive they are. I don’t think he’d blame me if for some reason he hates it.

BeaterGT > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 15:58

Did you explain to him one does not simply drive M3 convertibles? Not only because it’s an M3, but damn he’s coming from a wagon!

petebmwm > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 15:59

e90 is the best one. I’m an authority.

Tapas > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 15:59

I’ve heard that you need to be at least at 4500 or above to have fun.

Have you considered a new/newish Mustang GT for the same/similar price?

E90M3 > Tapas
09/06/2016 at 16:05

4500 is a little high for bottom end of fun range, anything above 3500 will get you moving. Don’t think he really wants a mustang.

E90M3 > BeaterGT
09/06/2016 at 16:07

He also has a VW TDI hatchback, plus he never used the wagon for space like he thought he would.

Too many M's > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 16:14

Are BMW CPOs not available on the E90s anymore? Not that it'd be much better vs a Carmax warranty.

If he still has a TDI hatch for real things, he should drive the E93 top down just to get a feel. I'm not a drop top guy personally so E90 all the way (I've had two).

AM3R shamefully returns > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 16:17

No because it has a sunroof and ZCP!! Needs 2 less doors, ZCP, and a carbon fiber roof ;)

E90M3 > Too many M's
09/06/2016 at 16:18

I think the E90 is too old to be CPO anymore, and I think at this point a carmax warranty would run long anyways.

The TDI is getting bought back and he wants to get down to one car, which is one reason he’s between the E93 and E90. I’m not a drop top person either, but he’s interested since he thinks he’d get use out of it cause the weather in Los Angeles is perfect for it most of the time.

Tapas > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 16:20

He isn’t leaning towards a Mustang? Fair enough.

LongbowMkII > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 16:20

Just stay away from his throttle acuators.

GolfR Guy > AM3R shamefully returns
09/06/2016 at 16:28

Like this? https://www.carmax.com/cars/bmw/m3/20…

GolfR Guy > BeaterGT
09/06/2016 at 17:51

Everyone always says this.. Why is the vert so hated?

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > E90M3
09/06/2016 at 18:02

I think he should buy my BRZ so I can buy that M3.

BeaterGT > GolfR Guy
09/06/2016 at 18:18

First off, are you the friend?

In the old days, convertible sports cars might have meant less weight which would translate into more fun. Nowadays it is almost always the opposite where the convertibles will weigh more. A quick googling shows the difference to be ~500 pounds. If someone had performance in mind, they wouldn’t get the M3 convertible.

Having said that, BMW made it because people will buy it and ultimately it is up to the person with the cash, not anyone else (including myself).

GolfR Guy > BeaterGT
09/06/2016 at 18:52

I am.

I know it weighs more, but honestly I’m not tracking the thing. So the weight isn’t that big of a deal. But I can see why people want to save 500lbs since the car doesn’t make tons of tq.

BeaterGT > GolfR Guy
09/06/2016 at 19:43

Yeah, It’s all about what you want to use it for. I don’t shop for convertibles so make sure the top works and stuff. That’s about all the good advice I have! I’d love to have an E92 if the money allowed.

AM3R shamefully returns > GolfR Guy
09/06/2016 at 19:53

Wow, you even picked the right color.

Too many M's > E90M3
09/07/2016 at 02:26

Ah, yeah I’m in a similar TDI buyback thing. When is his getting done? They’re estimating November or so for mine.

If he’s going down to one car I’d go for the E90. The E93 would be nice for the sunny days (not to mention sound if he replaced the exhaust) but the “every other use” category goes to the E90 hands down.

E90M3 > Too many M's
09/07/2016 at 10:52

I think November is why the buy back is supposed to happen. Looking at some of your posts, are you in Germany? I didn’t realize VW was going to buy back anything other than American cars.

Too many M's > E90M3
09/07/2016 at 11:55

I have a US model TDI SportWagen, I feel for all the Euro folks over here. The huge bummer for me is I have to get my car back to the states in order for them to buy it back.

E90M3 > Too many M's
09/07/2016 at 12:04

That sounds like a pain, how’d you manage to get an American car in Germany, seems like it’d be easier to just get a euro model there.

Too many M's > E90M3
09/07/2016 at 12:22

I'm an American living over here. I've been paranoid about having to move back at the drop of a hat so I only buy US spec cars, easier to take back if I can't sell them before I go. Usually cheaper too.

E90M3 > Too many M's
09/07/2016 at 12:23

That makes sense.

Too many M's > E90M3
09/07/2016 at 12:28

It’s what I tell myself, hahaha. I’ve been here for 12 years, might actually have to leave next Spring though.