E90 M3 vs SS

"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction) 10/02/2020 at 11:55 • Filed to: None

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Just a quick comparison from my 500 mile drive home yesterday.

M3 is an ‘08 manual, with 130,000 miles (sold to my brother).

SS is a ‘17 manual, with 1300 miles (not a typo - I’ll double the miles these first few weeks...).

—————

Low-speed acceleration: SS

High-speed acceleration: M3, just barely (and this is just a feeling)

Throttle response: M3, but SS is quite good

Transmission: SS (yes, really)

Rev-match satisfaction: M3 (revs so fast!)

Pedal placement: M3 (might have to get an aftermarket solution for SS to bridge the gap)

Handling: M3 (slight edge)

Steering feel: M3, but SS is quite good

Ride: SS (MagneRide is Magic Ride - just eats the miles on a road trip)

Braking: SS - big Brembo binders!

Visibility: M3 (slight edge)

Seats: M3

Interior volume: SS - it’s a significantly bigger car with a roomy back seat

Interior materials quality: M3

Interior tech: SS (2008 M3s have old version of iDrive)

Customizability of dynamic drive settings: M3

Heads-up display: SS has one

Ergonomics (other than seats): both quite good, but I like the SS’s steering wheels controls better - never liked cruise on the separate stalk in the M3

Sound: calling this a tie - both very good, but very different. SS’s off-throttle burble is great, but nothing sings high in the rev range like the S65...

Exterior design: M3 (personal preference, of course)

Weight: M3 is lighter by 200-300 lbs, but SS drives “smaller” than it is

—————

These are both very, very good cars. I’m very fortunate to have owned them both; looking forward to the SS feeling more like it’s actually “mine” soon.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 11:47

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Are you planning to do any mods to the SS? Long tubes, cam etc etc?

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 11:50

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never liked cruise on the separate stalk in the M3

Really? It’s my favorite cruise control I’ve used.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 10/02/2020 at 11:58

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Not for a while, but maybe in the future. Probably won’t get too crazy, though.

It’s already loud enough for Mrs. addiction - ha! 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 10/02/2020 at 12:00

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It’s okay, but I prefer not taking my hands off the wheel to adjust the cruise, and every once in a while I’d flash the brights at someone when I meant to change the cruise...

notsomethingstructural > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:01

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Torquey cars are fun but so many of them just fall on their face once you get over 50. I’m enormously biased as an RX8 driver but I’ve driven my share of supercharged, or low-displacement LPT cars, or all-motor cars and even with VVT they just don’t stack up the same ways to stuff that makes all its power up top. Is it better or worse? I dunno. There’s a certain satisfaction to being able to get the  go-juice anytime you want but nothing is more thrilling than a car that keeps pulling harder and harder as it gets closer to redline

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:09

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OOOOHHH! I’ve been waiting for this.

I just put 400 miles on the PPV yesterday (drove down from a week in Taos) and like it even more... power’s great, steering feel is wonderful with quick turn-in. My only complaint is that the ride is almost too harsh— reminds me a lot more of my S8 than my A8s— it’s very performance tuned. Not at all like the plush riding Panthers and B-bodies of my past.

EDITED: In comparing notes here— I’d add that I wish the cops had gotten Magneride. That’s probably my big complaint after a few hundred miles of bad expansion joints.

Steering is sur prisingly good. And, oddly, it does “feel” a lot smaller than it is.

I like the dash in the Holden base unit--  some better seats swapped in (and some Dynamat) probably upgrades my experience a lot.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:09

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*reaches for drool cup*

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:10

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That could explain a whole lot of BMW drivers’ behavior then.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:12

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Wait, the Aussie muscle sedan has a better shifter than the M3? I’m really shocked they’re so close in most stats. I’m also surprised the SS drives smaller than the M3. And a GM interior beating out the Germans? 

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:13

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The PPV version got a rotary (twist) motion to increase or decrease by steps.  I LOVE that implementation-- best of my many GM cars.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > notsomethingstructural 10/02/2020 at 12:15

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Oh, the SS pulls like crazy in 3rd from 3500 up to 70 (and probably 90 if I stayed in it!). Fuel cutoff is 6600 RPM, apparently . This is the first time that I’ve had a torquey car - I don’t see it getting old anytime soon, but yeah, there’s something about an engine that loves to be flogged again and again up to redline.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 10/02/2020 at 12:17

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Nice! The ride is great in the SS - they actually made it a little softer at the end of its run.

Sorry I had to buy it ( so you couldn’t LOL) , but enjoy the PPV!

gokstate > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:21

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Subjective driving satisfaction comparo?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/02/2020 at 12:23

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Yes, the shift action is better.

The SS doesn’t drive smaller than the M3, just smaller than an almost two-ton car has any right to.

Interior quality of the M3 is better - nicer leather, etc. Little things show up on the SS, like the cheap hard plastic closure on the center console.

As a graphic designer, the interface design of the SS is pretty gross. Thankfully the map looks good. 

notsomethingstructural > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:24

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That’s a good way to put it. I like cars that are happy to get wrung all the way out. Going fast is great stepping on the gas and instantly accelerating is great but you just can’t beat a car that wants you to drive it hard all the time

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > gokstate 10/02/2020 at 12:26

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Both are highly satisfying to drive. Will need to get some time on some twisty back roads in the SS before giving a more complete verdict.

My M3's suspension is due a refresh, so that has to be figured in. 

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:29

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Does the SS give you the “fizz”?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > notsomethingstructural 10/02/2020 at 12:29

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As awesome as the M3 was on back roads or the track, its limits were just too high to push regularly during daily driving. I definitely appreciate the benefits of “slow car fast” - I flogged my old Mazda 3s hatch everywhere.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series 10/02/2020 at 12:31

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Yes, it’s a grin machine . =)

Need to find some time to chase down some twisty back roads soon. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 10/02/2020 at 12:34

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They really did dial in the handling really well with this one. 

Chariotoflove > notsomethingstructural 10/02/2020 at 12:36

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That was the best part of my RX-8. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:37

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I must not have read this thoroughly enough. The shifter still comes as a shock considering the reputation of the M3. Because with that much torque the shifter has got to be pretty good to make an engaging drive because otherwise you wouldn't really notice the lack of responsiveness over a torque converter with so much torque to go around. 

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:38

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I think the SS chassis was one generation newer—-

As I told you before I bought this one to swap out the L77 and 6L80.  But it’s a much much nicer car than I’d anticipated.  I was surprised by how much you can feel every bump and pebble in the road.  That Magnetic Ride system would have helped a lot!  (and, now, down into the rabbit hole of whether I can upgrade that suspension I suppose...)

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:38

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“ As awesome as the M3 was on back roads or the track, its limits were just too high to push regularly during daily driving.”

Felt exactly the same way about mine. Y ou do have to go DEEP with the S65 to get the big smiles. Anytime I did I was looking over both shoulders to see if I was going to get arrested. After that fear wore off I started worrying about how much it was going to cost when the next thing broke...I can deal with one of those feelings, not both.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 10/02/2020 at 12:41

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Haha! Good luck down that hole! 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 10/02/2020 at 12:44

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I always enjoyed driving my M3, and kept the revs fairly high all the time, but yeah, the real thrill of the car is past 7k, and doing that in 3rd gets you a big number fast.

Hoping my brother gets to enjoy it for a year before anything requires attention (after the rod bearing service) ! I gave him the fullest of full disclosure on everything. LOL

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 12:52

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I’m in a bad location for a car like that. My commute is a quick, fast, mostly boring stretch of highway then stop and go. Cool on the highway but who just wants to go fast in a straight line?

You took care of it. If he continues too, I’m sure it will serve him well. As I have said before I’d rather buy a 150k mile 1-2 owner car than an 6 owner with 50k on the clock.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/02/2020 at 13:00

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TR6060 vs MT82, the Tremec is much better

Captain of the Enterprise > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 13:02

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The 1,300 miles is shocking. I also love the color and am jealous. 

gokstate > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 13:10

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I’m guessing the SS wins the “burnouts” category.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 13:17

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The smaller LS6 in my Vette would suit you better imo, its not as tourqy and it does pul harder after 5000 rpm (high revs for it)...rev limiter is 6600ish on it yoo

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 13:27

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I don’t know what tires you were rolling on the E90, and you mention that suspens ion refresh was due, but usually a modern revision of tires and the magnet shocks start to make fat cars handle way better than expected, and it can be quite a perception shift once you start seeing fatter, bigger cars dance around on twist roads like running backs.

it’s good news for you, though, you’ll have lots of fun even without a 8000 rpm redline. 

Dash-doorhandle-6 cyl none the richer > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 14:14

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We’re all jealous, I still suffer the indignity of driving a D odge (just die already)  you shall be our king today. 

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 14:37

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I saw one with the badges the other day, I would like to try one. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 10/02/2020 at 14:50

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Yeah, definitely. He’s got the full history of everything that’s been done on it. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Captain of the Enterprise 10/02/2020 at 14:52

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The guy had an auto SS earlier, which got all beat up from daily driving. Guess he couldn’t bring himself to drive this one...

Thanks! 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > gokstate 10/02/2020 at 14:53

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LOL

Yes, but I’m too cheap too waste good  rubber...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 10/02/2020 at 14:54

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I don’t know - this suits me pretty well. =)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely 10/02/2020 at 14:56

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It was on PS4s, so the tires were no issue.

Lot of fun, for sure!

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 14:56

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:) torque is addictive

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Dash-doorhandle-6 cyl none the richer 10/02/2020 at 14:59

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Like I said, I’ve been ridiculously fortunate. No desire to be king.  Hope this info helps someone who maybe be interested in owning one of these cars in the future. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 10/02/2020 at 15:03

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With my tune & exhaust , the M3 actually had more HP, but the SS has like 100 ft-lbs more torque, and much lower in the rev range. Yeah...

6.2 vs 4.0

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 15:05

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Yup, I’ve driven E90M3s....my Vette is slightly faster so with an additional 700lb that you have the SS will be slower

But thats easily fixable :p

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 10/02/2020 at 17:40

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Slower is still faster than most! 

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 19:09

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Moarer faster please!

pip bip - choose Corrour > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 19:33

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the interior materials quality is the finest Holden ever produced.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 10/02/2020 at 20:24

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Oh, don’t get me wrong - if I had stupid money, I’d have supercharged the M3 to 600+. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > pip bip - choose Corrour 10/02/2020 at 20:29

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And yet...

That’s what a $15k higher does for you, I guess. The SS is very nice inside ; the M3 is just nicer.

pip bip - choose Corrour > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 20:31

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plus BMW don’t have GM bean counters looking over their shoulders.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 20:32

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Wouldn't we all... :D

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > pip bip - choose Corrour 10/02/2020 at 20:58

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The E9x M3 was developed before the Great Recession - the engine alone proves they had near carte blanche.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 21:43

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I'm very jealous. I always thought blue was the best color, but that red really pops the more I stare at it. I think you'll have no regrets with your decision.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2020 at 22:08

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I think you’re right.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2020 at 22:10

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qbeezy > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/02/2020 at 23:12

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Congrats on the SS! That red pops so much I'll definitely know it's you on the highway!  Glad you're liking it so far. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > qbeezy 10/03/2020 at 09:18

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Haha - thanks! There’s actually one a lot like mine in town, I guess, but with Chevy badges. Hope to see you around sometime. 

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/03/2020 at 20:34

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I’m liking the Holden badge swaps.  Was it a thorough job?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 10/03/2020 at 23:28

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Yeah, the guy did great. Holden badges front, back, wheel centers & airbag. SSV badging on back ( and LS3 on front), and Holden mats inside and in trunk. Only the infotainment screen shows Chevy on start-up (and the key fob is still Chevy ).

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/04/2020 at 02:43

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I really like those, if they had the wagon here I would lose my mind. The question is, why can’t we import one, it’s the same in every way that matters! 

feather-throttle-not-hair > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/04/2020 at 02:55

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I thought it was a factory option to get Holden badges in the U.S, at least for some years (i...may have spent some time playing with the configurator at some point .)

Think it’s possible your car came from the factory that way?

feather-throttle-not-hair > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/04/2020 at 02:58

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The car looks great in just about any color IMHO. I think i’d be partial to the dark green color they offered if I had to choose though .

feather-throttle-not-hair > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/04/2020 at 03:10

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What an awesome car! Congrats!

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/04/2020 at 13:46

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Of course, he had to leave *something* for you to do , that’s where the fun is, right? ;)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > feather-throttle-not-hair 10/04/2020 at 15:10

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Thanks! 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > feather-throttle-not-hair 10/04/2020 at 15:11

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Yes, it was, but he bought it off the lot and did all the swaps himself (I have all the original Chevy parts, too). 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 10/04/2020 at 15:14

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I’m sure every variation has to go to the EPA & IIHS. $$$

Chevy only brought it here due to contract obligations to Holden anyway...

feather-throttle-not-hair > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/04/2020 at 16:12

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Hah! That’s awesome, you can swap back and forth every few years if you get bored!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > feather-throttle-not-hair 10/04/2020 at 18:24

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Could, but I love the lions and less-chrome look . Very nice to have for a future buyer, though.

The guy also bought a complete spare even though he bought the car with an inflator kit. And a car cover that he gave me.  And a paint pen, and a Dr Colorchip kit, even though the car is pristine. And the skip-shift cable he bought and never installed. LOL

Most OCD owner/ seller I’ve ever come across. =)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > feather-throttle-not-hair 11/14/2020 at 00:27

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So good!