Keep Me Sane. Help Me Pick the Next Car.

"AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC" (addictedtom3s) 02/06/2018 at 01:12 • Filed to: None

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This is exactly what I want.

I haven’t posted on here in a while and I can’t let E90M3 have all the fun posting about buying cars. Long story short, a coworker quit and I was in the right place at the right time for some nice things to happen at work. There’s one caveat though, I’m still doing my old job too since there’s no backfill yet. The person that was supposed to do it has decided they do not want to do it. Now we’re trying to find a person. So basically I’m going insane trying to do all that work with other things I’ve got going on. To keep my sanity, I am now looking at three cars. The e92 M3, WRX, and WRX STi.

Here’s the situation, I’m hoping, to keep to get one of those three as my next car. The plan is to get rid of the BRZ, replace it with one of those and then keep it for the long term. I want the M3 since I’ve wanted one since I was an undergrad in college. I also want a German car since that itch has taken its toll on me. The e46 M3 is too old and I don’t have the time to find a clean example and pay a ridiculous markup on a white one. I also don’t want to have to do a complete overhaul of the subframe. That leaves me with the e92 M3. The e9x M3 also has some forums mentioning the rod bearing issues which can grenade the engine and also the throttle actuators which are considered wear items from what I’ve read now from forums. That kind of frightens me since these are at the 5+ year mark. So I’d need to add another 3500 on top of the purchase price to get the rod bearings and throttle actuators replaced. The 2500 is for parts and labor since I’m not confident I can DIY the rod bearings. The 1000 is for the throttle actuators which I can most likely DIY.

I also kicked around the idea of a 911 since that’s also one of my dream cars. The reason I removed it from the list is because it’s out of my budget after careful consideration. As much as I’d love a 911, it’ll have to wait until I can afford it properly.

Yes, I would lower the WRX/STi. No, I don’t want a vape pen or flat bill cap with that.

But what about those other two cars that aren’t German, you say? Well here’s the thing, they’re a sedan with a manual and decent power. They also look really good in my opinion and I actually really like them. Something about the design has grown on me over time. That combined with the fact that I can probably keep it as my sole car for when I need to drive around kids in the far future. That, and it’s a Subaru so I know it’ll be reliable as long as I don’t start doing stupid shit to the engine.

So here’s my dilemma, they’re all roughly the same price and I don’t know whether to go with the M3 that my heart wants with the concern about the documented issues, or the WRX/STi that my brain and half of my heart wants with no issues?

sony1492 > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 01:43

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For the $3000 Maybe it would be cost effective to get an extended or third party warranty for the m3

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 01:44

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I would suggest a Juke with a manual. I know a guy who has one.

AestheticsInMotion > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 01:51

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(edit) also worth considering... An Sti will have SO much better resale value than an M3. But certified pre-owned and you could sell in a few years for the same price you bought it, if you’re in the right market. Buy new, and you’ll only lose a few thousand. It’s absolutely insane.

What are you going to use it for? I’d pick the sti, but that’s only because I would be driving at 10/10ths on all sorts of roads, in all weather, while attempting to unleash inner rally potential. People talk about how the wrx is almost as good as an Sti... No. Wrong. If you’re just dailying it sure, it’s a lot of fun, but there are tons of improvements when jumping from a wrx to an Sti. Well worth the price, especially if you’re willing to go down the modification route. It’s like buying a Miata or Mustang. There are aftermarket solutions for everything, they’re raced in tons of different series so development on new state-of-the-art parts still happens, price isn’t terrible, reliability is great assuming you take care of it... I vote Sti.

The M3 would be great too (rwd V8 manual luxury that can handle decently? Yep, that works) but the E90 has never gotten to me like it has with so many other people. Loved the E36 and E46 M3, couldn’t stand the F80, and am very conflicted on the E90. In fairness that’s the M3 I’ve spent the least amount of time with so who knows...

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > sony1492 02/06/2018 at 01:51

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That could be a way to go. It looks like the prices are now higher due to the age of these cars though. There is also the CarMax route now that I think about it.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 02/06/2018 at 01:55

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I’m all for strange cross-shopping but that is beyond my realm of strange.

But really, I don’t like sitting so high up. My girlfriend has a Soul and I just don’t like sitting in it. Driving it is just weird to me. Same story with when I learned to drive in a minivan. I can do it, but I don’t like it. It feels like I’m sitting on the car versus in it.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > AestheticsInMotion 02/06/2018 at 02:03

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As much as I’d like to say I’d be carving Laguna Seca and Willow Springs every other weekend, It’s going to be my daily. Taking me to work and to run errands. I’ll also take it for road trips up to Napa and down to Monterey. Possibly further out to different states if I feel the urge. And it’ll probably end up doing double duty with home renovation when I get a house. Logically, the STi makes sense. It has great resale like you said and it’s got a great aftermarket. Plus that power is intoxicating. But as we all learn once we have a taste of the car world, the heart sometimes has illogical desires.

The M3 is just that supermodel I always dreamed of having who goes out in stilettos with fully done makeup and hair all the time. The STi is that girl who’s also very attractive but doesn’t always get dressed up. That’s the best way I can describe how I feel between the two. Although even in that example, the STi is probably the more appropriate choice since she’ll stick around.

I’m open to opinions and persuading though. That’s why I posted this.

sony1492 > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 02:03

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As a long term car would you still like an Impreza interior after 10 years?

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > sony1492 02/06/2018 at 02:30

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To be completely honest, I would not. But I don’t like any interior from more than 10 years ago to be fair.

sony1492 > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 02:57

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My point being the m3 interior will probably age better than the Imprezas.

Would an isf or is350 be in the cards? They hold their value well, should be reliable, fast, handle well, and have 4 doors.

Maybe a c350 or the amg variant through carmax?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 03:45

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Cause oil consumption, bad ringlands and headgaskets keep you from making real power.

And your not a vape bro in one

Discerning > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 07:59

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I was with you until you started to compare cars to the amount of effort women apply to their makeup.

Neither an Sti or an M3 are ideal for home renovations. What do you intend to put in the car during that time??

Discerning > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 08:01

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If you don’t absolutely need a back seat (you did mentioned a 911), then i would suggest looking at a C6, Camaro, Mustang, etc etc etc. You might be surprised how much you like them.

If it was my momey, I would get a C6 and call it a day.

diplodicus > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 08:06

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I know the S85 guys send oil samples to black stone labs to check on the condition of the rod bearings. I’d assume that any decent seller would do one on the S65 for you.

My citroen won't start > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 08:13

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https://www.carmax.com/car/15236433

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 08:17

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if you want an ISF, be warned. To find the right one will be a nightmare.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > My citroen won't start 02/06/2018 at 09:12

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Convertible weighs 450 pounds more than the coupe...

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 09:13

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If you really want to keep the car for a while; then go with your heart. What about a Cayman instead of a 911?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 09:17

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110k miles on my E90 M3 (70 of those with me) - original rod bearings, original throttle actuators, original clutch (knocks wood). Love the car. It’s my daily, except for cold, wet days in the winter. Taking it back to the track next month. If you can truly afford it (all in - purchase, insurance, gas, maintenance & repairs) and you’ve lusted after it this long, you won’t regret it.

gawdzillla > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 09:19

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+1 on STi, needs a lift instead.

E90M3 > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 09:36

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You run the throttle position actuators to failure. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to when they fail, if they fail. My first one went at 24k, my second one went at 36k. Davesaddiction is at over 100k on the ones his car came with. If you’re going to do it for peace of mind, there’s a rebuild kit out there that fixes the issues, which is the plastic gears. The kits are a lot less than the part at $1100 a piece.

As far as the rod bearings, this seems to be overplayed. While there have been documented cases of failures it seems to be random. It seems like it’s from people not letting their cars warm up before trashing them. That said, I would get a car with a recent oil analysis, or one that has the work done. My last oil analysis came back squeaky clean and I ran the oil for 9k+ miles. There was supposedly a redesign of the rod bearings in late 2010 production cars; mine is a late 2010 build date. Plus if you get a 2011+ E92, you get the LCI model.

I got what my heart wanted and couldn’t be happier.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 02/06/2018 at 09:50

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.95 g on the skidpad, 50/50 balance, and an almost perfectly neutral character when it loses traction is a little more than “decent”. =)

It is no lightweight, I’ll give you that!

WRXforScience > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 10:16

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The M3 won’t work to haul stuff, the seats don’t fold down and there isn’t much room inside, mainly due to small openings. Your BRZ will hold much more than the M3. It is also the best candidate to fail horribly, catastrophically, and expensively (or it could just require a multitude of small but expensive repairs that bleed you dry).

If you aren’t going to the track, the WRX is a better daily than an STi. Both can fit a ton of stuff with the seats folded down. The WRX is better on gas, ride, and comfort than the STi and really only loses out to the multiple differentials on the STi. Neither are great at the track without doing a bunch of work to overcome the inherent understeer of the chassis and awd. Plus, the STi is using the old EJ motor and I would bet money that it wouldn’t last 10 years (I had to replace one in a 2010 WRX).

What you should really do is keep the BRZ and start hitting up the local tracks and autocrosses. Once you start driving it like it is meant to be driven, you’ll gain a whole new love for the car. The BRZ is more fun than either a WRX or STi at a track or autox (I’ve got firsthand knowledge) and I cannot imagine the M3 being any better (it’ll definitely be more expensive).

If you cannot convince yourself to keep the BRZ, go with the M3. You won’t want to keep either of the Subarus for the long-term, especially if you were really dreaming about an M3. The BMW is the only car on your list that would keep you interested for 5+ years, it’ll be the best daily driver, and it doesn’t sound like performance driving is your cup of tea anyway (canyons and back roads don’t really count, there’s a reason why track and autox guys don’t show up for cruises).

nermal > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 10:33

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The problem with the WRX / STI is that they are great to drive, but have a garbage interior. The M3 will be a much nicer place to be.

Have you considered a Golf R? It’s fast, the interior is awesome, it looks cool, and will be much more comfortable with the adjustable suspension. The 18s will have the sweet full-screen dash that are in new Audis as well.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Discerning 02/06/2018 at 10:49

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It was late, my weirdness comes out I suppose.

Well I was thinking tools, small lumber, maybe some flooring. Cabinets and large flooring and large lumber would probably either be in a rental van or truck.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > sony1492 02/06/2018 at 10:50

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Those are solid cars too but I want a manual. Agreed on the interior too. And I’m sure the M3 interior is all nice soft touch materials. Now that I can work with for 10 years

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > My citroen won't start 02/06/2018 at 10:52

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I’m not into convertibles. I’ve been in a few convertibles and I just don’t like them. And the coupes turned convertibles always have awkward rooflines.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > WRXforScience 02/06/2018 at 10:56

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I should add some background. I do actually want to do a track day in the BRZ. And that’s part of the reason I bought it. I’m hoping to register for one in June once I can find some time off. Now with that said, I could hate track days and that stuff so who knows.

I figure the M3 is the best all around car being comfortable for a daily while also able to pick up track duty when I want. I did not know about the rear seats not folding down though. I’m guessing it has one of those useless ports that let you fit maybe some skis through the trunk?

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > E90M3 02/06/2018 at 11:03

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I was hoping you would respond here. I’ve been searching and it looks like there’s that rebuild kit or replace them whole like your said. Are they all the same plastic gear? I imagined someone would have come up with a stronger material to use for that part?

LCI is definitely a bonus. I’ll have to read more about the rod bearing redesign. I wasn’t aware they did that with the LCI.

The oil analysis seems to be the way to go. Is it just checking for lead and copper content to see if the bearings are getting worn away? So let’s say I want to buy the M3 from CarMax or a dealer. How would I do the oil analysis?

My citroen won't start > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 11:03

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They are also a lot cheaper, but a Carmax M3 in any flavour is probably your best bet.

WRXforScience > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 11:21

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On some years of the 3-series, folding seats were an option and on others they were just unavailable. They do have the little pass-through, but the interiors are usually nice enough that you don’t really want to haul stuff in them anyway.

Tracking and doing autox is a significant time and money commitment (autox is cheaper, but you’re still looking at about $100 per event factoring in registration and consumables plus both are a full day affair). Not everyone wants to spend the time and/or money on performance driving and that’s okay (that was harder to type than I’d like to admit).

The WRX and STi don’t make good track cars without major modifications, they are fine for autox but you’d have more fun in the BRZ. The M3 is a bit big and heavy for autox, but that can be fun in its own way, the main drawback is that the consumables (tires and brakes) are way more expensive for the M3 (easily double or triple the cost on any of the Subbies, which all use the same stuff).

To make the BRZ a good track car you just need brake pads and fluid, tires, and some camber bolts to help keep the tire wear even (OEM cost $5 and just about get you enough camber, aftermarket ones are usually under $50 and should get plenty of camber). The other subbies will need that stuff plus upgraded cooling, you’d probably want to modify the suspensions, and more brake would probably be a good idea. The M3 will just need pads and fluids, but a set of tires for it will cost $1k-$1500 more than the same tires for the subbies (they won’t last as long either).

All the people who I know who either tracked or autocrossed their twin fell in love with it all over again. There are faster cars than a twin at the track, but you’d be hard pressed to find ones that are more fun. They just about ruin you for anything else. I have a friend who took his son’s STi to the track while he was putting a supercharger on his FRS, he spent most of the day cursing the understeer and lamenting not being in his FRS. He was also unable to match his usual FRS times in the STi.

If after your trackday you don’t want to do it again, get the M3; otherwise, keep the BRZ and spend the money you saved on seat time.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Discerning 02/06/2018 at 11:21

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I can see how they’re great cars. They just don’t give me the fizz unfortunately. I know they’re fun to drive but emotionally they don’t do much for me so I know I’ll just end up wanting something different again soon.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/06/2018 at 11:23

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Now that’s what I was hoping to see. Looks like you an E90M3 have similar experiences. Is yours an LCI? If I may ask, how much do maintenance and repairs generally run you? Would 2000 a year be a reasonable estimate?

E90M3 > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 11:25

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I believe a company in Europe makes metal replacement gears.

I think the LCI and the rod bearings is just a convenient coincidence, because the E90 got the LCI in 2009. They did make some changes, like the fly wheel. I haven’t really been able to find much info on the new rod bearings. Then again, I just think it’s abuse.

For the oil analysis, you want to run the oil for a while so it has time to pick up stuff in it. I would make sure that it’s got at least 3k on the change. I had mine checked after 9k. Didn’t mean to run it that long, but I was unemployed and didn’t want to drop $200 on an oil change. I would talk to the dealer or carmax, they might be willing to work with you.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > nermal 02/06/2018 at 11:25

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I do think about the Golf R occasionally. I may need to drive one since that would be a good compromise between the M3 and STi.

AM3R, lost another burner > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 11:50

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Dude! Read your screen name again. Get an M3! Buy one from carmax or find a CPO one if they’re still are any out there. If you have the warranty, you won’t have to worry about anything. These are fairly solid cars, besides the throttle actuators and the possible rod bearings (overblown IMO).

Everyone told me the 335i was gonna be awful, but I took the time to find a well kept example, I took good care of it, and I wait for it to warm up before I drive it hard. Take care of the M3 the same way and I’m sure it’ll take care of you.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 11:50

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Mine’s an ‘08. The only issues I’ve had are related to a couple sensors (one I paid for the dealer to do, one I DIYed with a used module). $2000 a year is way more than I’ve experienced, but I guess if you plan for that as a worse case scenario, you’ll be way ahead of the game.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/06/2018 at 13:49

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In that case I can swing it. You and E90M3 are making me feel less concerned. I’ll just perform Blackstone oil analysis whenever I change my oil.

How is it with road noise? I imagine with it being a BMW it’s silent aside from induction noise from the engine?

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > E90M3 02/06/2018 at 13:53

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Interesting. This is starting to awaken something I’ve forgotten from the the dreary day to day. You’ve all sold me. I must have one now.

Oil analysis first and then see where things are seems to be the route to go. What’s the consumables like? I know 10w60 has the German luxury tax but how bad is tire wear and brake pads?

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 02/06/2018 at 13:54

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No manual unfortunately. If I had to get a Lexus I would probably get an LS or GS and air it out.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 14:10

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Since you’ll be buying at what seems near the end of the car’s depreciation curve, just try to find one that’s been really well-maintained with all service records included and no obvious signs of abuse (seems like some of the worse abuse these cars can get is sitting in the garage too much and getting used for nothing but short trips where the engine never comes up to temp). If I was in your shoes, it’s possible that I would do rod bearings right away for peace of mind, but an early oil change with a Blackstone report should help alleviate some of those fears.

It’s definitely not silent, but isn’t really that loud at all if you stick with the stock exhaust. This engine makes a lot of noise (injectors - “sewing machine” at idle), but you can’t hear that with the doors closed.

It’s a great car. I probably wouldn’t suggest it to someone who was going to use it only as a commuter car, but if you’ll regularly use it for fun drives on back roads and get out to the track occasionally, it’s hard to think of a car that does the dual-purpose thing so well. Every time I drive it hard, I just think, “Damn, I love this car.”

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 14:14

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My seats fold down (cold weather package).

“Folding, split rear seats are standard on all 3 series coupes and convertibles. They are an option on sedans where they are included as part of the cold weather package or as a stand-alone option.”

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 14:18

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Just chiming in on this: the rod bearing change was to get rid of the lead, and that’s about it. There are documented failures with both the old and new. Blackstone reports tell you something about the older style bearings (lead/copper), but are far less conclusive with the newer bearings (less obvious “flags”).

E90M3 > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 17:12

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There are faster cars, there are subjectively and objectively better cars, but there isn’t one that makes me feel quite the way my E90 M3 does. To me, it’s very special. I’ve driven never M cars, F10 M5, F82 M4, 6MT F82 M3, but I like mine more. It was a fulfillment of a childhood dream and it makes me smile every time.

Oil is $15 a liter and it takes 9 liters. I haven’t had to do brakes yet, but I believe it’s around a $1000 for either fronts or rears. My front brakes were replaced at 12k, according to the notes I have it was because of vibration. My rears will need to be replaced with in the next 5-10k, I’ve got just under 44k on it at the moment. They’re original to the car. I got 24k out of the first set of rears, the second set is going to be replaces soon, they’re right at 20k. It’s not an exorbitantly expensive car to maintain, but neither is it a Camry. There’s a reason I DD a 328i, I also have put 24k miles on that since March 17, 2017, so take that into account.

Personally, I would get a one owner 2011 or newer, and if you can’t find that a two owner car with really good service history, especially one that has had an oil analysis done. Sounds like you know what you’re getting yourself into, if you do go this route.

I wrote up some of these when I wrote a long term “review.”

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/06/2018 at 17:46

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I was not aware that’s what the change was.

We’ve talked about this before and the numbers before and after the change are similar. I really think it’s people not warming them up before they mash on the gas. Two things that I always do, let the engine warm up before taking it above 4k RPM, and let it warm up before I turn it off. I think people who don’t do something similar have the issues. I let mine sit for awhile some times, but when I do drive it, I make sure to stretch its legs.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > AM3R, lost another burner 02/06/2018 at 18:38

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Fair point. I think it’s just one of those moments where you get to make that decision and you start to try and rationalize your way out of it.

That was my understanding too that they’re pretty solid. I guess I fell into that forum sensationalism trap where small issues seem larger than they really are. Glad to hear the 335i isn’t as troublesome since I know a lot of people are quick to dismiss that. You’ve all convinced me. I must have an M3. It’s the only way to subdue the itch.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > E90M3 02/06/2018 at 18:42

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Okay so it sounds like I’m not missing anything. Would you recommend a PPI outside the oil analysis? Or would a shakedown on the freeway tell me what I need to know? If I need a PPI what does that usually cover?

The M3 is also my childhood dream car. I suppose that should be reason enough. The way you describe how it makes you feel leads me to believe it’ll be the better decision long term.

E90M3 > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 18:45

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I got mine without a PPI, but then again, I bought a 3 year old car with 15k miles on it still under warranty. I’m not really sure what a PPI covers to be honest, never had one done. Probably a better question for the general population of oppo. A freeway shake down might tell you, but you can get them to measure the thickness of the brake pads so you know how many mile you’ve got left. Just because they can be expensive if mistreated, I’d get a PPI. If you’ve got any specific E9X M3 questions, I can try and answer them.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/06/2018 at 18:49

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Cool. I don’t need a completely silent car on the inside but I don’t want to hear a constant drone from the road and tire noise. It gets really old really quick. The BRZ drives me nuts on long trips with the tire noise.

Fun drives are definitely a must for me. Living in California makes that easier too. I’ll also try my hand at Latina Seca so that’s also why I like the idea of the M3 as a do it all car.

What do you think you would prefer between these two situations?

1. 30k miles and $35k ish and no rod bearing. Just fluid change and oil analysis.

2. 60-75k miles and high $20 to low $30k with a full rod bearing overhaul and fresh fluids?

AM3R, lost another burner > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 19:19

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Awesome!! Glad to help haha. My last bit of advice, DONT SETTLE. Wait til you find the perfect M3 with all the options you want. Make sure it’s the perfect one for you. Alpine white + fox red + carbon roof sounds like a nice combo.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 23:15

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Tire noise is based on the tire, not the car, but the M3 is pretty well-insulated.

I’d personally lean toward #2, but first, how many miles are you planning to drive every year, and how long do you imagine keeping the car? Could you get one for $35k that’s CPO with warranty til 100k miles?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 02/06/2018 at 23:21

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Yeah, I think it’s the warm-up thing combined with possible assembly issues (wrong torque specs/bolt stretch). This would explain the seemingly random nature of the failures. At this point, I’m pretty convinced I got one of “the good ones”, and I also take good care of my old girl’s heart...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/06/2018 at 23:29

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Assuming it will be out of warranty, I’d definitely get a PPI. I didn’t get one, but my car had several months of remaining factory warranty (that I took full advantage of - AC evaporator is also a common problem on early years, forgot to mention earlier).

“dream car” - when I test drove my car, it was $10k over what I was planning to spend, and I had a very nice G37s manual sedan lined up, ready to sign the papers for. But I thought, I have to know why everyone loves these so much. After one drive, I knew I had to make it happen. Thankfully, I have a wife that loves me very much - ha!

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/07/2018 at 00:22

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That’s what I was thinking as well. Option 2 even though is higher miles it will be sorted with the difference in cost versus option 1 where it’s a roll of the dice on if the previous owner took care of it.

I drive about 14k miles a year. I’m hoping this is a 5+ year car. I’d like if it were a forever car that I can eventually turn into a weekend car when space and funds allow.

I would prefer to find a CPO but we’ll see if I can find one when the time comes (hopefully this summer). I’d prefer a dealership mainly because it’ll be easier to part with the BRZ. And I can get some cash back if I use my cards and funds correctly (i.e. use a cash back card and pay it off the next week).

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/07/2018 at 09:12

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You drive about the same amount as me. I’m nearing 6 years of ownership on mine, and I have the same plans of keeping it in the stable and making it more and more of a focused fun/track car as time goes on (love the idea of one day letting my kids drive it). But as it stands, there’s nothing else with 4 doors that I think I’d like more, so I could see myself dailying my car for another 5 years.

CPO would be nice, but I wouldn’t limit yourself. Like I said, definitely get a thorough PPI if you’re buying out of warranty.

I know you’re focused on the E92 (lust), but I also heard you mention the possibility of kids in the future. An E90 would mean you wouldn’t feel like you’d have to give up your car for something more usable once the little ones show up! =)

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/07/2018 at 09:32

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I don’t think we’ll ever know the cause. It does sound like you’ve got a good one.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 02/07/2018 at 09:45

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Knock wood!

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/07/2018 at 12:45

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The only problem with the E90 is that a good 6MT E90 is getting hard to find. Plus if you do find it, they’re probably north of 40k.

On the kids and E92, I saw a 6MT E92 M3 in Savannah the other day with a car seat in the back. That person was winning.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 02/07/2018 at 12:58

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Yeah, I know. Wild that prices are that high - how few miles would demand that kind of price?

I’m not saying you can’t do kids in an E92, but it’s just more of a pain, especially for the first few years (rear-facing car seat).

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/07/2018 at 15:09

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Seems like well optioned cars with mid 30s are going for 40 or a little over. 2011s are the strongest, obviously. I’ve been offered 30k for mine, by a dealer as a trade, mine has right under 44k on it.

One of the reasons why I got my E90 was if ever have kids, it’s at least practical enough. One reason I got the coupe was so that the M3 won out in practicality.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/08/2018 at 01:10

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Yeah, kids would put a slight damper on the coupe life. That said, the sedan does look good and would provide more longer term dailying ability. The coupe does speak to me more though. The curves and roofline just do it for me. That and the slightly more dramatic Hofmeister kink just look so perfect in all the right way to me.

I’ll probably “settle” for a GTI when kids start happening. I’m okay with that. Probably a DSG GTI.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/08/2018 at 08:48

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Go where your heart leads you! =)

The selection is definitely much greater with the coupe, so that will help in your hunt.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/08/2018 at 10:28

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Kind of off topic, but this footage is awesome!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 02/08/2018 at 10:28

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Off-topic, but this footage is awesome!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/08/2018 at 10:54

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Since you’re already convinced and way down the rabbit hole on this car, I thought I’d pass on some of my favorite quotes and articles to really get you pumped to own one of these amazing machines some day soon. =)

Some quotes:

Arthur St. Antoine of Motor Trend magazine says: “World’s single greatest car? Seriously? Yes – the new BMW M3 is unquestionably a contender. Probably no other car combines so many virtues – speed, handling, good looks, roominess, practicality – into one package. Driving the new BMW M3 is an absolutely blissful experience, flooding your brain with dopamine as if you were arriving to courtside seats at the Lakers game with Jennifer Connelly on your arm.” -and- “If you put an F1 car and a premium sedan in a blender, the M3 would be the cocktail that pours out. Mmmm, nothing else like it. A toast then: To the BMW M3, the greatest all-around car in the world.”

Mark Gillies of Car and Driver magazine says: “A car has got to be pretty spectacular to win over the curmudgeons here at 1585 Eisenhower Place, especially when familiarity sets in over the course of 40,000 miles. But our Sparkling Graphite Metallic M3 did indeed win us over.”, and “Based on our experience, the current M3 is the world’s all-around best car for the money, although several staffers would have preferred to trade some of the coupe’s looks for the added practicality of the sedan.”, and “This is the finest car on the market, period.”

Jeremy Clarkson of BBC television show Top Gear says: “This [The M3] is the best car, and always will be, and there’s no point in ever thinking otherwise.” -and- “It is... pretty much perfect.” “Why don’t I have one of these cars?”

Some articles:

https://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2008-bmw-m3-vs-2009-nissan-gt-r-vs-2008-porsche-911-turbo-comparison-tests

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2008-bmw-m3-long-term-road-test

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/bmw/m3/2009/2009-bmw-m3-verdict/

https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/m3/2009/long-term-road-test/2009-bmw-m3-wrap-up.html

Assume you’ve read this: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/bmw-e90-m3-the-oppositelock-review-1615382409

A video you may not have seen:

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/08/2018 at 11:05

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I’ll watch it later, youtube is blocked at work.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 02/08/2018 at 11:43

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I love Tiff...