M-Series (M1, M3, M5, M6)General M-Series Discussion - If it does not fit into a more specific M Category above, please place it in here. In addition, previously archived M-Series discussion is located in this section.
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Looking at possibly getting an M3 and I always start research by going to the forum to talk with owners. I would appreciate your expert advise.
-Love the Topaz Blue - do they still make it?
-Is the M3 durable? What are commonly experienced maintenance issues?
-What features do you recommend? I like performance (I've had ZO6 and Vipers) but the car needs to be reasonably easy to drive for the wife.
-Are lots of aftermarket gizmos available to jazz it up and personalize?
-Your overall impression of resale value?
-Your estimation of BMW customer service and dealerships?
dont expect the same performace from a M3 that you do from a z06....or viper....BMW made much better than those american things. If you are look for a BMW to perform like those...i would suggest investing in the new M5. That thing ROCKS...im sure u can jazz that up a little too...plus your wife will be able to drive it. BMW is all around great...so...good look...keep us posted with ure high rollin activities....
Originally posted by BMWBoy@Apr 2 2005, 06:03 PM -Love the Topaz Blue - do they still make it?
-Is the M3 durable? What are commonly experienced maintenance issues?
-What features do you recommend? I like performance (I've had ZO6 and Vipers) but the car needs to be reasonably easy to drive for the wife.
-Are lots of aftermarket gizmos available to jazz it up and personalize?
-Your overall impression of resale value?
-Your estimation of BMW customer service and dealerships?
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Yes.
As for performance, they are pretty much the same, but if you want to get something easy for the wife to drive, I'd recomend the SMG transmission system. Keep in mind, a ZO6 and an M3 don't have much in common beyond the fact that both can put a big smile on your face if you know what your doing. Vettes and Vipers pride themselves on raw power. You stomp on the gas, and it goes. You will not have that with a wimpy 335hp M3. However, the handling and braking these cars offer will make you wanna drive it a lot more than you might think.
There is definitely an aftermarket for these cars. Dinan, ActiveAutowerke, AC Schnitzer, and Hartge are just a few of the aftermarket tuner companies that allow you to "jazz it up" as you put it.
Resale is similar to any other semi-exotic, if the car is maintained properly, you can always find someone that will appreciate that. These cars definitely hold there value.
In my personal experience, BMW dealerships are as hit or miss as restaurants. Some are great, some are awful. I've always prefered to find a good Autohaus
that has a disgruntled BMW mastertech running it. That way you get a bit more of a personalized service, which many times is a tad cheaper.
Beyond this, if you are new to BMW, go drive the heck out of a few, I think you'll be happy with what you find. These cars (just like any other) have their shortcomings, and do require significant maintenance compared to others, but they are certainly worth it when all things are considered.
I'm not expecting performance like the ZO6 or the Viper, but it would be nice to have a little juice. That's why I thought of the M3 in the first place. I assume the E46 is the newer M3, which is what I'm probably after (2003 to new).
I'll take your advice and test drive, maybe even rent one for a day. Good to know there are aftermarket folks.
Originally posted by BMWBoy@Apr 7 2005, 07:33 AM Thanks to those that responded.
I'm not expecting performance like the ZO6 or the Viper, but it would be nice to have a little juice. That's why I thought of the M3 in the first place. I assume the E46 is the newer M3, which is what I'm probably after (2003 to new).
I'll take your advice and test drive, maybe even rent one for a day. Good to know there are aftermarket folks.
Anything more on maintenance issues?
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You have probably experienced it all with the maintenance issues driving a Corvette and especially driving a Viper. I am sure the M3 won't need nearly as much maintenance as the Viper. The M3 is a fun car that either you or your wife can drive and also will make you look professional at the same time which is very nice to know in these days. This is probably the car you are looking for, but if you have the money to go M5, do it. I think it would be a better car for you and your wife, seeing that it is a sedan over a coupe or convertible. Either way, M is the way to go whether it is an M3, M5, or M6. I hope you find what you are looking for and please update us constantly on how you are doing.
Just fyi...actually had no maintenance issues with the Viper. No major issues with the Vette either, but some minor stuff related to fit and polish.
Drove the M3 really for the first time yesterday and it had more zip than I anticipated. I really like the SMG, great feature. Car handles well and has a bit more space than the gratuitous back seat of the 911.
I can see why you folks love your cars - they're a fine piece of work! It may be a nice compromise for the wife - a bit easier to drive, more space, but still a little juice for me!
Keep the input coming on your M3 thoughts. For kicks and grins I've attached a link to pics of my Vette - hard to give up! We're all car lovers and appreciate nice autos, whatever the make.
Originally posted by BMW|M3+Apr 7 2005, 03:18 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BMW|M3 @ Apr 7 2005, 03:18 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-BMWBoy@Apr 7 2005, 07:33 AM Thanks to those that responded.
I'm not expecting performance like the ZO6 or the Viper, but it would be nice to have a little juice.* That's why I thought of the M3 in the first place.* I assume the E46 is the newer M3, which is what I'm probably after (2003 to new).
I'll take your advice and test drive, maybe even rent one for a day.* Good to know there are aftermarket folks.
Anything more on maintenance issues?
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You have probably experienced it all with the maintenance issues driving a Corvette and especially driving a Viper. I am sure the M3 won't need nearly as much maintenance as the Viper. The M3 is a fun car that either you or your wife can drive and also will make you look professional at the same time which is very nice to know in these days. This is probably the car you are looking for, but if you have the money to go M5, do it. I think it would be a better car for you and your wife, seeing that it is a sedan over a coupe or convertible. Either way, M is the way to go whether it is an M3, M5, or M6. I hope you find what you are looking for and please update us constantly on how you are doing.
- Chase
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Chase thanks for the M5 suggestion - I may take a peek although it may be a bit too much for my wallet! I've heard they have great performance. My wife thinks they're a bit "boxey". Nevertheless, you have me thinking - thanks!
rumors of 0-60 in 4 flat or less, i think it comes out in late 06 actually though
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AMG can't build an NA engine that can compete with M engines, so they stick in a supercharger and say their cars are faster. BMW could simply do the same, but they don't out of principle.</span>
Originally posted by VeLoCiTy318@Apr 10 2005, 03:21 PM nice vette!!
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Thanks Brandon for the Vette comment!
About the V-8 M3...if I understood correctly...dealer told me yesterday they would go one more year on the current M3, then not produce any for a year, then start with the new.
This year is the last for the 6-cylinder M3. So, we can theoretically expect the V8 model at the end of '06.
__________________ <span style='color:red'>Member: Bimmer/Beemer owner club</span>
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Will dance for 1974 3.0CSL
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Torque @ May 9 2005, 09:07 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Welcome to the biggest sausagefest on Earth... you can run from us now, but sooner or later -- we will hump you.
Originally posted by BMWBoy+Apr 7 2005, 05:33 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BMWBoy @ Apr 7 2005, 05:33 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Anything more on maintenance issues?
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Yes, there is kind of a funny thing about maintenance. These are well built machines. Arguably some of the best engineering in the world. But because predominantly rich people own them, BMW North America has done a really good job of selling a high dollar maintenance schedule to boot.
Yes there are a lot of electronics and overly engineered parts that do fail, and are expensive to replace, but bottom line, BMW dealers can attempt to suck one dry if given the chance.
Parts tend to be more expensive then most, but fail less often, and aftermarket parts are also more expensive, as BMW owners are generally impressed by high prices, not cheesed off. Go price an exhaust, suspension, or intake upgrade for an e46 M3 and a Z06...yeah, it's rediculous. Oem parts are just as bad for the most part.
<!--QuoteBegin-BMWBoy@Apr 10 2005, 08:01 AM Drove the M3 really for the first time yesterday and it had more zip than I anticipated.* I really like the SMG, great feature.* Car handles well and has a bit more space than the gratuitous back seat of the 911.
I can see why you folks love your cars - they're a fine piece of work!* It may be a nice compromise for the wife - a bit easier to drive, more space, but still a little juice for me!
Keep the input coming on your M3 thoughts.* For kicks and grins I've attached a link to pics of my Vette - hard to give up!* We're all car lovers and appreciate nice autos, whatever the make.
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Yeah, I was being a bit sarcastic when I said wimpy 335hp. With a fairly lightweight chasis, low center of gravity, and compression ratio that would scare most vette owners, they do go pretty good. Nice thing, a new M3 can be made much faster, if you have the budget.
They are well made machines, and the more you drive them, the more you love 'em. The last car I had before a BMW was a Porsche, and I don't miss it as much as I thought I would.
Man that vette looks like you put a buck or two into it. Not a vette man myself, but I can tell you certainly are. My dyno guy is also a vette man, below are some shots of his shop. He's quite competitive in the SCCA world, and won nationals last year, so while I'm not a fan, I certainly have respect for what their capable of.
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nice vette!! 
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