I have had the M3 about 7 weeks now, and just crossed over 2000kms. I just had the 2000km fluid change, and engine remapping done late last week. Update time.
I LOVE:
- the M3 S65
engine - 414hp, 295lbft, a 8400rpm redline - what's not to like?
- the
DCT tranny - particularily since the 2000km service, in "D" mode, the shifts are quick and very clean. The throttle blips on downshifts are more pronounced, and the tranny is very responsive. When I felt like using the steering wheel paddles, they are perfectly located and, again, super responsive. The best of both worlds IMO. Makes it easy to look good when driving quickly.
- the
sounds of the 4.0L V8 exitting via the four pipes at rear is very cool. It is aggressive!
- the
high revving character of the M engine. It revs cleanly all the way to the electronic cutoff at 8400. It's an entirely different car above 4000rpm.
- the improved
iDrive - makes all the iDrive functions so much easier and even has a "back" button for returning to previous screens.
- the
overall handling of the car. The "M" button on the steering wheel gives you your aggresive settings in MDrive at the touch of your finger. I need to experiment more with this. Probably as close to a full track car as I have ever had.
I LIKE:
- the Nav system, but need to do more fooling with it.
- SIRIUS satellite radio - very cool, love the 60s and 70s music channels.
- the more aggressive looks of the M3 over my 535xi
- more controls on the dash make for quick changes instead of iDrive changes.
- the ride is definitely on the firm side, but overall, not tiring. Love it when pushing the car (and it is hard not to drive this car aggressively..!!). The front seats are excellant and can be set for aggresive driving. The leather quality is higher than the leather in the 5er.
- tires are regular (not RFTs as on the 535). Could be good or bad, only a pump up/goo kit in the trunk.
- rear power sunshade, good for summers here.
I DISLIKE:
- the fuel economy is very poor (for what it's worth, I didn't buy it as an economy car).
- attracts more attention, could be a negative if the attention is in a police car.
- front lip is even lower than on the 5er, easy to catch a curb, but being very careful so far.
- the engine has less off the line torque than my TT inline 6 of the 5er; but that's only a factor for a fraction of a second.
- winter handling/control will be inferior to the 535xi, but cannot comment on that yet. I will be putting winter tires on it, and have a beater Honda for the really crappy days.
Overall - I love this M3. It is super aggressive yet can be a practical, 4 person hauler. I find myself grinning a whole lot more driving it than the 5er. In fact, I have scared myself once or twice with the brutal power it puts down. 0-60 in about 4 1/2 secs is fast..!!
I am glad I did the trade. The only area less appealling about the M is the winter practicality, and I can live with that trade-off.
