Narrow body, most likely 2 wheel drive.

 

I was quite surprised myself that he didn't pull away.

 

I drove a new M3 and i wasnt impressed.

 

What exactly weren't you impressed with?

 

I test drove the new M3 and, compared to my 997S, it just feels ordinary to me - great motor, strong top end, but ordinary (and fast...). I owned an '04 M3 that I traded for my '07 997S and the new M3 is very much an extension of the old car - similar, but more of everything, including weight. Excellent, but not special enough, particularly when compared to the 997S. That said, the price is less 'special' too so, if that's a major consideration, along with daily driving and having to put anyone older than 8 in the back, then the M3 might be the way to go. Not for me though - I couldn't be happier having made the switch, and I wouldn't consider going back unless the M3 sprouted a rear/mid engine, etc. That said, the R8 sure looks tempting...

 

Thanks for the details...for a DD I'm looking for something fast and sporty but also more comfortable and substantial feeling plus a bit more usable back seat which the new M3 fits quite nicely...the saving of +/-$20,000.00 is also a plus.

The 997S is a GREAT car but to use it every day as a DD plus in city type traffic can be a bit trying especially with a six speed. The R8 is also a favorite of mine but not for a DD.

The M3 I'm most interested for a daily driver would be the DCT car.

 

I think the 997S is a great DD in principle but realistically I do not think it is good to have as an only car. Too many miles and you're toast on resale value, don't feel comfy at all going grocery shopping with it, tires are ridiculously expensive esp when they only last on avg 10-15k per set with spirited driving (or less with aggressive driving), service is relatively expensive (not bad though so far). But if you have another car as a DD the 997 is a fabulous machine. The downside to this is that I drive my Mazda 3 DD 90% of the time and cannot enjoy the 911 as much (when I bought it and used the 997 as a DD I put 7k miles on it in 4 months...waaay too much on a p-car imho)...

 

I sat in an M3 today for the first time . What a beautiful car . The dealership was closing and I went there with a buddy and my girlfriend after looking at Porsches as an afterthought .

The car I sat in was black on black with this carbon fiber roof which was very impressive . The salesman got the key and I started the car up . At idle the clutch felt softer than a 997S but more firm than a Turbo . The gearbox lacked some of the Porsche precision yet the car's interior and design were very appealing.

The pricing is very decent considering the type of car offered and if one needs space and wants to save a few bucks this car interesting . I didn't drive it but I would have if we had more time and I had not previously consided the M3 but walked away with the car being one of many choices to consider as a future replacement when the Mercedes comes off lease in December .

 

Your initial review shares almost exactly the same impressions as mine did. I look forward to you thoughts after your test drive...if you can, wait to drive one with DCT.

 

500 -

I drove the car today and almost bought it.

I will pm you the snags I faced not about the car itself but what I faced in trying to trade in my Mercedes and buy the M3 which at this time have it in the "no deal" status .

The good part is the car itself

The BMW M3 is an amazing car . I drove it hard and spent about 30 minutes on the first test drive followed by my girlfriend driving it later in the day . Plus I rode with the salesperson to look at the other cars they had in inventory as to see the selections .
Total M3 driving time was about an hour .

The car is about as fast as a 997S . In fact I recommend the "Technology package" as it has various sport settings which tighten the suspension and had me leaving rubber in second and even third gear. The engine roar was almost like an American muscle car yet it had the precision BMW road feel . What a nice beast .

The stock exhaust note was somewhat whimpy but open the throttle and it does change .

The interior fit and fish is superb . I absolutely LOVED the carbon fiber roof yet that car did not have the upgraded sound sytem and I feel it's also a must have .

My favorite color was black on black with carbon roof , carbon leather interior , technology package, upgraded sound, ipod , satelite , 19 inch wheels (an option --18's look too small) .

The clutch is softer than the 997 but harder than a Turbo but the thing I noticed is that it catched right off the floor . I stalled the car out on my first drive off as it completely took me by suprise. Lift your foot even 1/4 inch from the floor and you are engaged in that gear .

The balance of the car as well as the brakes are terrific .

I sat in the back seat too and it's spacious but then again I am 5 9 and weigh 150 so I don't usually face seating issues in cars .


Overall I really liked the car . It was not a Porsche 997S nor could it take on my 997tt but I would say that off the line it might leap out ahead because it just jumps and would remain even with the 997S and give it a heck of a battle in curves . Against the Turbo it may leap on the start but by the time it hit third gear it would be bye bye but that's the case with most cars against a highly modded 997tt .

 

Yes the car is quite nice indeed.

Rcv'd your pm and return pm sent.