I was given the chance to spend "as much time as necessary" driving a new M3 tomorrow. I have seen the car in the flesh and must say I really like the way it looks and was impressed how well the interior was made (not to mention it was very comfy). Unfortunately they do not have any DCT cars in stock but I will test the six speed...should be interesting to see how it compares back to back against my 07 997S six speed...if anyone is interested I'll report back my findings.

I remember some members here were due to take delivery of their new M3's and am curious of their initial impressions vs their 997's.

I just watched the Top Gear test of the M3 vs the C63 and S4, the M3 won but as expected the C63 was the fastest in acceleration (that may change with the new DCT as it's supposed to be about 2 tenths faster 0-62) but not around the track...the test was in 2 or three parts and here are the first two:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usQi1peqQOs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5nzEax87lw

These guys get to have way too much fun!!!


DISCLAIMER: I know "the M3 is no 997"...lol

 

Here are some of my initial thoughts:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135983

 

Matt,

Thanks for the great write up and comp to your 997S.

I see you have the DCT and I am considering it for either the new 09 997 or the M3 as I'm getting burnt out on shifting especially in city driving. Would you say the DCT is as smooth as a conventional auto box in "D" and does it allow the car to move forward at idle speed with your foot off the brake or must you give it gas?

 

i want to pick up a m3 when pricing starts to come down to 50s.
a year or two when people will start selling them i am assuming.

 

As much as I have no interest in buying an M3, it would be nice to rip it around the track. I loved the sound of the V8 in my Audi S4, the one that BMW built is awesome power.

 

D mode has 5 different settings, and on the most compliant it is as smooth if not smoother than any auto transmission I've experienced.

No creep when you lift off the brake - you have to give it gas.

 

Great...I'll be testing around 6 tonight...

 

I spent about an hour driving a black/black six speed coupe and here are my impressions and observations:

1) The car seems to be put together very well. The dash, console etc are rock solid and the fit/finsh is impeccable...the quality of materials are also top notch.

2) The steering wheel is small in diameter but nice and thick and meaty.

3) The sound of the engine is awesome...kinds sounds like a NASCAR with mufflers. The starter motor also sounds good and spins much faster than my 997 .

4) The feel of driving the car is something of substance and much more comfort than my 997. The car is no doubt heavier but it just feels so damn solid.

5) The clutch pedal effort is about half of that of my 997S and the take up is butter smooth with no unnecessary feedack through the pedal.

6) The acceleration is very strong but I think my 997S is faster...although my car is well broken in and maybe not as well insulated as the M3, so it could be deceiving.

7) The braking felt strong but again I think my 997S has better brakes.

8) The ride of the M was very smooth and handled very well...the car I drove did not have the adjustable suspension. All the M3's had Pilots.

For about $67,000 you car get a very well equipped M3 which is a very strong value for what you are getting and offers many items as standard equipment that are optional on the 997.

I am supposed to drive the first unsold DCT car they receive and can't wait. If it's as good as the six speed (or hopefully better) I will order an 09 which should be available in OCT.

The Porsche is much more of an involved experience although the M offers plenty of feel, just not like the P car.

 

Great review and very fair. I drove my Carrera S today and just love the feedback I get on it.

I like BMW's "solid" feel as well, as I think it's a good compromise between a super heavy Grand Tourer and an agile lightweight car. Sounds like it has your vote for daily driver. Are you considering anything else in the price range? C63 AMG, Lexus ISF, Nissan GTR?

 

Thanks Spyder. I'm not much of a 4 door guy as my 06 E55 was the only 4 door I've personally owned and driven, but I just got the girlfriend a new BMW 328 sedan with sport package etc. The GTR is just too fugly (at least in the pics). I think the new M3 with DCT (providing I like the DCT) will be perfect. The M is just so damn well made and comforatble to drive. If you have a chance, take one out for a good test drive..the exhaust note is to die for but there's nothing quite like the flat six wail @ redline ...well except for the F-cars .

 

Are you jumping from the Porsche to the M3?

 

I don't know yet...I've owned so many 911's over the years and in almost every variant, maybe a change would be refreshing...I've only owned four BMW's over the years (one an M) and this new M3 is quite tempting...can't wait to test the M3 DCT and I also can't wait to test the 09 997 with PDK!!!!

 

Pulled up to a new M3 today in my NB 996. I guess he wanted to test his car as he quickly took off from the light. Of course I followed suit and was able to keep up with him. I took it up to about 70 and backed off because it's just not worth getting a ticket! I had a M-Coupe before and love both Porsche and BMW. M3 looked nice but I'll stay with my Porsche.

 

Interesting...but I find it hard to believe that a 996 non-turbo could stay up with the new M3.

 

+1...the guy in the M3 may not have been @ full boil (a sweet 8400 rpms ) I also don't know what a "NB 996" is, maybe it is supercharged or something.