M3 Test Drive today - Can't get it out of my mind
 

Test drove a new M3 coupe with DCT on a whim today. Yes, it felt bigger than my 997S, but it just had this kick you in the ass feeling that my Porsche is lacking. Loved the DCT and the practicality of 4 real seats (I have two kids who complain about the back seat of the 911) and a real trunk. I am seriously toying with the idea of ordering a loaded 2011 for euro delivery and trading in or selling the Porsche. My only concerns are taking a bath on the trade and the fact that I already have a 2009 335i M sport sedan as my daily driver.

Sell/trade the 335.

The M3 is a great car. Won't talk you out of it.
Here's an idea. Get rid of the 335 and get an M3 sedan. You can have the DCT and 4 doors. Take the bath on the 335 rather than the Porsche.

Not an option. The 335 is leased - 23 months to go - and is my all weather, daily driver. I need a car for the winter here in CT and the 335 with Blizzaks fits that bill, plus no way I can justify/afford two high performance cars. Own the Porsche free and clear.

I seriously considered buying a new DCT M3 before I pulled the trigger on my 911. It's a helluva car. If I hadn't bought the 911, there's a better than average shot that the M3 would be in my garage now.

Having said that, every boy racer in town wants an M3.. There are so many 'modified' 3 series Beemers here that it hurts.. I've never seen so much low-buck stick-on fiberglass in my life.. and cheap, wavy chrome wheels.. Yeesh.. :cool:

You and I, and the majority of the lads in here know the M3 is in a class by itself.. but only true motorheads know the difference.

No foul if you do the deal.. although I'm not sure I'd fully understand the logic of having two 3 series cars in the same garage ...

Just my .02 cents ..

I agree with the others - having 2 3-series BMWs in the garage doesn't make sense to me, no matter how different an M3 may be from a 335. I am sure that a dealer would be willing to get you out of the lease for a new M3. Then perhaps, you could sell the porsche and get another winter car. The M3 is a great car - no doubts.

Drove one too. Isn't it amazing how much QUIETER it is than the 997. The M3 really needs another exhaust. I don't even think my S is that loud, but the M3 is almost like a Toyota by comparison. I put all seasons on my 997 and drive it in the winter when there is no snow. Rear drive and rear engine - could combo for the snow. The M3 would be a lot less fatigueing for the commute though....

I almost bought the M, it was at the top of my list and it did feel more refined than the Carrera. That said, there is just something about a 911 that no car can match. It really feels like it is "alive."

I already have an M3 and BTW I do feel it is faster than a 997.1S (stock to stock) . The 997.2S has much more of that "kick" and will easily take the M3 . These are straight line speed comparsions .

I really like the M3 but i don't love the car . Mine has been extremely reliable, comfortable ,fast, and has great creature comforts . Absolutely no problems whatsoever in 30K miles and have only replaced the tires along with their free oil changes. The car has been cheaper to own even than my Honda (4th car).

Mine is a manual . I have read about some DCT problems (ignoring downshifts) . The manual works well but is NOT at the caliber of the Porsche system . The lever is ill positioned and I did get used to it. The shift pattern feels sloppy wheras the Porsche feels much more precise.

I think the money you'd lose on the upside down lease might be less than on the Porsche if you tried to pull the 335 into the trade.

I do feel that you will miss the Porsche . The M3 novelty does erode . It does burn a lot of gas. It looks juvenile with that bump on the hood . In many ways it reminds me of a sophisticated Mustang. Gass guzzling, muscle car appearance , V8 roar .. all muscle , lot of refinement.. but no finesse .

It's practical though. One can park it outside , drive it to the mall , take it to the supermarket , and because it looks almost like it's cousins (328 and 335) it's anonymous enough to be just another 3 series and that attracts less negative attention.

I had a 2010 E90 M3 with the M-DCT transmission for about six months. They are fine cars.

The sedan does a great job of blending everyday practicality and fun into one car. The high revving V8 is a hoot if you can get past the lack of low end torque off the line. Also, the M-DCT is a very nice transmission (with the latest software updates) that rivals the PDK so long as you get the settings right. If you decide on the M3 make sure you get the Technology package so you will get the M button.

The only real issue I had with my M3 was that it was a little too civilized for a weekend toy. It has given up some of the raw edge of previous M3s in the name of practicality. Since mine wasn't a daily driver I decided to let it go and get something that got my juices flowing a bit more. That eventually led me to my 997.2 C2S.

How old are your kids? I traded my .1 C2S for a C63 and am trying to move back now that the kids are 2 and (soon to be) 4.

I actually got rid of a fully loaded E92 M3 for the 997.2 pdk. The logic was simple, I purchased a 135 coupe for work, & it put the M3 to shame in all aspects, acceleration, handling & braking for half the price....

I want a unique car that does everything well when we're in that domain, happy to pay for it.

Don't get mesmorised by the whole M thing. Yeah the M3 revs to 8200, & sounds great when revving, but it has little torque down low, & is basically just another 3 series BM in the crowd.

I've since gotten rid of the 135 for a Z4 35 turbo - nice car (so still BMW as well as Porsche).

7 and 10. The 10 year old now refuses to sit in the back.

I wanted a Porsche for the longest time after having a string of BMWs (8 since 1999, including an e46 M3 ). I finally bought bought one in 2008 but when it comes to cars, I have the attention span of an unmedicated ADHD child and after 2-1/2 years I am itching to move on to something new. I can pick up a new M3 coupe in the low $60s through the European Delivery program (highly recommended, btw). I am waiting to see what the dealer offers on my trade. I may consider selling the 911 on my own, but the sales tax offset makes that less attractive of an option.

I find this interesting. I test drove the M3 before deciding it was rubbish... The power delivery felt weak until you get the engine revs up there and the interior finish substandard to even a well kitted volkswagen. Perhaps it was just me, but I did test drive the Mercedes Benz C63 which I found to be a far better road car than a M3.

C63 power delivery is monstrous and it's exhaust note apocalyptic. Many of the bits & pieces that were options in the M3 were standard in the C63. Despite having an auto-box the C63 had a shift quality that was very impressive. I suppose any faster and you'd be spinning wheels within the tyres at each shift in a DCT upshift.

After driving the C63, M3 and Cayman S I decided on the 997.2 Carrera. It cost more than all three but it has this connection to the road via the steering wheels that not many other road cars can claim. Have you tried the 997 generation II with PDK?

If I get rid of my 997 for a sedan it's for a C63 or a CTSV, possibly an RS4.