Hi all,

I have an E39 M5 and I'm looking to replace it with a used E90 M3. I love the M5, but I feel like the newer 5 series cars are a bit too big for me.

Anyway, I have begun researching the M3s and I can't figure out the transmission options beyond the manual. Can anyone explain the options to me? Also, any advice on the transmission or other options on these cars? Anything I should know as a buyer?

Many thanks!

 

Hi, I'll be in the market for one in a few years, so I don't actually own one, but I have quite a bit of experience with them.

You have the choice of a 6 speed manual and a 7 speed dual clutch transmission. Personally, I'll be looking for the 7 speed DCT. It works flawlessly in automatic mode, while being lightning quick on manual mode.

The biggest thing to note is that the Idrive system was updated in 2009+ cars (huge improvement) while the taillights on the E90 (Sedan) were also changed. In 2011 (I think), the taillights for the coupe and convertible were changed as well.

 

You've been in the market for one for a few years? They aren't that hard to find are they?

Yes, since posting I have learned that the two options are manual and DCT. From what I've read, the DCT sounds pretty good. I've always owned manuals, but I'm thinking that the technology sounds like it's advanced to the point at which I'd take the plunge on the DCT. It'd be nice to be able to put the car in automatic from time to time, especially in traffic.

Is the older version of the I-Drive that bad? What's wrong with it? Less user friendly?

I've also read that the EDC is a "must have" option, at least for purposes of resale. Any opinions on this? I'm wondering how much I'd really use it and how much it could cost me later if it breaks.

 

Sorry, what I meant was that I'll be looking for one in a few years, now it just not the right time for me unfortunately.

Yes, the old version of the I-drive in my opinion is not comparable to the newer version. The main difference is that there are no shortcut buttons. This is what a newer I-drive controller looks like:


I've tried EDC and in my humble opinion, it's 50/50 for me. Personally I wouldn't mind having an M3 without one, although I'm pretty sure most of them come with EDC. EDC in it's sportiest mode is too rough for the streets for me.

 

Oh, okay, that makes more sense.

Thanks for the info and pic of the I-Drive. That makes the difference clear. Based on what I'd like to spend, I may be stuck with the old version. The new version became available in 2009 or 2010?

Yeah, I was thinking that the EDC may be a bit of a gimmick. I bet 90% of the people out there wouldn't really benefit from it. I guess if you tracked the car it makes sense to be able to put it in the stiffest mode, but I won't be tracking mine.

 

Correct, it only came out for the 2009+ cars, and it seems the 08's are going for pretty reasonable prices.

Like I said, the non-EDC ones aren't as easy to find as the ones that have it (from my own research).

Overall, they seem to be pretty rock solid cars, at least compared to E46's anyway. I'd love to be in the market for one right now
Mine is gong to be an E92, Melbourne Red on beige.

 

Thanks bmwvt08. Good luck on finding your car.

 

when the DCT first came out, a BMW Tech was telling me that a clutch replacement out of warranty was costly. Anyone have any experience of that yet?

 

probably about the same as the SMG clutch replacement. you own SMG? (judging by the picture...it seems like you have ZCP)

 

I would imagine more than SMG since DCT has more parts, specifically two clutches.

I just have ZCP Rims and 6MT

 

I am a 2008 E90 M3 owner for the past 5 months. I love this car! I opted for the 6MT over DCT. The older style I-drive does not bother me, but the updated 2009 is nicer along with the tail light upgrade. EDC is a nice feature to have even if you don't track it. Hope this helps!

 

DCT is great and will shift faster than you can - which makes it a great option for those who track and even for those who don't. It's really all preference. I went with 6MT because I just love driving manual, again...preference. The older i-drive doesn't bother me much, but then again - I don't have experience with the newer version, so I can't compare. EDC, IMO, is a must have. Having the option to control is great and I personally use it all the time. You probably won't miss it if you got one without it, but after having it - it is definitely nice...whether you track or not.

 

The e90 has much less space inside than the e39. Might be worthwhile to check out if it meets your practical needs!

 

I'd go manual for sure...but probably skip the EDC, as knowing myself I'd upgrade the suspension down the road anyway

 

Didn't BMW make significant improvements on the DCT, perhaps on the 09 or 10 model? I thought I once heard that "they finally got it right" regarding the DCT but I forget what model year sported the significant improvements. Anyone have more detail? That info (if it's true and I wasn't just dreaming) should help the OP as well...