Finally drove an m3 for the first time!

[924er]

What's good yal!

So I finally got behind a wheel of a 2011 e92 m3 competition package and I was blown away! My friend purchased one with the DTC and let me rape it(as he raped my 335i) and I was amazed! Never had more fun with any other car. Best 20 min of my life. Lol

The sound and the top end was heaven. Now I can see why ppl are crazy about this high revving v8. I drove it on M mode the entire time.

I have an e92 FBO 335i and this m3 was like driving a totally different car. Feels so much lighter and pulls like a train. It feels faster than my car for sure.

We did some runs on a closed course with my 335i on e85 and pulled away but I think if I was running pump gas I would have Lost for sure.

Now I want an m3. I don't care about straight line power but I have a few concerns.

Does the rod bearing issue affect all models? Any warning signs when buying one?

How does it drive on normal mode for DD? Is it jagged?

Would you buy a high mileage m3 ?

Has yours been reliable?


Thanks so much guys! I hope I don't get flamed for anything I said

[BimmerRookie]

Just gonna put this out there before everyone else does...

[RP256]

Trade it in I did you'll be happy.i made the same switch. Rod bearings are kind of a hyped up issue but if I were to buy a high mileage one I'd just swap them out since you'll probably be getting the car cheaper anyway.

[924er]

Originally Posted by RP256

Trade it in I did you'll be happy.i made the same switch. Rod bearings are kind of a hyped up issue but if I were to buy a high mileage one I'd just swap them out since you'll probably be getting the car cheaper anyway.

Well my 335i is paid off so trading it in is a good option. Might even list it on CL. It's going to be hard to let go tho

[skidawgz]

I just test drove a 2009 DCT today, my second m3 driven but first e9x. I don't mean to thread jack but I definitely get the craze for the car. I was expecting to be impressed and I was not let down.

With any BMW car, either do some work yourself or find an Indy BMW mechanic. This model is pretty solid.

[Bomiz]

From what I heard, every year has the rod bearing issue and the only thing to prevent it is very good maintenance. 2 Weeks ago I Just purchased an 08 M3 with 37k Miles, and all I can talk about is how much of an incredible car it is. My throttle actuator starting going out but that's like the most common things on these guys that'll go out. Even though mines an 08, i've been complimented that my engine sounds healthy, since the rod bearings you can usually hear from the engine ticking.

The car definitely blows my mind, I can tell you that

[924er]

Yeah I just don't want to regret the change. The 335i I have has been okay. Just the usual injectors, HPFP, and valve cover replacement. Wonder if the m3 would be around the same. I hear M parts cost way more. I'll be doing more HW but thanks for the help!

[fellationship]

I was daily driving my 2011 Comp E90 M3 and it works very well. But for me, after a while in traffic, I felt I was killing the car and wasn't getting the most of of each mile driven.
So while the M works great as a DD, I got a used honda. And still everytime I get into the M, it's a wonderful experience each and every time.

[Jive]

Originally Posted by 924er

What's good yal!

So I finally got behind a wheel of a 2011 e92 m3 competition package and I was blown away! My friend purchased one with the DTC and let me rape it(as he raped my 335i) and I was amazed! Never had more fun with any other car. Best 20 min of my life. Lol

The sound and the top end was heaven. Now I can see why ppl are crazy about this high revving v8. I drove it on M mode the entire time.

I have an e92 FBO 335i and this m3 was like driving a totally different car. Feels so much lighter and pulls like a train. It feels faster than my car for sure.

We did some runs on a closed course with my 335i on e85 and pulled away but I think if I was running pump gas I would have Lost for sure.

Now I want an m3. I don't care about straight line power but I have a few concerns.

Does the rod bearing issue affect all models? Any warning signs when buying one?

How does it drive on normal mode for DD? Is it jagged?

Would you buy a high mileage m3 ?

Has yours been reliable?


Thanks so much guys! I hope I don't get flamed for anything I said

Glad to hear you loved it and hope you jump into one soon!

Rod bearings affects all models and years. Whether it is really an issue or it isn't, we don't really know because we don't know real world failure rates. But if i was buying a used high mileage m3 right now i would definitely change the rod bearings for peace of mind. Rod bearing issues can be heard near the wheel well; a lot of videos have been posted so do a search. I would have no issues buying a high milage M3 as long as it was properly maintained; overall they are very solid cars.

DDing it isn't an issue but the gas milage isn't the greatest.

Originally Posted by fellationship

I was daily driving my 2011 Comp E90 M3 and it works very well. But for me, after a while in traffic, I felt I was killing the car and wasn't getting the most of of each mile driven.
So while the M works great as a DD, I got a used honda.

This. I used to DD the M3 and it was so lame to sit in traffic with such a great car. Thankfully now i take public transit to work and it is my weekend toy.

[Rat3d ///M]

Originally Posted by 924er

What's good yal!

Nothing really. I need to go wash my car but I am lazy and it looks like rain

Does the rod bearing issue affect all models? Any warning signs when buying one?

Yes to the first question, not really to the second. I will say, however, that it seems (could just be my imagination) to be more prevalent in 2008-2010 models. Could have something to do with the changes in rod bearing material for the 2011 MY. Again though, rod bearing failure has been seen in all MY's

How does it drive on normal mode for DD? Is it jagged?

It drives fine. Being a dual clutch transmission, the DCT won't drive like an automatic. Not sure what jagged means though

Would you buy a high mileage m3 ?

Probably not.

Has yours been reliable?

Aside from a few fairly common electrical gremlins I have had absolutely zero issues with mine in 6000k miles and 8 months of ownership.

Replies in red

[Rich150001]

You'll see that many of the recent M3 owners previously owned 335i's. Even though the 335i can be made faster very easily (1-2 grand), the fun factor with the M3 can't be beat. I never get tired of the sound of the V8, especially even more so with the Dinan exhaust that I put on.

Get the M3 and don't look back.

[Amirsm3]

I did it for the visceral experience - but I came from a 350Z/E46 M3.

[Merlin_83]

Originally Posted by Jive

Glad to hear you loved it and hope you jump into one soon!

Rod bearings affects all models and years. Whether it is really an issue or it isn't, we don't really know because we don't know real world failure rates. But if i was buying a used high mileage m3 right now i would definitely change the rod bearings for peace of mind. Rod bearing issues can be heard near the wheel well; a lot of videos have been posted so do a search. I would have no issues buying a high milage M3 as long as it was properly maintained; overall they are very solid cars.

DDing it isn't an issue but the gas milage isn't the greatest.

This. I used to DD the M3 and it was so lame to sit in traffic with such a great car. Thankfully now i take public transit to work and it is my weekend toy.

This for me as well - she's kind of a garage queen now, but when I do drive - it's like a nearly new experience for me

[Peertwelve]

Try to find a car with meticulous service records and an oil change interval more aggressive then the BMW 15k mile limit. While not conclusive, a car with twice as many oil changes is likely to have bearings that are more healthy. If you have not already read the Oil Analysis threads (search for Blackstone), do so and then find a well documented car. You will love it!!


Ps: have been daily driving my car loving every minute of it, including the horrible Seattle traffic.