What exactly does "M3 base" consist of

[newoldbeemer]

Hi all noob question here, after the M3 test drive I can't get it out of my head and I'm looking at a few cars, I am seeing a few cars listed as "M3 base". My question is this an actual model/version in BMW parlance and if so what is it missing. These cars seem to have nav, M-drive and automatic.

I assume (unlike regular 3 series) the M3 cars don't need a "sports package" / "m sport package" to have a sporty suspension. I do understand there are packages for bigger wheels, rear view camera, comfort access etc and other niceties but what are you getting and what are you missing in an "M3 base", is that a well defined term?

I am learning a few basic things like the convertible weighs a lot more than a coupe and maybe thats why so many of them are available in relatively low price range. Also new to me is the fact that the auto transmission is not a regular auto, its DCT all I understand is an automated manual but need to read more about it to understand. That explains why I couldn't find "park mode" in the test drive I guess.

What else are the major things to keep in mind shopping for M3 as a noob? For example I have experience with an F30 3 series and I wouldn't buy one without sportline/msport (both share the same 704 suspension), wouldn't get one without tech package because the non-nav screen sucks and HUD is to die for, base sound system is very bad in F30, etc. On 1 series both sport and non-sport get the same suspension. These are things specific to know for each model that you learn about over time, so like that what are some things I should know about E92 M3 when shopping? Just asking because I don't want to end up with buyers remorse on any packages left out because, I am new to M3 and I am going to fall in love with any M3 and write the check if I like the numbers.

Thanks in advance..

[Helmsman]

Hi again man, here's some bed time reading to get up to speed on the DCT (i.e. double clutch box, not AT not MT...): http://www.m3post.com/goodiesforyou/mdctinfo.PDF

There are no "M-sport" type packages to the M3. They have all the same sporty chassis base. There is however EDC (electr damper control) as an option which gives 3 different damper/stiffness setting. There is also a Competition Package ("ZCP") that further tune the chassi/EDC.
Can't comment on the other packages really as they come in different shape over in Europe.

Cheers

[newoldbeemer]

Thanks Helmsman.

I also want to post a few "reality check" questions. Basically my situation is this: I can afford to pay around 45K and am trying to buy the best car I can for that (after doing the calculations on comfortable car payments including tax etc), got an estimate for insurance for an M3 - luckily its not much more than insurance on my 328i (no idea why maybe its my age) - and also gas at 12mpg. Calculating all this I would be spending 300 more per month than my 328i to own the M3 (excluding maintenance) which I can definitely afford given my job (and I have no idea how the resale will be, probably I will recover 100 out of the 300 when resell compared to my 328i).

But I have doubts about warranty. With a 45K budget I will probably get a 2012 coupe with say 30k to 40k miles on it. Now a bit of reading reveals that thats when the factory warranty expires. I may get a CPO which will be like 5K more expensive, or they may offer me an extended warranty for say 5K. Either way, adding the warranty will shoot it up by 5K and not adding the warranty would be a nightmare.

So my questions are:
- Do they let you buy extended warranty at any time, or only when buying the car? (for both CPO and non CPO)
- Its a bit scary what the extended warrant covers and what it doesn't cover. I was reading the thread about the other guy whose engine died and they claim he over-revved, I know he doesn't have warranty but what exactly happens if you do have warranty and they claim something like that? Would it constitute "abuse" and hence not covered? I am especially concerned about third-party so-called "bumper to bumper" (yeah right) warranties, already had a bad experience with my first 2008 335i. Ultimately I sold that car and they refunded me the warranty amount. If thats the case, I don't want to go for M3, its a great car but I'll just consider it one of the cars I can't afford yet (like a Porsche or Ferrari), buy a new 335i and wait for the time in life when I can afford it new. I have no problem doing that and have the maturity, will enjoy the 335 if I do that. But not sure if I am over assuming here and CPO really has my back, in that case I would be stupid to not get a CPO M3 when thats my dream car. I'm finding it difficult to make a good judgment call on that and could use some help.

Basically I understand maintenance will be on me - tires, brakes, fluids, anything that has to be topped up (which I do understand will not be cheap) - but my question is will warranty (CPO or third party bumper to bumper) cover things that typically fail like water pump, electricals, fuel pump, coolant leak, oil leaks, stuff like that which tends to fail. My decision to buy CPO M3 vs new 335i will basically depend on that.

Want to get your perspectives on this too as I'm sure many of you would have gone through this thought process and experience.

[Helmsman]

Hi again,

can't elaborate on the CPO/warranty rules in the US as we have a different system over in Sweden (the regular insurance cover everything incl all mechanical issues up to 8 years old car/62k miles, around $2500/year dep on location etc).

As stated by the guys in your previous thread; One buy a M3 if you really want and appreciate that extra, which for most people will mean an economical effort. At this stage you seem uncertain, I'd say go for the 335i and call it a day. Still a significant upgrade vs your current x28i and you can always take next step later.

Cheers

[smyles]

Search/download the ordering guide for the model year you're looking for, and it will list all standard and optional features, along with list prices. There's also an online tool to get all options listed from a VIN.

Btw, I think all US M3 are "base" - at least this is how my fully loaded E93 appears on realoem.

[delirium330]

This is also a great overview guide for anyone just starting to shop for a e9x. Goes through many of the options and packages, what changed from year to year, etc.

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=50

[newoldbeemer]

Thanks guys. After doing the math I've decided I can't really afford an m3 yet, am nowhere near there in fact. Got carried away looking at a couple of ads for cars around the price range I was shopping for 335's at, without factoring in other aspects of owning one.

Sorry about the confusion

[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

Thanks guys. After doing the math I've decided I can't really afford an m3 yet, am nowhere near there in fact. Got carried away looking at a couple of ads for cars around the price range I was shopping for 335's at, without factoring in other aspects of owning one.

Sorry about the confusion

Affording an M3 (or any car really) goes way past the purchase price. Maintenance on these cars is killer, when compared to most other consumer vehicles.

As for the extended warranty....you don't NEED one, there are several of us on here that don't have one. It's a crap shoot really, some win and some lose.

[Amirsm3]

"Base" is because the car doesn't have any "trim" levels like grand touring, sport etc. etc. etc. that you'd find with other car makes and models.

[duk]

12mpg? Wow even with my lead foot I am getting 16mpg

[rjd598]

wow

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

Affording an M3 (or any car really) goes way past the purchase price. Maintenance on these cars is killer, when compared to most other consumer vehicles.

As for the extended warranty....you don't NEED one, there are several of us on here that don't have one. It's a crap shoot really, some win and some lose.

Is say depreciation is also a killer. Looks like value drops like a brick after 3 years. Which makes sense because relatively fewer people would want to buy an old one.

[M3Bimmer77]

The passion for these cars is what really kills you. I understand you have $45k, right? Buy a used car from a stealership, get the 0.9% from BMW, no down and invest the $45k. The interest should pay more than 0.9%.

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by M3Bimmer77

The passion for these cars is what really kills you. I understand you have $45k, right? Buy a used car from a stealership, get the 0.9% from BMW, no down and invest the $45k. The interest should pay more than 0.9%.

Er no the 45K is my budget for a loan, calculated based on other factors in my life. My down would be 10K. And lol thats definitely not all of my finances, those are invested elsewhere .

After extensive calculations, it looks like I will be trading in the 328i for a lightly used Civic, and then the hunt begins for a good fun second car - BRZ/370Z/MustangGT/135i/something else fun. My monthly overall expense on the car(s) (depreciaton + gas + insurance) will still be a good 300-400 less than if I go 2012 M3. Thats all going by KBB values and insurance quotes by Geico. (I know they are not accurate, but something to go by to decide general direction).

In fact, going down that route I'll even be saving compared to upgrading to a 335i.

[M3Bimmer77]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

Er no the 45K is my budget for a loan, calculated based on other factors in my life. My down would be 10K. And lol thats definitely not all of my finances, those are invested elsewhere .

After extensive calculations, it looks like I will be trading in the 328i for a lightly used Civic, and then the hunt begins for a good fun second car - BRZ/370Z/MustangGT/135i/something else fun. My monthly overall expense on the car(s) (depreciaton + gas + insurance) will still be a good 300-400 less than if I go 2012 M3. Thats all going by KBB values and insurance quotes by Geico. (I know they are not accurate, but something to go by to decide general direction).

In fact, going down that route I'll even be saving compared to upgrading to a 335i.

Hey no worries. We all started there. I would say just save more for the M3 and skip the 335.

[nah dude]

If you're not daily driving the car, just buy the M3. If you can afford a 45K loan, you can probably afford this car.

[M3FISH]

Have you taken one for a test drive? If not go do it & get back to us lol. I was sold the minute I started the car.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by duk

12mpg? Wow even with my lead foot I am getting 16mpg

Do you have the power button on?

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by Amirsm3

"Base" is because the car doesn't have any "trim" levels like grand touring, sport etc. etc. etc. that you'd find with other car makes and models.

Wrong, base car comes with 1.8L civic vtec motor

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Wrong, base car comes with 1.8L civic vtec motor

I think I would know seeing as how I got the Civic M3

[X5-User]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Do you have the power button on?

trolling again on power button?

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Wrong, base car comes with 1.8L civic vtec motor

Those are damn slow just uloaded a civic.