E90Post
 


Coby Wheel
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General BMW News and Cars Discussion > M Cars... Are they overrated??



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-21-2013, 10:00 AM   #1
Cali_Creez
Private First Class
Cali_Creez's Avatar
Japan
26
Rep
169
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 DCT; BNR34; S1000RR
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Tokyo

iTrader: (2)

M Cars... Are they overrated??

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
I'm in a bit of a war with myself right now. I'm not sure if I am putting too much emphasis on the ///M or if it is really worth it to own one. In looking for my next car, I am wondering if I should go with a 08-2010 ///M3, 06-08 ///M6, the 2011 550i, 2011 640i, or to just get another 335i and fully mod it again (never got a chance to try the single turbo setup).

I decided to post this here instead of the ///M forum because you guys seem a bit more fair and not so biased towards one car over another. I am really interested in hearing your opinion(s). Thanks =)
__________________

From California, but currently living in Japan.
2001 Bnr34 vspec2
2011 e92 m3
2013 s1000rr
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2013, 10:19 AM   #2
ouchie
Second Lieutenant
ouchie's Avatar
United_States
106
Rep
261
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

You know they can still see this, right? And no M is totally different
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2013, 10:33 AM   #3
MisterSkiMask
Banned
147
Rep
2,014
Posts

Drives: I Can not say
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: you must not know

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali FlyBoyZ View Post
I'm in a bit of a war with myself right now. I'm not sure if I am putting too much emphasis on the ///M or if it is really worth it to own one. In looking for my next car, I am wondering if I should go with a 08-2010 ///M3, 06-08 ///M6, the 2011 550i, 2011 640i, or to just get another 335i and fully mod it again (never got a chance to try the single turbo setup).

I decided to post this here instead of the ///M forum because you guys seem a bit more fair and not so biased towards one car over another. I am really interested in hearing your opinion(s). Thanks =)
are panning on modding the f out of an M car?

If so, I wouldn't bother. You are paying a premium for a package that is designed and tuned to work as a package. If you are going to f with it, why bother?

Unless you just want that monster of a V-10, it is a fantastic engine (the SMG trans sucks).
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2013, 11:01 AM   #4
Cali_Creez
Private First Class
Cali_Creez's Avatar
Japan
26
Rep
169
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 DCT; BNR34; S1000RR
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Tokyo

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali FlyBoyZ View Post
I'm in a bit of a war with myself right now. I'm not sure if I am putting too much emphasis on the ///M or if it is really worth it to own one. In looking for my next car, I am wondering if I should go with a 08-2010 ///M3, 06-08 ///M6, the 2011 550i, 2011 640i, or to just get another 335i and fully mod it again (never got a chance to try the single turbo setup).

I decided to post this here instead of the ///M forum because you guys seem a bit more fair and not so biased towards one car over another. I am really interested in hearing your opinion(s). Thanks =)
are panning on modding the f out of an M car?

If so, I wouldn't bother. You are paying a premium for a package that is designed and tuned to work as a package. If you are going to f with it, why bother?

Unless you just want that monster of a V-10, it is a fantastic engine (the SMG trans sucks).
The m3 would be completely stock, however the sc would be considered later down the road. In all actuality the choice will eventually come down to either another 335i or an m3.
__________________

From California, but currently living in Japan.
2001 Bnr34 vspec2
2011 e92 m3
2013 s1000rr
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2013, 11:02 AM   #5
MisterSkiMask
Banned
147
Rep
2,014
Posts

Drives: I Can not say
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: you must not know

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali FlyBoyZ View Post
The m3 would be completely stock, however the sc would be considered later down the road. In all actuality the choice will eventually come down to either another 335i or an m3.
In that case I would get the M3. It may be your last chance to get a great NA engine from BMW
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2013, 02:07 PM   #6
Meeni
Gateropode
Meeni's Avatar
329
Rep
2,848
Posts

Drives: BMW 330i 06
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: TN

iTrader: (0)

M3, M5, M6, 550i etc are all very different cars. Not sure what to tell you. You should boil it down to what you are looking for, it should become obvious then.
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2013, 02:22 PM   #7
elwesso
Second Lieutenant
elwesso's Avatar
25
Rep
299
Posts

Drives: Z4 M Coupe
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Indiana

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Meeni View Post
M3, M5, M6, 550i etc are all very different cars. Not sure what to tell you. You should boil it down to what you are looking for, it should become obvious then.
Agreed! You need to decide what's important before you make your decision. An M car will cost more both in purchase and in maintenance, however you get a balanced package that's turn-key versus modifying to your taste..

///M cars are not over-rated, however some people that buy them might buy them for the wrong reasons.
__________________
- Wes
2007 BMW M Coupe
2016 VW GTI
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2013, 03:03 PM   #8
Raja Ventureshield
Major General
Raja Ventureshield's Avatar
United_States
288
Rep
5,686
Posts

Drives: BMW M3 coupe
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Northern VA

iTrader: (6)

M3 is a different beast altogether. Just saying. 335i is nice but m3 is just a monster on steriod. do it.
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2013, 04:14 PM   #9
Longboarder
Major General
Longboarder's Avatar
3427
Rep
6,769
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW i8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Monarch Beach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Yes M's are overrated...stick with the 335 it's a way better car.
__________________
Current BMWs: 2022 X5 40i, 2016 X5 50i
2015 Porsche 991 Turbo S
1979 Porsche 911 Turbo
a couple others
IG: longboarder949; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT1...eoFBszPIK0gf9w
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2013, 08:47 PM   #10
mlai
Colonel
mlai's Avatar
Hong Kong
165
Rep
2,340
Posts

Drives: 650GC/E93M3/Lexus LS600HL
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
What do you intend to use the car for? I had the F10 550i before and now a F06 650i. And I also have an E93 M3. Also had a 135i vert before.

Very different car for very different purpose. The M3 is a fun car. Very different then non-Ms. The Ms are mean to be driven HARD. They have a whole host of sport oriented equipment that you don't find on non-Ms. For instance, all the current M cars have real LSDs as opposed to fake e-diff ones. The tracks on M cars are different then non-Ms.... etc

However, I also have 2 daughters (7+9) and I find that I use the F06 much more for daily drives with them. Just way more comfortable, not only to sit in and drive casually, but also for the passengers as well.

So you really got to ask yourself, what is your intended use of the car?

However, to give a short answer to your direct question. No, M cars are NOT OVERRATED. In fact, if you were to mod the 335i to the M3 level, buying the M3 is actually cheaper........ I tried modding the F10 550i to match an M5, just not worth it!
__________________
F06 650i Gran Coupe Ruby Black/Dakota Cinamon- 2012-10-12 Adaptive Drive/IAS/Surround View/Adaptive LED/Comfort Seats/BMW 356 Liquid Black/Michelin PSS 245/35R20-285/30R20
E93 M3 Cabriolet Satin Pearl White/CR - 2012/03/12 Bilstein PSS10/ Michelin PSS 245/35R19-265/35R19 Brembo GT
2011 F10 550i M Sport - Retired
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2013, 10:55 PM   #11
3point0
Lieutenant
3point0's Avatar
Canada
26
Rep
415
Posts

Drives: 2005 z4 3.0
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Vancouver

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2006 Audi S4 Avant  [0.00]
2005 BMW Z4  [5.67]
I had s similar dilemma before buying this car. In the end I figured out what i needed / wanted and what i didn't and bought the non-M Z4. I don't regret it one bit. Sure I'd love more power, who wouldn't? In the end, my needs dictated the auto transmission and so the M wasn't an option. Think about your needs vs wants and go with what comes fits the most on both the lists. Then move on and don't second guess yourself.
__________________

2005 Z4 3.0 steptronic | TiSilver on Black | sport & premium package | 108s | Msport seats | wind deflector
OMP strut bar | blacked out emblems | de-french-fried | sound gen | DIY aux input | custom speedo logos | stubby antenna | polished exhaust tips
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2013, 10:52 AM   #12
pgviper
Captain
United_States
278
Rep
823
Posts

Drives: X3m40
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (0)

As far as M cars go, I have never driven them.

As far as modding the 335i with the money you save, rule of thumb is to always go with the best car you can buy for the money. Essentially go with a $40k car as opposed to a $30k car + $10k in mods. Modding always brings along its own host of problems and at the end of the day, structurally, the car will never be the same.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2013, 11:22 AM   #13
kid bootney
Private
3
Rep
61
Posts

Drives: 2013 e92 Interlagos Blue M3
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: chicago

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask View Post
In that case I would get the M3. It may be your last chance to get a great NA engine from BMW
exactly. mine is on a ship on its way over. BMW will very soon be all turbo's so this is it for high revving V8's
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2013, 03:40 PM   #14
Tj Hunter
S54 Master Tech
United_States
5
Rep
89
Posts

Drives: E46 M3, E83 X3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Minnesota

iTrader: (0)

I will have to agree with others in here. I actually just bought my 135 two weeks ago, coming from an E39 M5, and it is up for sale! The non LSD SUCKS, turbo engine is great (fun for the first few days), but I like to rev my cars and the N54's fall VERY short in the high end RPM department, and at the end of the day it does not have much of the true M feel to it, it gets close, but not close enough for me.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2013, 03:49 PM   #15
nicknaz
Lieutenant General
nicknaz's Avatar
3187
Rep
10,509
Posts

Drives: C6Z
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

I think it is a tough question, not because of 135 / 335 etc but the other competitor cars that can be had for around the same price.

C6 z06, 987.2 Cayman S, 996 TT, 997 C2, elise and many other interesting cars are right there in the same price range.

Personally, if I got an M3 it would be to use as a fun street car / commuter. I would get something else if I was going for track toy or something to heavily modified or hammer on very aggressively in the mountains
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2013, 07:01 PM   #16
John_01
Colonel
John_01's Avatar
Australia
232
Rep
2,643
Posts

Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Australia

iTrader: (0)

When it comes to handling, the M3 is the best by a big margin. The recent standard BMW models have compromised steering and suspension IMO. You have to do an awful lot of suspension mods to get them to handle decently, and there will still be limitations in what can be done.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2013, 08:58 PM   #17
rjd598
Banned
United_States
1770
Rep
6,696
Posts

Drives: F30 340i
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego,CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2016 BMW 340i  [0.00]
335i has beautiful modding capability. Truly amazing and if I were in your shoes I would be tempted so much with going with the 335i. However after the many reviews I've seen people say that the m3 is just "different". Sorry I can't give you real experience as I didn't go from 335>m3 but the m3 is worth it. If you are a performance oriented person trust me when I say you will get bored with the 550i and especially the 640i. Great cars and I would like to own one in the future as a daily but you will just get bored after awhile. The m6 IMO is a bad choice just due to costs and the fact that its now outdated.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2013, 09:33 PM   #18
deluxe 247
Shake and Bake
deluxe 247's Avatar
32
Rep
494
Posts

Drives: 2016 M4
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Los Angeles & San Diego

iTrader: (3)

I have a FBO 335i and i'd still love to have an m3, there's nothing like it imo.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2013, 09:37 PM   #19
Bimmr7
First Lieutenant
United_States
206
Rep
300
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 Comp/G80 M3 Comp on Ord
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 BMW M3  [0.00]
2011 BMW 328  [0.00]
2010 BMW 335 M Sport  [0.00]
Just traded my 335 M sport for a E92 M3 ZCP and I don't care what anyone says
M3>335. No comparison whatsoever. The M3 is in a class all alone.

Last edited by Bimmr7; 02-22-2013 at 09:38 PM.. Reason: Add verbiage
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2013, 09:44 PM   #20
Ender_
Lieutenant
54
Rep
509
Posts

Drives: BMW 1M VO, V60 Polestar '24
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Ottawa

iTrader: (0)

For me I could have spent $20k+ on my 135i and it still would not match what I got with the 1M.

So yes ///M's are very worth it. (That is if you want a 'track' car)
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2013, 11:08 PM   #21
M3 Esq
Automobilist
M3 Esq's Avatar
United_States
395
Rep
2,632
Posts

Drives: E70 X5, 911 GT3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CT

iTrader: (12)

I've owned both. The 335 is a great car, lots of fun and easy to mod, better mpg. However, the M3 is a totally different animal. V8, M suspension, LSD, different interior and exterior parts. M cars are rare in CT whereas 335s are everywhere. Depends on what u want obviously but you really can't go wrong with either car.

Drive one and you'll know. I never know until I drive em. GL
Appreciate 0
      02-23-2013, 02:01 AM   #22
BMRLVR
Grease Monkey
BMRLVR's Avatar
Canada
293
Rep
2,646
Posts

Drives: 2011 E90 M3,1994 Euro E36 M3/4
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali FlyBoyZ View Post
I'm in a bit of a war with myself right now. I'm not sure if I am putting too much emphasis on the ///M or if it is really worth it to own one. In looking for my next car, I am wondering if I should go with a 08-2010 ///M3, 06-08 ///M6, the 2011 550i, 2011 640i, or to just get another 335i and fully mod it again (never got a chance to try the single turbo setup).

I decided to post this here instead of the ///M forum because you guys seem a bit more fair and not so biased towards one car over another. I am really interested in hearing your opinion(s). Thanks =)
Do you really think the fact that the M3/M5 has always been seen as a benchmark in their respective categories as a coincidence? Do you think all of the auto journalists that rave about them are clueless?

Why don't you test drive one and see for your self!?
__________________
2011 E90 M3 ZCP - Individual Moonstone/Individual Amarone Extended/Individual Piano Black With Inlay:LINK!!!
1994 Euro E36 M3 Sedan - Daytona Violet/Mulberry:LINK!!!
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:40 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST