07-23-2017, 06:34 PM | #1 |
Motiphd
122
Rep 232
Posts |
Have a 535i, considering an M3
I currently have a 16' 535i xDrive M-Sport. We got this car a month after I got the wife a 16' 328i xDrive for kid duty. My car basically provides a drama free, relaxing drive to work... which is getting very boring. I know it would be a huge difference going from my car to a RWD 6MT M3, but I don't get out of my car with a smile because the drive isn't engaging whatsoever.
I almost made the mistake last week of moving on a 750i and getting out of my car, which I think would have made me even more bored, but with way more rear leg room. I don't know, but there is something theraputic about holding onto second until a gap opens up when you're on an on-ramp after work that just plasters a permanent smile on your face. Heck, I even miss that push you back in your seat from my tuned MK6 GLI. Having never driven one (closest was an 8AT 340i xDrive) do you guys think I even need to do an extended test drive of the M3 or should I just look to find one and move forward? I will def be leasing and not purchasing unless the drive puts me head over heels.
__________________
2016 535i xDrive M-Sport | 2016 328 xDrive w/Lighting (hers)
2012 VW Jetta GLI 6MT APR Stage 2 (retired) | 2012 VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion (hers/retired) 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD Advance (retired) | 2012 Acura RDX Tech (hers/retired) 2010 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance (hers/retired) |
07-23-2017, 06:41 PM | #2 |
Second Lieutenant
60
Rep 208
Posts |
I would just rent one through Turo for a day. Even with an extended test drive you're not going to be able to thrash on it properly if it's still in break-in. Rent one and drive to your heart's content. If you're still unsure at the end of the day, chances are it's not for you. Though you'll likely love it.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-23-2017, 06:43 PM | #3 | |
Brigadier General
4947
Rep 4,976
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
Wife's Car: 2020 X4M Competition, Alpine White on Black Alcantara and Biege
Current Car: 2018 F80 M3CS, SMB, DCT, ZEC, MPE Recently Departed: 2020 F87 M2C, LBB, ZEC, 6MT (Euro Delivery Aug. 29, 2019, totaled by an idiot in a Camry who then ran from the scene) Wife's Prior Car: 2018 F80 M3, Yas Marina Blue, DCT, Black 19s, Carbon Structure Anthracite Cloth/Leather Combination, Driving Assistance Package (Euro Delivery Oct. 9, 2017) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 04:35 AM | #6 | |
Colonel
1554
Rep 2,419
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
2012 BMW M3 E93 (Fire Orange)
Akrapovic Evolution Titanium Exhaust Arkym Style Front Lip/CF Diffuser/CF Side Skirt Extensions LUX H8 189 Angel Eyes 2023 Nissan Z Performance (Ikazuchi Yellow) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 05:26 AM | #7 |
Brigadier General
10981
Rep 4,821
Posts |
I say go for the rental or longest test drive you can arrange. Clearly you will like the performance of the M and those you are asking here already made the choice. However, the seats, ride, noise and overall experience are far different than a 535 and even more different than a 7. In the last 10 years, I went from a Lexus to an A6 to an S4 to an M4. There were big differences along the way and I can understand why some prefer each one of those cars / classes. Only you can decide where you want to be in terms performance / price / comfort / space.
__________________
Current: 2018 SO/SS F83 ZCP
Gone: 2015 SO/SO F82 |
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 09:12 AM | #8 |
Colonel
831
Rep 2,352
Posts
Drives: 16' BMW i8
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: The REAL Jersey Shore
iTrader: (1)
Garage List 2001 BMW M3 E46 CON ... [9.50]
2016 BMW i8 [10.00] 2003 JEEP GRAND CHE ... [0.00] 2000 540i SPORT E39 [10.00] 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA ... [0.00] |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 09:17 AM | #9 |
There Is No Substitute
1909
Rep 1,070
Posts |
In a nutshell, get the M3. It is now sufficiently roomy and comfy that you won't miss your 5-series. And performance-wise...well, let's just say you'll be pleased with the upgrade.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 09:33 AM | #11 | |
Private First Class
77
Rep 125
Posts |
Quote:
I've had 3 previous 5ers, starting with a 2000 E39 540i (loved it!), then a 2008 E60 550i (OMG, my favorite car ever!), then got my wife a 2011 F10 535ix (snooze fest). I replaced my 2008 after 8 years of ownership with a 2016 M4 ZCP 6MT, because there was no f-ing way I was going to get another F10, and not f-ing way I was going to buy a pre-LCI G30, so the timing dictated getting a 3er/4er. Besides, I reasoned, the F3x/F8x platform is damn near the same dimensions and weight as my beloved E39. Pulled the trigger last summer, and have now used the M4 as my DD for the last year. It's a really great DD, and driving the MT in Seattle-area traffic doesn't bother me one bit. It's a bit more rowdy even in the softest (comfort) settings, but so what? It's a BMW, and as others have said the power and acceleration are intoxicating. Not sure I'm going to keep this beast when the 3-year lease is up, cuz I'm interested in test driving a G30 M550i, but we'll see. Either way, I'll tell anyone who'll listen to get their arse out of an F10 and into an M3/M4, or even go backwards to a 2008-2010 E60, until the G30 LCI comes out. $0.02
__________________
2010 E60 550i ZSP 6MT
2019 M550i (ED July 2019) 2016 GMC Canyon Ext SLT Retired: 2016 F82 M4, 2008 E60 550i, 2000 E39 540i |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 09:48 AM | #12 |
Major General
4998
Rep 6,863
Posts |
I feel you OP, I came from an F10 5 series as well. Performance-wise its no comparison. The M3 is much faster, lighter, more nimble - its a night and day difference. However, there is definitely something to be said for the roominess and comfort the 5er provides, especially for highway commuting.
But at the end of the day, based on your description of needs above, I think the M3 will put that smile on your face that you're looking for. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 10:29 AM | #13 |
Motiphd
122
Rep 232
Posts |
Awesome insight from an awesome group! I'm now deciding if I should head to the dealer tomorrow during lunch or wait till the weekend. The commute I have to work is mostly highway, but the road isn't in bad shape at all! I will keep you guys posted!
__________________
2016 535i xDrive M-Sport | 2016 328 xDrive w/Lighting (hers)
2012 VW Jetta GLI 6MT APR Stage 2 (retired) | 2012 VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion (hers/retired) 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD Advance (retired) | 2012 Acura RDX Tech (hers/retired) 2010 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance (hers/retired) |
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 11:20 AM | #14 | |
Captain
289
Rep 621
Posts |
Quote:
Really decide if all of the extra power is worth it over the 340i (as an example). The 340i was a fast car by any standard measure, and you could use a higher percentage of its performance on a daily drive. And it still had comfort, quiet, rear cupholders (why F80, why?) and more liveable features. The M3 is stiffer even on its most comfortable settings, louder, and generally more violent to drive. Which is great when you want it. I love it for that. But there is no doubt in my mind that a 340i is a better daily driver choice, especially if coming from a more practical car like I did - you'll notice the difference. All that said, the F80 was a bucket list car for me. I'm going to give it a year or so at least to get it out of my system!
__________________
2021 M2C, HS / 6MT
2019 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4 Door / 6MT 2022 Mini Countryman All4 JCW No longer with me: 2018 Golf R, 2017 F80 M3, 2016 F30 340i xDrive |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 03:42 PM | #15 | |
Major
1574
Rep 1,252
Posts |
Quote:
IF one is looking to buy an M car--and as great as the 340 is now, it's not really an option on the table. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 05:27 PM | #17 |
Major
603
Rep 1,038
Posts |
The ride in an M3 is going to be noticeably stiffer/more intense/harsher than the 5, even if the M3 is in comfort mode - nature of the beast.
Sounds to me like the 5 is boring you and you should make the switch. Do note that you will lose interior space which, depending on your size and space needs, may or may not be a good thing. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 07:03 PM | #19 |
Lieutenant
287
Rep 398
Posts |
Go do the M track days or the M car control clinic. I did the clinic for $750. Got $1000 rebate off the car. You can drive them a lot harder than you ever can on a test drive, and you can begin to get a feel for them. The M cars are definitely stiffer, harsher and louder like everyone has said, but you should see for yourself.
__________________
2016 M4 MW/SS 6mt
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 07:41 PM | #20 |
Private First Class
176
Rep 180
Posts |
Recently went from a '14 550i to an '18 M4 MT, couldn't be happier. This car is an adventure every time I go for a ride. If you are looking for some more excitement after the F10, an F8x will fit the bill.
__________________
///M4 (F82) MT - Azurite Black/Full Black Merino, ZCP, ZPX, 248, 508, 5AG, 6CP, 6NW, Z67, ZQ5, 666M summer/437M winter wheels
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 07:50 PM | #21 |
Colonel
1554
Rep 2,419
Posts |
And how would you describe your driving experience with the M550i? From the reviews I've seen it's no slouch.
__________________
2012 BMW M3 E93 (Fire Orange)
Akrapovic Evolution Titanium Exhaust Arkym Style Front Lip/CF Diffuser/CF Side Skirt Extensions LUX H8 189 Angel Eyes 2023 Nissan Z Performance (Ikazuchi Yellow) |
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2017, 07:50 PM | #22 |
HMFIC
336
Rep 568
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|