Driving m3 for extended period of time before purchasing?

paixim · 02-06-2010, 07:46 PM

Hi guys, I was just wondering if any of you had a chance to drive m3 for extended period of time before purchasing? By extended period of time, I mean a few hours or even a day or two. I want to get a better feel of the car before I buy, and the test drive at dealership are always too short because they don't want you to put miles on their m3. I don't mind paying some money for it actually as long as I can drive it.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

EJ_92606 · 02-06-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paixim

Hi guys, I was just wondering if any of you had a chance to drive m3 for extended period of time before purchasing? By extended period of time, I mean a few hours or even a day or two. I want to get a better feel of the car before I buy, and the test drive at dealership are always too short because they don't want you to put miles on their m3. I don't mind paying some money for it actually as long as I can drive it.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

Ya I agree that would be great. I test drove a CPO used M3 and that was good as the salesman said because he had no qualms about me redlining the car, but it was still a fairly short test drive. I need more seat time too before I can make a decision.

dimabimmer · 02-06-2010, 08:45 PM

just get it and test drive it everyday all you want...

ChitownM3 · 02-06-2010, 08:50 PM

Nope, placed the order for mine before any were on US streets.

M3 vert · 02-06-2010, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChitownM3

Nope, placed the order for mine before any were on US streets.

+ 1 Same here, but mine was a vert so could have test driven but never bothered as I knew what I was getting myself into

waremark · 02-06-2010, 09:14 PM

For me, two short demo drives were enough (one 6MT, one DCT). If you like it in a short drive it is certainly going to get better with more seat time.

mexicanmike · 02-06-2010, 11:15 PM

i was actually shopping for a car for my mom when I saw the M. Test drove the M and knew I had to get it. Like others have said, test drive it multiple times if you have to. Heck, you can even make it part of your negotiation process. Go to multiple dealers, get multiple quotes, and test drive it everytime! Your in the Bay Area, so make a day of it!! Go from SF to monterey and hit all the dealers in between if you really wanna get a feel for it.

NewM3driver · 02-07-2010, 11:50 AM

BMW of Bridgeport in Bridgeport CT has what they call the "overnight test drive". You may recall the hoopla over the manikin on the billboard a few weeks back.

They will give you a car for 24 hours... I had an X5 for the weekend. I'm sure they are selective about letting M cars out for that long, but I know for customers they do. I know the folks very well over there, and they sell a LOT of cars.

You are on the other side of the country, but you may want to bring it up to your sales manager. A salesman isn't going to be able to help you.

If my 2 cents means anything, get the car.... you will love it.

Green///Hell · 02-07-2010, 02:01 PM

If you're really coming from a 330 the M3 will blow it away, you may not need a test drive

I test drove one of the first DCT's to come into my dealer since it was the only thing drivable on the lot.
An extremely friendly customer saw me in there looking to order M3 and let me take his for a spin, very nice guy

Obviously I went 6MT tho

SpencerM3 · 02-07-2010, 03:12 PM

I think all the reviews and accolades the car has gotten should be all you need to knwo that you will love the car.

rwchrist · 02-07-2010, 03:19 PM

I was lucky and living in Germany at the time when I was in the market. When I bought my E46, the dealership gave me the car with 3/4 tank of gas and said; "see you in a couple of hours". Needless to say I bought that car! Once the E92s come out and I was somewhat back in the market, they let me drive every one of their test vehicles they got in. I probably drove 5 different E92s in different configs. I ended up ordering my E92 through them. I doubt, now that I am back in the states, I will ever have that opportunity again.

To be honest though...ya really only need one short test drive in an M and you will be hooked!!

JOHNBMWM5 · 02-07-2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paixim

Hi guys, I was just wondering if any of you had a chance to drive m3 for extended period of time before purchasing? By extended period of time, I mean a few hours or even a day or two. I want to get a better feel of the car before I buy, and the test drive at dealership are always too short because they don't want you to put miles on their m3. I don't mind paying some money for it actually as long as I can drive it.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

I had a demo for two days prior to ordering.

Green///Hell · 02-07-2010, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

I had a demo for two days prior to ordering.

Wow how'd you wing that

BimmerBoomer · 02-07-2010, 05:43 PM

I had an E90 6 speed for a week during the three weeks it took to replace the engine in my 335i coupe.

ooowowizstev · 02-07-2010, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Pearce

I had an E90 6 speed for a week during the three weeks it took to replace the engine in my 335i coupe.

Damn, an M loaner?!

mtla4 · 02-08-2010, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Pearce

I had an E90 6 speed for a week during the three weeks it took to replace the engine in my 335i coupe.

So wait...does that means that I have to take a drive to Ontario and pray that my HPFP dies on me..

JOHNBMWM5 · 02-08-2010, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panda///Monic

Wow how'd you wing that

BMW UK have demos in different specs I chose the M-DCT with EDC Saloon which is what I was interested in,the dealership paid for the usage as they did not have this car or M-DCT in stock,I think it's a standard charge per day to the dealership.
I have bought two new cars from the dealership prior too wanting this , however I had the other two for two days as well ( M6 and X635D), if I don't drive it I don't buy it simp;e as that.

Wads · 02-08-2010, 05:06 AM

Similar to JohnBMW6 I made it clear that I wouldn't buy the car unless I'd had a good chance to drive one first..... I had a red E92 M3 6mt for 3 or 4 days followed by an M5 for another 3 or 4 days as I was torn between the two at the time..... ended up ordering an E93 DCT without testing DCT or the handling of the vert..... bit of a risk but still loving the car after a year.

brava09 · 02-08-2010, 07:17 AM

I drove one for three days prior to purchasing mine.

Reading all sort of bullshit about lack of torque in M3 made me cautios about the purchasing decision...drove it for three days and I was done.

gr8000 · 02-08-2010, 07:38 AM

you guys are "spoiled"! Here in Athens there are no M3s at all to test drive. You just buy it and hope you will like it!

JOHNBMWM5 · 02-08-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr8000

you guys are "spoiled"! Here in Athens there are no M3s at all to test drive. You just buy it and hope you will like it!

Tooo much of a risk for me.

URBAN LEGEND · 02-08-2010, 08:21 AM

You don't need a test drive. Take it as is. Get the DCT btw.

02-06-2010, 07:46 PM	#1
paixim New Member 4 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 330 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Driving m3 for extended period of time before purchasing? Hi guys, I was just wondering if any of you had a chance to drive m3 for extended period of time before purchasing? By extended period of time, I mean a few hours or even a day or two. I want to get a better feel of the car before I buy, and the test drive at dealership are always too short because they don't want you to put miles on their m3. I don't mind paying some money for it actually as long as I can drive it. Any help is appreciated. Thanks! Last edited by paixim; 02-06-2010 at 07:48 PM.. Reason: typo
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02-06-2010, 08:45 PM	#3
dimabimmer Lieutenant Colonel 148 Rep 1,885 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 ZCP 6MT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Brooklyn to SoHo NYC iTrader: (0)	just get it and test drive it everyday all you want... __________________ '11 E92 M3 ZCP SG 6MT Tech Sound USB Heat Cloth Aluminium Sunshade http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=422151
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02-06-2010, 08:50 PM	#4
ChitownM3 Lieutenant 28 Rep 487 Posts Drives: 2001 SS Camaro Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Burbs of Chicago iTrader: (0)	Nope, placed the order for mine before any were on US streets.
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02-06-2010, 09:14 PM	#6
waremark Private First Class 2 Rep 183 Posts Drives: 08 M3 Coupe DCT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	For me, two short demo drives were enough (one 6MT, one DCT). If you like it in a short drive it is certainly going to get better with more seat time.
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02-06-2010, 11:15 PM	#7
mexicanmike Captain 18 Rep 636 Posts Drives: 09 E93 Jerez Black Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Morgan Hill, CA iTrader: (0)	i was actually shopping for a car for my mom when I saw the M. Test drove the M and knew I had to get it. Like others have said, test drive it multiple times if you have to. Heck, you can even make it part of your negotiation process. Go to multiple dealers, get multiple quotes, and test drive it everytime! Your in the Bay Area, so make a day of it!! Go from SF to monterey and hit all the dealers in between if you really wanna get a feel for it.
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02-07-2010, 11:50 AM	#8
NewM3driver Colonel 1110 Rep 2,007 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	BMW of Bridgeport in Bridgeport CT has what they call the "overnight test drive". You may recall the hoopla over the manikin on the billboard a few weeks back. They will give you a car for 24 hours... I had an X5 for the weekend. I'm sure they are selective about letting M cars out for that long, but I know for customers they do. I know the folks very well over there, and they sell a LOT of cars. You are on the other side of the country, but you may want to bring it up to your sales manager. A salesman isn't going to be able to help you. If my 2 cents means anything, get the car.... you will love it.
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02-07-2010, 02:01 PM	#9
Green///Hell Colonel 183 Rep 2,872 Posts Drives: 991 GT3, F15 X5, 1199S Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (5)	If you're really coming from a 330 the M3 will blow it away, you may not need a test drive I test drove one of the first DCT's to come into my dealer since it was the only thing drivable on the lot. An extremely friendly customer saw me in there looking to order M3 and let me take his for a spin, very nice guy Obviously I went 6MT tho
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02-07-2010, 03:12 PM	#10
SpencerM3 Sauce 75 Rep 2,023 Posts Drives: 2009 SSII E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	I think all the reviews and accolades the car has gotten should be all you need to knwo that you will love the car. __________________ 2009 E90 M3 \| Silverstone II \| Black Novillo \| HRE P40's \| Akrapovic Exhaust \| Eibach Pro Kit \| Jet Black Kidney Grilles \| SSII Side Reflectors \| SSII Side Gills \| LUX H8 Angel Eyes \| Macht Schnell Filter \| Tecnocraft Envy Charge Pipe "M3 drivers have no friends." - Jeremy Clarkson
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02-07-2010, 03:19 PM	#11
rwchrist CMPULSV 20 Rep 359 Posts Drives: 09 Alpine White Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas iTrader: (2) Garage List 2009 M3 [0.00]	I was lucky and living in Germany at the time when I was in the market. When I bought my E46, the dealership gave me the car with 3/4 tank of gas and said; "see you in a couple of hours". Needless to say I bought that car! Once the E92s come out and I was somewhat back in the market, they let me drive every one of their test vehicles they got in. I probably drove 5 different E92s in different configs. I ended up ordering my E92 through them. I doubt, now that I am back in the states, I will ever have that opportunity again. To be honest though...ya really only need one short test drive in an M and you will be hooked!! __________________ 2009 Alpine White DCT E92 M3 - Tint, Hood M Stripes, Eibach Springs, Gloss Black Rims, Vorsteiner Lip, BMW Performance Trunk Spoiler Fabspeed x-pipe & Megan Race Exhaust 2006 Imola Red 6-speed E46 M3 - Retired
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02-07-2010, 05:43 PM	#14
BimmerBoomer demoted 453 Rep 1,172 Posts Drives: 2022 Audi S5 Sportback Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Grimsby, Ontario iTrader: (0)	Yes... I had an E90 6 speed for a week during the three weeks it took to replace the engine in my 335i coupe.
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02-08-2010, 05:06 AM	#18
Wads Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 257 Posts Drives: E93 M3 & Tuned Focus ST Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E93 M3 V8 [0.00] 2002 Honda S2000 [0.00] 1995 Suzuki Cappuccino [0.00] 2005 Boxster S [0.00] 2007 Ford Focus ST [0.00]	Similar to JohnBMW6 I made it clear that I wouldn't buy the car unless I'd had a good chance to drive one first..... I had a red E92 M3 6mt for 3 or 4 days followed by an M5 for another 3 or 4 days as I was torn between the two at the time..... ended up ordering an E93 DCT without testing DCT or the handling of the vert..... bit of a risk but still loving the car after a year. __________________ E93 ///M3 M-DCT Testing soon: Lambo LP670 SV and Ferrari 430 Scuderia
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02-08-2010, 07:17 AM	#19
brava09 Lieutenant Colonel 767 Rep 1,683 Posts Drives: M4C xdrive Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	I drove one for three days prior to purchasing mine. Reading all sort of bullshit about lack of torque in M3 made me cautios about the purchasing decision...drove it for three days and I was done. __________________ 22 M4 Competition xdrive 19 M5 Competition sold 16 F-Type S AWD sold 11 Audi RS5 Misano Red--sold 08 E92 M3 Jerez Black 6MT--sold 08 E92 335i 6MT traded in for M3
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02-08-2010, 07:38 AM	#20
gr8000 Major 72 Rep 1,171 Posts Drives: E92 M3 - DCT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Athens, Greece iTrader: (0)	you guys are "spoiled"! Here in Athens there are no M3s at all to test drive. You just buy it and hope you will like it!
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02-08-2010, 08:21 AM	#22
URBAN LEGEND Rocky 412 Rep 3,085 Posts Drives: 16 M5, 18 ZL1 1LE, 18 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brenham TX iTrader: (0)	You don't need a test drive. Take it as is. Get the DCT btw. __________________ 22 Audi RS E-Tron GT 21 Model S Plaid
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