M3 as Daily Driver in NYC?

[AngryTT]

I am looking to replace my 2004 TT Z06 with something thats a little more commuter friendly... I haven't driven my Z06 since I moved to the city, its too loud, clutch is way too stiff so its time to go.. I want something comfortable, quiet, luxurious and sporty enough to take to the track.. I spend about 2-2.5hrs a day in my car driving to/from work so I want something I actually enjoy driving.. I would say my biggest concern is the car falling apart after being driven through NYC.. Anyone drive an M3 in the city? Is this a bad idea? Options wise, I would probably get the DCT and EDC so I have some flexibility with the suspension setting...

[dimabimmer]

I've driven 335i 6MT in NYC for 3 years and loved it! NYC could be a lot of fun driving... by now I know every pothole so I easily avoid any of them... I got M3 6MT EDC ZCP etc,. in August '10 and love it in NYC even more! It is just so much fun! Ofcourse, driving through city I only get to use 1st and 2nd gears and that's where all the fun is! NYC cabs know better and stay behind


... really, M3 6MT is pefect for NYC... I don't buy it when people say,- "MT is so much pain in traffic..." to that I say,- rowing through gears with High Rev V8 is where the fun is!!!!

I've learned to start with second gear ... and that could take me from 0 to 72 MPH + in mere seconds!!! ... now tell me, do I really need DCT?

I saved money from not getting DCT and got ZCP instead... and still had money left for other options

[AngryTT]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

I wouldn't do it. I lived in NYC for 15 years, and still go back for business every other week. I either fly or rent a car. I drive my M3 every day, even in the winter, track the hell out of it, and I wash it *maybe* every other week.... but I'm *not* taking my baby to NYC.

Get a beater without a radio.

This will be the beater..

Originally Posted by dimabimmer

I've driven 335i 6MT in NYC for 3 years and loved it! NYC could be a lot of fun driving... by now I know every pothole so I easily avoid any of them... I got M3 6MT EDC ZCP etc,. in August '10 and love it in NYC even more! It is just so much fun! Ofcourse, driving through city I only get to use 1st and 2nd gears and that's where all the fun is! NYC cabs know better and stay behind


... really, M3 6MT is pefect for NYC... I don't buy it when people say,- "MT is so much pain in traffic..." to that I say,- rowing through gears with High Rev V8 is where the fun is!!!!

I've learned to start with second gear ... and that could take me from 0 to 72 MPH + ... now tell me, do I really need DCT?

I saved money from not getting DCT and got ZCP instead... and still had money left for other options

Thanks... Has it turned into a rattle box? Bend any wheels?

[montreal red]

i have seen more expensive S-classes, 7 series, audi S8s in NYC driven around the city and parked by the street side. so why not an m3 ?

edc would be a good idea. montreal has roads that are worse than NYC yet there are still quite a few m3s around.

[FastM3]

you drove a z06 an m3 will feel like a 7 series.. I am about to do it as well.

[AngryTT]

Originally Posted by montreal red

i have seen more expensive S-classes, 7 series, audi S8s in NYC driven around the city and parked by the street side. so why not an m3 ?

edc would be a good idea. montreal has roads that are worse than NYC yet there are still quite a few m3s around.

its not about the price of the vehicle, its just a concern the suspension is unbearably stiff or wheels too soft and will bend. I wanted to confirm the M3 will not become unreliable due to my driving conditions..

Originally Posted by FastM3

you drove a z06 an m3 will feel like a 7 series.. I am about to do it as well.

Z06 with coilovers..

[shamoo]

I don't commute to NYC, but I'm there quite often. I take care of my cars to the point where my coworkers will make fun of me, but I don't care. Even so, I don't hesitate to take it to NYC if necessary.

Yes, there are potholes and some nice sized bumps. However, if you're a good driver you will be fine. You could consider getting the 18" OEM wheels versus the 19s. With my 18s I can drive through a war zone and I'll be fine haha. Not sure about the 19s, but they are forged so they should be quite strong too. I definitely wouldn't be rolling around NYC with 20" $8K wheels on a regular basis though.

I never worry about other cars such as buses and taxis, because quite frankly, taxi drivers in NYC are very good drivers. Yes they are aggressive, but they are good at what they do because it's their job.

I only worry about parking. If I cannot find a perfect end spot hugging a curb, I will take it to a parking garage where I can park myself (and reluctantly take the 18% NYC parking tax). If you will be commuting to work, does your work have parking facilities?

I have a 6MT and it's fine. Traffic or no traffic, shifting is second nature to me. That would be preference for you if you want DCT or 6MT.

There is nothing wrong with taking an M3 to NYC. There are much more expensive cars out there driving around, albiet with more scratches, but if you are careful, you will be fine.

[J08M3]

No issue with M3 in NYC. I just hate parallel parking, not cause of myself, but because the people that park around you usually park their car by using your bumper as their guides.

[BigHat]

I live in the burbs of DC and that's frustrating enough. I love M cars, but think it a stupid to get a car like that to drive around a metropolis. You certainly need not worry about getting shift lights as you'll never see them anyway.

[Ricfutures]

Potholes, door dings, front/rear bumper scrapes and bruises from parallel parking, salt from snow removal, pigeon shit, dogs pissing on your wheels, drunks... I owned 2 cars in NYC when I lived there and both went through hell. Mass transit or cabs are the best mode of transportation in NYC.

Although when I was there a month ago I heard an M3 run 1st gear pretty high and it sounded so sweet within a concrete canyon...

That being said I would never drive my beast there. I'd stick with one of these:

[dimabimmer]

Although when I was there a month ago I heard an M3 run 1st gear pretty high and it sounded so sweet within a concrete canyon...

^^^^^^

That was ME!!!!

[Poppin Fresh]

Worry about the parking...avoid FDR drive. All will be well.

[gthirtyfizle]

M3 is the perfect daily driver!

[1MORELAP]

You know. Why don't you just lease it for 3 years? It will be fine for 30-40K miles. After thant, NYC will get to it. Just move on.

EDC - agree on. Maybe compromise and get 18s instead of 19s... and that would be it. Get it. I had S4 and Boxster S in the city for two years. Never had a single issue.

[AngryTT]

U

Originally Posted by Poppin Fresh

Worry about the parking...avoid FDR drive. All will be well.

Parking isn't an issue, we have a corner spot in a self park garage..

I drive through the Brooklyn battery tunnel then up the FDR which they are in the process of repaving the FDR.. I just hope they pave the section near the third avenue and Willis avenue bridges...

[prichards516]

I do it right now and i have no problem...even when i occassionally have to run from downtown to midtown its like a breeze.