jumping from 335 into an m3. deposit paid

[crypticc]

Hi all.

So. Upgrading from 07 335 to m3 and if really appreciate some tips from the experts.
M3 dct edc comp pack. 2012 with five thousand miles. Balance of warranty and service pack included.
Car had running in service stamp. Tyres look original and about mid way through their life I would say.
Car passed hpi, some outstanding finance to clear on bmw hp from previous owner.
I believe it may have been one tracked a little as there is small amount of road rash on front of bumper and bonnet. I'd estimate half dozen tiny tiny chips. Possibly ten. How much lapping would it take to do that?

Rest of car is spotless, only missing dab and storage pack which seems an unusual omission from an otherwise high spec car with various audio options added like HK speakers, BT audio, media pro and the like.

Price was about 1k more than I planned but competitive for the mileage.

Wish I could take laptop and pull some fasta data from DME or something.

Do you have any last tips to watch out for before it's too late? The car sounds very mechanical on start-up and tick over which I put down to no sound deadening under bonnet like the 335. Got warp speed tunnel vision when nailed and the showroom floor was clean concrete. Paint looks original throughout and in all the nooks and cracks, so I'd say there nothing obviously wrong.

Thanks
Chris

[inlineS54B32]

Hi all.

So. Upgrading from 07 335 to m3 and if really appreciate some tips from the experts.
M3 dct edc comp pack. 2012 with five thousand miles. Balance of warranty and service pack included.
Car had running in service stamp. Tyres look original and about mid way through their life I would say.
Car passed hpi, some outstanding finance to clear on bmw hp from previous owner.
I believe it may have been one tracked a little as there is small amount of road rash on front of bumper and bonnet. I'd estimate half dozen tiny tiny chips. Possibly ten. How much lapping would it take to do that?

Rest of car is spotless, only missing dab and storage pack which seems an unusual omission from an otherwise high spec car with various audio options added like HK speakers, BT audio, media pro and the like.

Price was about 1k more than I planned but competitive for the mileage.

Wish I could take laptop and pull some fasta data from DME or something.

Do you have any last tips to watch out for before it's too late? The car sounds very mechanical on start-up and tick over which I put down to no sound deadening under bonnet like the 335. Got warp speed tunnel vision when nailed and the showroom floor was clean concrete. Paint looks original throughout and in all the nooks and cracks, so I'd say there nothing obviously wrong.

Thanks
Chris

The e9x M3 is pretty solid. I had one issue, and have heard of others having the same - and it's not too hard to check/fix. The engine mounts on this car wear quickly; when they go, the engine moves around and can crack the AC condenser or evaporator (one, forget which), and can also even crack a header if it gets bad enough. You will know when they wear out by driving it hard in 1st or 2nd - a "thump" will occur at the top of the rev range in those gears.

Your warranty will pick up any damage caused by this, but it's a pain in the ass to track down and figure out what got hurt when. Point is, either replace the bushings or have them scoped if you can. If you think the car has been tracked, I would make sure it's done - that's just my .02. Other than this, this M has been literally bulletproof - the engine and drivetrain are just as solid if not more-so than the e46 M - it's the "other stuff" that is of small concern/can cause annoyances.

The mechanical sound is normal when cold - it's just the nature of the car. The S54 was MUCH more mechanical sounding than this car, but it still has a similar sound. It's nothing to worry about, the valves don't need adjusting on the S65, and it definitely has a "different" sound compared to a normal motor.

Enjoy the car - sounds like a beauty.

[Sticky]

The car sounds very mechanical on start-up and tick over which I put down to no sound deadening under bonnet like the 335.

It's a normal part of the cold start. Does it still sound the same way after you start it once it's warm?

The main thing really to look at is the bearings. With 5000 miles this isn't going to be a problem but it's something to monitor as you put miles on the car.

[crypticc]

Thanks both. Will ask for assurance about bushings. The dealer is acting as agent in this respect so can equally advise another car.


Sticky, checking bearings sounds like a massive job.

[Sticky]

Sticky, checking bearings sounds like a massive job.

It's really not that bad.

[crypticc]

Oh yes, one day it will be mine... Oh wait a sec, it is !

[crypticc]

Yum yum

[inter1032]

great color!!!

[Sticky]

That's a damn good looking color.

[07Tundra]

That's a damn good looking color.

What color is that

[Sticky]

What color is that

Looks like Laguna Seca to me although that color was not offered on the E92 M3 so maybe this is an Individual car.

[crypticc]

Santorini blue. Was part of a limited run though you can get via individual I think.

[Sticky]

Santorini blue. Was part of a limited run though you can get via individual I think.

I believe you are correct. Here is rep for your knowledge.

[Group.america]

Repped for colour and M3 purchase

[crypticc]

Thanks both. I love my 335 (soon to sell) but M3 is a different animal isn't it?

At low speed sounding like dct slipping like fk, but actually you realise the revs are still only 2k and it's just the noisy buggar that is the engine...and then at higher speed and engine load it all changes... it almost becomes sonerous. At low speed again, it feels a little nose heavy and maybe the comp spec tyres contribute to low speed turning resistance, but up the pace and it's as light and delicate as a feather around those bends and roundabouts and stuff. And boy does this corner! nice and flat and with a lovely direct feeling that makes it easy to place the car.

Is it me or is the car wider on the inside? Certainly feels more spacious with bigger gap between myself and the other 'alf.

Chris

[bobS]

I love that color! You made a great choice and were lucky to find such a rare m3.

The m3 is on a whole different level than the 335, as you drive it more, it will become obvious.

[quattr0]

Such a gorgeous car. Congrats!

[Payam@BMS]

Beautiful car and color combo man. That's a nice upgrade!!

[crypticc]

Thanks all. Comments on interior space would be appreciated, definitely feels wider. Maybe I'll measure the two back till back before I sell the 335

[crypticc]

Width is identical but something somewhere makes it seem more airy inside... Hmm

[bobS]

The cf roof makes it seem like there is more room. My 335 had a sunroof so it definitely felt like the interior/roof was smaller