Initial impression after 500 miles (long)

[M3Dreams]

A little background would help. Up until the M3 came into my life, I was driving a 02 Honda S2000 for a summer car and a 01 330 (with Premium, Cold, Sport packages) for daily and winter driving. We have a Merc GL450 in the fleet as well for the family (I call it, "The Elephant"). I have sold the S2000 but have decided to keep the 330 for winter driving. Back to the M3. First off, there is no better car that suits my needs such as 4 doors, refinement, sportiness, handling, and comfort at the same time. Here are my impressions (first raves, then progressively turning into a few minor rants):

Engine:
The V8 is to die for. I find myself listening to the start up and settling down routine in the morning every morning no matter how late I am for work. The tone on the exhaust is perfect, not buzzy, and not loud to the point that you can't have a conversation at a decent volume level.

Handling:
Handling is beyond belief; the car really belies the scale-weights. Coming from the S2000 (almost 1000 lbs lighter) I was very afraid that the extra heft will take the fun away. While its not as tossable as the S2000, it comes very very close. The best thing I like about it is how stable this car is at high speed.

Interior:
Many have expressed the blandness of the interior, of which I was afraid of as well in the beginning, but it has grown on me to the point that I love it. The interior layout is very business like and not filled with glitter.

Brakes:
The brakes are a touch grabby at first but I think it felt so only because I was initially comparing to the 330. Now they feel just right and the brakes on the other cars in the fleet feel non-existent.

DCT Transmission:
When I test drove a used dealer sample, the DCT felt down right awesome. The downshifts during that drive were just stupendous, and the upshifts were instantaneous. I have the latest updated software for DCT on my car. After living with it, I feel the same way when it comes to aggressive driving, meaning S4/S5 mode. However, this is the only area I feel BMW needs to improve on a tad bit. Granted this was their first dual-clutch application and they will continue to improve it but my only gripe with this transmission is when it comes to D mode and casual driving. No matter which D mode I am in, 1-5, if I am light on the throttle, 2nd gear always makes the car buck like a bronco. I am not sure if its the layout of the transmission or spacing between gears but it is really bothersome. Also, when the transmission is cold, going from R to D/S takes a good couple of seconds, all the while making clanging noises from the differential. The delay is bothersome because I back out of my driveway onto a residential street and have to make sure there is no car in sight coming from behind. Otherwise, it makes me look like I am driving like a grandpa.

Creaks and Rattles:
Even with 18 inch wheels on right now, I get these very annoying creaks from A and B-pillars on both driver and passengar side when the car is cold. They subside when the car warms up but do not go away completely. In addition I have this very annoying constant rattle coming from somewhere in the middle of the console. I can't locate it completely, sometimes it feels its from the Nav screen, other times it feels like it is from the rear view mirror, and at other times it feels its from the transmission selector area. I would not mind hearing from others if they have experienced similar creaks and rattles.

In the end, I am extremely excited and happy with the car. I could not have spent my money on a car in a more satisfying manner.

[farbarg]

Originally Posted by M3Dreams

A little background would help. Up until the M3 came into my life, I was driving a 02 Honda S2000 for a summer car and a 01 330 (with Premium, Cold, Sport packages) for daily and winter driving....

Creaks and Rattles:
Even with 18 inch wheels on right now, I get these very annoying creaks from A and B-pillars on both driver and passengar side when the car is cold. They subside when the car warms up but do not go away completely. In addition I have this very annoying constant rattle coming from somewhere in the middle of the console. I can't locate it completely, sometimes it feels its from the Nav screen, other times it feels like it is from the rear view mirror, and at other times it feels its from the transmission selector area. I would not mind hearing from others if they have experienced similar creaks and rattles.

In the end, I am extremely excited and happy with the car. I could not have spent my money on a car in a more satisfying manner.

Nice write up! Just wanted to say that center console "rattle" is pretty common. I've got it as well, seems temp dependent, and you may want to do a search for other threads to see if anyone's resolved it.

[aajami]

Nice, and welcome. I also came from an S2000, which I drove for 8 wonderful years. I think your statements are mostly accurate, though I definitely notice the extra weight on the M3. I found the S2000 to be more nimble in the twisties but also more unforgiving at limits that the M3 simply yawns at -- this is a much more confidence-inspiring car.

As for the creaks and rattles, every car has a few. My M3 has a couple, though nowhere near as many as the S2000.

[Lodaka]

Good write-up. I agree with the interior description. I think it's very functional and classy without being overly dramatic.

[1sikbmr]

only 500 miles into it? what are you doing posting here... get out and drive!!!!

[cmk227]

Originally Posted by 1sikbmr

only 500 miles into it? what are you doing posting here... get out and drive!!!!