Need some advice: Keep E92 M3 or move to...

[wrecklessfool]

Hey guys, didn't think this thread would come so quickly, but here I am. For starters my car is a 2012 E92 Comp Package with 11.5K miles. I've put quite a bit of money into at this point (Stoptechs, Ohlins, Akrapovic, BBS's, 2-stage paint correction and nano coating, etc) and have only owned it since June and put 2.5K miles on it. I have been following the Harrop supercharger thread and have seriously been considering picking one up for my car. Along with the SC would obviously come gauges, rod bearings, and solid rear subframe bushings. Looking at close to $20K more than I already have into the car at this point.

Long story short, for about the same total investment I would have in this car I could pick up a nice low mileage 997 Turbo or for just a little more I could be in a nice low mileage 997 GT3. And also since we're discussing options a late model low mileage GTR fits nicely toward the bottom of this price range.

I really do like my E92, but I know once the supercharger is in the picture its value diminishes (to most) and there could be reliability issues down the road. The 997 Turbo holds its value decently, but the 997 GT3 holds its value even better. Who knows about the M3 in 5 or 10 years down the line…

Just like my M, whatever I would get would see no track time. Mostly a garage queen with a few outings a week. Maybe this should play a factor in what I consider, maybe not.

What do you guys think? Am I crazy for considering the jump to a 3-4 year older 997 and paying more for it each month? Talk me off the ledge or give me the YOLO speech.

[Patrón]

To me, a gt3 is a track car, if it's just a cruiser, I'd keep the m or buy the turbo.

If I were in your shoes, I'd go for the gtr and have everything in one package.

[808@702]

Keep

[AlpineE92M3]

I'm kinda in the same exact boat as you are in. Been looking into doing a euro delivery for a M4. And mine is a '13 with 7k miles. I'm on my second E92 M3. I've been looking into doing a SC also but as you said, the value diminishes and reliability issues. I'm probably gonna keep mine for another year or so and weigh my options then. I feel mine is just too new to jump into a used P-car or Used GT-R. Whatever you feel how you drive it and what better suits ur driving, go for it. But if I were to get rid of mine, I'd probably do the euro delivery M4. Just can't stay away from the M.

[M3/4 life]

I would keep the M......

[jphughan]

There's no point to a GT3 if track time isn't on the table. A Turbo would give you more thrills on the road and look much more subtle while doing it. But honestly if you're becoming less enchanted with your M3, you really should consider some track time. A pristine garage queen is nice and all, but after a while you're just owning a depreciating piece of art that requires constant infusions of cash to maintain. If you want art and are concerned about resale later, buy paintings or sculpture.

Meanwhile, I would wager that with a little track time you'd fall in love with your M all over again and would ultimately discover that you derive much more satisfaction from the time and money invested in track days than frequent washes and waxings. Those Stoptechs and Ohlins mods would actually have a purpose at that point too. Why did you even buy those if track time wasn't a consideration?

Your M and all of the other cars you're considering would be largely wasted as weekend cars. Also keep in mind that even though you may find a great deal on a Turbo or GT3, you'll still be paying to maintain a ~$150K car. Lastly, from what I've read on Porsche boards, the 997.1 Turbo didn't quite hit the mark handling-wise even by Porsche's eventual admission, and that wasn't addressed until the 997.2. And the Mezger engines in both cars have some significant reliability issue, the intermediate something or other rod -- or so it seems on the Porsche boards. Then again we have our rod bearing brouhaha.

[wrecklessfool]

What kills me about the GTR is that I feel there is a stigma that comes with ownership. Fast and the Furious. The car looks great though, don't get me wrong. I also feel like this is a car that some guys might own and still live at home with their parents if you know what I mean. The 997...not so much.

But damn, you simply cannot deny the performance of the GTR.

[malrash]

Buddy, you've got a bad case of upgraditis. Trust me whatever you get, you would get the urge again. I would put some serious thought into learning content. Or travel around the world. Best way to live.

[wrecklessfool]

Originally Posted by jphughan

There's no point to a GT3 if track time isn't on the table. A Turbo would give you more thrills on the road and look much more subtle while doing it. But honestly if you're becoming less enchanted with your M3, you really should consider some track time. A pristine garage queen is nice and all, but after a while you're just owning a depreciating piece of art that requires constant infusions of cash to maintain. If you want art and are concerned about resale later, buy paintings or sculpture.

Meanwhile, I would wager that with a little track tome you'd fall in love with your M all over again and would ultimately discover that you derive much more fulfillment for the time and money invested in track days than frequent washes and waxings. Those Stoptechs and Ohlins mods would actually have a purpose at that point too.

Your M and all of the other cars you're considering would be largely wasted as weekend cars. Also keep in mind that even though you may find a great deal on a Turbo or GT3, you'll still be paying to maintain a ~$150K car. Lastly, from what I've read on Porsche boards, the 997.1 Turbo didn't quite hit the mark handling-wise even by Porsche's eventual admission, and that wasn't addressed until the 997.2. And the Mezger engines in both cars have some significant reliability issue, the intermediate something or other rod -- or so it seems on the Porsche boards. Then again we have our rod bearing brouhaha.

I was eyeing the 2009 Turbo. It's still considered a 997.1 mechanically (Mezger engine) but with updated electronics like nav, bluetooth, etc. From what I hear the 997.1 engine is bulletproof. Obviously I would do more research before pulling the trigger though.

[cgoldie187]

get the gt3, best sports car ever made (subjective ya ya ya), and itll hold its value very strongly. no need to mod a gt3 either, maybe an exhaust and thats it. get the gt3, you would NEVER regret it, unless its a big financial stretch.

GT3 MAN!

[z3papa]

Originally Posted by malrash

Buddy, you've got a bad case of upgraditis. Trust me whatever you get, you would get the urge again. I would put some serious thought into learning content. Or travel around the world. Best way to live.

This -- I mean if you have put this kind of $$ into it and only driven 2500 miles in five months, you are more obsessed with making it your own and less about just driving it. I've owned bone stock cars (335i) for years without any issue, and have modified a car to the nth degree. Realistically, I think you need to drive your car as it stand, do some HPDE track events, and learn what more it and you can do in it before you jump into the deep water of a GT3 or GTR. Are they great vehicles, yes but if you aren't driving them to their potential, its a waste for both you and the car.

[Poofyo101]

Sold my e92 for a GT3 RS. No regrets.

[V8FunNaturally]

typical guy "renting" his car - = making monthly payment - modding it then having to flush it when those monthly payment start to bite. In a way that makes sense for posers, can't really afford an M3 lease/loan but you know it's just a temporary, mod to death, pose everywhere he can, then has to flush the car pretexting an upgrade to a GT3 lol. Then repeat, poser for a few months in a leased porsche, maybe a year, a few mods for more vain narcissism then get out.
There should be a mandatory sticker on cars that identify if the car is fully paid off by the driver or not. All those posers who couldn't pay off a decent honda but instead swing from lease to lease on performance cars mod them and thrash'em are a joke.

[Ezio]

Originally Posted by sunsweet

typical guy "renting" his car - = making monthly payment - modding it then having to flush it when those monthly payment start to bite. In a way that makes sense for posers, can't really afford an M3 lease/loan but you know it's just a temporary, mod to death, pose everywhere he can, then has to flush the car pretexting an upgrade to a GT3 lol. Then repeat, poser for a few months in a leased porsche, maybe a year, a few mods for more vain narcissism then get out.
There should be a mandatory sticker on cars that identify if the car is fully paid off by the driver or not. All those posers who couldn't pay off a decent honda but instead swing from lease to lease on performance cars mod them and thrash'em are a joke.

dam

[Ezio]

If you were looking for a daily driver, i would get the trubo. but since its a weekend car type deal i think either the M, GT3, or trubo would work.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by wrecklessfool

What kills me about the GTR is that I feel there is a stigma that comes with ownership. Fast and the Furious. The car looks great though, don't get me wrong. I also feel like this is a car that some guys might own and still live at home with their parents if you know what I mean. The 997...not so much.

But damn, you simply cannot deny the performance of the GTR.

haha buy and GTR and you're living with your parents. Tons of ppl like that here in the bay area.

[wrecklessfool]

Originally Posted by Poofyo101

Sold my e92 for a GT3 RS. No regrets.

Haha, I know! I bought my car from you!!

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

haha buy and GTR and you're living with your parents. Tons of ppl like that here in the bay area.

Yeek, if I had a kid buying a $100K car he'd be firmly requested to get his own place. Home with garage comes first; then fill it with toys if that's your thing.

[Kbdub]

I was in a similar situation a few months back. I wanted a 991 GT3 but allocations were scarce. I ended up with a 997.2 TTS instead.

For the first month of ownership I was still not sold on the Turbo and preferred the M3. The Turbo has grown on me but it needed an exhaust first.

I'd go with a Turbo just to check it off the bucket list and experience it.

[m3ray]

Keep it, just add to the stable

[X5-User]

Keep the M. No matter what car you will get next, you will want to mod it so the money saved for the next car will drag you to spend more money to mod

[STooK]

Originally Posted by malrash

Buddy, you've got a bad case of upgraditis. Trust me whatever you get, you would get the urge again. I would put some serious thought into learning content. Or travel around the world. Best way to live.

Hit the nail on the head. I thought I was pretty bad with switching cars but dang, I bought my car around the same time you did and it still feels like I just bought the car. I really don't get why people buy a car, instantly build it up, then immediately sell it after.

You are also worried about "resale value" it seems but wouldn't you be losing even more money by selling the M and getting a porsche? That trade right there would negate any money you might retain with a GT3.

You built a great car, drive it and enjoy it. I bet even if you got a GT3 you will want something else 6 months later. But in the end, do what makes you happy, it's your money!