Newbie M3 convertibles

[Sonnyboy]

Hi
I've always coveted the M3 and finally by business case has been approved. I've been looking at 2011 convertible still under warranty. I driven a 335is and just came back from checking out an M3 To all M3 drivers is it normal that the gas pedal travels in order to motivate the car to move? It was parked in the 3 level a parking garage and I found it felt really heavy and hard to navigate. Not sure if this is just a bad experience to so really hoping to get some real life experience and feedback. Most dealers won't let you drive the cars without firm offers so just want to make sure. Thank in advance

[///M Power-Belgium]

Personal I think the car was in cold start cycle .

[Sonnyboy]

Thanks for the quick reply. I thought the same, once I got out of the garage and on the street found it struggled or hesitated at stop signs. I'm sure this isn't typical but need someone to reassure me this. I don't think it's related to the dct since it has the same transmission as the 335is. Any feedback is appreciated. Gonna try another M3 tomorrow.

[STooK]

Coming from a 335 myself you don't need to give it too much throttle to move thanks to the low end tq. The m3 on the other hand you have to give it more throttle than the 335. You probably just have to get used to it.

Good luck and hope you find the right car! I love my m3 cab!

[Sonnyboy]

Thanks. Has anyone dealt with dealer in Toronto Behi Auto. Here's the link going to check this out tomorrow:
http://www.behiauto.ca/used/BMW/2011...d0bec8ae1f.htm

[mjposner]

Car needs to warm up. Also the 335is (presumably a coupe) is lighter and has more torque so it may feel quicker at low speed. The complex hard top adds a lot of weight. Unless you are a frequent top down guy (I am, but I live in a sub-tropic) I would pass on a convertible and get a coupe. The tach will tell you when the car is really ready to rocky, watch the outside ring raise the redline.

[X5-User]

Originally Posted by Sonnyboy

Hi
I've always coveted the M3 and finally by business case has been approved. I've been looking at 2011 convertible still under warranty. I driven a 335is and just came back from checking out an M3 To all M3 drivers is it normal that the gas pedal travels in order to motivate the car to move? It was parked in the 3 level a parking garage and I found it felt really heavy and hard to navigate. Not sure if this is just a bad experience to so really hoping to get some real life experience and feedback. Most dealers won't let you drive the cars without firm offers so just want to make sure. Thank in advance

Unfortunately, this is how it is in Canada. Dealers in Canda wont let you test drive until you give deposit. When I moved to US, I am able to test drive many exotic cars without any offers or deposits. You can always come to here for a test drive.

[gsmooth33]

I would also look at a manual as in my humble opinion is such a better/exciting driving experience

[BimmerRookie]

FR on SSII! Good combo. And yeah, if you're not the top down kinda guy, go for the coupe or sedan. The top induces a ton of rattles and noises over time, especially in the cold.

M3 > 335

have fun!

[Sonnyboy]

Thanks for the feedback, just came back from seeing another M3 and I know its not sensible but really want a vert so choice is M3 now or 335is. I agree with most posts that coupe is the way to go for M3 but this could be the last business case I can get approved so trying to go for broke.

[Installsplus]

Originally Posted by Sonnyboy

Thanks. Has anyone dealt with dealer in Toronto Behi Auto. Here's the link going to check this out tomorrow:
http://www.behiauto.ca/used/BMW/2011...d0bec8ae1f.htm

It's not a 6 spd manual.

Great price

[mjposner]

"I would also look at a manual as in my humble opinion is such a better/exciting driving experience"

Nah, the dct is much better matched to the V8 and in my humble opinion its faster and for a dd a much better driving experience (and yes I have owned and driven many manuals)

[Webb70]

That car at Behi Auto is beautiful perfect combination.

I never had any problems test driving cars when I was looking, dealers were happy to see a serious buyer, never once was I asked to leave a deposit or a firm offer.....

[Sonnyboy]

Thanks I went to see the car yesterday and it is virtually new. Had repair to rear bumper that looked like someone did a cheap repair and a scrap on the driver door a sill like some clipped a concrete pilar. Its not really that noticeable but on a pristine car you can see it. He was willing to let me drive it and I planned to bring my trade this week. For 5k more I get an M3 vs 335is too good to be true?

[X5-User]

Originally Posted by mjposner

"I would also look at a manual as in my humble opinion is such a better/exciting driving experience"

Nah, the dct is much better matched to the V8 and in my humble opinion its faster and for a dd a much better driving experience (and yes I have owned and driven many manuals)

Totally agree with you!! I tried to convince myself that manual is more fun with M3 (yes owned 335i 6MT before) but once I drove the DCT..I completely changed my view and liked the DCT even more...for some reason I felt the car is meant to be DCT only

[Sonnyboy]

Thanks guys!!

How can whether it has upgraded audiophile system. I just noticed it does have the power folding mirrors so not sure I'm comparing option packages on similar cars correctly. I'm going back to check it out again so any help to determine what to ask would be helpful.

[desodangwe]

I think the car was in cold start cycle .

[mjposner]

"How can whether it has upgraded audiophile system" Easy, the speakers have a silver trim ring instead of black. The car in question does not have that option.

Get the vin, lots of decoders online that will tell you all the options.

[Edward]

The optional premium sound equipped M3s have a silver mesh grill for the door speakers. The non premium sound ones are plain black.

DCT is better

It's not a 335. The throttle will not feel the same at all. That's kinda of like saying my X5 pedal input doesn't give me the same reaction in the car as when I drive my 740Li.

[Sonnyboy]

Thanks for the info for Decoder. It has the Harmon Kardon as optional but don't think its the same as audiophile or is it? It also has the auto stop/start option but no power tilt mirror. With my wife driving this on the occasion is there anyway to put the parking assist and tilt mirrors after market in Toronto or this has to go through the dealer? there are some threads on here where they have done the mirrors and plug and play? Just can't be that simple for 2500 option?

[delusional]

Try pressing the 'M' Button. The throttle will come to life.

[mjposner]

No silver speakers no enhanced audio.