M3 test drive thoughts from a noob

[OzStriker]

Just had a one hour test drive of the M3.

I have been driving a Subaru WRX for three years and by no means am I an expert, these are just my personal thoughts on the car.

I am around 6' relatively lightly built and had to raise the seat slightly to feel comfortable, the seat position does not feel high to me.

I drove the car in MDM, initially with normal then sports steering and with both normal and sports setting for the EDC.

I can see myself leaving the steering in sports, the extra weight to the wheel feels reassuring, I had no impression of vagueness around center.

The suspension is very comfortable in Normal, in the firmer setting larger bumps are more noticeable, I can see myself leaving it in Normal mode, my Dad was in the back seat and during the hour long drive through curvy corners did not feel sick.

The Power button remained in Normal, the sports/sports plus settings will be good once you have a feel for the clutch/gearbox/accelerator pedal.

I have not driven a traction-control equipped car before, the only indication I had that TC was operating was a flash of the yellow light mid corner a couple of times as I fed on the throttle.

Initially I drove the car in traffic and I was amazed at how refined the drive was. I can see how this car is getting a bit of a GT name, it is very very quiet at low RPMs, is quite happy chugging away at 2,000-2,500rpm with plenty of torque for comfortable acceleration/climbing without dropping a gear.

The refinement is apparent again when accelerating, the car had 250kays on it so I was gentle with the engine, not going about 5,000rpm. During full throttle acceleration from near standstill I was left thinking "hmmm ok", then glanced at the speedo indicating 120kph in a 60 zone and thought OMG. This is a car you will have to be very very careful in.

I was stuck in traffic for most of the curvy bits on my test drive, at the direction of the dealer I attacked one downhill corner at what I thought was a pretty insane speed, I think the corner had a suggestion of "35kph", I would probably take it in my Rex at around 60 and be understeering. We went through the corner at 90, I grimaced and steered it through without the slightest tyre squeal, understeer, the tyres did not even feel/hear like they were biting at the tarmac. Once you are comfortable with this car it is going to be incredibly quick around corners. Scary quick for anybody travelling with you.

Towards the end of the drive I was feeling a little more comfortable with the box and clutch and drove a little more aggressively in traffic, there is plenty of power throughout the rev range and the sound of your V8 above 3,000rpm bouncing off cars next to you is brilliant.

Overall I would sum up the car as being incredibly refined, easy to drive, yet seriously scary quick both straight ahead and around corners.

I cant wait for my January delivery

[OzStriker]

The car needs a louder exhaust note. I am not someone who needs a LOUD car but this M3 is way too quiet in the cabin, especially with the windows up.

[Epacy]

Thanks for the notes.

[the_stranger]

thanks a lot. nice review.

[SS32]

Originally Posted by OzStriker

The car needs a louder exhaust note. I am not someone who needs a LOUD car but this M3 is way too quiet in the cabin, especially with the windows up.

It already has I think 3 resonators and a muffler? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but it should have at least 2 and a muffler. Just cut those out and you'll be fine.

[JEllis]

Thanks for the write up!

[stressdoc]

I think it's hard to get a real sense of this engine on a test drive with revs below 5k. Sounds like it corners phenomenally well.

[paulyd]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

I think it's hard to get a real sense of this engine on a test drive with revs below 5k. Sounds like it corners phenomenally well.

I know, good post, but it would be nice to hear from more owners who have broken in and are now flogging.

Where are all the overseas owners? Only 2-3 ppl have taken delivery so far on this forum?

Again, thanks OP, I'm just greedy for even more...

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by OzStriker

Towards the end of the drive I was feeling a little more comfortable with the box and clutch and drove a little more aggressively in traffic, there is plenty of power throughout the rev range and the sound of your V8 above 3,000rpm bouncing off cars next to you is brilliant.

Quick question: Have you ever driven an E46 ///M3? If so, does the gearbox in the new ///M3 resemble that, or does it have a different feel?

[swiss_cornholio]

Originally Posted by OzStriker

The car needs a louder exhaust note. I am not someone who needs a LOUD car but this M3 is way too quiet in the cabin, especially with the windows up.

I did a test drive as well 3 weeks ago. My M3 didn't have EDC but it did have some more km's on it, so I could rev it up to the limiter. Maybe you noticed that it starts to pull at about 3500/4000 rpm; well, it goes on like that until 8400!! So when you stopped at 5k, you missed the best part. Also the sound gets better and better.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by OzStriker

The car needs a louder exhaust note. I am not someone who needs a LOUD car but this M3 is way too quiet in the cabin, especially with the windows up.

The muffler has a valve in it that opens at higher Rs to increase the sound. I'm assuming there may be a way to fix it in the permanently louder position.

[Gadgetman]

Thanks for sharing your experience and the excellent review.

I havent driven the E92 M3 yet, but what I saw in Panama that I didnt like was the cup holders and rear seating. The front cup holders look kinda flimsy and I dont think an Extra Large drink will fit in the holders or even support the drink. Also, there is a center console now at the rear seats where you cant put 3 people there.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by K3N R3D

Opps! sorry wrong thread. Don't know how that happened. Forget what I said above.

You can delete your post, you know.

[phoenixbmwlife]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

You can delete your post, you know.

Thanx I never noticed the delete button before

[OzStriker]

I have never had the pleasure of driving an E46 so can't comment on the gearbox comparison.

At the end of the launch an E46 departed at a brisk pace in front of us...That beautiful rasp is still ringing in my ears

How perfect would an E46 CSL and an E92 side by side in the garage be?

[Stahlgrau]

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide a review.

[Carfreak9922]

does it have problems going over speed bumps or what??

cause someone told me that...

[OzStriker]

Originally Posted by Carfreak9922

does it have problems going over speed bumps or what??

cause someone told me that...

Not unless you go at silly speed over them, just treat them with respect.

Those with a 15mm drop at the front are going to have issues though, let alone those with a lip as well.


Not a bad thread to bring back to the top with 4500km on my own M3 now my initial thoughts from the test drive remain the same:

- This is a very refined car
- No problems with the seating position
- Steering feels fine
- Scares the crap out of passengers who want to go around corners fast
- The car is too quiet...You miss so much noise with the windows up, even with the windows down there is a lack of noise unless you are in a tunnel or passing a nearby solid object...Hurry up Kreissieg

[Big Windy]

good to know...i guess we really need to figure out about that muffler flange or a new exhaust system.

[gos]

I swung by my dealership today, and asked my salesperson if they had an M3 on the lot. She told me they had just sold their coupe, but reached in her pocket and handed me the keys to their only sedan and said "Go take it for a spin, I trust you."

I came back in 20 minutes with a shit-eating grin. I got 9mpg for my journey too.

That car is absolutely amazing. Refined when just cruising around, and an absolute beast when you step on it. The pull from 80-100 in 6th gear was awesome, nevermind 3rd or 4th. Never been in a car before that gripped so well in the corners.