2009 BMW M3: Covet

They say gravity can be cruel, but timing can be mean as well, like this posting just as snow begins in Chicago. It is this time of year that I always agonize over selling the Smart (my easy-to-park winter car) and my beloved Z4 M Coupe (nestled in my single garage space for the next 3-4 months), and getting a new M3 sedan as the best single do-everything car (provided I got snows for winter). So tempting...

I love my BMW 135i....more power, more torque and in a smaller package that fits me just right....but I will always, always covet the M3....there is just something about it that makes me grin and drool everytime I see or drive one...and it goes for E30, E36, E46, E90, E92.....I want all of them....LOL.

Can't resist any longer. I NEED another ///M car. Most likely an E39 M5.
Sooner than later...

I'll take that white RS4 please. :D

...especially in the rain all this week in LA, the RS4 would be running circles around that M3 :)

I covet your M3 too...after test driving one last year (along with the RS4, and C63), the M3 is the only one I can't get out of my head. I also test drove the 335i and 135i, but they just weren't as exciting as the M.

"I also test drove the 335i and 135i, but they just weren't as exciting as the M."

That was my experience as well.

An E46 M3 was the most incredible test drive I have ever had. That snarling exhaust clings to my memory. The handling, poise and speed I expected, but not the emotional attachment to the sound. I'm almost scared to test drive an E90 M3 -- I'm contemplating doing crazy things to get an E46 M3; I wonder what I'd do to get an E90 M3

"I also test drove the 335i and 135i, but they just weren't as exciting as the M."

Well duh... :-P

"I also test drove the 335i and 135i, but they just weren't as exciting as the M."

Where did you drive a E90/92 M that made it "less" exciting than the other two? The only place to do that is at a track...I agree that it is a more covetous(?) vehicle but more exciting in everyday driving? Hell no.....

@adrean8j: The M3's engine and demeanor as you work up the revs can't be replicated by the 335's engine. The chassis control or suspension work is also unique for the M. It is comfortable as a cruiser, but when you take a corner at speed, the feedback it gives you and the eagerness to stick on the path is quite significantly better.

@adrean8j

Some time spent on windy backroads (which were a short distance form the dealer, who encouraged taking the cars on said backroads) is all I need to realize how much more fun and engaging the M3 is to drive than a plain ol' 3-series (which admittedly is a fun car too).

Heck, even if I'm just puttering around town..a raspy, high compression V8 with a nice exhaust note is WAY more pleasing than a turbo anything with a muted exhaust.

"Heck, even if I'm just puttering around town..a raspy, high compression V8 with a nice exhaust note is WAY more pleasing than a turbo anything with a muted exhaust."

Exactly.

@Sherief, roadburner: I need to let you guys borrow my car for ONE day.....LOL....then you would probably understand me being a bit 'underwhelmed' by the current M3...although I would still love to have one in ADDITION to my 135i....never in place of...

adrean8j:

It's all a matter of personal preference. I really like the N54 engine in both the 3er and the 1er, but I prefer the naturally aspirated V8 in the M3. As a matter of fact, I think that I may like the 128i a bit more than the 135i- and I definitely prefer the 128i to the 335i. But what do I know? I also have a blast driving my 1975 2002A...
;)

I totally agree with roadburner and sherief....
The M3 experience is not at all in the same league as with the n54 engine 335i.
As for the little chick girl 1 series, that says it all for me.