SC2JZ300

iTrader: (8)

Finally got my hands on the new M3 today. Customer had the previous gen(E92) before this one. I was the only one he had allowed to drive the car before so he knew he was in good hands when handing me the keys.

On day one of receiving the car(1 of 3 in ATL) he had drove to my lot and showed it off and kicked the **** with him .

After the break in period he finally let me drive, boy.... My first impressions the car stout! Handling, and overall performance KICKS ***! But I must say I do like the E92 better in regards of the cosmetic side. Everything from exterior to interior(Mainly steering wheel) of the E92 just flows "better" IMO

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

That's it?! Subscribed to the longer review

mmarshall

Yeah, the last M3 I drove, a few years ago, in some ways, kicked a** too. But to be honest, I felt the 335i I also drove was a better all-around choice for everyday driving. It was considerably less expensive, actually had more torque, at lower RPMs, than the M3 (though the M3 clearly outclassed it in high-end HP), had a noticeably better ride/handling combination for everyday streets/roads, and was, all-around, much more comfortable to drive. The M3 was clearly designed for track use....high-revving engine, extremely firm suspension, and ultra-quick steering. That's fine on glass-smooth surfaces like a racetrack, but on the street bumps, it rode too harshly and was uncomfortable. In addition,the M3 I tried has several serious build-qualilty defects in my test-sample......one of them being the power drivers' seat not working properly. The 335i, in contrast, had much of the M3's low/medium-speed performance, handling almost as sharp, and yet still retained a much more compliant suspension over bumps, even with the Sport Package (which surprised me)....all at a much lower price.

ISFPOWER

iTrader: (20)

thanks for the long and detailed review. i want to go out and buy one now.

mmarshall

Check out the 335 first......though, admittedly, the latest 335 is probably not the equal of the previous version.

hlee12

so it was a total yawner? cool story

pbm317

That's funny, I absolutely LOVE the new M-Sport steering wheels. So great in hand, better controls, and the spokes look thinner and somewhat more technical in my opinion.

E9X wheel's spokes just look too big for no reason.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

not sure what you mean by "look", but steering wheel is something to grab on to feel if it's good or not imho. i had e93 m3 and the steering wheel was one of the best i have experienced. i am not tall but i never felt it's too thick. i have yet to try the new m3/4 and see how it feels, but for example i never like any lexus steering wheels until 2013 gs, which is much thicker than before

pbm317

OP mentioned cosmetic looks, so I was commenting on mostly appearance. I agree that the E9X had a good feeling steering wheel, but even then sometimes it could feel a bit too thick all around. The new BMW M Sport wheels have, in my opinion, good thickness, but nicer sculpted notches at 3 and 9, better leather wrapping, and increased cushioning.

Agree with you that the GS steering wheel has a great feel to it.

Important touch point for any car!

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

not only that but the newer wheel has better color contrast and not some large gray plain

rominl

iTrader: (4)

no doubt on cosmetic, the e9x wheel was plain. i can't wait to drive the new m3/4

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

My sales called me and told me to take a test drive too, he told me the new M3 Kicks A$$ and sounded

so excited over the phone lol. And he owns a 13' M3 coupe.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

hehe sounds like he's a good sales