shigginsrx8

Some of you may remember that I was toying with the idea of getting a used M3 from a freind of mine instead of and 8.

///M3 Advice

Based on your responses as well as my driving impressions and research I decided to pick up the M3 from my freind. He left 2 days ago and since I have been driving MY M3. I have to say, I am a little underwhelmed. I mean, I haven't even made any posts about it nor changed my signature. It's kinda weird. I love the cars performance, style and the SMG transmission, but something just isn't right. I think it is the fact that it is the first car I have ever purchased. Maybe it's buyers remorse.

It may be a bit premature, but I am thinking of selling it. I feel bad considering my freind gave me a great deal on it, but I just don't think I am sold. All day I have been reading the forums of NSX prime and of course I am familiar with the 8. I have always loved the NSX and am seriously thinking about finding a 96 or 97 example. Anyways, I am going to go and test drive an 8 tommorrow again and see what I think. I might just have to hang onto the bimmer for a couple months untill the '05's come out.

I am really confused, feel free to give advice, criticisms etc. I know its my decision in the end but any help will be appreciated.

Redlinin 8

The ///M3 is a hell of a car.That engine is pretty much maxed out.My cousin has intake,full racing exhaust,no cat,no resonators,no govenor,racing dynamics 17 pound rims,and all the goodies,coilovers,kit,...and he pushes that car hard,but anyways ya he said his engines pretty mutch maxed out.Superchargers arnt going well for the car,and they only recommend a 50 shot of nos,but anyways back to you.Hey man,sometimes even though its a great car to everyone else it might not be what YOU WANT.The NSX is a monster.The sounds that cars makes will give you chills,and it looks crazy.My friend has a black one with a comptech supercharger.I think its a 97'.Noones touching that car. :D Do yourself a favor.If you like the power of the M,and the handling of the 8,get the NSX.

Fanman

I kind've had the same reaction. When my friend (03' M3) and I (01' 911) went to the track. I knew his car was every bit as fast as mine, but something was just missing in the driving experience. The 911 was just so much more visceral, the M3 was muted. I was happy to get back into my car, and it was just so much more fun to drive fast in my car.

DOMINION

Seen a 911 blasting a Viper at the track. Oh it was good. How the hell can I put some video on here?

WilliamT

Maybe you would be happier with the 6-sp manual. SMG isn't for everyone.

I've never owned an M3, but I do have a 97 NSX-T as my weekend car. I wouldn't recommend it as a daily driver because the ride is just too stiff. I've driven my sister's Corvette C5 and that ride was soft compared to my NSX.

As a weekend car, the NSX is great. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

The RX8 is also a great choice.

KC_Prelude

Nsx > M3.

DreRX8

The M3 is faster than the NSX--but the styling is timeless and it is one of the most reliable cars on the road--period.

Fanman

That is not necessarily true. The new NSX with the 3.2L engine has ripped off times equal to the M3 & 911. The fastest I have seen is a 13.0 by Temple os VTEC. The slaowest is a 13.4 (but the 02' 911 ran a 13.4 as well, and the Z06 ran a 13.0 flat that day at that track, in that same comparison). I looked into getting an NSX (had a deposit on it but got screwed by the dealership). The new NSX's are every bit as fast as the M3's & 911's of today.

DreRX8

he was talkin about 96/97 NSX they ran mid to high 13s 1/4 times--typical 0-60 in those is like 5.2sec. In the early 90s the FDs and Supra Turbos could outaccelerate the NSX but the NSX had a 170+mph top speed. But typically the M3 will edge out the NSX in terms of acceleration. It would really come down to small differences in driver/weather conditions not to mention that cars vary amongst each other. I'd take a used NSX over the M3 unless I needed the space. I wouldn't buy a new one--that $90,000 could by me a nice 911 (might be able to edge out some more money and get a Turbo), A Z06 and a regular Vette, two M3s, 4 RX8s, or an E55 that will beat nearly everything mentioned here.

shigginsrx8

I say 96/97 because I couldnt remember which year the engine disp. was bumped to 3.2 litres. I think it might have been '97, thats the model I would want.

I have already talked to the brother of the guy I bought it off of. He wanted the car too, but I got there first. He said he would buy it off me for same price I paid if I want to get rid of it. so that is some good news.

Like I said, I went and drove the 8 again today. I still love that car, and I am sure it's a little more practical. But hey, I am young and live in a city, I don't need practical. I also took a spin in a used M Coupe that was on the BMW lot next door. I have always like it's stying and it was a pretty good drive, lots of power on hand. But, I think I am a little big for it, just couldnt get a comfortable position.

William T- What type of maintenace costs do you generally experience??. Any nagging problems I should keep a look out for??

tRiX8

I had quite the same dilemma, torn between a used M3 and brand new 8. I went with the 8 partly beacause of the smell of a brand new car. I figured I'll save up for my future brand new M3 or 540,

RX-Hachi

The M3 is a great car, I was very close to buying one a few years ago. But then all the engine blow ups got me spooked and I thought it would be better to wait. Then a funny thing happened, they started becoming so common on the road that I kind of lost a little interest. Add to the fact that there are so many BMWs on the road anyway, the M3 didn't seem that special. The NSX, on the other hand, seems like an exotic compared to the M3.

The other thing is the M3 has more power and handling limits that can't be fully enjoyed during everyday driving. And while its handling is great, it doesn't feel that nimble and the ride is a little harsh. The RX-8 is much more satisfying in this regard, it revs like mad, is a joy to shift, and fun and nimble in everyday driving or on the track.

Maybe some of these factors are why you might feel underwhelmed?

Gord96BRG

I was out of town when your earlier thread was active, so I hadn't seen it. You mentioned warranty coverage for the M3 (not sure if home maintenance would affect warranty).

This might be out of date and thus wrong, but last I heard (last year) - the US SMG software was different than the Euro SMG software to hide the launch control system. The M3 software also tracks the number of times the launch control system is used. IIRC (again), if a North American M3 owner uses the launch control more than a few times (maybe 5 or 10 only?), then BMW invalidates their engine and transmission warranty.

Again, that might not be true, but it would certainly be a concern I'd check out - how many times has your car had the launch control used?? Is your warranty even valid at this point? Might be a great time to sell back to the brother...

Regards,
Gordon

Photic

My best friend currently has an M3, I thought it was pretty nice, the "sport" button is a cool feature. A couple years ago my friend held off buying an NSX because I couldn't fit, now thats friendship for ya
I like the fact that the M3 is more of a sleeper car in terms of looks, most people appreciate the look of a BMW but don't give it much of a second thought, and think it's just "another" BMW.

WilliamT

97 was the year the Acura bumped up the displacement to 3.2L. The pre-97 models had acceleration times mentioned by DreRX8. The 97+ manual models have times similar to the 01+ M3.

Routine service costs are pretty low. Major service is a bit pricey.

Timing Belt/Water Pump = $2000. (every 7 years)
Clutch replacement = $3000.
Tires = $850 every 8000 miles.

Oil changes are expensive at the dealer, but cheap if you do it yourself.

NSX Oil Filter = $9.

Insurance isn't too bad. From what I've heard its cheaper to insure than an M3.

Rear visibility is almost nil. (like looking through a periscope).

mysql101

I like the NSX, but I also like the Ferrari Testarossa. Unfortunately but both show their age with their styling.

shigginsrx8

Thanks for the advice WilliamT. I'm sure I will have more questions as I do more research

As for the appearance, I think the NSX looks slightly dated as well. But, Slap on a tasteful effects package (maybe '02 conversion) and possibly wide body conversion, then throw on a nice coat of metallic/pearl paint and it looks amazing.

mav

What isn't quite "right" about it?

Are you having trouble adjusting to SMG? When I first purchased my M3 SMG II Coupe, it took a few days to feel totally comfortable driving the car, and using the paddles to shift. But believe me, once you get used to it, its a kick *** ride.

Is the M3 still under warranty? IMO, a car backed up by the factory warranty is better than one without, even though the NSX is pretty flawless but you never know. Repairs are potentially very expensive.

shigginsrx8

I really couldn't tell you what isn't right. The SMG is fine, I love that transmission. There is just something about the M3 that isn't doing it for me.

As well, I am not to worred about repairs or the warranty. I should be able to do a lot of the work needed by a car and if I can't I know people that can.

Rxdriftingaction

if u can wait there is 2 super cool war coming. 07 skyline gt-r and (maybe)new rx-7 also on 07.
and they are super super fast and hell cool. i think skyline will got a smg too. if u got money and time. u can wait for them. ha ha. i think u just need to wait about 1 years. maybe they will be selled on 06. and ... wrx sti is cool and hell fast too. u may consider about it.
but 8 is always the best. =) cuz we all got 1.

picosrx8

Its a no brainer Shiggy! Whats missing is the exotic supercar look to go with the power and handling. We can all tell from your posts when you rave about Ferraris, Porsches and other monsters. The M3 is a sleeper. Very sweet ride...but a sleeper. Doesnt sound like your style bro. I am the same way. I dont care how fast is goes, if I dont love the looks, I dont want it.

IMO, get an 05 RX8 (or a 04 year end closeout). The problem with used sportscars? Some maniac like you or me owned it first!

shigginsrx8

haha, I think you might be right. I love the look of the car, but it just doesn't look like its performance would suggest it should. I guess it is a sleeper to some people, I pick them out all the time, but it just isn't that special of a car to me. I think it bothers me because they are a dime a dozen around here too. I have only seen 5 rx-8's since they came out, compared to dozens of m3's. I want something special, something that I look at and go "god damn thats mine, alllllll mine!" the M3 doesnt do that.

As for the 07's go, if something great comes out then I will get that too. My dad still has the first car he ever bought, and if it is possible, I will keep mine (M3 excluded.) Thats another thing too, the way my dad looks at that 240z, well, I want that in my first car.

I'll tell you what I was looking at with googly eyes though. If only it had been left stock and not owned by someone who writes in red

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...487000459&rd=1

WilliamT

I prefer to keep mine stock. That Zanardi has a story behind it. I believe there is a post about that car on NSXPrime. As far as the NSX looks, pictures don't do the car justice. The same goes with the Ferrari Testarossa. I prefer the slightly revamped 512TR and hope to own one some day (along with the NSX).

I agree with picorx8, your probably looking for something exotic looking to go with the performance.

shigginsrx8

I checked into the history of the NSX, ugly to say the least. Stolen etc, involved in FBI investigation. A dealer has it now, I'm going to call tomorrow to see what the deal with it is, but I highly doubtt I would consider this particular car.

Lawerence

e36 M3>>>E46 M3

Go drive an E36 and that missing peice of the puzzle will suddenly fall into place.

Its very blissfull in the same way the rx8 is.