RX-8 R3 to E90 M3, 1 month in
 

So as some of you know, my R3 is gone and I've replaced it with an '08 M3. With the crash still fresh in my mind, a bunch of drama around the purchase (dealership incompetence), and having to swap to winter tires almost immediately afterward, it's been hard to come to grips with the M3 -- especially given my particular tastes in cars. But I think I'm slowly forming some opinions I can trust. Here they are, for whatever they're worth.


I have to say this really isn't the kind of car I thought I'd be driving. Too heavy, too serious all the time. I don't particularly like the sound of a cross-plane crank V8. The car is informative enough to the driver, and fairly agile, but not really alive-feeling in the way I'd prefer.

It's not all that great at just loafing around, either. The suspension is firm, the engine is constantly growling at you, and there's no escaping the heavy-machinery feeling. It kind of feels like a very agile freight train.

The gauge cluster sucks ass compared to the S2 RX-8's, by which I mean it's decent whereas the S2's is basically perfect. The voice commands and the stereo are also downgrades from the R3's. Especially the stereo. S2 Bose kind of sucks, but it’s almost hi-fi compared to the base BMW Professional crap.

Meanwhile, I kind of feel like a lot of the M3's talents are wasted on me. I like the power, the interior, and the status, but they're far down my list of priorities. I'd rather have the RX-8's responsiveness and exploitability, which can't really be replicated with this kind of power and weight.


That said...


There's a depth of engineering in this car that the RX-8 could barely gesture at. And most importantly, I don't think there's a stock 4-door car out there that I'd rather have.

One of the things I struggled to admit to myself about the R3 was how stressful it was to drive. The M3 is no S-Class, but it’s a damn sight better than the R3. The NVH is so much more tolerable, and the power makes it less annoying to lose ground in traffic because there’s no doubt you’ll be able to make up ground when things open up.

As far as I've pushed it, the M3 handles a lot like a large, heavy RX-8. It's less eager-feeling but its behavior and responses are surprisingly similar in most situations. As little as I've driven it near its limits, I suspect that's where the biggest differences are. The M3 seems to have a lot more traction, and doesn't seem to want to yaw as much with wheelspin. It also seems less surgical, less delicately precise. Overall, though, it's almost more impressive in a way. I think the RX-8 owes its talents mainly to the soundness of its fundamentals: low, light, rigid, compact powertrain, really nice suspension geometry. The M3 feels like its engineers started with a worse foundation (handling-wise) but did a better job. I think both cars are probably comparably forgiving and flexible, just in slightly different ways. And stock vs. stock, they're definitely comparably capable by the numbers.

The steering is missing a little bit of feedback vs. the RX-8’s, which kind of sucks because the RX-8 already left a little to be desired in this department. Fortunately it still gives you what you need to drive it fast. Where it wins is in feedback and response just off center. Both cars have relatively quick ratios with a lot of gain just off center, but the M3 somehow feels much less nervous. The difference is small, but it does a lot to make the M3 less tiring to drive.

The engine is WAY better to use than the Renesis, and not just because of the power. The throttle response is much faster (ITBs vs. the RX-8's long intake tract I'm guessing) and infinitely smoother. The RX-8 liked to jerk and buck with throttle modulation, especially at low throttle. The M3's throttle is almost electric-motor linear by comparison.

You already know how much faster the M3 is, so I'm not going to waste any time describing that. The main thing I like about the power is its delivery: a flat torque curve with all the power way up top, safely tucked away for when I want to commit -- just like the RX-8's. I never asked for this much speed, and I don't think I'd go out of my way to have it in the future -- but if I'm going to have it, this is how I want it. Below 5k RPM, it’s a quick-enough sports sedan; above that, it’s a monster.

Not having to worry about carbon buildup is a game changer. I had forgotten what it was like to be able to drive however I want without worrying about ruining the engine.

Shifter feel isn't as nice as the RX-8's, but it's somehow much easier to downshift into 2nd without grinding. Not sure how that works, but I'll take it.

The community support is a HUGE upgrade. There are tons more E9x M3s on the road than there are S2s, let alone R3s. And the proportion of owners with both money and discernment is... much, much higher. There are so many more good parts available, and it's so much easier to find useful info on them.

At the same time, because this car is a slicktop sedan with a manual transmission and no iDrive or electronic dampers, I still get to feel like I’m driving something unique.

Being able to order parts from FCP Euro is almost enough on its own to make owning a BMW worth it. Some of you will know what I mean.

It's also nice not to have to explain my car choice to anyone. I still feel way off the mainstream, but at least I don't have to deal with people thinking I drive a faux-sporty shitbox.

And of course being a legit sedan, the M3 is WAY more practical than the RX-8. Again, I don't think that needs elaboration. With a growing toddler and one more on the way, this is going to make a bigger difference with time.


So yeah. I'd prefer something a lot lighter, and I'd prefer 6 cylinders to 8. But overall, this seems to have been the best call for my needs and wants right now -- just as the R3 was when I got it. The more I drive the M3, the more upsides I find, and the less strongly I feel about the downsides. Looking forward to seeing how I feel in a year or two. Hopefully there'll be some weight reduction between now and then! :fruit:

:beerchug:

If you still like your RX-8, I wouldn't hurry. But if you have to get something bigger/nicer, without compromising too much on what makes the RX-8 good, it doesn't get much better than this.

I too made the change, except I went to an e92 m3 instead of an e90. (2 door vs 4 door.)

The car in alot of ways just feels like a bigger, heavier rx8, but with significantly more power. The engine makes power pretty linearly like the rx8 engine. 8300RPM redline, similar to a rotary but has 414 naturally aspirated hp. The car is heavy, but manages it's weight better than you could ever expect it to. It was the same impression I first had of the rx8 compared to my old rx7s weight wise.

The steering is interesting. I like the steering on the rx8 more at low to mid speeds, but I like the m3 steering better at mid to high speeds. The rx8's steering feels more responsive at low speeds, but ever so slightly twitchier at high speeds compared to the m3.

The fact that the m3's engine doesn't have a dipstick is insane. The oil level sensor can take 15 minutes or more to register the oil level. The engine must be running while the oil level is being measured. As a result once you change the oil on the motor, you had better pray there was the correct amount of oil in the motor, because you wouldn't know for sure until 15 minutes later. Far too long. There is a company that makes one.

Since you have a 2008, you have lead copper bearings. This is good in the sense that bearing wear can be easily tracked through oil analysis. In 2011, they switched to a different compound bearing which isn't easily tracked through oil analysis. Obviously, go get your oil tested, as I'm sure you've read about the rod bearing problems in this car by now.

Overall, the car feels like an upgrade in every way, and the engine is just glorious. This car is also interesting in the sense, that nobody will ever make a car like the e90 or e92 m3 ever again (stickshift german high rpm N/A v8). I'm certain people will look back 20 or 30 years later and call it one of the all time greats.

Despite this, I miss the rx8, and am planning to buy one as a third car. They are cheap now, and I think it would be something fun to drive my daughter around in. The m3's interior is too nice, I couldn't stand to put car seat in it; I plan to keep the car forever. I'd rather do the rx8. Its an interesting proposition with 4 doors and them being so cheap right now. I get to have a rotary back in my life.

Not bothering with oil analysis just yet because I'm just going to have to have the rod bearings changed preventatively very soon. After that, I'll be doing oil analysis at each change.

I wouldn't be surprised if the new style bearings make it more difficult to track wear with one-off or infrequent oil analysis. But the way you're really supposed to use oil analysis to track wear is to sample frequently and regularly to establish a trend, and then watch for deviations from the baseline. One-off or infrequent analyses aren't fully reliable even with the lead/copper bearings, which is the main reason I opted to just have them replaced instead of trying to guess their condition. However, frequent sampling should be just fine to detect wear no matter what the alloy is.

I think I know what you mean, and I think I agree -- but I have to say handling is the one respect in which this car is a downgrade, at least vs. the R3. It can hit the same kinds of numbers all day, but it doesn't have the feel.

If you haven't already replaced the bearings, I would recommend an upgrade to the BE Bearings. They're supposedly a one-and-done replacement. I have an E63 M6 and this is the route I went. Car has been trouble free except for an oil cooler that decided to spring a leak after I bragged, in her presence, how low maintenance she had been.

There is nothing quite like the sound of a high revving NA V8 (or V10 in my case). It's an intoxicating experience.

I own an 06 BMW 330xi with a 6spd manual trans and its a fantastic car. Its quick, handles well, and is enjoyable to driver overall. But, I still have 3 RX-8's and 5 RX-7's as my rotary toys. I could never give them up all together. My BMW is my daily driver and I love the car overall. I replaced the clutch in it last year at 144k and that was a tough job. The car is not easy to work on in all aspects but is not a horrible vehicle to work on by an means. I honestly enjoy driving my 8 a bit more though. I enjoy a true sports car feel and the BMW, while an amazing car, doe not deliver as much of a raw feel as the RX-8.

I can add here............Ive had an E46 since new in 2003. Its a great car. Ive been rotary for a Very long time. In 2016 I sold my 2010 RX8 to get an BMW M2. Love my M2, Love my M3. But guess what car I loved the most ? Yup - the 8. So last year I went and bought a 2010 R3 8.
More engaging, more smiles. Different animals for sure............

I did have the rod bearings replaced shortly after the purchase. Went with OE BMW bearings and bolts. Not sure if we want to get into that discussion here, lol

Agreed!

I am a gonna be the combo breaker and say that I wouldn't want a BMW. The engineering on these things are amazing, but a bit too much, to the point some maintenance and repair can get annoying. I would definitely rent one if I have the chance, but keeping one? Nah, I will pass.

That, and the fact that Asian + BMW is too stereotypical. I never really have a thing for German cars, either.

All Sedans look boring to me and what is this "family" and "kids" you speak of? Coupe all the way.

And because I have now driven a car with high RPM and a flat torque curve, I want to try something completely different. I want to try the torquey American V8s without revs. It sounds like the BMW V8 is just gonna be RX-8 on steroids engine-wise.

I have driven a C7 Corvette Stingray in Cali before and the desire has been seeded that day. Looks great, reliable engine, great handling, fast, economical for what it is.

Put a TL:DR there that's a looong write up

TL;DR:

RX-8 R3 good
E90 M3 good

As far as "Bang for your buck" goes, the corvette will always be at or near the top of that list of cars. Especially the C7 with the updated interior. Unfortunately, I hate them.
:yelrotflm

Big fan of the LS/LT platform though. It's what I swapped into my s2000.

Why do you hate them?

I have a high school roommate who grew up in Alberta that hates them. He told me it's mostly because a lot of middle-aged, cranky guys get oil jobs there and buy a 'vette with the money they make, and they are typically douchebags.

But I mean, as far as douchy drivers go, BMW also has that stereotype.

I drove 2 BMWs before, an E46 325i and a 13 X3. I actually quite liked the E46 and I heard E46 M3 is quite a fun car, but the X3 was such a piece of shit. I get it's an SUV but FFS you can finish watching the entire Godfather trilogy before that turd-bo kicks in.

And I get how LS/LT gets a lot of hate for all the swaps, but people do the swaps in the first place because they are great engines. It amazes me how economical and efficient they are for their performance. "No replacement for displacement" doesn't get any truer with them.

Similar opinion to your high school roommate. It's the classic mid life crisis car and is unapologetic about that tag. Not necessarily douche bags, but definitely old timers.

BMW drivers absolutely earned that title, but lately, audi drivers are making moves to strip them of the throne. I see more douchebaggery from Audi drivers around here than anything else.

As far as LS swaps go, people will always hate a winner/dynasty. It's small, light, and easy to swap and even easier to make power. Unfortunately they're no longer cheap. At least not anything with an aluminum block.

update?

Yes. Ohhhh yes.

I recently joined a newly made M3 forum that needed content, so I re-posted this review there in drastically fleshed-out and updated form.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/e...8-r3-to-e90-m3

glad it’s working out for you

I was able to get throttle response, low rpm lurching, etc. all worked out with tuning on on my S1 RX8.

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Nice! How did you do it? Any threads I can read?

well tuning the engine is just that in addition to freeing up the intake and exhaust for it to breath, but I also reworked the throttle map to be linear rather than progressive. It just gave me more consistent control. I don’t really agree with the way Mazda has the throttle map configured between how the electric throttle blade opens relative to throttle pedal position.