Test drove the M3 today

[JuniorDee]

I just drove the IB m3 at passport. Put 1 mile on the car Now it has 5 miles on it . Tests are limited to 2 miles. Salesman said i was the first one to drive it, came back and the other salesmen were saying that they werent even allowed to drive it yet. I guess haveing you deposit down for 8 months at the dealership gets you something.

A very interesting drive. It felt like the power delivery was much different than my 335i, either way, it was nice.

My M3 has finished production and it should be here in 2-3 weeks

[bills742]

FYI, Passport also has a Jerez black in their showroom. Price = $10,000 above MSRP, about $80,000.

[BCMPOWER]

FYI, Passport also has a Jerez black in their showroom. Price = $10,000 above MSRP, about $80,000.

you would expect that the first allocations would be to customer cars and not public sale, unless they were selling their demo.

[Boost3dm3]

FYI, Passport also has a Jerez black in their showroom. Price = $10,000 above MSRP, about $80,000.

Could you explain this a little more 10k above msrp?

Thank goodness most of us are getting msrp (those that are on the waitlist at least).

[bills742]

Could you explain this a little more 10k above msrp?

Thank goodness most of us are getting msrp (those that are on the waitlist at least).

I think the dealers call it "Adjusted Market Value" if you wanted to get the car in the showroom. From reading the board, most dealers are marking up the cars that were not pre-ordered and are currently available for purchase at their dealership. Very few (if any) are paying the markup if the car was pre-ordered by a customer. For those willing to pay extra and who don't mind what options come on the car, I guess they have a nice option of getting a car right now.

[MTrizzy]

I was at VOB Rockville this weekend..they had a Sedan and a Coupe for sale. Witnessed a guy pull in his F430 and purchase the sedan...I wouldn't be surprised if he paid 10k over MSRP... ;-)

Make me so glad I ordered mine (just went in to Production last week!)

[iatacs19]

I was at VOB Rockville this weekend..they had a Sedan and a Coupe for sale. Witnessed a guy pull in his F430 and purchase the sedan...I wouldn't be surprised if he paid 10k over MSRP... ;-)

Make me so glad I ordered mine (just went in to Production last week!)

F430 baller, M3 is probably his 12th car for Tuesday commutes. :bellyroll

[Boost3dm3]

im just saying how could passport do this. I was assured by one of the head honchos at passport when i put down my deposit last year that they always sell at msrp. guess it was the salesman in him and not quite the truth.

[Blip Bavarian]

I got to drive the demo from my dealership this weekend. They let me take it out alone, which was hugely unexpected. I have to agree that the power delivery feels much different than that of my 335. The 335 feels faster around town because of all of the low end torque, however, once you get the m3 above 5000rpms, it screams.

The clutch pedal in the m3 is extremely light; I was expecting it to be heavier than my 335's, and it is far lighter.

Another one of my main concerns with the m3 was answered. I was highly sceptical about the servotronic steering being less enjoyable than the steering in my 335. It is very light in normal mode, but feels nice and hefty in sport mode. Just seeing the car in person was amazing.
:party0030:

[JuniorDee]

I too had the same impression that my 335i felt faster around town with far less anouncement that I was coming.

[Boost3dm3]

Did you guys have heads turning when you passed by?

[ase2dais]

... I started the engine today at Fairfax BMW and I thought it was hot! but did some one say he test drove at Passport :happyanim:

[BCMPOWER]

I got to drive the demo from my dealership this weekend. They let me take it out alone, which was hugely unexpected. I have to agree that the power delivery feels much different than that of my 335. The 335 feels faster around town because of all of the low end torque, however, once you get the m3 above 5000rpms, it screams.

The clutch pedal in the m3 is extremely light; I was expecting it to be heavier than my 335's, and it is far lighter.

Another one of my main concerns with the m3 was answered. I was highly sceptical about the servotronic steering being less enjoyable than the steering in my 335. It is very light in normal mode, but feels nice and hefty in sport mode. Just seeing the car in person was amazing.
:party0030:

You were allowed to get the car past 5000 rpm! wow my dealer had to ask the gm to start the car for me, and it was only they had in the showroom so I couldn't drive it.

[JuniorDee]

Passport has 2 vehicles the Jerez in the showroom and the IB on the roof.

[///Mantis]

i almost test drove an M3 last night, but when he got the keys out for the test drive his manager came and announced it's in the process of being sold. sure enough, 20 min's later it was picked up by some gentleman.

[ase2dais]

Yesterday I was surprised to be able to test drive the new 2008 M3 Coupe with manual transmission over at Passport BMW. Having first look at the car at Sterling and then able to start its engine at Fairfax BMW and now THIS !

Wow! What a Country! Truly the land of opportunity, I’m sure these CAs knows that such favors given also has opportunities in return. But I really didn’t think such, because most of us are friends of Passport, and I was treated no differently. There was no pressure except the pressure I put on myself. BK ! a sedan wasn’t available for the test, so I hope this coupe test drive will answer some of your curiosity.

Initial Impression:

Yves Badji the CA drove the car from the rooftop to the lower lot because of insurance purposes. My biggest dissapointment, as I’ve said earlier, was that there was not special interior attributes compare to earlier e46/39 M platforms. There was no special bulkiness of the door and seats, the shift M knobs doesn’t lite up and no special gauges readily distinguishable that’s you’re in a /M.

Bland! You’re inside a regular e92, or 90 for the matter. I’ve even stalled the engine on the parking lot trying to move, since I’m so accustomed to the e46 heavy clutch pedal release. The new M foot pedals are feather weights, as I slowly try to get use to it driving it slowly out from the dealer lot. But, I had a smile, because I had to savor every moment as I slowly open the cookie jar J Vroom! Vroom! roommmmm! roommmmm as I stop at the light twds the beltway.

Red! Yellow! Go!

There was no mid-speed in mind for now on, a slam from first to second as soon as I could. as I maneuver the car to the ON ramp. Unknowingly driving with DSC disabled, the pushed car to third gear, while increasing its speed towards the curve apex. Solid! a slight downshift into second was smooth while maneuvering/preparing for the 495 traffic merge. SLAM! into third, in a flash of the eye I was going (1*#)mph + and every car on the rear mirror was disappearing like vanishing point. Yes! Kowalski is alive and on the passing lane in 3.5secs. Well! whatever is was, it was a split seconds it seems.

It was Rock solid pushing this weapon, while you savor the sight of the front hood whale hump. The split-secs responsive acceleration, the view of its elevated front hood and the sight of cars disappearing on the mirror was the only time I knew I was driving a time bomb. <grin>

Personal notes:

I am also never an especially aggressive driver, and I was careful on this drive. The car was stable, even during cornering ramps as it simply tells me I’m the new M3, I’m an awesome car to drive and forget the loyalty to the e46 that you left behind.

One of car most charming and adorable traits is its sound. It’s a sexy, subtle but not over powering growl. You punch it, and its like a battered wife asking for more. You feel devious and evil as you know you’re about to do something bad. Your head can jerk as much as Ashley Alexandra Du’pre as you apply more. Be cautious for your heart rate can climb fast into anaerobic rate as it tops tachs gauge lactic threshold. ”Wow! Was is as good with you as it was for me” asked the new M3.

To me its truly a sports car, it acts like one and feels like one. There was no momentary lag unlike its rival TT siblings. I’ve driven both and like them both. But this car to me feels has the soul that the other is lacking. When your foot drops ... all your reservation and comparison to all 3 series are dead. I agree with another comment that the new M3 delivered a deep body blow of power … freaking great!

Clearly, expectation and feel of 4.2 liter V8 is simply much more different and fully satisfying. Its worth will only be gauge by pocketbooks, testerones and egos. Now I feel that I’ve cheated my e46 the lust once promised.

At the end of the test drive, my head was spinning, adrenaline rush, expecting the everyone I see are in the same euphoric state as I was when I talk. Excusee me ! and How can they? When a M3 test drive is limited to a few.

I'm calm now :angel:

Tech Notes:

! DSC off and Pwr buttons stds, EDC button opt w/ ZTP
!! BMW AG results 4.7 secs. Pls obey speed laws and traffic rules
!!! M Drive optional, ZTP, personalize you driving feel
!!!! DSC delivers ptimal traction but with M Drive
!!!! DSC can also be set to track-oriented M Dynamic Mode (MDM) – more yaw angle and wheel slips
!!!!! EDC Electronic Damping Control – set to comfy, sport, normal ride

[ase2dais]

thks for the headsup JuniorDee, I got my time in under the belt today w/ Yves@Passport BMW :thumbsup:

UNFREAKING BELIEVABLE DRIVE :confused0068:

... future owners may need a special license to drive this deadly weapon :D

[ase2dais]

M coupe configurator is back UP btw

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/BYO/Byohome.aspx?NAModelCode=0837

:)

[JuniorDee]

Glad to hear you got to drive it. I only took a left out of the dealership and went past the branch Ave metro around the roundabout then back to the dealership on both tests. Never got it past 60 or over 5000 rpm's. I could not really get a good gauge for the car in the whole mile I drove it, but i sounds like you did.

[MTrizzy]

You punch it, and its like a battered wife asking for more. You feel devious and evil as you know you’re about to do something bad.

:laughabov ...classic line...simply classic.

[Boost3dm3]

Initial Impression:

Yves Badji the CA drove the car from the rooftop to the lower lot because of insurance purposes. My biggest dissapointment, as I’ve said earlier, was that there was not special interior attributes compare to earlier e46/39 M platforms. There was no special bulkiness of the door and seats, the shift M knobs doesn’t lite up and no special gauges readily distinguishable that’s you’re in a /M.


I thought the shift knob does light up according to interior night shots ive seen.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94552

[alpineweissM3]

Yesterday I was surprised to be able to test drive the new 2008 M3 Coupe with manual transmission over at Passport BMW. Having first look at the car at Sterling and then able to start its engine at Fairfax BMW and now THIS !

Wow! What a Country! Truly the land of opportunity, I’m sure these CAs knows that such favors given also has opportunities in return. But I really didn’t think such, because most of us are friends of Passport, and I was treated no differently. There was no pressure except the pressure I put on myself. BK ! a sedan wasn’t available for the test, so I hope this coupe test drive will answer some of your curiosity.

Initial Impression:

Yves Badji the CA drove the car from the rooftop to the lower lot because of insurance purposes. My biggest dissapointment, as I’ve said earlier, was that there was not special interior attributes compare to earlier e46/39 M platforms. There was no special bulkiness of the door and seats, the shift M knobs doesn’t lite up and no special gauges readily distinguishable that’s you’re in a /M.

Bland! You’re inside a regular e92, or 90 for the matter. I’ve even stalled the engine on the parking lot trying to move, since I’m so accustomed to the e46 heavy clutch pedal release. The new M foot pedals are feather weights, as I slowly try to get use to it driving it slowly out from the dealer lot. But, I had a smile, because I had to savor every moment as I slowly open the cookie jar J Vroom! Vroom! roommmmm! roommmmm as I stop at the light twds the beltway.

Red! Yellow! Go!

There was no mid-speed in mind for now on, a slam from first to second as soon as I could. as I maneuver the car to the ON ramp. Unknowingly driving with DSC disabled, the pushed car to third gear, while increasing its speed towards the curve apex. Solid! a slight downshift into second was smooth while maneuvering/preparing for the 495 traffic merge. SLAM! into third, in a flash of the eye I was going (1*#)mph + and every car on the rear mirror was disappearing like vanishing point. Yes! Kowalski is alive and on the passing lane in 3.5secs. Well! whatever is was, it was a split seconds it seems.

It was Rock solid pushing this weapon, while you savor the sight of the front hood whale hump. The split-secs responsive acceleration, the view of its elevated front hood and the sight of cars disappearing on the mirror was the only time I knew I was driving a time bomb. <grin>

Personal notes:

I am also never an especially aggressive driver, and I was careful on this drive. The car was stable, even during cornering ramps as it simply tells me I’m the new M3, I’m an awesome car to drive and forget the loyalty to the e46 that you left behind.

One of car most charming and adorable traits is its sound. It’s a sexy, subtle but not over powering growl. You punch it, and its like a battered wife asking for more. You feel devious and evil as you know you’re about to do something bad. Your head can jerk as much as Ashley Alexandra Du’pre as you apply more. Be cautious for your heart rate can climb fast into anaerobic rate as it tops tachs gauge lactic threshold. ”Wow! Was is as good with you as it was for me” asked the new M3.

To me its truly a sports car, it acts like one and feels like one. There was no momentary lag unlike its rival TT siblings. I’ve driven both and like them both. But this car to me feels has the soul that the other is lacking. When your foot drops ... all your reservation and comparison to all 3 series are dead. I agree with another comment that the new M3 delivered a deep body blow of power … freaking great!

Clearly, expectation and feel of 4.2 liter V8 is simply much more different and fully satisfying. Its worth will only be gauge by pocketbooks, testerones and egos. Now I feel that I’ve cheated my e46 the lust once promised.

At the end of the test drive, my head was spinning, adrenaline rush, expecting the everyone I see are in the same euphoric state as I was when I talk. Excusee me ! and How can they? When a M3 test drive is limited to a few.

I'm calm now :angel:

Tech Notes:

! DSC off and Pwr buttons stds, EDC button opt w/ ZTP
!! BMW AG results 4.7 secs. Pls obey speed laws and traffic rules
!!! M Drive optional, ZTP, personalize you driving feel
!!!! DSC delivers ptimal traction but with M Drive
!!!! DSC can also be set to track-oriented M Dynamic Mode (MDM) – more yaw angle and wheel slips
!!!!! EDC Electronic Damping Control – set to comfy, sport, normal ride
Awesome review...I enjoyed reading every word of it.

This post was deserving of it's own thread.

Thanks for sharing.

[ase2dais]

Awesome review...I enjoyed reading every word of it.

This post was deserving of it's own thread.

Thanks for sharing.

My Pleasure!

but funny thing is after that test drive, every car on the road looks like a SilverstoneII M3 to me

:D

[ase2dais]

WOW! what a wetdream!

[ase2dais]

Juniordee! 2 weeks and counting... Dont forget my free a ride?


... BCM... then Boost3 ... :D

[JuniorDee]

Juniordee! 2 weeks and counting... Dont forget my free a ride?


... BCM... then Boost3 ... :D

Ship arrives in port on the 24th. Lets see how long it takes to get the car down here from NJ.

[BCMPOWER]

Juniordee! 2 weeks and counting... Dont forget my free a ride?


... BCM... then Boost3 ... :D

We'll def work something out my car is here but is sitting in SC, I take my PC delivery april 30th. Yes my car is Silverstone II! :dance:

[JuniorDee]

BCM...has your car already been shipped?

[BCMPOWER]

BCM...has your car already been shipped?

Junior, car has been shipped transported and is Sitting in SC at the performance center. I am just waiting until the April 30th to take delivery, and it's driving me nuts I asked my SA to get pictures for me so at least I can see my M3. I was trying to have the car rerouted to MD but it was already too late :cry:

[JuniorDee]

Junior, car has been shipped transported and is Sitting in SC at the performance center. I am just waiting until the April 30th to take delivery, and it's driving me nuts I asked my SA to get pictures for me so at least I can see my M3. I was trying to have the car rerouted to MD but it was already too late :cry:

Wow, i dont think I could handle that. You are a patient man

[BCMPOWER]

Wow, i dont think I could handle that. You are a patient man

Yea, I put my deposit in last year in June and was excited to have on of the first cars in production from the dc metro area until I found out that PC delivery was cancelled until the end of april! I thought I would have been squeezed in for the end of march but those spots fill quickly. It's been an up and down experience you get your hopes up then they come down quickly.