E9x M3 ---> S550 ???

[FISH22]

Curious if anyone here has made the move. I currently own a 2011 E90 M3 (Comp, EDC, 6MT). It's an amazing car, with a ton of character; it's engine and chassis are fantastic. I keep considering the '15+ GTs, and I might go out this week to test drive a few.

Before I pulled the trigger on the M3, I test drove a BOSS 302, CTS-V, and ISF... I went with the M3 because it felt the most connected and felt like the best driver's car. But, I have not driven a '15+ GT yet.

If you've made the move, or have some seat time in the E9x M3 platform, I'd love for you to chime in. Thanks!

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[jasonstang]

I would keep the M3 it's a nice car. With my money I can only afford the Mustang GT.

 

[bluebeastsrt]

I've driven both and they are very similar cars. (E90 & S550 Premium) Performance, Quality interior, Etc.

 

[panic]

I've owned the M3 with the V8 engine (manual) and it's an extraordinary car to drive, you feel it like cut for you, like a pair of jeans.

Actually it's the last BMW cars on my book, from there on the engine capacity reduction and the turbos getting into the game for eco BS reasons I completely lost interest in all the M's family.

On the other side I've owned for a few months a new Klasse E coupe 500, and it's a huge mountain of shit, the automatic trans is crap, the engine pulls well but the car is a rolling danger on the road above 100MPH, in the wet just above 80...

Compared with the above the 15 Mustang is a good car, a tad heavy and the engine could have a few ponies beyond 400 but its price tag makes it a good baby to host into the garage...

Manual trans is not a joy and the clutch is junk.

 

[ForTehNguyen]

manual trans can be improved greatly with fluid swap, MGW shifter, and clutch spring removal

 

[panic]

manual trans can be improved greatly with fluid swap, MGW shifter, and clutch spring removal

What fluid swap would you recommend?

Shifter, I was thinking at Barton's, is MGW a better thing? I'm looking for a solid shortest gear change, I hate 15 Mustang gear changes long excursion...

Thanks.

 

[Gdyup50]

I traded in my E46 M3 that was in mint condition for my GT, having said that, I wouldn't have traded in a newer M....

 

[Nazgul]

I traded in my E46 M3 that was in mint condition for my GT, having said that, I wouldn't have traded in a newer M....

Imo the m3 went down hill after the e46 csl. It was the right size, had the right amount of power, and was a true drivers car. The e9x had a great motor but felt too big.

 

[socalsnake]

Curious if anyone here has made the move. I currently own a 2011 E90 M3 (Comp, EDC, 6MT). It's an amazing car, with a ton of character; it's engine and chassis are fantastic. I keep considering the '15+ GTs, and I might go out this week to test drive a few.

Before I pulled the trigger on the M3, I test drove a BOSS 302, CTS-V, and ISF... I went with the M3 because it felt the most connected and felt like the best driver's car. But, I have not driven a '15+ GT yet.

If you've made the move, or have some seat time in the E9x M3 platform, I'd love for you to chime in. Thanks!

I love my S550, but I probably wouldn't jump out of an E92 to an S550. To me the E92 stock suspension set-up was fantastic - tight while forgiving and well balanced. The S550's stock suspension in comparison will feel mushy and underdampened which adds to the boat like feeling (relative to the E92) - I'm not putting down the S550...it is a large vehicle and the underdampened suspension adds negatively to the handling experience.

That being said, S550 suspension mods in IMHO to make it handle on par or better than a stock E92 would be coilovers, larger sway bars and a square tire set-up. I'd bet you'd meet and most likely exceed the E92s suspension capabilities...but...in all honesty, the S550 will not FEEL (notice I said FEEL) as light and agile as the E92 no matter the suspension mods.

Also the E92s steering is much better (again IMHO) than the S550s.

Of course this is all subjective.

I think the better questions to ask is - what will you be using the car for? DD, track car, mix of both, autocross, drag? Answers to these questions may help you decide which car between the two will better suit your needs.

 

[Gdyup50]

Imo the m3 went down hill after the e46 csl. It was the right size, had the right amount of power, and was a true drivers car. The e9x had a great motor but felt too big.

The E46 was my dream car, it was as close to perfect as a car gets, never thought I would get rid of it, but after seeing the new Mustang, and realizing that things were getting old on my M3, and repairs were ridiculous, I decided to get rid of 130,000 miles for 0 miles and no repair worries for years. I still miss my M, and probably always will....

 

[Vietzboi87]

how did you like the Isf? I went with the Isf over the m3 and then recently the gt. I still miss my Isf but was itching for a manual. Imo the interior and electronics is no where compared to the m3 that's one thing I didn't like about the gt.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

For a few I cross shopped an E9x M3 Cab, though it would've been used (probably a '13) vs. new, especially with the deal I got. FWIW, I also shopped a Z4 before my previous ride.

Ultimately, the Mustang won out because it felt more visceral, and I guess at heart I'm more of a muscle car guy even though we've had 3 BMWs, Lexus, RX7, Supra, 4 Corvettes including a Z06 and most recently a super fun little S2K.

The convertible on the M3 really adds a noticeable amount of weight (and greatly reduces cargo room), though I do dig on the folding hardtop.

The biggest perk for us would've been the DCT, which would give me the manual control I crave but mixed with a car the wife could drive. I didn't want an auto in the Mustang, plus I specifically wanted a Performance Pack car.

I'd say _if_ you consider a GT, and you want a car that's closer to the M3 OOTB, get a GT, with the GTPP (which has to be in a manual).

Then get one with the Premier interior (even if it's black) - the materials and finish all around the car are greatly improved.

If you get a '16 with Sync3, add the 401a package, nav, park assist, I'd say the electronics are easily comparable to the BMW, plus I've always kind of been ambivalent at best with BMW electronic/switchgear/ergonomics, but some of that is clearly subjective.

Fit and finish may be a little tighter on the BMW, but I don't think it wears any better than any other model - the door pulls, steering wheel, seats, carpet, etc., in our $##K X5 had serious wear/service issues in less than 4 years. The current beach/tow machine, an '08 T4R V8 Ltd has had 2X the hassle free life cycle and still going strong.

 

[Zemedici]

I'd keep the M personally, different class of vehicle, imo.

 

[RMA]

I personally like the E46 M3 out of all the current M3's so you have my vote on doing the switch.

 

[bluebeastsrt]

I thought the E90 was the best of the bunch.:shrug: All those throttle bodies and paddle shifted automatic made for an extremely quick car.

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