E9x M3 ---> S550 ???

[FISH22]

Thanks a ton guys, for all the feedback!

One of the motivating factors to possibly making the switch really comes down to money. A new GT is priced very well, and parts/repairs seem much cheaper compared to the M3. I have always modified every car I've owned, and honestly, good aftermarket parts for the M are ridiculous in price. I would like to throw TE37s and a good exhaust on it for now, but that's easily going to be around $5k.

My M3 currently has 37k miles, so it's still young, but I would love to own it for many years to come (has an extended warranty for another 4 years). We all know the reputation German cars have once they're out of warranty, or start collecting miles. While the E9x series M cars have had a pretty good reliability record, they are still pricey to maintain; example: $200 oil change.

Again, I really appreciate all the posts on this topic. I will probably head into my local dealer on Saturday, as they have quite a few manual GTs for me to test drive.

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[BluByeU]

Thanks a ton guys, for all the feedback!
While the E9x series M cars have had a pretty good reliability record, they are still pricey to maintain; example: $200 oil change.

Again, I really appreciate all the posts on this topic. I will probably head into my local dealer on Saturday, as they have quite a few manual GTs for me to test drive.

I know about the expensive BMW oil-changes all too well! I'm at a Ford dealership right now having the oil changed for $35! I have the free oil changes deal for a year but I'm not at the dealership where I purchased the car. Been running her hard lately, just got back from Vegas too. I have a gift card so I figured I'll get the oil changed.

From a maint/mod $ standpoint the Mustang gets the nod every time. GL w/your decision either way.

 

[FISH22]

Just got back from a test drive...

Initial impressions were very good. I was quite impressed with the shifter and feel; reminded me a lot of my old S2000s, which has one of the best shifters on the market. The engine did feel pretty lively. I was actually surprised by that. Didn't feel as peppy as the V8 in the M, but felt like it was eager to rev. One thing I didn't like in the Mustang, was the seating position and view out the front. Would probably take some adjusting to get used to the long hood and view.

Kinda torn with where to go now. The Mustang felt awesome, just didn't have the special feel like the M3, which I kinda expected going into it. The dealer was pretty cool and offered X-plan pricing right off the bat. They had plenty of GT/PP manual cars, just none with the Recaros.

 

[redline727]

Just got back from a test drive...

Initial impressions were very good. I was quite impressed with the shifter and feel; reminded me a lot of my old S2000s, which has one of the best shifters on the market. The engine did feel pretty lively. I was actually surprised by that. Didn't feel as peppy as the V8 in the M, but felt like it was eager to rev. One thing I didn't like in the Mustang, was the seating position and view out the front. Would probably take some adjusting to get used to the long hood and view.

Kinda torn with where to go now. The Mustang felt awesome, just didn't have the special feel like the M3, which I kinda expected going into it. The dealer was pretty cool and offered X-plan pricing right off the bat. They had plenty of GT/PP manual cars, just none with the Recaros.

Where in VA are you? You currently have an M3 and are shopping for a Mustang right? I'm in Richmond and work at BMW as a service advisor. And have a 15 GT PP so if you have any questions or need any help with anything let me know. We can compare notes. How long have you had the M3 for?

 

[FISH22]

Where in VA are you? You currently have an M3 and are shopping for a Mustang right? I'm in Richmond and work at BMW as a service advisor. And have a 15 GT PP so if you have any questions or need any help with anything let me know. We can compare notes. How long have you had the M3 for?

I'm in Virginia Beach, and I currently own an M3. I have had the M for almost a year now. It's a hard car to walk away from... it has tons of soul, and revving a V8 to 8,300 RPM is a drug.

 

[Moddiction]

Do it!! haha. This is Moddiction over on s2ki as well.

I should have my 16 GT PP on Monday or Tuesday. Seems like so many people are getting into these S550's from the S2000 crowd recently!

I think if you did a few mods to the Mustang it would be a lot more exciting. Intake and tune an you can rev it up quite a bit higher. Rev to 8k with an aftermarket intake manifold. Should make it feel similar to the M3 V8 I think.

 

[redline727]

I'm in Virginia Beach, and I currently own an M3. I have had the M for almost a year now. It's a hard car to walk away from... it has tons of soul, and revving a V8 to 8,300 RPM is a drug.

If you're ever in Richmond and need anything for the M3 let me know. Or if you get a Mustang and need any help with anything just ask.

In my opinion both are fantastic cars. This is my second Mustang and really have enjoyed both of them and the community. My 13 was my first American V8. And I fell in love. All of my previous cars were Japanese imports. And this has been the most fun I have had modding and driving out of all of them. My other cars included 4 DSM's, WRX, STI, S2000, and 370Z. The sound is what did it for me. And the useable torque with a top end that seems to never quit. The coyote is an amazing engine just like the s65. If you were looking at an s197 I would say stay in your M3. Even though the engine is great it would feel crude compared to the M3, even with it being 3 years older then a 2014 GT. I don't think you will get that feeling in an s550. The s550 is definitely an all around great performance car for its price point. I don't know what you paid for your M3 but I'm guessing it was close to the price of a new well equipped GT being now almost 5 years old with 30-60K miles on it from my experience. And it's out of standard 4/50 warranty/maintenance, and maintenance is not cheap, sounds like yours is CPO which is good. But as you mentioned neither is modding it. I don't know what your money situation is but you will certainly have more to go around with the Mustang and that right there is why I never bought one even after working at BMW for some years now. But I came very close on multiple occasions haha. I do love me an Alpine white E90 M3 manual with Fox red interior [emoji108]

 

[Lowrider]

Just got back from a test drive...

Initial impressions were very good. I was quite impressed with the shifter and feel; reminded me a lot of my old S2000s, which has one of the best shifters on the market. The engine did feel pretty lively. I was actually surprised by that. Didn't feel as peppy as the V8 in the M, but felt like it was eager to rev. One thing I didn't like in the Mustang, was the seating position and view out the front. Would probably take some adjusting to get used to the long hood and view.

Kinda torn with where to go now. The Mustang felt awesome, just didn't have the special feel like the M3, which I kinda expected going into it. The dealer was pretty cool and offered X-plan pricing right off the bat. They had plenty of GT/PP manual cars, just none with the Recaros.

Did you drive a GT/PP in sport mode or track mode?

I would go for another lengthy test drive if I were you.

 

[DarkSubRosa]

I'm in Virginia Beach, and I currently own an M3. I have had the M for almost a year now. It's a hard car to walk away from... it has tons of soul, and revving a V8 to 8,300 RPM is a drug.

Old S2KI'er checking in... do it. This car is better than an E9X M.

 

[Moddiction]

^I recognize that name from s2ki as well. Everyone's from s2ki is getting into these now. Sweet!

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