How quick are M3's?

[Biggoggs]

It's so tiring hearing crap like this. It's not just about speed. It's about refinement, handling, comfort, chassis strength, balance, engineering, reliability, style, exclusivity... Sheesh, "you could buy an EA and pour $40k into it and have a Ferrari beater......"

I think your last two points hit the nail on the head. Style and exclusivity. The, `Look at me everyone, I'm driving a refined European sportscar, much more expensive and better than yours'-feeling. Any differing reliability or `accuracy' in engineering is offset by the exorbitant prices charged for both the vehicle and any replacement parts needed, whether due to mechanical wear or human error. I'd be quite happy with a local (ie Ford) or even Japanese vehicle with less social exclusivity and grandeur, but with 1/10th the cost of ownership, and exhibits similar performance characteristics.

I can appreciate the car for what it is- a premium car, but I think if a car costs far more than it should, it's less a car and more an investment or `chain around your neck'.
Despite my short rant though, I like BMWs. If I was in Europe, I'd probably buy one

[ratman]

it's all about living (spending) within your means, every car has it's merits and flaws but if you could afford a lambo, don't tell me you'd settle for a GTR (- or a twin turboed GT Falcon to make the arguement relevant to these forums.) Although I would prefer the Ford over the Nissan anyday!

[b0son]

Originally Posted by Polyal

well thats nice, but I still dont agree with them. It may aswell be a full auto, its such a waste of a good car, especially a new GTi

I've been driving a manual for years, but only because it allows you a greater level of control over what the engine is doing. Other than that, I find having to row the gearbox a chore. Paddle-shift minimises what I have to do while letting me maintain the same amount of control over the engine - something an auto doesnt let you. For me, a DSG should hopefully one day replace manual boxes altogether ;)

[Rev28K]

Originally Posted by Biggoggs

I can appreciate the car for what it is- a premium car, but I think if a car costs far more than it should, it's less a car and more an investment or `chain around your neck'.
Despite my short rant though, I like BMWs. If I was in Europe, I'd probably buy one

Early 3.0 5 speeds are for sale in the mid 30's and the later 6 speed 3.2 Evo's are low 40's.

[MX837M-GE]

Originally Posted by b0son

I dont agree. Which is why I'm test driving a VW GTi with the DSG gearbox this weekend. :o

Awesome car.

Delivery in about 2583 if you order within the next 30 seconds.

[xr8ute]

Originally Posted by Polyal

well thats nice, but I still dont agree with them. It may aswell be a full auto, its such a waste of a good car, especially a new GTi

Dont underestimate DSG. From what i have read, it is a full manual gearbox with an automatically operated mechanical clutch (no torque converters here).

There was a BMI vid where they compared the DSG and conventional manual versions of the Golf GTi. The DSG version was consistently 2-3 tenths quicker in straight-line acceleration...

[b0son]

Originally Posted by xr8ute

Dont underestimate DSG. From what i have read, it is a full manual gearbox with an automatically operated mechanical clutch (no torque converters here).

I placed an order for a GTi (in red, with leather) today. Test drive won me within the first 5min.

The 2.0 turbo pulls like a train, no dead spots, no lag, very linear power delivery and not the least bit peaky.

The DSG gearbox is brilliant... The gear changes are almost instantaneous - no loss of acceleration between gears. Smooth too, not jerky. Downchanges are smooth too - I think it blips the throttle automatically. Rolling acceleration is excellent, especially when you factor in how much quicker it is to simply paddle down-shift a couple of gears rather than have to use a stick.

Comes with everything. 6 airbags, alarm, traction/stability control, dual zone air con, automatic dimming and heated rear mirror, cruise control, 10 speaker stereo with 6-cd changer, trip computer, brake pad wear indicator, chillable glove box and centre console, power windows front/rear... the list goes on. And the leather seats are heated up front!

Now I just have to wait til it's delivered..... June :(

Oh yes, and it's smooth too unlike my BA - no clunks, vibrations, or other drivetrain annoyances ;) Can't wait.

[Mechan1k]

The DSG gearbox is a nice box ... until it decides to pack it in. Like it did to one of the guys at work ... it decided it would select N ... not nothing else ... he was halfway to Brisbane from Sydney.

Due to an electronics glitch ... and is a common problem ... you get stranded ... and if out of warranty ... a few thousand dollars worth of replacement gearbox ... cos that's all BMW did ... swap the box out (also took 3 weeks to get one in the country as well).

But I do admit ... the BMs are a sweet car ... have driven the new Z4 and hell it's a beautiful vehicle ... as the motto goes "Sheer Driving Pleasure". Top cruising car that can be pushed quickly ad nimbly through tight mountain roads. It's a totally different vehicle compared to what Australia as to offer (even though my Territory is very smooth and fun to drive for what it is) ... it's a totally different class altogether.

I'd love to own and M3 ... if not ... I'd settle for a 330i

[b0son]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

The DSG gearbox is a nice box ... until it decides to pack it in. Like it did to one of the guys at work ... it decided it would select N ... not nothing else ... he was halfway to Brisbane from Sydney.

Due to an electronics glitch ... and is a common problem ... you get stranded ... and if out of warranty ... a few thousand dollars worth of replacement gearbox ... cos that's all BMW did ... swap the box out (also took 3 weeks to get one in the country as well).

Are you talking DSG or SMG? Completely different boxes (SMG in BM, DSG in Audi/VW). I've heard nothing bad about the GTi/DSG.

[Mechan1k]

Sorry I meant the SMG box .. mind you I was posting at 3am in the morning while at work ... my brain was in another place.