Let's hope the wrenches get nice and dusty: 2016 M3

[Beej]

My dad has always rolled his eyes at my old cars.  I distinctly remember telling my old man after graduating college that it was simply unnecessary, financially irresponsible, even, to own anything other than an old BMW.  I'm now nearing that old man status, he had a point, and this isn't necessarily financially responsible.  The bullet points are 2016 M3, sakhir orange over individual amaro brown extended leather, competition package, DCT.






After some nine years with the e46 and four with the e39, it's finally time for a change.  Simply owning and maintaining two vehicles (in addition to my wife's) is just not really something I'm interested in doing anymore - much less two 100k+ mile M cars.  They've honestly treated me really well and I'll defend them until the end, but the chance of having a problem is only going to increase, and I've found I don't enjoy turning wrenches as much as I used to.  I'm also really tired of juggling them around the driveway, which isn't really well suited to the situation.  I'm a little disappointed I won't be reppin' my favorite era of M cars, but this move should simply life quite a bit.  I think I'm at a point where I'll miss them fondly as opposed to regretfully. #smilebecauseithappened #livelaughlove

So I'd been thinking about it for a long time, and going down to one car - hopefully one I won't have to worry about much - would be a very welcome change in scenery. After months of lusting over a c6 z06/e39 M5 combination, I've come to my senses and whittled myself down from 16 cylinders to 6.

Granted there hasn't been a whole lot of time for much to go wrong, but F80/2 M3/4's, which I'm already sick of typing, seem to be pretty solid cars.  The old M's have their charm, but I think this'll make me every bit as happy for street and occasional autox use.

Finding one I liked took a nationwide search but it wasn't a long one - this car was shipped over from CA (after OH and TX car purchases, I ain't driving one back from CA).  I originally only wanted white on red or brown, but then this thing popped up. It's a little flashier than I'd usually go but you only go around once, what's wrong with a little flava?  Just tell my wife it's red and not orange. It's pretty loaded...missing I think only the rear sunshade? And no carbon brakes which would've been a dealbreaker anyway. On top of regular options, it looks like the PO went gangbusters in the M performance accessories catalog, as it has a decent e30's worth of CF bits.  Also it's horseshoe that ventilated seats weren't even an option.

Lastly, the transmission.  I can hardly believe it myself, but after driving both 6spd and DCT versions, I really felt the DCT suited the car better - something about the manual didn't feel right. DJ mentioned it's the ratios and that may be, but this motor just really seems to prefer not having such a large break between shifts. I've had nothing but 3 pedals for 15 years, so here's hoping the withdrawal isn't too strong. Plus now it'll be much easier to text while driving and my wife can ram that low splitter into curbs without having to worry about stalling it.

So! It's a Carmax car with a Carmax warranty (after the factory BMW one expires next summer) and a 7 day return period. I'm gonna take it to Delta V for a post purchase inspection and cross my fingers.

Mods/plans? Not much considering the warranty, aside from bagging it, fabric tow hooks, and tire stickers.  I originally disliked the wheels when I first saw the GTS/ZCP in pictures - why 2-dimensional wheels with fenders like that, you dickheads? - but I like them in person.  I imagine I'll swap to a 19 or something with more shape to it at some point - maybe all seasons for winter.  Other than that, there are apparently 243 combinations of settings between comfort/sport/sport+ in the throttle/suspension/steering/transmission departments, so that should keep me busy.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves - I hope to have a "first impression" reply and now a "had to take it back" one soon.

Justin what cool shit can be coded?

[Jake]

LOVE IT. The color combo is perfect.

[davej]

as it has a decent e30's worth of CF bits.  

When your fun car is someone else's accessory package. That one hit a bit too close to home. =) 

Subscribed for exhaust videos. I love everything about this decision. Carry on.

[Goodspeed]

Jeeeesussss that car is beautiful! That color is so insanely good. Funny to read your thoughts on the wheels as I really love them in person but wasn't sure when I first saw pics. All of this is just wonderful, carry on.

[Evan]

Amazing.
That's one of my all time favorite colors on a car.

[.RJ]

[V1GiLaNtE]

OOOOF all of the CF trim bits that pairs so nicely with color. Congrats!!

[ScottyB]

fuuuuuuu that's gorgeous. nicely done man. i'm a little surprised at your choice of computerized ratio swapperoo but i think it'll be a blast regardless. i don't think you can say you've lost that lovin' feelin yet if you're driving an orange M car.

[Apoc]

Are you permitted to say this if there are only two pedals?

[.RJ]

Hey, I only have to look at it.

[D_Eclipse9916]

Are you permitted to say this if there are only two pedals?

He bought a vw diesel wagon, possibly the most soul crushing vehicle on earth. Give him a little break...

---

Love it as I said in the group chat. I think the wheels suit the car perfectly.

The “multiple cars” to a single car seems to be a getting older theme. I do think you’ll regret selling the M5 though; I just checked prices and they have skyrocketed and I bet will continue to do so.

[JustinG]

Justin what cool shit can be coded?

https://bimmercode.app/cars/f30/

Lemme know if you want to try some stuff out.

[Apoc]

The “multiple cars” to a single car seems to be a getting older theme. 

I think maybe the theme is less broken shit.  There's a lot of old people on here with multiple cars.

[JPolen01]

Perfect combo

[Beej]

Thanks guys! I haven't felt my usual buyer's regret after a big expense, which I think is a good sign. 

Took it to VA Beach for the weekend. Initial impressions are that shit it's quick, there's a bit more road/tire noise than I expected, and wow automotive tech has come far in 20 years. The UConnect in the Jeep is great but I don't really do anything with it; iDrive is pretty damn impressive too.  For no tangible reason other than "it feels tighter/nicer and the doors sound nice when they shut", my wife really approves of the move, too.  Appreciates nice things, not at all a car person.

I'm really pleased with the color too, and it's not always as loud as it is in the sun.

The “multiple cars” to a single car seems to be a getting older theme. I do think you’ll regret selling the M5 though; I just checked prices and they have skyrocketed and I bet will continue to do so.

Yeah it's partially wanting to keep things simple and partially a space issue. Things might change if we get a place with better parking but for now I'm super psyched to have one car.

I'm still waffling a bit on the e39, my biggest fear being that they're going to "e30 M3" in price.  Storing it, though, is an inconvenience.  And color/condition aside, in the end it's a 117k car with a body repair (non documented but if you look hard you'll find it).  Those facts make the gamble a bit easier to swallow, but yeah, I dunno.  Carmax offered $8k.

[JPolen01]

Did you sell the e46 already or is that coming next?

[Evan]

I think maybe the theme is less broken shit.  There's a lot of old people on here with multiple cars.

Im up to 4.

Hell Id do 6 or 7 if I had the space and even less financial sense than I already do.

[Beej]

Did you sell the e46 already or is that coming next?

Yep poor thing is in the street until it moves on.  I'm in pretty serious talks with my neighbor buddy (has a pretty but horrifically unreliable 335xi to replace and an e36 M).  I actually remembered your PM from way back in the day but figured you'd move on, what with the kiddo and Honda and all. Hope I wasn't too wrong there?

[JustinG]

I like the idea of keeping the M5.

[JPolen01]

Did you sell the e46 already or is that coming next?

Yep poor thing is in the street until it moves on.  I'm in pretty serious talks with my neighbor buddy (has a pretty but horrifically unreliable 335xi to replace and an e36 M).  I actually remembered your PM from way back in the day but figured you'd move on, what with the kiddo and Honda and all. Hope I wasn't too wrong there?

Haha I forgot I even sent that. Yeah I've moved on. Just curious if you were planning to keep that one.