Always late to the party!

[EatMoreLobsters]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

The first car I bought myself was a 2002 328i AT in early spring of 2008 with about 16k miles on it - I was 22 at the time. Ever since then, I've never looked at another brand the same way, the car was invigorating! I drove it everywhere and often, this began my love for BMWs... Coming from a non car enthusiast family, I didn't have much guidance when I was younger. Fast forward to 2015, I traded in the 328 and picked up a 2013 335xi AT on CPO, again driving it with all the same enthusiasm. That turbo inline 6 is magnificent, as you can see (in my signature) it is modded to all hell - and I enjoy every bit of it still to this day.

I've been seriously contemplating an M for about 6 months now, deciding if I should get one, maybe I should wait for the G80? New or used, m3 or m4, MT or DCT, is the price tag worth it? I've always been frugal with money, so a new M was out of the picture. We still have my wife's first car from high school, a 2002 Toyota Celica 5 speed (with 230k miles/no faults!) which is our backup car - she has an Infiniti Q60. The Celica's rough for a 6'3" person to drive but the MT is always an enjoyable experience - even with only 140 HP... I know right, 0-60 in 20 seconds probably.

Back to the M, should I get one? The answer was obviously Yes. M3 or M4? I love sedans so, M3 it is. MT or DCT, I was indifferent on this the entire time looking - but leaned to the DCT because I drive a lot and for some reason I was thinking about fuel economy in an M3. I'm not always the sharpest person. New or Used was my biggest issue, should I save $30k+ and get a CPO 2015/2016 - I plan to drive the car a lot (15k+ a year) so a CPO warranty is attractive if i can find a low mile car. I had a hard time finding the exact color, interior and packages I wanted - looking for Alpine white (like my 335) and black interior with all options and CF trim. It is astounding how many M3's have that ugly silver trim or even the wood! I don't understand that in an M3. I love white cars, I've never been a fan of black because I feel like you cannot see the lines and accents as well.

After many months of checking the dealers (wanted cpo) everyday, I began to get frustrated. I would find 3 cars exactly how I wanted, only to be taken up right as I called in. I finally took the leap (pending trade tariffs and end of production for the f80 were pushing me), sold the investments I had set aside for the car, and transferred the money to my bank account. I spent last Friday (9/7) driving around to a few dealerships in central NJ. I was going to do it - I just had to pull the trigger and get out there. Stop doubting myself.

At my 3rd stop (which should have been my first since it is 1 mile from my house), there it is - A Black M3 ZCP. I can tell from across the lot. Not being a fan of black cars, I didn't jump out of my skin and, casually walked up to it. Getting a closer look, I notice it has the black 666's, black badge, black grille, black everything! Looking inside at the Sakhir Orange leather, much better than previous (mid-life crisis) red interiors from BMW. Carbon Fiber everywhere, added M Performance components, ZCP Seats - but the first thing I saw was that Carbon Fiber/Alcantara 6 Speed. . "This is it. THIS is my car" - those were the words that instantly shot through my mind. Quickly followed by "oh shit it's new and I don't want to spend that much money." Regardless of my conflicts, I ran to find the sales rep I know. There must be a god because, this one is not spoken for!

Finally!

After putting down a deposit, letting BMW get the paperwork in order and, a weekend of back and forth over the price (with bmw and in my head) I took delivery on 9/11 - 2 days before my 33rd birthday (today!). I have to say, this has been the most exciting 48 hours of my life. Driving off the lot with only 10 miles on this beauty - now close to 400, I absolutely made the right decision.

This car is a dream come true. The six speed makes it. I look forward to everything it has in store for me!

The only issue I noticed, started happening yesterday - the rear doors were opened once now they are squeaky when driving... sounds like an old bed. Any ideas (besides opening/closing again)?

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[uniqueMR]

Beautiful

[HoldenMI]

Happy birthday and congrats!

[CanAutM3]

Congrats

Better late than never, particularly if it's a great party

[kerkiraios00]

Congrats man!!! I was in a similar situation wanted a Zcp 6speed couldn't find one available waited a few months actually.. I then found an awesome deal on a new one so I'll pulled the trigger on it.. I usually buy used this is my first new car..

[EatMoreLobsters]

Originally Posted by kerkiraios00

Congrats man!!! I was in a similar situation wanted a Zcp 6speed couldn't find one available waited a few months actually.. I then found an awesome deal on a new one so I'll pulled the trigger on it.. I usually buy used this is my first new car..

This is my first new car also!

[Palomequet]

Enjoy the most expensive aroma, new pleasant smell

[IND-Distribution]

That's a great story—congratulations!

We're lying to ourselves if we say that the car buying or subsequent modification isn't an emotional endeavor. It's awesome that this car, despite being black (and new), stirred your emotions so much that you had to have it—I think every car and every mod we add to our garages should make us feel this way. Another great reminder why these cars and this community are truly special.

[EatMoreLobsters]

Originally Posted by Mike@IND

That's a great story—congratulations!

We're lying to ourselves if we say that the car buying or subsequent modification isn't an emotional endeavor. It's awesome that this car, despite being black (and new), stirred your emotions so much that you had to have it—I think every car and every mod we add to our garages should make us feel this way. Another great reminder why these cars and this community are truly special.

Thanks Mike - I need some of those painted reflectors, red stop/stop and m1/m2 buttons for this car! I have the reflectors on my 335

[ljzimm]

Congratulations, it's beautiful!! (Best birthday present EVER)

The door seals are a common problem on these cars, an anti-static tape can be applied for you at the dealer under warranty

[EatMoreLobsters]

Originally Posted by ljzimm

Congratulations, it's beautiful!! (Best birthday present EVER)

The door seals are a common problem on these cars, an anti-static tape can be applied for you at the dealer under warranty

Thank you! I will bring that up when I go for the 1200

[Franco3000]

Congrats, beautiful car.

For the doors, don't waste time with tapes. Buy a 0.5 oz tube of:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And use a small amount around all of the door seals, problem solved.

[Negtvions]

Better late than never! Welcome to the party!

[ljzimm]

Originally Posted by Franco3000

Congrats, beautiful car.

For the doors, don't waste time with tapes. Buy a 0.5 oz tube of:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And use a small amount around all of the door seals, problem solved.

This does work but the down side with it is that it wears off with time. Down side with the tape is that when the doors are open you can see it (can't see it when the doors are closed provided it was installed correctly). Otherwise the repair itself is permanent and you don't have to worry about reapplying or if you or a passenger aren't careful getting in and out potentially getting said lubrication on yourself or your interior.

All comes down to owner preference

[Miko M]

Congrats on the first new car!
6MT

[Franco3000]

Originally Posted by ljzimm

This does work but the down side with it is that it wears off with time. Down side with the tape is that when the doors are open you can see it (can't see it when the doors are closed provided it was installed correctly). Otherwise the repair itself is permanent and you don't have to worry about reapplying or if you or a passenger aren't careful getting in and out potentially getting said lubrication on yourself or your interior.

All comes down to owner preference

Good point, but for some, the tape job does not do the trick. Anyhow, I've had it on for four months now and not a peep, still have a half of tube left, time will tell.

[PARTS@STBMW]

Congratulations on your new beast!

[ljzimm]

Originally Posted by Franco3000

Good point, but for some, the tape job does not do the trick. Anyhow, I've had it on for four months now and not a peep, still have a half of tube left, time will tell.

I haven't seen any come back with the noise after the tape solution (they had a previous repair that didn't work as well) and so far so good. But I'm also sure that varies climate by climate too, but that's just speculation, who knows

Either way, point remains, both work!

[JustChris]

Outstanding

[ljzimm]

Wait. I feel silly, I just put the pieces of the puzzle together. Blake, is this you?

[EatMoreLobsters]

Originally Posted by ljzimm

Wait. I feel silly, I just put the pieces of the puzzle together. Blake, is this you?

It is!

[ljzimm]

Originally Posted by EatMoreLobsters

It is!

Well, I guess I'll see you when you come in for your 1,200 service next week
We can do the door seals another time if you want though, it's a little long to wait for, maybe an extra hour or so. That or I can grab you a loaner instead, your call!