My path to the M3. What was yours?

[M3JetPilot]

Originally Posted by luthers4

Too many cars too list, but I was VW kid.. modded GTIs and favorite (maybe all time) was my Corrado VR6. BMWs started when I bought my dad's E46 330ci, followed by E46 M3, 911 996, F80 M3 and now 2021 M550 (for family reasons). I will go back to an F80 in a few years.

Dang, nice group of cars! M550 for family reasons! I have to try that excuse on my wife😜

[F80FEE]

Started my journey to an F80 M3 back in 2011. Just graduated high school and was broke as shit trying to transition into adult hood in the rough ungentrified streets of Boston Massachusetts. As a recent highschool graduate with no real job experience or money, I managed to land a very below minimum wage full time job with the city. Thankfully busting my ass at said job and living extremely frugally, allowed me to save up a few thousand dollars maybe 3-5k max. I didn’t have a license yet but was tired of taking public transportation. So I did what I thought any young inexperienced kid would do and hopped on Craigslist in search of my first bucket. I found a “nice” very well over used 1996 ACURA INTEGRA LS from a shady used junk car dealer out in Worcester. Asked my coworker for a ride to go see the car and ended up at the bank withdrawing 2000$ cash to complete the transaction. No license, not enough money to put gas in the tank to get me back to the city, title in the glove box I started my hot boy in a bucket drive back to the trenches. Thank god I made it back and not stranded to say the least lol. I kept trying to make ends meet and got another shitty below minimum wage job still no license driving the hot box bucket daily smh. Finally I decided it was time to move on because the car wasn’t gonna last much longer any way. I JUNKED IT and enlisted as an infantryman in the US ARMY. A few years passed by bumming rides from the barracks to formation etc. then I tightened up and got my license in good old Watertown, Newyork while stationed at Fort Drum. After I finally got my license I was determined to get a “REAL” car. No credit score yet and newly licensed it was an uphill battle with loan not approved after loan not approved till I built some type of credit. Then in 2015 right before I deployed to Afghanistan I finally got approved for a lightly used 2012 MK6 VW GOLF GTI. After the GTI I started doing more research and was determined to get a MK6 VW JETTA GLI. I couldn’t find any good examples at the time for what I could afford/ get approved for so I traded in the GTI and settled with a brand new fully loaded VW JETTA SE. Had the JETTA for maybe a year but didn’t get to drive it as I deployed early into my ownership. Got back from deployment in 2016 and the search began again for a used MK6 VW JETTA GLI. After searching a few months I found a low mileage 2014 VW JETTA GLI in Rhode Island. Took a decent drive down to see the vehicle and ended up trading the JETTA SE for the GLI. After having the GLI for maybe a year I discovered the face lifted MK6 GLI and became obsessed lol. I went to the local VW dealership near fort drum and traded my GLI for a brand new 0 miles FACELIFTED 2017 VW JETTA GLI. I ended up getting orders to Germany and then the real obsession began after sitting in a 2017 F80 BMW M3. Of course I still didn’t have the funds or credit to get one but that did not deter me in the least bit. After buckling down with the guidance from the salesman at the BMW dealer (shout out to Karl Salisbury) I managed to get a brand new 0 miles 2020 F87 BMW M2 COMPETITION. I was very grateful and blessed but not satisfied as I couldn’t stop thinking about owning an F80 M3. After my time in Germany I pcsd back CONUS and began my hunt for a 2018 F80 M3 COMPETITION. Out of all places I found a decently loaded low mileage well maintained example back in Connecticut. So I traded my F87 for it and had it shipped to my door. I finally had my “dream car”. After 2 yrs of ownership I was torn between a G80 or another F80. You can probably guess which one I ended up choosing by looking at my avatar photo. That’s the long story of how I ended up in my M3CS. 😎

[M3JetPilot]

Great story! What a journey.

[drreid3]

My first car was a '70 Mustang Mach 1 with a 351 Cleveland 4 barrel, 4 speed and 4.11 Detroit Locker rear end. Fun car, but it almost got killed me several times. It needed lots of work and I did some of it with my dad an ex-Ford employee. Then moved on to a '79 Pinto to take to college and deliver pizza. I also had a Honda 500 Interceptor motorcycle in college, which also almost got me killed. My first and only new car was a '89 Ford Escort Pony. It was a $6000 stripper model without floor mats or radio. Then when I got out of college, I bought an '88 Honda CRX Si and modded it for D stock autocrossing. Moved to a '95 Integra GSR sedan with manual trans., which I modded for fun with a Jackson Racing supercharger and suspension and brake upgrades. After that was stolen, I bought a '03 S2000 for more autocrossing, daily driving and some track days (still have it), until I bought a 2016 M3 Comp. manual trans. in 2020.

[xBoffx]

Starting in 2002, we had an E46 325iT, E90 328i, and F30 328i (all 6MT). Then my wife decided we needed a crossover with an AT so her aged mother could get in and out of it and so our daughter could learn to drive. Enter a 2nd-gen X1, a nice vehicle but one we both hated. My M-I-L passed away and our daughter decided she didn't want to drive after all, so my wife said "find me a sporty and luxurious sedan with a stick". The M3 was way more expensive than our previous cars but she was smitten with the Mineral Grey over Sakhir Orange example I found. 4.5 years and 70,000 km later we still own it and will hopefully will do so for a long long time.

[MJBO]

Picked up the BMW bug from my dad, and ran with it as soon as I could.

Had a bunch of cars in my early years, but my first BMW was an E85 Z4 3.0 6-speed manual in 2012. Had a few minor issues with in over the two years I owned it, but otherwise loved the car. Ended up selling as I needed something more practical.

Returned to BMW three years later while I had company cars with my first M, a 2004 M3 convertible in Laguna Seca Blue with the 6-speed manual. Absolutely adored that car, but again had to move it on about two years later due to changing jobs and picked up an F20 LCI 125i M Sport.

In 2018 I was finally in the position to have both something practical, and something fun, and found a perfect-spec 2011 E90 M3 sedan in Jerez Black with the Bamboo Beige interior and DCT. Had this one for over three years and it was an absolute riot. Sold it as my wife and I were looking to buy a house and felt I should free up the capital.

That didn't last long, and less than 6 months later I was shopping for my next M. Picked up a stunning M4 F82 coupe in Silverstone in early 2022 and have been thoroughly enjoying it for over a year now. The performance is sensational, and it has to be one of the most gorgeous coupes BMW has ever put on the road.

Later this year it will be making way for a brand new G81 M3 Touring! Black Sapphire over Tartufo Individual full leather, 826M bicolour wheels and gloss black calipers.

Kind of enjoy the idea that I'll have had all four body styles of M3/4, and very excited to have my first new M.

[F80LB]

Been a BMW fan since Need for Speed Most Wanted lol. And all the Tokyo Drift hype got me going as well. But here’s my schpool.

‘06 Scion tC
- hand me down from my uncle after getting my license
- crashed it and lost all interest in cars

‘15 Ford Focus
- fun little hatchback, has Ford caveats but very fun to toss around

‘14 Jeep Cherokee
- wanted to feel grown after graduatikn college lol

‘21 BMW 330i
- first brand new car after getting a decent job

‘16 M3
- got a better(I guess dream job?) so I said screw it and got the dream daily

Now, I’m looking for a 90s JDM or an E36 to mess with!

[drunkntigr]

Originally Posted by M3JetPilot

For me the M3 has been the dream car since I was a teenager in the late 80's. Unfortunately a dream far out of reach. In the early 2000's I was finally able to afford my first BMW, a used 1999 323i. That car was with me as I got married and up until my first kid. The 323 was traded in and I entered the minivan years, along with numerous career ups and downs. In 2012 I lost my job. Owning an M3 seemed an impossible dream. In early 2014 my career turned around and by the end of 2014 I was able to purchase a 2011 328i. Driving that car home was so much fun and represented to me a resurrection of my career. My son now drives that car.

Last month I found a deal that seemed too good to be true. I had to travel half way across the country to see the car. So my daughter and I got on a plane and hoped for the best. The car was incredible! I was able to purchase a 2017 M3 with 9,200 miles. The car is immaculate. I've admired the M3 for many years and still can't believe I can walk into my garage to see one. Let the modification journey begin :-) What was the journey to your M?

I'm actually looking at a very similar situation 2018 m3 with 13000kms, did you ask yourself why the car had such low KMs? In my situation I assume it was just left in a apartment garage during covid

[M3JetPilot]

Originally Posted by drunkntigr

I'm actually looking at a very similar situation 2018 m3 with 13000kms, did you ask yourself why the car had such low KMs? In my situation I assume it was just left in a apartment garage during covid

I did. I asked the previous owner several questions about that. In his case he genuinely didn’t drive it much. I also looked all over the car to make sure everything checked out. Underneath the car, all around the engine bay, I opened every compartment in the interior, anywhere where possible use and wear and tear could show. It all looked liked it had just come off the show room floor. Wear and tear or if the car had been on the road more than indicated is difficult to hide. Do you have any pics of the car you can share?

[drunkntigr]

Originally Posted by M3JetPilot

I did. I asked the previous owner several questions about that. In his case he genuinely didn’t drive it much. I also looked all over the car to make sure everything checked out. Underneath the car, all around the engine bay, I opened every compartment in the interior, anywhere where possible use and wear and tear could show. It all looked liked it had just come off the show room floor. Wear and tear or if the car had been on the road more than indicated is difficult to hide. Do you have any pics of the car you can share?

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...gType=showcase

We're in Australia. They offer a Pure model here, which sits lower than the competition, has lower end seats and lower end sound system.

[Swordfish99]

My first bimmer was a 1999 325 Convertible. Then in 2001, I got a M3 E46 Cab which was the biggest lemon I ever owned. It was in the shop 23 times in 21 months. Finally BMW admitted it was a lemon and allowed me to purchase a new 2003 M3 E46 Coupe at a discounted price. In 2006, I purchased a new 335i for my wife which she drove until 2 years ago. In 2009, I traded my M3 for another M3 Coupe. In 2017 I purchased a C63s Couple MB. I loved that car but was involved in an accident and the car was written off. I had replacement insurance so I managed to get a new 2018 C63s Cab. Kept it until 2021 when I purchased a new GLE 53 Coupe SUV. That vehicle drove my nuts as the safety systems seemed to be trying to kill me. Would apply brakes while driving a highway speeds because it thought it saw a speed sign change?? Would push me back into traffic when trying to exit a freeway. Many other issues also. I sold the GLE Privately and purchased a used 2015 M4 Cab which I am really enjoying driving. Won't be buying another Bimmer until they get rid of that goddy looking grill.

[driftingwood]

Never owned a BMW before, always was enamored with the M3 and wanted to experience all that I've ever heard. Bought a 2018 F80 in Silverstone Metallic. Car has been an absolute gem.

1999 Ford Mustang GT (Vortech supercharger)
2003 WRX STi
2010 F-150
2012 Tacoma
2016 4Runner
2018 Audi SQ4
2020 Wrangler
2012 Boxster (sold it then bought M3)
Still own 2021 Defender, 1997 Land Cruiser (selling soon, never use it) and my 1982 911 SC Targa..not going anywhere.

[M3JetPilot]

Originally Posted by driftingwood

Never owned a BMW before, always was enamored with the M3 and wanted to experience all that I've ever heard. Bought a 2018 F80 in Silverstone Metallic. Car has been an absolute gem.

1999 Ford Mustang GT (Vortech supercharger)
2003 WRX STi
2010 F-150
2012 Tacoma
2016 4Runner
2018 Audi SQ4
2020 Wrangler
2012 Boxster (sold it then bought M3)
Still own 2021 Defender, 1997 Land Cruiser (selling soon, never use it) and my 1982 911 SC Targa..not going anywhere.

How’s the M3 compared to the Boxster?

[driftingwood]

Great question. In short, they couldn't be more opposite. The Boxster was a base 987.2 which was quick, not fast, super precise and loved to be at the top of the rev range. Turn in was amazing, a part of it due to lack of power, but even in turn in and tracking out, almost impossible to break grip of the wheels. Incredibly balanced and joy to drive.

The M3 is just raw, vicious and angry compared the composed nature of the Boxster. This thing always wants to go sideways, albeit, very predictable to control which is a blessing. I feel like the M3 no matter how or where I drive, just wants to get to 100mph or it's not happy. And then the obvious things, front engine vs. mid engine, much heavier, turbos vs. NA, etc.

I love both of them, a lot of times I miss the Boxster, but other times, the M3 just makes me smile. Wish there was room for both frankly. Two very different flavors. Both excellent machines.

[M3JetPilot]

Originally Posted by driftingwood

Great question. In short, they couldn't be more opposite. The Boxster was a base 987.2 which was quick, not fast, super precise and loved to be at the top of the rev range. Turn in was amazing, a part of it due to lack of power, but even in turn in and tracking out, almost impossible to break grip of the wheels. Incredibly balanced and joy to drive.

The M3 is just raw, vicious and angry compared the composed nature of the Boxster. This thing always wants to go sideways, albeit, very predictable to control which is a blessing. I feel like the M3 no matter how or where I drive, just wants to get to 100mph or it's not happy. And then the obvious things, front engine vs. mid engine, much heavier, turbos vs. NA, etc.

I love both of them, a lot of times I miss the Boxster, but other times, the M3 just makes me smile. Wish there was room for both frankly. Two very different flavors. Both excellent machines.

That’s very interesting. Thanks for the write up. I’ve never driven a Porsche but totally agree about the M3. It does make you smile but then tries to kill you😁It’s also very true about getting to 100. I feel I have to barely touch the gas pedal before it’s there. Can’t wait to drive a Porsche one day and see the difference. Now all I have to do is get ahold of half a million to get the one I want😂

[driftingwood]

Now that's on the extreme end of the Porsche spectrum! I've always been surprised (although really shouldn't) the amount of GT cars people buy and drive only on the streets or barely drive. They have zero understanding what that car is capable of. My advice is, buy base model and work your way up. Its incredible what you will learn about the abilities of the most basic Porsche.

[MethodRR]

I grew up in a BMW repair & race shop, and always loved them - oddly, before the M3 I'd only owned one.

91' Toyota pickup (given to me after my older brother crashed it, then repaired. Red paint with a black front fender & hood. I also promptly crashed it)
88 Chevy Blazer 4x4 - Great little SUV. Did a ton of camping, offroading & messing around with this. Eventually the rear diff went, and sold it to a neighboring shop for cheap
93 BMW 325is - My first BMW and first 'sports' car. LOVED this car - it received a bunch of old race car suspension parts as the family was also running an E36 race car
2001 Lexus IS300 - Not a bad car. Mostly sat at the airport as I traveled for work
2008 Infinity G35C - Also mostly sat at the airport. My one and only brand new car
3 years of no car, living in NYC
2008 Subaru outback - LOVED this thing. Reasonably quick with the 3.0 and a great mountain car
2011 Honda Oddyssey - because family stuff and we needed a 2nd car for the kids
2014 Audi S4 (sold the subie) - What a great car. Back seats for the kids and turned into an absolute monster at APR Stage 2 (single pulley)
2018 Audi Q7 (Sold the honda) as the new family hauler & wife's primary car
2018 BMW M3 Comp (sold the S4) - Easily my favorite car to date. Too bad the performance just isn't really useable on the street - it's total overkill.