M3 ZCP vs. M6 Gran Coupe for Daily

[Damage Inc]

I'm looking to consolidate from 2 cars (535i m sport + R8) to a single driver. Which brings me back to an M3.

My driving is either 1) short errands around town which the M3 excels at and 2) 1 to 4 hour of highway drives for work trips which the M6 excels at.

I live in Mich so the roads are horrible.

Which leads me to an M6 Gran Coupe.

While a boring car, my 535i M sport is a great car for getting around town and highway driving. The 704 passive suspension is fantastic for DD. But just kinda dull in the excitement end. Maybe the M6 GC will take what I like about the 535i then kick it up a notch?

No F10 M5... too boring looking, and too similar to my 535i.

Pro of M3:
Looks fantastic, bulldog aggressive
Manual trans
Cleaner, more updated interior
I can get an 18 under 10k miles in my budget

Con of M3:
Concerned about bumpy ride. I remember the suspension being pretty stiff on bad roads. I didn't have EDC though. I would get a set of 18's for 4 season driving. Wouldn't bother with the 20's.

Not as luxury interior as M6

Exhaust and engine sound like crap, so have to deal with aftermarket exhaust

Pro of M6:
GT type ride. Rides great on bad roads
Unique, V8 power
Luxury interior, upscale

Con of M6:
MPG vs. M3
Interior is a little dated and tired. quality is lacking vs. newer cars.
I could only get a 15 then have to buy warranty
V8's blow up, lots of issues
Looking a little long in the tooth? Its the 6 that came out in 2012

Anyways. I'm leaning towards the M3 as its more exciting, manual trans, and I can get a newer car with under 10k miles. On my previous M3's I dropped to 18" wheels year round which insulated the bad roads. Plus I kinda like the thicker sidewall look vs. the "gucci rims" on the ZCP.

Anybody have any experience w the M6 GC?

[CachacoF80]

I think M3 ZCP with 18s or max 19s could do the trick just fine. But it's hard to judge how bad are your roads and how sensitive are you to the bumps.

Personally, not a fan of M6. Since M5 is boring in the looks department maybe you can also consider an E63? Not sure about The Alfa Quadrafoglio suspension but maybe worth a drive.

[Humdizzle]

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i think manual M6 GCs do exist? but rare

[nicknaz]

Do you already have an AWD commuter for Mich winters? Maybe consider a crazy fast awd highway missile if you don’t? For example, don’t rs7 and e63 depreciate like crazy?

Between those 2, I’d get F80. I had 18s and passive suspension in mine, and it was quite comfy. 18s + adaptive should be even better for DD comfort.

[hz_diesel]

Manual m6 exists, it's really hard to come by

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by CachacoF80

I think M3 ZCP with 18s or max 19s could do the trick just fine. But it's hard to judge how bad are your roads and how sensitive are you to the bumps.

Personally, not a fan of M6. Since M5 is boring in the looks department maybe you can also consider an E63? Not sure about The Alfa Quadrafoglio suspension but maybe worth a drive.

Not really a MB fan, but the Alfa is interesting. Wish there was a manual.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Do you already have an AWD commuter for Mich winters? Maybe consider a crazy fast awd highway missile if you don’t? For example, don’t rs7 and e63 depreciate like crazy?

Between those 2, I’d get F80. I had 18s and passive suspension in mine, and it was quite comfy. 18s + adaptive should be even better for DD comfort.

Nope, going to a single car. I've had many RWD w snows over the previous 20 years. While not ideal, I can get around using common sense.

On my E90 sedan I actually preferred the 18's in looks over the 19's

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

Which leads me to an M6 Gran Coupe.

While a boring car, my 535i M sport is a great car for getting around town and highway driving. The 704 passive suspension is fantastic for DD. But just kinda dull in the excitement end. Maybe the M6 GC will take what I like about the 535i then kick it up a notch?

Since you are a 535i owner now, I don't see you being happy in an M3.
M5 - maybe. M3 will be just way too small, too harsh, and too RWD.
If your budget supports it, an M5, in AWD mode, would be a stellar all-year-round commuter.

It is also almost Tesla-fast!

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

No F10 M5... too boring looking, and too similar to my 535i.

Have you driven them one after the other?
I don't think your comment above would have been written if you had.

But if you want something that looks way different, get E63S AMG.

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

Pro of M3:
Looks fantastic, bulldog aggressive
Manual trans
Cleaner, more updated interior
I can get an 18 under 10k miles in my budget

Con of M3:
Concerned about bumpy ride. I remember the suspension being pretty stiff on bad roads. I didn't have EDC though. I would get a set of 18's for 4 season driving. Wouldn't bother with the 20's.

Cons are real. Ride quality is ... very refreshing, even in "comfy" mode in EDC on 18's.
It also sits pretty low to the ground, so even on snow tires, you will get beached with 6-8" of fresh snow on the ground.

Also, since you are on a budget, and shopping used car market:

• my above suggestions for M5 or E63 AMG go right out the window.
• good luck finding a used 6sp M5/M6 for sale.

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

Anybody have any experience w the M6 GC?

I test drove M6GC during M-days earlier this summer, along with M5-comp and M850. I can't think of anyone I know who would be cross-shopping any of the above three with an M3. Just totally different cars for totally different customers types.

Then again, I don't know you either.
So go and test drive your candidates, and see which one leaves you with the biggest smile.

a

P.S.: Based on your description of needs and wants, I would add a Model S (D-spec) to the test-drive list.

[ccondo]

I am looking hard at an Audi rs5 sportback. 4 door hatchback with more torque than a m4 comp.