Made the jump to an ATS-V

[kdphan]

Traded in my F80M for a new ATS-V sedan.

background: I originally bought the M3 thinking I would need it as a second car for my newborn. After 6 months or so my son has been in the m3 once when I took him home from the hospital. I was so nervous with how stiff the ride was in comfort mode. That was the first and last time he rode in the car. I mainly use the GS F sport when I take him places.

My M3 started rattling around 2k miles. Just like many posters, I had the seatbelt creaking issue. Rattle in the rear has gotten louder over the last few thousand miles. Even with the stereo turned up a bit I can still hear rattles when going over uneven pavement.

What I liked about the M3 was the smooth power delivery and the 6spd gearbox. One of the best gearboxes I've had in a car. If the throws were shorter it would be like the s2000 gearbox. It's also awesome that I was able to get around 21mpg avg the entire ownership even though I drive it hard half the time.

The ATS-V: power delivery in the M3 was great but caddy is a step ahead this time. I've only gotten to 5.5k rpm on the ATS so far and holy crap it can be scary. I also like the deeper exhaust note of the ATS. I've never driven an M3 with DCT but the caddy's 8spd also is fast. I not sure what the complaints are about on the instrument cluster. When it's off it does look like something from the 90's but once turned on, there's so much customization that can be done. CUE isn't so bad either, but iDrive is better. Bose sound system is also better than the HK (and I hate Bose). My ATS was optioned with recaro buckets and they're a lot more comfy than the cloth seats in the M.

Other notes...

Suspension: so far Cadillac's magnetic ride has me impressed. In sports mode the ride is firm but doesn't feel harsh. Race mode is similar to the M3's sports and sport+
Steering feel: I like the feel on the ATS a little more when I sports mode.
Brakes: about the same to me
Wheels: why didn't caddy go with 19's instead of 18's?
Overall appearance: the ATS sedan grew on me more and more with each test drive. The coupe didn't look as good.

I'll provide more feedback as I get more miles in.

I also wanted to try the CTS-V but it's not even possible to get one in the next 3 months since it just came out.

[kdphan]

Pics of my ATS-V

[kdphan]

Shot of the rear

[Jaymax85]

Enjoy it in good health.. Imho it doesn't even look half as good as an m3/m4

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by jawwadh

Enjoy it in good health.. Imho it doesn't even look half as good as an m3/m4

Thanks!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

The ATS isn't as photogenic compared to the M3, but it's totally different seeing in person.

[Maddict3]

I recently drove the ATS-V and was pretty impressed but its still not at the level the M3/M4 is.

Enjoy it in good health.

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by Maddict3

I recently drove the ATS-V and was pretty impressed but its still not at the level the M3/M4 is.

Enjoy it in good health.

What level are you referring to?

i think the ATS-V is just an American version of the M3. The ATS-V felt smaller too, maybe because its dimensions are smaller.

[EfEightyM3]

Originally Posted by Maddict3

I recently drove the ATS-V and was pretty impressed but its still not at the level the M3/M4 is.

Enjoy it in good health.

It has proven to be faster on almost any track, has better steering feel and a more competent handling car. It's basically been said the be the best drivers car in that mid size sedan segment. Not sure how that's behind.
OP congrats. I had many of the same quality issues with my f80 m3 as well which was along with a few other things made me delete mine after a very short ownership. And as much as they improved the 6 speed over the horrid previous ones it still didn't come close to a Porsche 6/7 speed manual or the s2k.
I am also excited for the new Alfa which I think will be easily the best car in the segment once released.

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by EfEightyM3

It has proven to be faster on almost any track, has better steering feel and a more competent handling car. It's basically been said the be the best drivers car in that mid size sedan segment. Not sure how that's behind.
OP congrats. I had many of the same quality issues with my f80 m3 as well which was along with a few other things made me delete mine after a very short ownership. And as much as they improved the 6 speed over the horrid previous ones it still didn't come close to a Porsche 6/7 speed manual or the s2k.

I would've loved having the z4m coupe gearbox in the M3, except for the 1st gear

I love the short throws in the z4mc.

As far as magazine reviews, I don't follow them too closely since I use my car differently. At most I'll have this car at the track 2% of its ownership. The other time will be driving around canyons or taking the little one out.

[///F80M3]

Originally Posted by EfEightyM3

It has proven to be faster on almost any track, has better steering feel and a more competent handling car. It's basically been said the be the best drivers car in that mid size sedan segment. Not sure how that's behind.
OP congrats. I had many of the same quality issues with my f80 m3 as well which was along with a few other things made me delete mine after a very short ownership. And as much as they improved the 6 speed over the horrid previous ones it still didn't come close to a Porsche 6/7 speed manual or the s2k.
I am also excited for the new Alfa which I think will be easily the best car in the segment once released.

This explains ur hate towards the f80. Time to change what u drive and join the Porsche forums.

OP, congrats on the new car. Can you post some side view pics.

[Xtabi]

Congratulations on you new car. Have fun!

[kdphan]

[kdphan]

[kdphan]

Another one

[chillindrdude]

Compared to the F80 M3, the ATSV front end looks decent. That rear quarter shot....not so much.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by chillindrdude

Compared to the F80 M3, the ATSV front end looks decent. That rear quarter shot....not so much.

Agreed except I don't really like the Caddy headlights.

OP, enjoy the car. I have a friend with a CTS V-Sport he loves. I can never get used to CUE and prefer my M4 but ATS-V is a decent choice if the M wasn't for you.

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Agreed except I don't really like the Caddy headlights.

OP, enjoy the car. I have a friend with a CTS V-Sport he loves. I can never get used to CUE and prefer my M4 but ATS-V is a decent choice if the M wasn't for you.

Can't go wrong with either the F80M3 or ATS-V. Both great cars.

I wonder if going full leather would've solved the rattling issue...

[saleen556]

Nice car. I see one near work quite often. The exhaust is definitely better sounding than the F80 to me. However as a daily driver the M3 will most likely satisfy my needs.

[Tacoma]

Originally Posted by kdphan

Traded in my F80M for a new ATS-V sedan.

background: I originally bought the M3 thinking I would need it as a second car for my newborn. After 6 months or so my son has been in the m3 once when I took him home from the hospital. I was so nervous with how stiff the ride was in comfort mode. That was the first and last time he rode in the car. I mainly use the GS F sport when I take him places.

My M3 started rattling around 2k miles. Just like many posters, I had the seatbelt creaking issue. Rattle in the rear has gotten louder over the last few thousand miles. Even with the stereo turned up a bit I can still hear rattles when going over uneven pavement.
...

I don't understand this part about buying this car for the baby? When couples have kids, they usually give up their M cars for more suitable family vehicles like SUV's or "safer" alternatives like Macan or X5 or E-Class. They don't usually buy a car that's suitable for the race track for their newborn.

Also, if you have rattling and creaking concerns, you'll like the Caddy even less as GM quality and fit and finish are materially less refined than BMW.

Overall, I just don't get your logic. If you already have a Lexus GS, then that's a smoother better family vehicle for transporting your kid and your M car should be you fun car. Why would you take your kid to/from the hospital in the M3 with your Lexus GS sitting at home?

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by Tacoma

Why would you take your kid to/from the hospital in the M3 with your Lexus GS sitting at home?

I guess I am just not understanding something. Why can't you transport a baby in an M car? I guess I was guilty of child abuse in raising my kids

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by Tacoma

I don't understand this part about buying this car for the baby? When couples have kids, they usually give up their M cars for more suitable family vehicles like SUV's or "safer" alternatives like Macan or X5 or E-Class. They don't usually buy a car that's suitable for the race track for their newborn.

Also, if you have rattling and creaking concerns, you'll like the Caddy even less as GM quality and fit and finish are materially less refined than BMW.

Overall, I just don't get your logic. If you already have a Lexus GS, then that's a smoother better family vehicle for transporting your kid and your M car should be you fun car. Why would you take your kid to/from the hospital in the M3 with your Lexus GS sitting at home?

So all the guys who bought M cars will never transport their kids around?

If you read closely you'll notice it's a second car or back up car for transporting the kid. If my wife goes somewhere then the M would be needed to take the kid around.

As far as creaks go, I'll have to see how the ATS will perform in he long run.

Edit: I also have my fun car in the z4mc.

The M3 is supposed to be a great all around car, and it is.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by kdphan

Can't go wrong with either the F80M3 or ATS-V. Both great cars.

I wonder if going full leather would've solved the rattling issue...

Re: full leather - maybe, I have full leather and can't complain about creeks, rattles or other noises, at least not yet. I also live in FL, where the roads aren't as bad as some other places, which also helps.