Any F-430 Owners here who drive BMW's everyday?

07 F430 for fun, 06 M5 for daily driver

 

This is a great thread. My question to all here is, I have at times had a 911 as my daily driver and I have been thinking of a new M3 sedan? I see several of you have a M3. Any of you have the sedan version? I want something that is sporty and fun and easy to drive both in traffic and when the road opens up. I welcome everyone's thoughts / suggestions.

Thanks

 

I have a 2005 M3 Competition for an everyday smoker, it's a fabulous car, SMG, 20 miles to the gallon, don't care where I park it and everything's covered by BMW's 5 year warranty. I'm just about to buy an 08 M3 coupe, anyone want a nice M3?
I tried the Merceded C63 and hated it, my wife has an E63 sedan and we both love it.
My Ferrari is a 430 coupe

 

135i

 

It really depends on what your priorities are. For me, if I have a car such as a 360 or 430, I would want something that errs on the side of comfort and usefulnes, also while sporty and engaging. The M6 for me was great. Lack of torque, yes, but thats also what makes it fun to drive. Otherwise, I would get something like the E63 as mentioned. Tons of power, low end effortless torque, great interior still, even as an older model, and great deals to be had.

For some reason, after having a few M cars, the E92/90 M3 just doesnt do it for me. Styling and otherwise. Just seems less "M" as other cars. While it does most things very well and it is a great car, it didnt strike me as awesome and inspiring like other cars.

I do have a great soft spot for the 335i as a daily driver. Lots power power, can me modified to have stupid power, extremely comortable and good mileage. If I had another playtoy, that would be my preference over the M3. you may also consider a used M6 if rear occupants won't be common.

 

I drive a CL63 daily or a bmw 750il i commute in NYC every day i think the BMW drives great. and i use the my F430 to go to 7 eleven to get coffee (LOL)

 

i drive a e60 3 pedal daily.

 

Finally someone with this combo.

Congrats on you rides.
I have 10000+km experience with the 360F1 and I am now looking at an e46 M3. Ofcourse I'm stuck at the allmighty SMG/Manual question. I have only driven an Manual M3. My question is as following.

If one likes the 360 F1 transmission to a 8.5points out of 10points level would one be satisified with SMG in an e46 M3? Please tell completely subjectively, how do theese trannies compare? I also have some seat time in an E60 M5 SMG, and that transmission I like.

(Sorry if a bit offtopic)

 

I have a 2005 m3 SMG and the 2000 F1 360,

the SMG is smoother in the 1-2 shift.. but honestly.. they are pretty bloody similar.. I have no complaints with either.. and as someone who tracks both cars.. it's good to get used to both systems.. the only difference in use is that pulling both pedals in the F1 takes you to neutral while in the SMG you have to use the shift lever to get into neutral.. also the paddles are connected to the steering wheeel in the M3 and not in the ferrari..

other than that if you get used to one system you will be good with the other.. I really like that I own two performance cars with the same f1 style system.. developing good habits with both becomes easier..

I think the bmw system is easier to use in auto mode, I always alway drive it in auto day to day.. I go to manual only when I feel like it or want to have some fun/go to track.. while in the ferrari I tend to use manual unless I am just wayy lazy/tired or have a drink in my hands etc...

love them both.. that E46 m3 SMG is just an AMAZING track car and car in general.. that thing can be driven SO hard on the track and it shows NO signs of wear and tear.. incredible.

 

Daily driver = X5 4.4i

 

I switch off between a 2007 X5 4.8 and 2007 M6 Cab. I save the 430 for my weekly adrenaline rush!!!

 

RacerXF599
Like I said before, I have had 2 335is ( still have wifey's) my X5 4.8is
I had to sell my GT3 due to back issues and was thinking of an M3 to replace
it with. Definately was going to get the coupe but the sedan was pretty darn
stealthy. After pulling back and really studying the class, M3 Audi RS4 and
the eventual winner the Merc AMG C63, it came down to this. I would have
had to get an 08. I think if my health allows I would go back to the track with
what ever I ended up with. Hanging out with my GT buddies or my SoCal hard
core drivers. What really bugged me about the M3 is the brakes. The 08 wheel
is designed to cover the single pot rotors. In my opinion a car of this caliper
(pardon the pun) should have a decent brake package. The M3 has an inferior
brake setup for the track. It would have to be upgraded if I was going to the track.
NOW BMW knows this and it solved the issue by contracting with Brembo for the 09s
and if you go to your dealer you will notice the 135i already has the brembo kit
although its over boosted. So when I looked at the total package and the AMG came out
on top. For starters the AMG is not the typical bolt on package that AMG bolts
on to whatever Merc package its on. The C63 is the first ground up design that
AMG has done with Mercedes. That was one factor. The second was the brakes
are within a pad and fluid change from going to the track. The third and final
factor that set this BMW lover on track to the AMG dealer was the astonishing
power and torque numbers. A hundred and 40 mor foot pounds of torque and
40 more HP!! As I get older the 7 speed manumatic is supposed to be on par
with the Ferrari F1 design but I cant do anything until the car is broken it.
All for in the same price range or lower than the
equivalent M3 package. This REALLY pissed off my BMW dealer but he couldnt
come up wit the dollars that I was looking for. AMG did.
So my garage looks like this
09 AMG C63
08 BMW 335i REALLY nice silver on grey leather
06 BMW X5 4.8is the fastest SUV I have driven. Resting now while I break in the AMG.

 

I drive a 2008 M5 every day (Silverstone/Indianapolis Red) - winter too (which is major league here in Edmonton).

The M5 has so far been perfect - love the electronics - and drives like a bigger/quieter version of my F430 Spider!

 

335 convertible is one of the greatest car's bang for the buck I have driven, but has the girl's car stigma. My 2 cents!

 

I have an Alpina B7 as a daily- great car- perhaps the best overall car I've ever had. Snow tires and wheels for the wintertime. Great DD. Very stealth and very fast.

best regards,
Jerry

 

Mine is a coupe but I have driven the sedan. They drive and feel pretty much the same. Visually, the sedan strikes me as a mini M5 particulary because of the wheels. If you need the extra doors, go for the sedan. You're not giving up much. I already have a 750Li and a four door truck so I went for the coupe. Coupes are just my personal choice for daily driving.

 

Thank you TexasSpud and jais,

TexasSpud,

Great description. I have been going back and forth with the AMG C63. I have not had the chance to drive it yet, but I am now even more curious than before. I had the previous M3 (SMG), which I liked but I never tracked it mainly because I had something else to take to the track that I enjoyed more. I have always gone back to the 911, as I have always liked driving it as a daily driver. What has changed is my need for a sedan as I have a greater need to take two or three other people out with me for work on a regular basis. So I am trying to find a sedan that I like to drive when it is me commuting and is comfortable enough for when I need to carry more people. The C63 might be the car. Thank you again for your write up.

jais,

I am similar to you in I like coupes better too. It is just a pain in the a$$ to try and have people sit in the back of most coupes. So I am trying to find a daily driver that can sort of fit all my needs. Which never is easy. I guess that is why I use it as my reason to own multiple cars. Haha

Thanks again

 

I reserve the back seat to my teenage daughter and my backpack.

Have thought about a used M5? There are LOTS of '07 and '08 on the market for about the same price as a new M3. Plus, they've already have been through BMW's silly 1,200 mile break-in period so you can thrash them right off the dealer's lot.

 

I own one of the first M5s (Nov 05) and have 34K miles on it. There should be plenty coming off 3yr leases and you should be able to find one in the mid $50K range with one year of maintainance and warranty left. The 4yr/50K mile warranty even includes clutch and brakes.

 

Gmc 2500 duramax diesel,daily driver in winter.Otherwise 2002 m3 smg daily driver and fun car.Hope to find f430 for fun and or daily in the near future.

 

not to hijack the thread, and to anyone who believes me, i did infact see a black BMW M7 at the Florida Mall a couple months back... 2-door coupe

 

I don't think they make an M7?

Anyway, wife has a '02 328 Convertible...5-speed manual, sport pkg. Great car!! fun, reliable with the right blend of sport/luxury. My dd is the "tank" '95 MBZ S-600.

F355 Spider 3x a week average!! extreme fun

 

I test drove the new M3 yesterday, and sadly felt nothing, absolutely nothing.
The lack of noise and drama surprised me. Maybe i was expecting too much comparing a new M3 with an 8 year old 00 360 modena.

Been owned E36 and E46 M3s before Ferrari and now, i cant believe how a car can change a persons perceptions.

 

+1...everything else is just a car A Ferrari is something special that you really can't put into words......