[IL Pete]

Hi there! I took delivery of my Black Sapphire Metallic Manual M3 on Wednesday of this week. Ordered it in August, was projected to be in by Thanksgiving, but of course was delayed due to parts shortages and transportation shortages.

For context, I was a "BMW guy" in my younger years, had E36 328i Convertible, 740iL, E39 540i Sport Package Manual, M Roadster, E46 M3 Manual Convertible and an X5, from like 1996 to 2002. Also has some Audis and Porsches. Then had 3 kids and gave up the sports cars and premium sedans for more practical options, including mostly EVs from 2013 to early 2021. Now nearing empty nester status and getting back into it. Also my context recently is that I got a Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 Manual in March of 2021, and have put 16K miles on that already. That actually wasn't very helpful coming into the M3, as that 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 with that naturally aspirated engine and that slick 6 speed is a pretty hard act to follow. It is my favorite car on the planet, including any 911 short of a GT3. (I had also considered the M2C and M2 CS at the time, great cars and great value, but the 718 was what the heart wanted, at a pretty big premium, even to the M2 CS.)

The M3 is spec'ed with:

• Black Full Merino Leather
• Exec Package
• 18/19" 824M Wheels (although I haven't seen them yet, had the car delivered with the BMW 19" Winter Wheel and Tire Package, those look killer in Satin Black)
• M Drive Professional
• Black Calipers
• Carbon Fiber Interior Trim
• Front Ventilated Seats
• Laserlights

MSRP was $79,045 USD including destination, and I got a $500 discount from MSRP.

I am pretty happy with the spec! The interior and exterior color choices were tough, there are so many great interior and exterior colors available. At the end of the day the all-Black spec is a classic, can't go wrong with that. At this price, I feel like this car is a great value.











I bought it as my "Winter/Family" car, will use it as the primary car in the Winters, and as a bigger car when needed in the Spring, Summer and Fall. You would think that for a Winter Car I would have bought the XDrive - but I really wanted the Manual. A RWD car with Nannies and Snow Tires is awesome in the Snow, so that worked for me. Much better ground clearance than the 718.

First impressions:

• It was hard to get used to at first, I was so used to the 718 that this initially felt like a 7 Series versus a 3 Series, LOL!
• My 1997 or 1998 E39 540i Sport Package Manual was my one of my favorite BMWs I owned back in the day, along with the E46 Manual M3 Convertible. This car is big compared to the E46 M3, it feels much more like the 540i. The back seats are bigger than the E39 540i, no question. The M2s I drove were much more like the E46 M3. Of course we all know this and agree, so I will stop on that.
• The looks - I was initially very worried I wouldn't like the looks, particularly the front grille. I even tried to force myself to look at pictures and videos while I was waiting, but that really didn't work. I went to the dealer to check it out before delivery, while I was waiting to get the Ceramic Coating done. I still wasn't sure. But then within like 24 hours of delivery, something weird happened, I did a full 180 and all of a sudden really liked the looks of the whole car, including the front end. I found that really weird, but it was a relief. I think what it is is that when it is yours, it is different. I appreciate now that for the first time ever the M3 has a completely unique body style, it isn't just a 3 Series with a more aggressive Front Apron, a Spoiler and Black Trim. It is its own model more so now, and is aggressive and in that context, it looks great!

Initial Dislikes - Really primarily three:

• The Transmission - That is my number one gripe so far, is the shifting, particularly the well documented rough 1-2 shift. It is actually one of the primary reasons I didn't buy the M2C or M2 CS, they both had that too (sort of in a different way), and I was worried I wouldn't get used to it. The Porsches felt much more natural and smooth shifting, which was one of the reasons I went that direction, but just as much so it was that glorious 4.0L naturally aspirated engine that revs to 8K RPMs. Back to the M3, I am getting used to it, a little. Thanks so much to you guys here, there were some great tips on how to best execute that 1-2 shift, and that has helped a lot. I did do the BMS Clutch Stop mod the first day I had the car, that helped a lot with regards to clutch feel, it got rid of that weird "bottomless clutch" feeling, but for me it didn't seem to help with the 1-2 shift. But like I said, I do feel better about it now, I am starting to get used it.
• Also I do plan to get the CDV Delete mod done soon.
• I thought I would find the shifter rubbery and have too long of a throw, based on my test drive back in April of 2021, but I got used to it quickly, I don't mind it too much. It might be rough when switching back and forth between the 2 cars, I haven't driven the 718 yet since taking the delivery of the M3, it is up on the lift and I have been focused on checking out and getting used to the M3, and also we have had some snow here in Chicago. (I do have Winter Tires on the 718, coincidentally Michelin PA4's just like on the BMW Winter Set.) I may eventually do a Short Shift Kit.
• The second gripe - The Steering is pretty vague. It is a little better in Sport Mode. That is a tough one for any car, with me coming from the 718 GTS, the steering on that car is about as good as it gets. I am sure I will get used to that.
• Third - The Lane Keep Assist is annoying! The screen says it is turned off, but it most certainly is not, I get both the vibrations and the steering intervention, even though it says it is off. I did figure out that it is disabled in M Mode, so I just drive in that all the time. Which is fine, because I like the tach in the heads up display, and that center screen better anyway.

My favorite things about the M3 so far:

• The power - holy cow! Nuff said.
• The interior is fantastic, with the Full Merino Leather upgrade.
• The seats (the regular ones) are great! Very comfortable, while still holding you in there pretty firmly. The Carbon ones look amazing, but I found them a little less comfortable, and I knew my wife would HATE getting in and out of them.
• The UI with the screen and the knob is awesome - the best I have seen in any car.
• The back seats are very comfortable, and huge. No one will complain sitting back there, except about my aggressive shifting and driving.
• As much as I have complained about the Manual feel, I dig that it is a Manual. I test drove both the Manual and the Competition/Auto, and I think the Manual is a much more engaging experience. That is a key reason I selected the M3, it is really the best remaining Manual Sports Sedan. I am finding that is the case, it is a very engaging car!
• I actually like the piped in Exhaust noise, I think it sounds pretty good. I didn't expect that.
• The all-Black look - darn good choice! Looks awesome clean or dirty. Batmobile...

For mods, like I said the BMS Clutch Stop is done, will do CDV Delete soon, and will likely eventually do a SSK. I might do the BMS Intake and maybe some exhaust stuff.

So far, I am pretty happy with the purchase, and I am excited to get to know the car better and make it my own.

Thanks to everyone here for all the great info and tips, it was all very helpful in spec'ing my order, and tips for things like the 1-2 shift and figuring out the features and nuances of the car!