Am I Crazy? M3 for Rubicon 392?

TVonthe80 · 09-08-2023, 01:25 PM

I've had a similar internal debate. I use my M3 daily, got it wrapped, and let the 3 little ones climb all over it. They love driving in it as a family and it often gets requested over the minivan for short trips.

that being said, i really want to get out and go overlanding/remote camping with them. I wouldn't look forward to parking or fueling a jeep/bronco but it might be more fun as a family.

What i will likely do is wait 2 more years until they are mostly out of car seats and then swap the minivan for the offroader. Wife always wanted a jeep anyways. If i had multiple SUVs like the OP, i'd probably sell the 2 SUVS and use that to get into the jeep - maybe a used 392 since it'll be banged around offroad anyways. That way all the fun cars are getting fully utilized and you can have fun on the street or dirt.

r20 · 09-08-2023, 01:28 PM

[QUOTE=fanofbmwe46;30469726]
I used to have a wrangler /QUOTE]

i've thought about getting a wrangler many times. everytime i get in one, i'm reminded why i never pulled the trigger. i think when you go from BMW tech to Jeep tech, you'll be so angry..

Sort of the place i am with BMW coming from Tesla tech.

Damage Inc · 09-08-2023, 10:36 PM

I had an e90 M3 manual for 4 years, used it for my kids from 1 to 5 years old. It was a ton of fun to drive around, kids were fine in the car seats, car was mint condition when I sold it.

With that said, as my kids got older an M3 was simply too small and tight. It was fun for me, but bad for the family. I moved into a new Bronco soft top and its awesome. Its big, plenty of space, and multiple top configurations for the sunshine. The kids love driving around top down.

I had a Wrangler for a while, the Bronco crushes the Jeep in day to day driveability. When you hit 60 mph on the highway, all hell breaks loose in the Jeep lol feels like you're doing 180mph it so loud and harsh

FWIW I also have a 22 R8 for my fun car, so that's how I get my driving fix when needed..

BEAR-AvHistory · 09-08-2023, 11:40 PM

Totally insane.

skyline408 · 09-09-2023, 01:59 AM

Keep the m3. 3 American suvs does not sound like a fun time to me

Habber · 09-09-2023, 07:05 AM

I have a widebody Scat (same engine), Rubicon 24’ and M3 24 and I’ve also been a Jeep guy forever.

The 392 sound is insane let alone the acceleration plus this is the last time you can get a V8.

TopJimmy · 09-09-2023, 08:05 AM

Enjoy the F80 and keep it. Teach your kids to drive with it later. My daughter can always (proudly) brag to her friends that she learned how to drive stick in my F80 (parking lot)…well before she had her license. The MT6 is so easy to learn clutch with its rev-match feature that she never bogged the engine except once.

akkando · 09-09-2023, 10:36 AM

I would argue the m3 is a family vehicle, but obviously you don't see it that way, so get something you actually use.

BIGW0RM · 09-09-2023, 05:54 PM

I had 22 a wrangler Rubicon for 1yr. I hated it. You'd be better off gettiing a raptor or TRX.

flsupraguy · 09-10-2023, 08:16 PM

Probably won't sit well here but g80 m3 isn't really anything special. If you think your family will have more fun and will go off road I say go rubicon

fanofbmwe46 · 09-11-2023, 08:07 PM

Finally drove a Rubicon 392 today.

It left me unamazed after seeing all the YouTube reviews.

Makes me want a regular wrangler, but not a 392 and not in place of the M3.

Sorry to worry you guys :-)

mdr955 · 09-11-2023, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fanofbmwe46

Finally drove a Rubicon 392 today.

It left me unamazed after seeing all the YouTube reviews.

Makes me want a regular wrangler, but not a 392 and not in place of the M3.

Sorry to worry you guys :-)

I think you may be the first person to drive a 392 and want a regular wrangler!

I had a regular wrangler and to me the 392 is beyond awesome in comparison!

Diesel power · 09-11-2023, 10:03 PM

I had a Wrangler as a rental once. Easily the worst car I've ever driven. While it does some things extremely well, they are things that most people do rarely if never (rock crawling, overlanding). A 392 might make it slightly more fun, but it's still going to be a snail compared to the M3. I kind of get the idea of dad guilt and wanting a car that works for the family more, but I don't think the Wrangler is it.

seis-speed · 09-12-2023, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fanofbmwe46

Finally drove a Rubicon 392 today.

It left me unamazed after seeing all the YouTube reviews.

Makes me want a regular wrangler, but not a 392 and not in place of the M3.

Sorry to worry you guys :-)

Did you open the valves??

I like to have one fun off-roader, currently it is a 392. It is pretty fun when on throttle, I have some dirt/trail roads I take my kinds on and thunder away on the V8, the sound is insane for a stock vehicle and has enough power to doughnut an AWD vehicle on off-road surfaces….but I am a manual diehard, so hoping new 4Runner has 6MT after being very disappointed that the Landcruiser will not come with 6MT.

For me
6MT >> Everything else

DS_BMW · 09-13-2023, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

As a third vehicle for the household, it sounds like the Jeep would be a better fit for what you are looking for in a third vehicle. I’d go for it!

I gave some thought at getting a 392 as well but it would be my daily driver and not ever having owned a Jeep I was a bit hesitant on pulling the trigger on one. Ended up selling the M3 and now waiting on an X5 M60i to be built and delivered. Figured I likely wouldn’t last long in giving up some of the BMW “luxury” had I done the Jeep. 🤷🏻&zwj;♂️

You will miss the M3 been down that road with 2 different SUV's will never buy another.

chicagofan00 · 09-13-2023, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DS_BMW

You will miss the M3 been down that road with 2 different SUV's will never buy another.

I’ve gone back and forth between cars and SUVs my entire driving life. I don’t keep vehicles more than 3 years at most…only once did I keep one for 4 years and it was a Tahoe.

kooft · 09-13-2023, 01:51 PM

Just went from a 2022 Manual M3 to a 2024 4xE Rubicon X - its a big change! But if you will use it, it's like having another tool. I love the road vision but my driving style has completely changed. I have been using the electric for daily driving. Get the gas powered V6 Rubicon X, my buddy has the 392 and it is a bit overkill as a wrangler imo. If you really want an off-roader that is fun and fast AND LUXURIOUS, you can opt for a defender with the V8.

09-08-2023, 01:25 PM	#23
TVonthe80 Private First Class 211 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 23 TV G80 50j Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (0)	I've had a similar internal debate. I use my M3 daily, got it wrapped, and let the 3 little ones climb all over it. They love driving in it as a family and it often gets requested over the minivan for short trips. that being said, i really want to get out and go overlanding/remote camping with them. I wouldn't look forward to parking or fueling a jeep/bronco but it might be more fun as a family. What i will likely do is wait 2 more years until they are mostly out of car seats and then swap the minivan for the offroader. Wife always wanted a jeep anyways. If i had multiple SUVs like the OP, i'd probably sell the 2 SUVS and use that to get into the jeep - maybe a used 392 since it'll be banged around offroad anyways. That way all the fun cars are getting fully utilized and you can have fun on the street or dirt. __________________ 23 G80 TV; 12 C6 Z07 427TT; 99 Trans am Dearly Departed: 06 Evo MR;16 FoRS
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09-08-2023, 01:28 PM	#24
r20 Private First Class 87 Rep 128 Posts Drives: BMW 328 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=fanofbmwe46;30469726] I used to have a wrangler /QUOTE] i've thought about getting a wrangler many times. everytime i get in one, i'm reminded why i never pulled the trigger. i think when you go from BMW tech to Jeep tech, you'll be so angry.. Sort of the place i am with BMW coming from Tesla tech.
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09-08-2023, 10:36 PM	#25
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 790 Rep 1,925 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	I had an e90 M3 manual for 4 years, used it for my kids from 1 to 5 years old. It was a ton of fun to drive around, kids were fine in the car seats, car was mint condition when I sold it. With that said, as my kids got older an M3 was simply too small and tight. It was fun for me, but bad for the family. I moved into a new Bronco soft top and its awesome. Its big, plenty of space, and multiple top configurations for the sunshine. The kids love driving around top down. I had a Wrangler for a while, the Bronco crushes the Jeep in day to day driveability. When you hit 60 mph on the highway, all hell breaks loose in the Jeep lol feels like you're doing 180mph it so loud and harsh FWIW I also have a 22 R8 for my fun car, so that's how I get my driving fix when needed.. __________________ Current: 17 OG M2 / R8 Performance Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS Last edited by Damage Inc; 09-08-2023 at 10:37 PM.. Reason: sp
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09-08-2023, 11:40 PM	#26
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3129 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	Totally insane. __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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09-09-2023, 01:59 AM	#27
skyline408 Major 1574 Rep 1,252 Posts Drives: 2023 G80 M3 2022 F95 X5M Join Date: May 2013 Location: Silicon Valley, CA iTrader: (1)	Keep the m3. 3 American suvs does not sound like a fun time to me
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09-09-2023, 07:05 AM	#28
Habber Colonel 3515 Rep 2,005 Posts Drives: BMW M3 2024 Brooklyn Grey SOLD Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Canada iTrader: (1) Garage List [9.83]	I have a widebody Scat (same engine), Rubicon 24’ and M3 24 and I’ve also been a Jeep guy forever. The 392 sound is insane let alone the acceleration plus this is the last time you can get a V8.
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09-09-2023, 08:05 AM	#29
TopJimmy Major General 5462 Rep 5,154 Posts Drives: 2023 M3 Comp xDrive Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Chester County, PA iTrader: (5)	Enjoy the F80 and keep it. Teach your kids to drive with it later. My daughter can always (proudly) brag to her friends that she learned how to drive stick in my F80 (parking lot)…well before she had her license. The MT6 is so easy to learn clutch with its rev-match feature that she never bogged the engine except once. __________________ '18 F80 Base 6MT \| '19 F82 Exec DCT \| '18 F82 Comp Exec DCT \| '23 G80cx
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09-09-2023, 10:36 AM	#30
akkando Major General 5865 Rep 6,637 Posts Drives: 17 M2 DCT LBB,11 e90 M3 ZCP IB Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (1)	I would argue the m3 is a family vehicle, but obviously you don't see it that way, so get something you actually use.
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09-09-2023, 05:54 PM	#31
BIGW0RM You got my money? 3156 Rep 4,646 Posts Drives: Ice Cream Truck Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: ///OC iTrader: (14) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 [9.50]	I had 22 a wrangler Rubicon for 1yr. I hated it. You'd be better off gettiing a raptor or TRX. __________________ 2022 G80 M3 Competition X / 2020 Range Rover Sport P525 / 2023 Ford Raptor
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09-10-2023, 08:16 PM	#32
flsupraguy First Lieutenant 401 Rep 382 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Probably won't sit well here but g80 m3 isn't really anything special. If you think your family will have more fun and will go off road I say go rubicon
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09-11-2023, 08:07 PM	#33
fanofbmwe46 Major 2071 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: united states iTrader: (0)	Finally drove a Rubicon 392 today. It left me unamazed after seeing all the YouTube reviews. Makes me want a regular wrangler, but not a 392 and not in place of the M3. Sorry to worry you guys :-)
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09-11-2023, 10:03 PM	#35
Diesel power Second Lieutenant 130 Rep 248 Posts Drives: 24 Q8 E-Tron 24 M3 CX Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: LI, NY iTrader: (0)	I had a Wrangler as a rental once. Easily the worst car I've ever driven. While it does some things extremely well, they are things that most people do rarely if never (rock crawling, overlanding). A 392 might make it slightly more fun, but it's still going to be a snail compared to the M3. I kind of get the idea of dad guilt and wanting a car that works for the family more, but I don't think the Wrangler is it.
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09-13-2023, 01:51 PM	#39
kooft Private First Class 169 Rep 140 Posts Drives: BMW M3 Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Just went from a 2022 Manual M3 to a 2024 4xE Rubicon X - its a big change! But if you will use it, it's like having another tool. I love the road vision but my driving style has completely changed. I have been using the electric for daily driving. Get the gas powered V6 Rubicon X, my buddy has the 392 and it is a bit overkill as a wrangler imo. If you really want an off-roader that is fun and fast AND LUXURIOUS, you can opt for a defender with the V8.
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