What's This
In 2017 I traded in my 2009 E92 M3 in order to purchase another car. But I missed it so much that this year I bought – for almost the same amount of money – a 2010 E92 M3.
Why
When my youngest moved to a Sydney I was persuaded to give her my old daily beater. This being a 2008 Benz A170, which I pimped up for her (more on that in a forthcoming article). That meant I needed another daily and, with the sad decision not to purchase the M2 Competition, this left the following options:
1. Be sensible! This means buying a 2018-onwards car (Mazda, Toyota, Kia, etc.) on a budget up to $45,000. Something with modern safety features, warranty and even servicing;
2. Go Super-Cheap! Look at buying a $1000-$2000 banger, possibly even early 2000s, and hope your driving skills prevent you having to test its “safety” features; OR
3. Follow your hormones and ignore your brain! Go back to buying an 2010 or better E92 M3 on a novated lease and have senseless fun!
Obviously I picked option 3.
What Did You Get
A white 2010 E92 M3 with M-DCT (dual clutch) and carbon fibre roof.
Again I Ask... WHY?
Since I previously owned one for several years, the car (and its foibles) are a known quantity. In this instance, the previous owner had already dealt with a few of the car’s “kryptonite” points. That is, they’d changed the rod bearings (VAC bearings with ARP bolts), the reduction gears in the throttle actuators and the engine mounts. But the big kicker is I enjoy driving this model of M3. The engine is a superb naturally aspirated V8 that redlines at 8300rpm. Sure, it dribbles torque like a politician forced to tell the truth, but for me straight line acceleration is only one factor in driving… and its 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds still remains respectable.
But that engine's a gem.
Possible Future Classic
Yeah, maybe. It has some of the hallmarks: last 2 door M3, first and last V8 M3 (to date), last naturally aspirated M3, first CF roof M3, last non-electronic steering rack; but what goes against it are sales volumes. World-wide, there are about 40,000 E92 M3s world-wide (9500 RHD), and an estimated 1250 (carsafe.com.au/risk-rating#) in Australia. The higher volumes mean that if there is any classic status associated with them – coupled with the appropriate price rises – then it’s likely to be when I’ll be too old to appreciate it.
Was It a Good Buy?
I think so. Prices have been sticky on these cars and, unlike a new car, it’s more than likely this one’s seen most of its depreciation. Provided I keep the car in reasonable condition, I won’t be losing too much. See, if I bought a M2 Competition new at, let’s say, $120,000 – then it’s likely residual price in 3 years’ time will be about $65,000-80,000 (judging by the current round of ads); which is a loss of at least $50,000 over 3 years. Or more than I paid for this M3.
And in terms of fun, the E92 M3 delivers. Sure, an M2 Competition goes 0-100 in 4.2 seconds and the E92 M3 does it in 4.6 (both numbers are in ideal conditions), but will I notice 0.4 seconds? The chuckability of the M2 is in its favour, but the M3 isn’t *that* far behind. Fact is, provided one looks after it, you get *most* of the fun of an M2 on less than half the price.
There is a school of thought that says "real speedos go over 300km/h"... but obviously not on public roads.
Fun? What's It Like to Drive
To say “it surprised me” may surprise you. Let me put it in context; after selling my E92 M3 in 2017 I drove an F25 X3 (turbo), an FSI Jetta (turbo), an i8 (hybrid with turbo). The cars I tested were an M5 (turbo) and an M2 Competition (turbo). See the common theme? Turbos. What this means is power and torque comes on early. It’s something one gets very used to. The E92 M3, however, has a naturally aspirated V8. Power and torque peak quite late in the RPM range, and the low end torque is – as mentioned – dribbly. You have to work the revs to get the performance.
So when I initially drove it, my first thought was: “Oh bother! The engine’s clapped out!”
All because I’d forgotten how to drive the E92 M3. After a while it all came back and, testing a few WOT (Wide Open Throttle) runs, I can safely attest that the engine’s fine.
Interior
The interior’s good for a 9 year old car. Some wear in places, but just trim. Seats are comfortable, though, and although the centre console looks dated it’s still functional. All other bits, like heated seats, air conditioning and stereo are in top condition, so feeling like I’m continuing where I left off.
Complete with faux-real Carbon Fibre Trim
WOTs The Plan?
I plan to keep this one for as long as possible and use it as my daily driver. My last one was a bit of a “garage queen”, but this one’s going to be a worker.
Life’s too short for automotive sculptures.
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Comments (3)
Nice car ,i prefer the M3 sedan E92 presonaly. sure to appreciate in the future. you only have to look at E36 and E46. you cant get many of these under 30K these days. Although , having just driven a new Camaro today ,there is nothing quite like a naturally aspirated V8.
My brother in law prefers the shape of the E90 as well, he believes it's more balanced. It's certainly more practical and, for future investment, less were made. My pick. Manual E90 as an investment.