It’s a Process: Part II

Sections: Opinion Jan 2nd, 2009 28 Comments

Continued from It’s a Process: Choosing the Right Car (Part I)

Having established my requirements and narrowing the list of prospective BMW vehicles down to 3 or 5 series sedans my search continued. Before I go any further it is important to note: BimmerFile is independent and does not work with, for, or have agreements with any of the BMW dealerships mentioned here. The opinions expressed are based on this individual experience and as always your experience may vary.

I have battled many New York winters in rear wheel, all wheel and front wheel drive cars. It is obvious that the xDrive system would be the best bet for winter but with a good set of winter tires along with the nice 50/50 weight distribution any BMW can make it through some snow safely. With that being said; xDrive, while a nice bonus, would not be a requirement when deciding on the next car. My wife’s car having xDrive also made this less of an issue because if we really needed to get through the snow there is no doubt that we could. The other reason for not getting xDrive is the lack of a true sports suspension, something I have missed in my current car and something that I truly wanted this go around.

So in reality I was left with three choices: the BMW 335i, 535i and 550i. With my short list established I began building cars over at the build your own configurator on BMWUSA.com, better seeing where these cars fit into the pre-established price range my wife and I had agreed upon. If it were up to me I would spend every last dime I earn on my cars, it is that simple. Some people are drinkers, smokers and so on, I am a BMW addict (there I admitted it) but recovery is not something I would like to explore at this time.

With the wide range in pricing based on chosen options and the specific model this became more complicated than I had thought it would be. From a lightly optioned 335i to a loaded 550i we are talking almost a range of 30 thousand dollars. Is the 550 with all those options really that much more car than the 335i? The short answer is yes but as with everything in life there has to be a happy medium and in this case it was not the 535i, it was the ///M3 sedan.

You are probably sitting there thinking, how did he go from looking at the 335i and 550i to the ///M3? Simple, I learned that dealers were now willing to move 2008 ///M sedans at a significant discount as well as BMW offering some great incentives. Having driven one earlier in the year I knew exactly what the car was about and that it would meet my needs and wants exceedingly. Now it would do all that while staying in that magic number for the budget. I would have been more than happy with the other choices, but as far as bang for the buck and overall fun factor the ///M was an absolute no brainer for me and with my wife giving me the green light, it was a go.

Once I knew I was seeking out an ///M, I realized that I would be unable to conduct business with my regular dealer, Wide World of Cars (Pat Holden and Joe Segreti), as they already had sold all of their 2008 ///M3 sedans so they would be unable to help me this go around.

The first mission was to find a car built the way I would have ordered one, or at least close to what I would have. I scoured the net and dealers inventories. I also had one of our great contacts run a vehicle search for me. Bam, there were still 90 E90 M3s in the East. That list dwindled down a bit based on specific colors and options I had chosen or eliminated. No red paint, no 19″ wheels, no Moonroof, Technology package was an absolute must.

After contacting about 20 separate dealers within a 5-hour drive, I learned a lot about dealers and their games. Having had a great deal of experience with purchasing cars I can honestly say that I was amazed at some of the nonsense that was thrown my way. I don’t know how some of these places sell cars or even how people put up with it.

One dealer had 4 separate salespeople contact me, each giving me a different story about what they may or may not have in stock and how I must schedule an appointment and drive to meet with them. Mind you I am out of town visiting the in-laws to celebrate the holidays and all the dealers knew this, they still insisted I needed to drive there immediately. Wait a minute, I thought this was internet sales?

Another dealer kept giving me the wrong information, guess they were trying to rid themselves of an ///M3 Convertible, nope not for me. Some never even returned my calls or emails.

The trials and tribulations continued for the most part. There were several dealers that were willing to work with me over the phone and via email, meeting my needs as the customer. Finally it came down to price, colors and options.

In the end, the car I decided upon is Jerez Black metallic, Black Novillo leather with Sycamore Anthracite Wood trim. Some will say wood does not belong in an ///M, I would have agreed if BMW offered something else that was not just painted plastic or leather made to look like carbon fiber; real carbon fiber anyone? Plus I like how most people won’t have it. It is equipped with the Premium Package, Technology Package (Comfort Access, Electronic Damping Control, Navigation, M-Dynamic Mode), Cold Weather Package, iPod Adapter and Enhanced Premium Sound. The only item this car was equipped with that I would probably not have originally ordered is the Enhanced Premium Sound (more on this in my future review of the car, but in short I am thoroughly impressed with this sound system and glad to have it).

I was fortunate to find a dealer that made this transaction as painless as possible and was able to meet my needs by conducting business over the phone or email. This was Devon Hill BMW. Being located just outside Philadelphia, Pa. the trip for me from the metro NYC area was simple. Dealings with my client advisor Claudio Mascioli could not have been any better, from our first conversation I knew he was going to be a top-notch guy. There was no need for me to haggle, as what was offered was more than a fair price. I am not one to waste my time with negotiating over a few bucks since life is too short and dealers, as well as salespeople, need to pay bills just like the rest of us. While 6 hours away from home at my in-laws, with exchanging just a few emails and phone calls, everything was set to go. We scheduled the pickup for New Years Eve Day so that I would qualify for the promotional ///M driving school BMW kindly offered up to those purchasing ///M3s.

We safely arrived at Devon Hill, and there she was.

To be continued…

Written By: Michael

28 Comments

BimmerFile » Archive » It’s a Process: Choosing the Right Car Jan 2nd, 2009 Link

[...] To be continued… [...]

Nicolas Jan 2nd, 2009 Link

Congrats Michael. Beautiful car. From a 2009 E90 M3 owner to a 2008 E90 M3 owner I have had my car (Space Grey, Fox Red) for 2 months now and I can’t keep the smile off my face. I am looking forward to reading your impressions. Enjoy. Nicolas

Chris Chao Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Congrats! I also couldn’t turn down the great incentives that BMW was offering and picked up a 2008 E92 M3 via the Employee Lease Program (I’m service advisor at MINI dealership). Signed the papers on New Years Eve. Mine is sparkling graphite, silver novillo leather. Can’t wait to hear your opinions of your car, and I will post my impressions as soon as I finish the break-in period and can womp on the throttle!

Michael Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Nicolas and Chris,

Thanks for the kind wishes! When I started this process the ///M3 was a long shot but it was a perfect storm of sorts for me and I had to take advantage of it.

With just over 500 miles on her it is almost torture to not be able to hear the engine scream let alone go past the 5500 RPM mark while driving until that 1200 mile service when it can be increased a bit.

I have some nice impressions thus far and will elaborate as time goes by. Next part of the process will include my time at the dealership during delivery and the journey home…

Dylan Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Congrats on your purchase Michael – it’s a beautiful car and I hope you get many miles of enjoyment!

JonPD Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Very nice choice Michael. Think you made the right decision about going after a E90 ///M, very sweet cars from top to bottom. That engine is a treasure trove of wondrous sounds and violence just waiting to happen.

Can’t wait for your write up on the ///M school, have thought about it a time or three over the years personally.

Pat H. Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Awesome car Michael. I look forward to seeing it very soon. Looks like we will have to set up a catskill mountain run/photoshoot in the spring!

Neil S Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

How good was the deal?

Michael Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Neil S.

I rather not go into details, it is just how I am. The car essentially costed me the same as some 2009 335s are going for, I consider it an absolute bargain. Sure it does not have the new iDrive or the new rear lights which are nice but not worth the difference it would have cost.

Nate Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Congrats! That is a beautiful car, and equipped almost exactly as I would have liked. A couple of questions, in part one, you mentioned that a requirement for your next car was the ability to carry your Mountain Bike. How are you going to carry your bike? Also, any concern about ground clearance getting into dirt parking lots and the like? (As a side note, when I was looking at the M3 as an option, I was torn on the roof-rack thing. Part of me thinks it would look kind of cool, the other part thinks it would kill the car…)

Gabe Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Congrats Michael – I’ll be doing one of these stories soon

Michael Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Same gas sucker as HUMMER.

Michael Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Congrats! That is a beautiful car, and equipped almost exactly as I would have liked. A couple of questions, in part one, you mentioned that a requirement for your next car was the ability to carry your Mountain Bike. How are you going to carry your bike? Also, any concern about ground clearance getting into dirt parking lots and the like? (As a side note, when I was looking at the M3 as an option, I was torn on the roof-rack thing. Part of me thinks it would look kind of cool, the other part thinks it would kill the car…)

Nate- I thought long and hard about the clearance issues and the rack situation. I agree that the rack does kill the look when on all the time unless you get a sick fairing… I am not sure if I am going to get an additional trunk mount or have a custom hide away hitch installed. Honestly the deal was so good I could even get a used car for just biking (VW Jetta wagon etc..) In the mean time places I know will be issues with clearance I would just have someone else drive and the bike will be on the roof until I sort that out, one of the downfalls but I may just be able to use my wifes XI when the need be as well.

Michael: Same gas sucker as HUMMER.

Really, I was not aware of a Hummer that was getting 22 mpg. At 2900 RPMs in 6th I am doing 68. The break in procedure on this car makes you realize that this engine is designed for decent economy (it is still a V8) until you make it scream. I can live with anything close to 20. The car also features regenerative braking. By no means is it green but I figure since I heat my house with renewable bio-mass pellets (or corn/wheat), compost my waste, have dual flush toilets, chemical free cleaners etc and putting up a wind turbine… I more than do my part so my car is the least of the planet’s issues.

Michael Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Who cares about such artificial number as highway performance in 6th? No one is doing 100% highway without traffic anyway. There is a thread in bimmerfest forums on current M3 mpg = 12-15 in real conditions. E36 was making 24 mixed. The only reason I see to buy E9x pig is to compensate for something or for a show off. It is just a small Escalade with roundel on the hood.

Andrew Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Congratulations on the new ride. I look forward to seeing your review of the M3 as a real-world car. Every review I have read thus far only contains discussion of the M3 as a track car, which is not applicable to my needs. I am interested in whether it is a comfortable and reliable car to live with everyday. Thanks for the great blog.

Gabe Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Congratulations on the new ride. I look forward to seeing your review of the M3 as a real-world car. Every review I have read thus far only contains discussion of the M3 as a track car, which is not applicable to my needs. I am interested in whether it is a comfortable and reliable car to live with everyday. Thanks for the great blog.

We’ve got three M3 reviews on the site so far – two of which focus on how the car handles everyday life. You can see them in the review section on the right.

Michael Jan 4th, 2009 Link

Michael Who cares about such artificial number as highway performance in 6th? No one is doing 100% highway without traffic anyway. There is a thread in bimmerfest forums on current M3 mpg = 12-15 in real conditions. E36 was making 24 mixed. The only reason I see to buy E9x pig is to compensate for something or for a show off. It is just a small Escalade with roundel on the hood.

Thanks for the kind words… May you have a happy and prosperous New Year. You do not know my situation and the last time I checked the E36 would get pounced by an E90, I respect your opinion but personal attacks are a bit immature. As a car enthusiast I take it that you are not familiar with progress.

The first 911s were also more efficient than the current twin turbo version, but I don’t hear people often state that people that drive them are just showing off, or that it is a pig.

Review after review have stated that the E90 ///M3 is the most livable day to day performance car on the planet and thus far it is.

I have put 700 miles on the car in mixed driving and am averaging just north of 19 mpg. I am not a street racer and tend to be efficient on the street. I expect to be somewhere in the 18 MPG range, that is not HUMMER territory or even close to it. I have friends that sell them and people are lucky to get 12 on the highway (there is even a guy in my town that has “8 MPG” as his plate).

While I do consider the E36 ///M3 a classic, it is no longer a performance car. My mother has a 1963 Split-window tanker Corvette (if you look up what that is you will see it was the full out performance version) in near mint original condition. I consider that car an ultimate classic but also no longer a performance car. Technology changes and things progress, while it would have been nice for the ///M to be a more efficient car it was not in the cards.

This is most likely the last of the naturally aspirated high revving motors BMW will make, it is one of the finest examples to date and that in part was a big reason I decided to get this car, as we are at the end of an era. While the new turbos are great in their own right they are just not the same. I love the sound and the power this engine produces. I am sure the turbos will be more efficient and produce more power but I fell in love with this engine the first time I experienced it, it truly is a work of art for a street car to have an engine like this.

We all have opinions and reasons we do things, as I started this process the ///M was not even in the cards but when it was offered up I could not say no. It is like someone giving you an extra acre of land for the price you were prepared to pay for it originally (the extra acre is going to cost you more in taxes and maintenance but who would say no?) I am glad she is in the garage and love every minute I get to drive her… not everyone’s cup of tea.

It is also interesting to see the EPA numbers… b/c it really is not all bad, while the carbon footprint has increased a bit, the Air Pollution score has dropped by a lot. I guess my wind turbine will have to offset my car carbon footprint…. lol.

Side by Side EPA comparison

Michael Jan 4th, 2009 Link

So basically you choose to spew CO2 for no good reason, just for personal enjoyment. See, SUVs at least have some reason to exist: people may need 4×4, some own dogs, some tow trailers, some have 3+ kids. There is no good reason for 400 hp sub 5.0s car to exist on public roads. I bet 99% of owners are not able to use 10% of the car potential. Handling? What 400 hp has to do with handling? No surprise that even on the ring recommended car is something like 120i or 325i.

I’d compare this to smoking. Sure, people enjoy their cigs at the beach with kids playing around. Unfortunately, it is still legal. As is legal to burn as much gas as one wants. It is possible to walk away from a smoker but it is not possible to find another planet. Maybe you own winds turbine or whatever, but most M3 owners don’t.

E36 was 20/28. No longer performance car? Oh, I see, performance now means “faster than your mom’s car” and “I can’t be seen in a car that does 0-60 as my neighbor’s Toyota”.

Pure show.

TMQ Jan 4th, 2009 Link

First, my thought about the exchange between the Michaels: E36 M3 is a fine car but isn’t readily available for someone to purchaser at low mileage. Buying cars is about personal choices. The government can tax them different based on carbon emission and should.

Second: is the M3 a purchase or lease? I’m just curious whether M3 owners plan to keep these cars for a long time.

Third: did you switch to winter tires/wheels right away? It’s kinda of tricky to get a car with performance tires in the middle of winter.

Chris Chao Jan 5th, 2009 Link

As an original owner of a 1995 E36 M3 which has about 140k miles on it, I believe that I am a good candidate to compare both cars and their performance and efficiency. I still think the E36 M3 is a performance car. 0-60 in less than 6.0 seconds still feels plenty fast to me. It does decently in autocrosses as well. EPA figures were 18/27 back in its day. However, today’s EPA figures use different testing methods and all cars have figures which are lower than what they could have been using the old test. Real world driving is a better indicator. Driving my same daily work commute, which is mostly highway driving, I get about 24.5 mpg in my E36 M3, and get 22 mpg in my E92 M3. What is strange to me is how I can achieve 22 mpg when EPA figures are supposed to be 14/20. Given that the E92 has significantly better performance, and additional comfort and room and safety (unavoidably at the expense of also more weight), I think progress was made.

As far as helping the environment, I’m sure the general public could save the planet by not turning on the TV because that saves electricity (or even buying a TV because manaufacturing a TV takes resources), or not driving to the movies or sporting events or artistic events because that would be frivolous spending of money and resources, just for the sake of entertainment. Say no to iPods or any kind of cuisine that is more than just basic food. Even the clothing that is on one’s back used precious resources to design, color, produce, advertise, ship, sell, etc. But would it be realistic to expect the general public to give up these things?

Gabe Jan 5th, 2009 Link

So basically you choose to spew CO2 for no good reason, just for personal enjoyment. See, SUVs at least have some reason to exist: people may need 4×4, some own dogs, some tow trailers, some have 3+ kids. There is no good reason for 400 hp sub 5.0s car to exist on public roads. I bet 99% of owners are not able to use 10% of the car potential. Handling? What 400 hp has to do with handling? No surprise that even on the ring recommended car is something like 120i or 325i.

You’ve got to be kidding me. I mean this is an enthusiast’s website that has always had an eye towards efficiency as well as performance but to take somebody to task for a personal decision to buy a car that isn’t individually dangerous to anyone else is in extremely poor taste.

This is not some 6000lbs SUV we’re talking about. It’s not a decision that impacts other lives like a dangerous lumbering SUV might.

I’d compare this to smoking. Sure, people enjoy their cigs at the beach with kids playing around. Unfortunately, it is still legal. As is legal to burn as much gas as one wants. It is possible to walk away from a smoker but it is not possible to find another planet. Maybe you own winds turbine or whatever, but most M3 owners don’t.

I mean honestly you’re digging your own grave with comments like these. I’m personally (extremely) conscious with what I do and how it effects the environment and I can’t imagine (A) imposing my thoughts like this on someone else and (B) lumping a Sports Sedan in with large scale individual issues that negatively impact the earth.

TC Jan 5th, 2009 Link

The rational Michael- congrats!!!! I picked up my e90 M3 (white/black) on New Years Eve as well. I only have gotten to put 105 miles on mine though! Enjoy. I am anxious to see what you think of the premium sound. I really hesitated on that option, but in the end, didn’t feel the $ was worth my ability (or more accurately inability) to appreciate such sound quality.

TC Jan 5th, 2009 Link

TMQ–I picked mine up in Wisconsin (stock 18’s). I had them put Blizzaks 235/255 on and I have the stock rubbers are sitting in my garage now. I am amazed how well it has been handling the snow so far (the few miles I’ve put on)

@Michael Jan 5th, 2009 Link

Michael, So basically you choose to spew hateful nonsense for no good reason, just for personal enjoyment. See, most posters at least have some reason to comment: people may have informed opinions, some wish to share experiences, some have follow up questions. There is no good reason for unproductive, bitter, attacks on a public forum. I bet 99% of posters are able to restrain themselves even when they may happen to disagree with someone’s personal choice rather than initiating a personal jihad against a blogger stating an opinion on his own site.

TC Jan 5th, 2009 Link

@Michael- I am going to go out on a limb here and call you a hipocrite. Look at your own life. Make sure you are doing EVERYTHING for the environment, making sure that NOTHING can be done better. Then, and only then, I would LOVE to read more of your crap! You are quick to throw stones anonymously at someone that is at least honest. Oh, make sure you unplug your computer, cell phone, TV’s, etc.–I would hate to see you burn energy for your own enjoyment, and not for the good of all. Cripes. Please post what car you drive. I would enjoy seeing the great things you do that we are missing.

Parker Jan 5th, 2009 Link

Congrats! Very fine choice out of your original selection. I was also offered an E9x M3 at a fantastic rate, but just couldnt justify it with my current situation.

Im excited to see your future reviews and how you like it for your daily driver.

PS BLACKLINES!!!

Nick Jan 5th, 2009 Link

Michael,

You made an excellent choice, great luck to you and your new Bimmer!

Nick

James Jan 5th, 2009 Link

Fabulous choice and what I would expect from the blogger of a BMW website! Let’s face it, we’re reading to see what’s new? I’m shopping for a 335i now and knowing about the incentives BMW is giving on the M3 and dealer discounts, I could see how it would be a similar price to a loaded 335. Alas, I am shopping for the basics on a 335i so it’s a big stretch…I owned an E36 M3 and would have jumped at a new M3 if it was in the budget – I too choose my vices and more than compensate for it by doing my utmost to be environmentally responsible that more than offsets my driving habits. I’m sure if you look at the average annual mileage (low – 8-12K) for M3 drivers, the total fuel consumed is less than the average Toyata Highlander (12-16K) or similar well sold SUV.

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It’s a Process: Part II

Sections: Opinion Jan 2nd, 2009 28 Comments

Written By: Michael

28 Comments

BimmerFile » Archive » It’s a Process: Choosing the Right Car Jan 2nd, 2009 Link

Nicolas Jan 2nd, 2009 Link

Chris Chao Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Michael Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Dylan Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

JonPD Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Pat H. Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Neil S Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Michael Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Nate Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Gabe Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Michael Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Michael Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Michael Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Andrew Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Gabe Jan 3rd, 2009 Link

Michael Jan 4th, 2009 Link

Michael Jan 4th, 2009 Link

TMQ Jan 4th, 2009 Link

Chris Chao Jan 5th, 2009 Link

Gabe Jan 5th, 2009 Link

TC Jan 5th, 2009 Link

TC Jan 5th, 2009 Link

@Michael Jan 5th, 2009 Link

TC Jan 5th, 2009 Link

Parker Jan 5th, 2009 Link

Nick Jan 5th, 2009 Link

James Jan 5th, 2009 Link

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