A very sad day for me :(

[mikenap]

Well, as of yesterday I`m officially M3-less. I knew this day would come eventually but I didn`t realize how horrible the feeling of seeing my M drive off without me would be. It was always a dream car, and even though I`ve got new dream cars and plan to one day move into one of them, it`s still left me a little hollow.



























































I`m really going to miss this car. Hell, it`s been barely 24 hours and I already do.

[DaGonz]

What are you replacing it with?

[indiej]

hole in the heart as the song says.



why is it going away?

[mikenap]

What are you replacing it with?

Not sure yet. It will be awhile before a replacement is even an option. Too many more important things currently.

hole in the heart as the song says.



why is it going away?

I never really drove it that much. Maybe 7k miles in 3 years, and that`s a stretch. It was just time to let it go.

[Brad B]

I know the feeling. I had a silver/grey e46 M3 that was great. But I eased the pain with the acquisition of my Cayman S.



I really don`t need all the cars I have now and the money could go to better use elsewhere but I can`t decide what would go away.



Anyway, I feel for you. PRIORTIES, man, priorities!

[cjbigcog]

A moment of silence is in order. :sadwavey:

[Garry Dean]

Sorry, bro.

[mikenap]

I know the feeling. I had a silver/grey e46 M3 that was great. But I eased the pain with the acquisition of my Cayman S.



I really don`t need all the cars I have now and the money could go to better use elsewhere but I can`t decide what would go away.



Anyway, I feel for you. PRIORTIES, man, priorities!

Thanks Brad. Actually a Cayman S is on my short list of potential replacements. What would you consider its strengths and weaknesses compared to an e46 M3 are?

A moment of silence is in order. :sadwavey:

Thank you.:sadpace:

[gmblack3]

Sorry bro!

[Brad B]

Thanks Brad. Actually a Cayman S is on my short list of potential replacements. What would you consider its strengths and weaknesses compared to an e46 M3 are?

I first got the M3 because it was on my dream list as well. But since I already had the Audi S4 soon I found myself wanting something more radically different to drive when I wasn`t in the S4. Of course the S4 and M3 have some differences, too, but essentially they have more similarities. I also do a lot of driving events on the race track throughout the year and I wanted something better at that, but still something to keep stock.



The Cayman S is a wonderful balance. Mine has the PASM adjustable suspension which is magic. It has and incredibly compliant suspension on the street yet at the push of a button tightens up wonderfully for the track. The handling is in a different league than the M3 and a joy to drive anywhere. Steering is telepathic and the brakes are amazing. The engine power is wonderful and the tranny, with the Porsche short shifter option, is the best I have owned. The engine makes great sounds, too. The interior is of better quality regarding fit and finish and the sport seats are fantastic. The versatiliy of having a hatchback with TWO trunks front and rear make the Cayman really versatile as a daily driver. I can haul a lot of stuff.



I just wish I could afford to keep all my cars. But much as I loved the M3, I have never looked back since I got the Cayman S.

[mikenap]

Sorry bro!

Thanks Bryan. Good luck with your new acquisition when it comes in! It looks like a very unique car!

I first got the M3 because it was on my dream list as well. But since I already had the Audi S4 soon I found myself wanting something more radically different to drive when I wasn`t in the S4. Of course the S4 and M3 have some differences, too, but essentially they have more similarities. I also do a lot of driving events on the race track throughout the year and I wanted something better at that, but still something to keep stock.



The Cayman S is a wonderful balance. Mine has the PASM adjustable suspension which is magic. It has and incredibly compliant suspension on the street yet at the push of a button tightens up wonderfully for the track. The handling is in a different league than the M3 and a joy to drive anywhere. Steering is telepathic and the brakes are amazing. The engine power is wonderful and the tranny, with the Porsche short shifter option, is the best I have owned. The engine makes great sounds, too. The interior is of better quality regarding fit and finish and the sport seats are fantastic. The versatiliy of having a hatchback with TWO trunks front and rear make the Cayman really versatile as a daily driver. I can haul a lot of stuff.



I just wish I could afford to keep all my cars. But much as I loved the M3, I have never looked back since I got the Cayman S.

Thanks for the detailed reply Brad. I don`t track at all, but hope to at least try it eventually. There`s another car on my short list that might be considered a track-only car, so the S might be a perfect fit of fun and practicality.

[Accumulator]

mikenap- I`ll approach this sad news from a different angle and give you props for having your priorities in order :xyxthumbs

[mikenap]

mikenap- I`ll approach this sad news from a different angle and give you props for having your priorities in order :xyxthumbs

Thanks Accumulator. If nothing else, it gives me plenty of time to research my next one.

[Woody Wax]

Mike, I`m sorry to hear you have let that beautiful car go. But on the up side it makes room for bigger and better options to replace it.



Chin up son it can only get better





Cheers



Daniel

[JohnZ3MC]

That`s really bad news for sure. your M3 was just beautiful and it was the best of the colors too, Imola red, just like my M coupe.

Those M`s really are a step above and here`s a thought to help you deal with the transition times - the M5 comes in Imola too.