Anir

[quote]Originally posted by pig4bill:
<strong>It's ridiculous to write off BMW because they've had a problem with the e46 M3 engines. </strong><hr></blockquote>

I'm not sure that anyone is "writing off" BMW, though I truly believe that engines should not fail in high-end cars with 8,000 miles. Personally, I turned around and bought an SUV powered by a BMW engine connected to a BMW transmission! It was interesting to read of DJ's experience with the Mini, though.

I lost my fervor for the M3 for a number of reasons, including the soft suspension, vague steering, lack of interior room, lack of 4 doors, and SMG transmission. Despite my initial enthusiasm for the SMG, I came to view it as fundamentally flawed at anything less than track speeds and/or full acceleration. The engine was simply the final straw.


[quote]Originally posted by A.J. - 95 993:
<strong>

Next time you're in town, give me a call. It would be fun to meet you. Hopefully my car will be ready by 10/5 (yeah Robin, I have my fingers crossed - no issues on parts availability yet, and Gert's bumpers are due in tomorrow). I plan on meeting Greg at Putnam. Are you going, Anir?</strong><hr></blockquote>

AJ, I'd love to get together. We go to Louisville all the time, just to get Indian food at Shalimar off Hurstborne. I probably will not make the Wheel Source event at Putnam. I've put the DE hobby on hold until next spring, to better digest this eventful summer (totalled Ducati, blown M3 engine, new Range Rover, several 993 repairs). Greg will undoubtedly continue to have a field day giving me grief about this decision.


[quote]Originally posted by Peter OToole:
<strong>Anir - did you test a G500 when considering the Rover? Pete in DC 96 C4</strong><hr></blockquote>

Pete,

I did not, nor did we look at the new Hummer. We did briefly consider a Yukon, and a Discovery.

I have been following the story of the new RR for two years in the British journals, and was very attracted to the huge investment poured into the project, the fact that it was Reitzle's baby, the BMW-sourced components, the history of the marque, and the exterior / interior appearance. And I'm not kidding - the thing drives unlike any truck I've ever driven. I was sold after 5 minutes on the test drive. Maybe, it's the independent suspension and/or the BMW input.

Greg Fishman

Anir,
I would give you grief whether you went to the event or not.

I think Peter was asking you about the Mercedes G500. I have seen the inside of one and it was nice and reminded me of an older, better made MB vs. my ML.

Greg

Anir

[quote]Originally posted by Greg Fishman:
<strong>Anir,
I would give you grief whether you went to the event or not.

I think Peter was asking you about the Mercedes G500. I have seen the inside of one and it was nice and reminded me of an older, better made MB vs. my ML.

Greg</strong><hr></blockquote>

Greg,

"Better made" than your ML? How could that be?

I used to live outside Tuscaloosa, and as much as I love the South, I'd be hard-pressed to buy a MB assembled by my former neighbors down there.

But then, I guess you bought the ML for its sheer curbside sex appeal, or maybe it was the stump-pulling 5000 lb tow capacity, or ...

Tag - you're it.

Sachin Misra

Every manufacturer has their "issues" whether its drivetrain related or electrical. The 95/96 993s are a perfect example of Porsche using sub-standard materials on their wiring harnesses.

At least BMW is making an attempt to address the issue. Porsche knows about the problem but yet leaves most owners holding the bag on a $1,800 harness replacement.

Don't get me wrong the 993 is the most enjoyable car I've ever owned, (BMW, Mercedes, and various other American & Japanese cars. Porsche customer service however is among the worst I've experienced.

<img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />

pig4bill

[quote]Originally posted by Anir:
<strong>
I lost my fervor for the M3 for a number of reasons, including the soft suspension, vague steering, lack of interior room, lack of 4 doors, and SMG transmission. Despite my initial enthusiasm for the SMG, I came to view it as fundamentally flawed at anything less than track speeds and/or full acceleration. The engine was simply the final straw.
</strong><hr></blockquote>

My spot on the M3 waiting list came up 4 months ago. I keep putting the salesman off because I've lost a certain amout of interest too. Although not because I want a big interior or 4 doors. I have not driven the SMG - what is it you didn't like? Was the shifting too harsh? I've driven the 'Yota Mister Two which shifts nice and soft. Unfortunately it has only 1 program.

Greg Fishman

[quote]Originally posted by Anir:
<strong>

Greg,

"Better made" than your ML? How could that be?

I used to live outside Tuscaloosa, and as much as I love the South, I'd be hard-pressed to buy a MB assembled by my former neighbors down there.

But then, I guess you bought the ML for its sheer curbside sex appeal, or maybe it was the stump-pulling 5000 lb tow capacity, or ...

Tag - you're it. </strong><hr></blockquote>


Anir,
I was talking about giving you grief over not making it to the DE, not about the type of vehicle you purchased.

My wife decided on the ML, her criteria may have been different than yours. She didn't buy it to profile. She wanted the safest vehicle that we could also tow our boat and, later my car with. We were able to lease a $50K+ vehicle for less than what a domestic SUV would have cost. When you compare the ML to what was available 4 years ago the choices were more limited. It may only have a 5000lb rating but I promise it tows that weight better than some large SUV's do.
Do you want to wager it will do better than the RR? Why don't you tow your 993 to the next event and see?

Bins

In the same way as most other manufacturers including BMW and Mercedes , how do we know whether even Porsche have reduced the cost of manufacturing at an expense to the customers?

I hope this makes sense? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Roygarth

A new M3 costs £40K,
A new 996 costs £60K.
Their 'performance', specification etc. is similar.
They are both German.

This tells me something - BMW must be cutting big corners somewhere.

BR
Piers

DC from Cape Cod

Or perhaps Porsche is merely gouging their clients...

Both are equally viable theories until you remember the fact that, based on volume, Porsche is now the most profitable car company in the business.

The M3 is an excellent car....so excellent, in fact, that the only car it doesn't completely measure up to is a 993.

Both manufacturers have had their share of problems......

Anir

Since this post is "back from the dead" , I'll give a little update. Apparently, our local BMW dealer is having difficulty selling our former E46 M3. I'm not sure what they're asking, but we received $51K. I feel fortunate to have sold that car with 8,000 miles and a replaced engine without taking a bigger hit.

Randy M

Glad I sold my 2001 M3 before it happened to me as well. I took a $3K hit but was ecstatic to see it drive away. I quite possibly will never buy another BMW, especially after they sent me that damage control letter stating to break the car in properly and all that.

DC from Cape Cod

Agreed, the letter was insulting.

What did Porsche do when they had hundreds of Boxster engines fail?

I am looking to come back to a 993 as well....not through any fault of the M3, just a realization that the 993 was simply the finest automobile ever made.

Roygarth

DC
Perhaps you're right. To be honest I've often wondered how P have sold any 964/993/996 when they cost 50% more than the M3 equivalent with similar 'performance'?

All I do know is that whatever my budget I would always buy the P911 over the M3 - blinded by the brand?

BR
Piers

DC from Cape Cod

The 993 and 964 cost Porsche a LOT to make.....far more than the 996 (I hear it costs 40% less to make than the prior models yet sells for more).

Part of the higher selling price is the name but a lot is the higher quality components (Brembos, etc) and (in the past) the higher build cost.

Now, (996), I think a lot of the difference is profit...but the 996 is still a much better sports car.

Keep in mind that the M3 was not designed to be a sports car...it is a compromise car. It offers 90% of the 911 performance for $20K less while seating 4 adults and keeping the wife happy (j/k).

Even though I own a M3, I still come here every day.....and that realization has finally sunk in.