Guys, would you say our FRS's handling is same or better than BMW's?

[E46toFT86]

Had an 03.5 E46 M3 w/ square wheel setup 9.5 wide w/ 265 Michelin pss tires and coilovers. The m3 handled like it was on rails. Compared to my current FRS setup I would say the handling is about the same if not better. What I like about the 86 is the faster steering response and lighter feel. Plus I feel more in control than I did with the M.

[chaoskaze]

is Superman stronger then Goku? Sorry I had too.

[shu5892001]

I use to have a FRS with light weight 18x9.5 245 sticky all around. I have now moved to a E9x M3 and like other people said, the FRS feels more agile at the same time also more nervous. M3 is much more planted and I have more confidence driving.

Now having said that, everyone will try to justify their own purchases and feel their ride is the superior one, but the fact is probably 90% of the driver won't even feel the difference in handling between a FRS and a sporty bmw.

[EAGLE5]

My problems with the M3 are cost of owning and running, size, weight, and reliability. I have spent far too much time in a BMW shop just because the cars are unreliable. I have spent far too much time in a Toyota dealership, but that's because they're largely incompetent. The cars are strong.

The nice thing about BMW unreliability is that I got to drive a wide variety of fun loaner cars. My favorite was the Z4. I learned that I hate the Mini Cooper S. I learned just how sucky turbo lag is from a 535i. I learned what an incredible pleasure the BMW I6 is when naturally aspirated and stuffed into a 3 series. In the 5 series, the NA I6 is weaksauce.

If money and reliability were not important, I would strongly consider getting an M3 or 335i as an extra car. As it stands, I'm hoping for a 4-door FR-S.

[suaveflooder]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

My problems with the M3 are cost of owning and running, size, weight, and reliability. I have spent far too much time in a BMW shop just because the cars are unreliable. I have spent far too much time in a Toyota dealership, but that's because they're largely incompetent. The cars are strong.

The nice thing about BMW unreliability is that I got to drive a wide variety of fun loaner cars. My favorite was the Z4. I learned that I hate the Mini Cooper S. I learned just how sucky turbo lag is from a 535i. I learned what an incredible pleasure the BMW I6 is when naturally aspirated and stuffed into a 3 series. In the 5 series, the NA I6 is weaksauce.

If money and reliability were not important, I would strongly consider getting an M3 or 335i as an extra car. As it stands, I'm hoping for a 4-door FR-S.

I feel reliability is a direct corrilation of maintenance. I have a ton of friends who drive m3's and like I mentioned, I even owned one for awhile with no issues. Cost of ownership is high, but if you keep on top of maintenance, you really don't have to worry about reliability. This does include preventative maintenance as well, which adds even more to the cost. For those looking to buy an m3, word to the wise. Pay 100% cash for the car so you don't have a payment. The money you will save on the monthly car payment will go straight toward maintenance.

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by suaveflooder

I feel reliability is a direct corrilation of maintenance. I have a ton of friends who drive m3's and like I mentioned, I even owned one for awhile with no issues. Cost of ownership is high, but if you keep on top of maintenance, you really don't have to worry about reliability. This does include preventative maintenance as well, which adds even more to the cost. For those looking to buy an m3, word to the wise. Pay 100% cash for the car so you don't have a payment. The money you will save on the monthly car payment will go straight toward maintenance.

No amount of maintenance will stop the electrical problems common to BMWs. It won't stop engine oil leaks either. Nor transmission leaks. Or a failed windshield washer pump. Nor blown speakers. Nor worn through trim. Nor burst bushings. Nor warped rotors. Nor cracked rims. Nor a malfunctioning charging system. Nor dead fuel pumps and dead injectors, but that was my mother's car. Nor dead turbos, which stopped me from buying a 535 wagon.

In the end, I was afraid to drive the 550i Sport quickly because I was afraid things would break.

[chas3wba0]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

No amount of maintenance will stop the electrical problems common to BMWs. It won't stop engine oil leaks either. Nor transmission leaks. Or a failed windshield washer pump. Nor blown speakers. Nor worn through trim. Nor burst bushings. Nor warped rotors. Nor cracked rims. Nor a malfunctioning charging system. Nor dead fuel pumps and dead injectors, but that was my mother's car. Nor dead turbos, which stopped me from buying a 535 wagon.

In the end, I was afraid to drive the 550i Sport quickly because I was afraid things would break.

Encountered 7 out of the 12 things you listed on my old E46. I loved that little car, but could only take so many headaches and hits to the wallet

[suaveflooder]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

No amount of maintenance will stop the electrical problems common to BMWs. It won't stop engine oil leaks either. Nor transmission leaks. Or a failed windshield washer pump. Nor blown speakers. Nor worn through trim. Nor burst bushings. Nor warped rotors. Nor cracked rims. Nor a malfunctioning charging system. Nor dead fuel pumps and dead injectors, but that was my mother's car. Nor dead turbos, which stopped me from buying a 535 wagon.

In the end, I was afraid to drive the 550i Sport quickly because I was afraid things would break.

I obviously hang out with A LOT of VERY LUCKY M3 owners. Lol. I'm still a part of M3forums and haven't heard of most of those problems. (sincere post, by the way…no sarcasm. We are fortunate owners!)

I'll be honest, I plan on getting into an E9X M3 as soon as I can. I'm hoping to have one in the next couple years.

[EAGLE5]

Granted, I have not owned an M3. I did, however, see a dead E60 M5 at the track. He kept going into limp home mode. He was not happy. My 550i was a blast, though.

At this point, I'll put some brake fluid and some pads on for the track and call it a day. Stock tires are fine with me. They just mean I won't get nauseous quite so quickly. I hope it ends up costing me a fraction of what the BMW cost to run.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by suaveflooder

I feel reliability is a direct corrilation of maintenance. I have a ton of friends who drive m3's and like I mentioned, I even owned one for awhile with no issues. Cost of ownership is high, but if you keep on top of maintenance, you really don't have to worry about reliability. This does include preventative maintenance as well, which adds even more to the cost. For those looking to buy an m3, word to the wise. Pay 100% cash for the car so you don't have a payment. The money you will save on the monthly car payment will go straight toward maintenance.

I've spent $0 on maint on mine since buying it in 3 months, a lot less than the $1,200 on the BRZ payment

It did break a $10 connector though.. and it leaks, but it's a E36 so of course it leaks. Actually they all leak eventually but so does any other car.

[suaveflooder]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

I've spent $0 on maint on mine since buying it in 3 months, a lot less than the $1,200 on the BRZ payment



It did break a $10 connector though.. and it leaks, but it's a E36 so of course it leaks. Actually they all leak eventually but so does any other car.

I never really had to put money into my M either! Go figure....it was just tires. Yours is sexier than mine was, though. I'm in love with your car'b

[King Tut]

Handling really comes down to three things:

1. Suspension Design
2. Tires
3. Weight

The M3 has the advantage in two of those categories in my mind with weight being the only advantage the FR-S has.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by King Tut

Handling really comes down to three things:

1. Suspension Design
2. Tires
3. Weight

The M3 has the advantage in two of those categories in my mind with weight being the only advantage the FR-S has.

Tires can be easily changed in both cars so wouldn't that be a moot point? Or what are you more specifically getting at there? How the tires are used comes down to suspension design and weight, so it can't be that. How much tire there is can be easily altered AND the Twins don't need as much tire, so could you please clarify for me Tut?

[EAGLE5]

Blah. Gross oversimplification. Suspension is wildly complex.

Originally Posted by King Tut

Handling really comes down to three things:

1. Suspension Design
2. Tires
3. Weight

The M3 has the advantage in two of those categories in my mind with weight being the only advantage the FR-S has.