Hello Gents,
I am feeling some excitement around my automotive stable so I figured I'd share. Hope all is well!
Anyways, I am potentially purchasing a black 2011 BMW M3 Convertible with 48,000 miles and change, the DCT, the bamboo color interior, premium sound, heated seats, Idrive (yikes), and beautiful fake wood.
"Convertible? You're nuts, that's a horrible M3!"
Yes, I might agree with you. But, after much consideration, I have justified the compromise by understanding that I live in Texas and genuinely enjoy top down driving. I also have two dogs who enjoy riding in the car and they'll love the open top. It's convertible weather most of the year. I drive around the city mostly and enjoy a spirited drive in the country maybe once a month.
"2011 M3? There are better cars"
I spent a lot of time trying to get a 997 911 C2S/C4S. Was very close to getting one. The ones I want are $10k more at the minimum ($38-45k), but yes this is a strong argument...Mustang GT, Camaro SS, etc. yes also strong arguments. Probably much cheaper to maintain too. Do they rev to 8000 rpm though?
"Not the manual?"
I hear you. My VW GTI is a manual and I'm going to hang onto it for a while. It has an APR Stage 2 ECU upgrade, APR downpipe, and APR air intake, but otherwise looks like it did as it rolled off the lot, so it has a manual and it's fast and fun. It's a 2017 Autobahn with all the options so it's quite nice too. She's a good road trip car. BUT the M3 DCT is supposed to be excellent and I've never had one, so I'd like the check it out!
"Pictures?"
Unfortunately they took the ad down and I didn't save any photos. Will upload some when I get some!
Current Garage:
2017 VW GTI Autobahn
2010 BMW Z4 3.0si (to be replaced)
What do you think? Am I crazy or are you on board? :lol:
:rockon:
Sounds good.
I'm on board. :lol:
No doubt it will be a fun car. And that engine. :wub: At a basic level it sounds like you are trading a sports car for a GT.
I've driven enough DSG/DST type cars to think of them as something between an automatic and a manual. You don't get as much engagement as three pedals (IMHO) but they feel more responsive than normal, and its not just about how fast they change gears. Everything just feels more direct.
You're upgrading from a Z4 to a proper 'vert M3, and you want to know if you're crazy? No friend, you've recovered.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on February 07, 2021, 09:32:20 PM
Mustang GT, Camaro SS, etc. yes also strong arguments. Probably much cheaper to maintain too. Do they rev to 8000 rpm though?
'18+ Mustangs go to 7500...
:rockon:
Nice choice.
And don't worry about the DCT - it's fun in into own way. I love the DCT in my A250 - smooth, quick-shifting and 99% of the time in the right gear (except in ECO MODE).
Quote from: SJ_GTI on February 08, 2021, 06:00:16 AM
At a basic level it sounds like you are trading a sports car for a GT.
It's a big change. I had a G37 convertible for a while. It's a fun and practical class of car, you can have fun and bring your coworkers to lunch (during The Beforetimes). I put great tires on it (Pole Positions) and the car drove fantastically in spite of the PRHT weight. But the big reason I switched back to a Miata is that I realized that the solidity and roadhandling of the G37 meant it really only started becoming enjoyable at felony speeds. My previous NA Miata was fun anywhere above 40mph.
So, keep in mind what you're trading when you make the change. I'm sure an M3 is going to be lots more fun than the G37, but make sure it's fun for the type of driving (and corresponding legal risks) that you prefer.
Welcome back man, good to see you
Sounds awesome, but is the DCT going to be a can of worms (I don't know the answer, but it's worth looking into)? How well maintained is it?
Would you think of a Boxster, or are you set on a 4 seater? That V8 has a great track record (and is a phenomenal engine), I love the E92/3 M3. If I had all the money in the world, I think I'd buy a pristine E90 M3 (or E60 M5) and perpetually put $ into it for a DD.
Quote from: Laconian on February 08, 2021, 02:40:23 PM
It's a big change. I had a G37 convertible for a while. It's a fun and practical class of car, you can have fun and bring your coworkers to lunch (during The Beforetimes). I put great tires on it (Pole Positions) and the car drove fantastically in spite of the PRHT weight. But the big reason I switched back to a Miata is that I realized that the solidity and roadhandling of the G37 meant it really only started becoming enjoyable at felony speeds. My previous NA Miata was fun anywhere above 40mph.
So, keep in mind what you're trading when you make the change. I'm sure an M3 is going to be lots more fun than the G37, but make sure it's fun for the type of driving (and corresponding legal risks) that you prefer.
I've heard it said that since the Z4 is essentially a 3-series underneath, it drives more like a sport sedan than a proper roadster (a la Miata). Other than physical size, an E9x may not feel all that different.
Quote from: MX793 on February 08, 2021, 06:57:19 PM
I've heard it said that since the Z4 is essentially a 3-series underneath, it drives more like a sport sedan than a proper roadster (a la Miata). Other than physical size, an E9x may not feel all that different.
I know the later PRHT Z4 was like that, but the Bangle 2010 was pretty raw, no?
I'm pretty sure the 2010 is one of the hardtop Z4s, not the earlier E85. But then again, if it's a 3.0si then it's probably an E85. The E89 Z4 is when BMW started with the word spaghetti nomenclature (xDrive30i, etc).
congrats!
Convertible life rocks. We just made a late night wal-mart run in Scrappy, top is always down unless it's raining.
No news so far, which makes me grumpy. I received an email on Sunday from the general sales manager, which I promptly responded to on Sunday. Followed up again on Monday, and again twice today with no response. I meant to call during my short and only break during lunch between meetings, but I got sidetracked and forgot. I'll try to call tomorrow. My deposit technically expires today, for whatever that is worth. The the fine print clearly explains its very refundable so not too concerned on that front. Kinda frustrating and odd they aren't trying to close the deal!
Quote from: MX793 on February 08, 2021, 06:57:19 PM
I've heard it said that since the Z4 is essentially a 3-series underneath, it drives more like a sport sedan than a proper roadster (a la Miata). Other than physical size, an E9x may not feel all that different.
The Z4 is the E89 with the hardtop convertible. I haven't driven a Miata, but your characterization seems about right.
Quote from: CALL_911 on February 08, 2021, 06:49:27 PM
Welcome back man, good to see you
Sounds awesome, but is the DCT going to be a can of worms (I don't know the answer, but it's worth looking into)? How well maintained is it?
Would you think of a Boxster, or are you set on a 4 seater? That V8 has a great track record (and is a phenomenal engine), I love the E92/3 M3. If I had all the money in the world, I think I'd buy a pristine E90 M3 (or E60 M5) and perpetually put $ into it for a DD.
Boxsters were on the list. I stumbled across a few good ones over the past couple months, but I never pulled the trigger.
The M3 seems to be well maintained. Two owners, regularly serviced at a BMW dealer, no accidents, all on the up and up according to carfax. Driven regularly but still lowish miles. Fingers crossed it's not a dud!
Damn! They sold it. Back to the drawing board...
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on February 10, 2021, 07:54:10 AM
Damn! They sold it. Back to the drawing board...
Do it. Be different. Be unique. :praise:
1975 ISUZU 117 COUPEhttps://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6759-1975-isuzu-117-coupe/
(https://hymanltd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/6759.jpg)
(https://hymanltd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/6759_6.jpg)
That's a handsome looking car.
This one has a dreary gray interior, but otherwise checks all the boxes! Hmmm...
Autotrader link:
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/2231b9a1 (http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/2231b9a1)
Dealer link:
https://www.autonation.com/cars/WBSDX9C50CE785001 (https://www.autonation.com/cars/WBSDX9C50CE785001)
Ah, welcome back!
E92 M3s are cool cars. You aren't nervous about dogs climbing and tearing up leather seats at all? Granted, I never owned a dog, but my 4Runner or something like that is what I would want if I was hauling dogs around a lot.
I test drove an E90 M3 with a manual years ago. Engine is a total monster. One of the best engines that I could afford. The catastrophic failure potential scarred me off, but if you got the appetite for something more exotic, do it! I actually agree with the DCT pick too. I felt like I couldn't keep up with a manual with that engine honestly. You're instantly the bottleneck in exploring and enjoying that engine, and it's pretty apparent too. I'm sure I would get used to it if I had one, but man, I felt like there was this huge exciting, manic rev through the range, then my slow clunky shift, followed by another wild run up. In a slower car it's not a big deal. In a car that powerful though, it's pretty apparent.
Yeah I think Manuals are extremely awesome in underpowered cars- you know that you're coming up on a hill or corner and don't want it always going for "most fuel economy" gear.
More powered cars it's not as crucial to have to manage not getting run over by traffic while waiting for auto shift...
I certainly enjoyed my one and only exposure to the M3 when the BMW Track Day came to town.
I wouldn't mind a good DCT in the Miata for driving around town or even autocross.
Wimp! ND stick is painless.
Quote from: Laconian on February 12, 2021, 04:20:49 PM
Wimp! ND stick is painless.
:lol:
I have wanted a different transmission a few times when I got stuck in 20+min of stuck traffic though. One time my thigh was SERIOUSLY sore the next day. Couldn't just limp in idle in 1st even, had to keep braking and going.
Quote from: Laconian on February 12, 2021, 04:20:49 PM
Wimp! ND stick is painless.
It's just geared so aggressively so it's a lot of shifting around town, especially compared to my tall-geared 4 speed El Camino that stays in a gear for twice as long. It's not an actual problem, but it would be more seamless to just click a paddle shifter around town.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on February 12, 2021, 07:06:13 PM
It's just geared so aggressively so it's a lot of shifting around town, especially compared to my tall-geared 4 speed El Camino that stays in a gear for twice as long. It's not an actual problem, but it would be more seamless to just click a paddle shifter around town.
Mustang is similar. I skip gears around town.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on February 12, 2021, 05:10:01 PM
:lol:
I have wanted a different transmission a few times when I got stuck in 20+min of stuck traffic though. One time my thigh was SERIOUSLY sore the next day. Couldn't just limp in idle in 1st even, had to keep braking and going.
I had to commute to a client's office 40 minutes from my house for six months last year. The first 20 minutes were 5-20 MPH so that was a lot of 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifting and that got rough after legs day. The other 20 minutes were 50-70 MPH so I would turn on the radar cruise control and the VW just drove itself. I missed my daily dose of NPR when that project ended.
Heh, I miss NPR and my podcasts too.
My commute is about 2 miles to the interstate- 4 stop signs and 4 turns. Then it's 16 miles of interstate and 55mph highway with a cloverleaf and 3 lights. Then about 2 miles of 35mph with a turn and a 4way.
Pretty boring except for the cloverleafs. If I get first in line at the light I can come into the interstate 1/4 mile ahead of the next car lol.
https://www.autonation.com/cars/WBSDX9C50CE785001 (https://www.autonation.com/cars/WBSDX9C50CE785001)
I really want one in a dark color with a tan or even red interior, but this one otherwise checks all the boxes and it's a good price (provided the $799 "dealer service fee" is negotiated away). Should I be picky and wait for one with a better interior? The interior is where you live in the car, but is it really that important? It's not a new car, so beggars can't be choosers they say...
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on February 19, 2021, 07:53:06 PM
https://www.autonation.com/cars/WBSDX9C50CE785001 (https://www.autonation.com/cars/WBSDX9C50CE785001)
I really want one in a dark color with a tan or even red interior, but this one otherwise checks all the boxes and it's a good price (provided the $799 "dealer service fee" is negotiated away). Should I be picky and wait for one with a better interior? The interior is where you live in the car, but is it really that important? It's not a new car, so beggars can't be choosers they say...
I actually like that interior color.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on February 19, 2021, 07:58:54 PM
I actually like that interior color.
Fifty shades of grey? Red would make it pop.
I think I'd go brown if I could choose from scratch, but I think grey leather looks good on that interior. It'll definitely be better than black with the top down in the sun.
I don't understand you guys getting tired or sore legs driving a manual. Never had that problem, even in heavy traffic.
I don't blame you for getting the vert, I think if I were ever to own a fun car again it would be a convertible. Even something like a Miata has a lot more appeal to me than another m3 sedan.
Quote from: Lebowski on February 20, 2021, 06:49:14 AM
I don't understand you guys getting tired or sore legs driving a manual. Never had that problem, even in heavy traffic.
Only happened to me twice- but both times it was 20+min of clutch in, clutch out. Clutch in, clutch out.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on February 20, 2021, 06:53:30 AM
Only happened to me twice- but both times it was 20+min of clutch in, clutch out. Clutch in, clutch out.
Do you pop it into neutral as you are stopping and release the clutch?
Some drivers sit there with the clutch pedal depressed when stopped. Hard on the leg, hard on the throw-out bearing.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on February 20, 2021, 06:53:30 AM
Only happened to me twice- but both times it was 20+min of clutch in, clutch out. Clutch in, clutch out.
Only time it ever happened to me, I was stuck in gridlock on I90 for road construction. Took me over an hour to creep along a 2 mile stretch.
Quote from: FoMoJo on February 20, 2021, 07:09:01 AM
Do you pop it into neutral as you are stopping and release the clutch?
Some drivers sit there with the clutch pedal depressed when stopped. Hard on the leg, hard on the throw-out bearing.
Sometimes and tried to minimize the clutch action but it was stop and go foreeeeeeeeeeever
Quote from: Lebowski on February 20, 2021, 06:49:14 AM
I don't understand you guys getting tired or sore legs driving a manual. Never had that problem, even in heavy traffic.
Same.
I always put it in neutral when stopped for more than a few seconds
Quote from: Lebowski on February 20, 2021, 06:49:14 AM
I don't understand you guys getting tired or sore legs driving a manual. Never had that problem, even in heavy traffic.
I don't blame you for getting the vert, I think if I were ever to own a fun car again it would be a convertible. Even something like a Miata has a lot more appeal to me than another m3 sedan.
Agree
Ok so I've driven Miata into DC in rush hour on 25mph roads that take an hour to go 5 miles. I was ok then. But a couple other extreme traffic jams- horrible. It's not that my leg was unusable later, just somewhat sore.
You guys got some weak ass legs :lol:
Automatic M3? Sigh.
Quote from: MrH on February 21, 2021, 08:45:59 AM
You guys got some weak ass legs :lol:
:heated: :thumbsup:
Driving a manual in traffic never bothered me either. I don't have much traffic nowadays but I did when I drove my A4 while living in Montreal (TMR specifically, just a bit north of downtown). Driving ~5 miles could easily take 30-40 minutes there. I also had pretty bad traffic when I was in grad school. I lived in a little town in South Jersey just off Rt 42 coming off the bridge and was working in Pennsauken (right next to the Cherry Hill mall). A ~10 mile commute routinely took ~45-45 minutes, but on bad days it could be an hour and a half to get home in the evening.
To me traffic is annoying whether you have an automatic or manual, but putting it in gear myself never seemed particularly stressful.
I get no more enjoyment selecting a gear in my Mazda then flipping a paddle in my Alfa -shrug-
Quote from: r0tor on February 23, 2021, 02:59:54 PM
I get no more enjoyment selecting a gear in my Mazda then flipping a paddle in my Alfa -shrug-
Perfect seamless shifts are still a dopamine hit for me.
Quote from: Laconian on February 23, 2021, 03:05:44 PM
Perfect seamless shifts are still a dopamine hit for me.
So is a nice.brratttttt from a machine gun quick gear change
Quote from: Laconian on February 23, 2021, 03:05:44 PM
Perfect seamless shifts are still a dopamine hit for me.
Shifts should be so reflexive that one never consciously notices them.
Quote from: FoMoJo on February 23, 2021, 04:49:04 PM
Shifts should be so reflexive that one never consciously notices them.
When you feel zero drivetrain lash during an aggressive downshift... mmm.
Quote from: Laconian on February 23, 2021, 05:14:36 PM
When you feel zero drivetrain lash during an aggressive downshift... mmm.
+1
Snap crackle pop of a brilliant executed re matched downshift.... With the flick of a paddle... Ahhhh
Quote from: Laconian on February 23, 2021, 05:14:36 PM
When you feel zero drivetrain lash during an aggressive downshift... mmm.
You are part of the car, or vice versa. Your focus is 100% on the drive...the road, the potential obstacles...you see, you feel, you react.
I know it's not quite that simple, but in really tricky split second situations, it needs to happen that way if you are to avoid a potential collision, or simply get best results. I was surprised, after having a unavoidable collision, that sitting there with my car's nose (Alfa) smashed up against the front wheel of a huge black Cadillac, that I had shifted into neutral while braking and the engine was still running; though the radiator had been pushed back against the fan. I have since exercised defensive driving.
Quote from: FoMoJo on February 23, 2021, 05:51:31 PM
You are part of the car, or vice versa. Your focus is 100% on the drive...the road, the potential obstacles...you see, you feel, you react.
I know it's not quite that simple, but in really tricky split second situations, it needs to happen that way if you are to avoid a potential collision, or simply get best results. I was surprised, after having a unavoidable collision, that sitting there with my car's nose (Alfa) smashed up against the front wheel of a huge black Cadillac, that I had shifted into neutral while braking and the engine was still running; though the radiator had been pushed back against the fan. I have since exercised defensive driving.
Depending on what gear you were in, the shifter may have popped into neutral upon impact.
I don't really get any special enjoyment from shifting during normal driving, but I'm used to it and when I've driven automatics I miss having a traditional manual transmission.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on February 23, 2021, 06:12:34 PM
I don't really get any special enjoyment from shifting during normal driving, but I'm used to it and when I've driven automatics I miss having a traditional manual transmission.
I never miss the clutch pedal, only the gear selecting part of manuals
Quote from: MX793 on February 23, 2021, 06:10:17 PM
Depending on what gear you were in, the shifter may have popped into neutral upon impact.
Possible, but I don't think so. It was always my habit to pop it into neutral when braking as I was coming to a stop. A quick declutch and flip of the gearshift. It became a reflex and I did it automatically. Much of the mechanics of driving is a reflex; or should be.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on February 23, 2021, 06:17:01 PM
I never miss the clutch pedal, only the gear selecting part of manuals
+1
I frequently zone out while rowing gears and go to the next one but there isn't one....
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on February 23, 2021, 07:21:49 PM
+1
I frequently zone out while rowing gears and go to the next one but there isn't one....
That's why your transmissions keep exploding on the freeway. You're shifting into reverse.
Quote from: Laconian on February 23, 2021, 07:52:36 PM
That's why your transmissions keep exploding on the freeway. You're shifting into reverse.
:lol:
BTW I've never broken a transmission. Had to replace clutch in SHO but it was the throwout bearing and not the disc from n00b driving. Plus car had 150k+ miles and 13 years on it and at least two top speed runs that I know of....
What was the SHO's shifter like? All of my Taurus experiences have been on cars with bench seats and column shifters. Was there a wraparound console?
Quote from: Laconian on February 23, 2021, 08:06:31 PM
What was the SHO's shifter like? All of my Taurus experiences have been on cars with bench seats and column shifters. Was there a wraparound console?
Yes there was a console in the center, bucket seats. Mazda-built 5speed so it was pretty decent. Biggest issue really was people smoked a lot of clutches (LOL) and the differential didn't like burnouts at all- people installed quaife (french?) LSDs so they didn't blow up the transmission.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/1995-Ford-Taurus-Pictures-c246?picturesTabFilter=INTERIOR#pictureId=36085355
I offered $30,500 for this one. Hoping to settle somewhere in the middle if they don't ghost me. I wanted to stay at ~$28k and the $32,500 asking seems a bit high, but alas the scope creep has gotten the best of me! I am guessing it will depreciate another $10k before hitting it's bottom? The electric car bonanza seems like it will flip the depreciation equation for the ICE, so it's hard to tell on that point. It appears to have an aftermarket exhaust, which I am not sure I am mad about. Just hope it doesn't drone on the highway.
It sure is pretty though and seems to be in excellent condition!
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=576847677 (https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=576847677)
Nice interior.
Turns out the previous owner removed the muffler and put on new tips. According to my YouTube research it sounds pretty beastly without a muffler but it drones at typical 2-3k rpm speeds. I'm going to pass, but that does leave me disappointed.
The number of options expands a little bit if I include M3's with the stock sound, which is absolute garbage, so I would have to immediately upgrade it to something decent. Might make sense to get an Apple CarPlay solution in there at the same time. I've read about some solutions/systems that maintain all the original BMW functionality. But I feel like that would hurt the resale. What do you guys think?
Muffler is what, few hundred bucks??....
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on March 04, 2021, 08:07:56 PM
Turns out the previous owner removed the muffler and put on new tips. According to my YouTube research it sounds pretty beastly without a muffler but it drones at typical 2-3k rpm speeds. I'm going to pass, but that does leave me disappointed.
The number of options expands a little bit if I include M3's with the stock sound, which is absolute garbage, so I would have to immediately upgrade it to something decent. Might make sense to get an Apple CarPlay solution in there at the same time. I've read about some solutions/systems that maintain all the original BMW functionality. But I feel like that would hurt the resale. What do you guys think?
How about an active exhaust?
I said I'd pay full price if they put an OEM muffler on, but I'm open to alternatives. Guessing that's a hard no, so back to the drawing boards
I feel like a muffler plus labor is like $1500, or am I off? I can't do it myself.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on March 05, 2021, 08:38:35 PM
I said I'd pay full price if they put an OEM muffler on, but I'm open to alternatives. Guessing that's a hard no, so back to the drawing boards
I feel like a muffler plus labor is like $1500, or am I off? I can't do it myself.
Mufflers are $200? if that's all it is maybe $200 labor?
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on March 05, 2021, 09:03:54 PM
Mufflers are $200? if that's all it is maybe $200 labor?
There's probably a BMW tax to pay, but yeah it's say closer to a few hundred bucks than 1500
The dealer ghosted me after I said I wanted a muffler, and then it sold. I decided I should be responsible and sell the Z4 first, which if things go as expected, it will be sold next week or the week after for ~$1000 more than I bought it for (fingers crossed, waiting for the bank to give me the title so the wait might kill the deal... my fault for not paying for it before listing it, but let's ignore that).
Anyways, here's my current lust. It doesn't have the "individual audio" which is a bummer. It's sort of in the middle of nowhere and I don't have time to fly and pick it up or make sure it's not a dud, but shipping companies will pick it up and deliver it.
https://www.measemotors.com/auto/used-2011-bmw-m3-base-jonestown-pa/54040472/ (https://www.measemotors.com/auto/used-2011-bmw-m3-base-jonestown-pa/54040472/)
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on March 05, 2021, 09:03:54 PM
Mufflers are $200? if that's all it is maybe $200 labor?
Depends if the muffler is just a muffler or has active exhaust stuff in it.
M3 parts come with a premium price tag... Often a few thousand for an exhaust
Seems like OEM E92 M3 mufflers are around $1300.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on March 04, 2021, 08:07:56 PM
Turns out the previous owner removed the muffler and put on new tips. According to my YouTube research it sounds pretty beastly without a muffler but it drones at typical 2-3k rpm speeds. I'm going to pass, but that does leave me disappointed.
The number of options expands a little bit if I include M3's with the stock sound, which is absolute garbage, so I would have to immediately upgrade it to something decent. Might make sense to get an Apple CarPlay solution in there at the same time. I've read about some solutions/systems that maintain all the original BMW functionality. But I feel like that would hurt the resale. What do you guys think?
An audio system done well rarely hurts resale, especially if you keep the stock stuff so the next owner can revert if they want. The issue is when it isn't done correctly. It's not hard to do yourself, just put the extra couple of hours in to make your wiring and everything nice and tidy.
Hey Team!
I have decided to go in a very different direction. I am waiting for new brakes to come in for it before I pick it up, but hopefully soon will be the proud new owner of a 2018 BMW M550i xDrive!
https://www.essencemaserati.com/inventory/used-2018-bmw-5-series-m550i-xdrive-awd-4d-sedan-wbajb9c5xjb286615/ (https://www.essencemaserati.com/inventory/used-2018-bmw-5-series-m550i-xdrive-awd-4d-sedan-wbajb9c5xjb286615/)
Going to trade in the GTI, so I'm going to miss having a manual, but when I need to scratch the itch maybe I'll get a cheap Miata or get a Golf R.
Congrats! You might be surprised how little you miss a manual
Wow. It's been years. How have you been?
Quote from: Submariner on July 04, 2021, 01:39:23 PM
Wow. It's been years. How have you been?
Doing well! Been working a lot but that's mostly good! Still living down in Houston, TX where it has been endlessly raining forever. One advantage of the Silver BMW is it will hide the water spots better than the black on my GTI :praise:
There's no ETA on when the new brakes will come in. "It's a national shortage" so I am just sitting tight until they do come in. At the least it is giving me time to say goodbye to the GTI, which annoyingly needs me to replace the right DRL for the second time despite it having only 26,xxx miles argh.
Next car related decision is whether I get a parking spot in the garage at work. Since I'm not traveling anymore for the foreseeable future but back at the office it seems to make sense, especially since it rains a lot here. The spots are really tiny and it's on the 7th floor, so that's a lot of floors to drive up. Will make my 6 minute commute like 30% longer... decisions decisions :nutty:
I'd get the garage.
Would the garage be in the shade? If so OF COURSE!
Its nice to have a garage for sure. I keep my car in a garage at home, but of course it sits out in the sun for ~9 hours a day when I am at work, and that is normally the sunniest part of the day. SO how much is my car really benefiting from a garage? :huh:
Quote from: SJ_GTI on July 12, 2021, 07:05:54 AM
Its nice to have a garage for sure. I keep my car in a garage at home, but of course it sits out in the sun for ~9 hours a day when I am at work, and that is normally the sunniest part of the day. SO how much is my car really benefiting from a garage? :huh:
Yeah but it's nice to get in in the morning to a dry and not freezing or baking car.
Whoa that is a lot of car. Congrats man
That is a big, big boy indeed. Congratulations!
Quote from: SJ_GTI on July 12, 2021, 07:05:54 AM
Its nice to have a garage for sure. I keep my car in a garage at home, but of course it sits out in the sun for ~9 hours a day when I am at work, and that is normally the sunniest part of the day. SO how much is my car really benefiting from a garage? :huh:
CC's garage will protect his car from UV rays and most potential storm damage (severe weather usually hits between 12-6PM).
Quote from: Submariner on July 13, 2021, 11:31:19 AM
CC's garage will protect his car from UV rays and most potential storm damage (severe weather usually hits between 12-6PM).
Yeah I didn't really explain my thinking, but yes I would get the garage if I was in his shoes even if it was a pain in the butt to drive up 7 stories, particularly for that reason (as opposed to me, where my car is exposed to the worst part of the day even though I garage it at home).