For those of you who were debating between an E92 or E93 and/or a DCT vs Manual:

IS350 · 10-31-2008, 01:39 AM

What did you end up with an why?
92 for speed and handling?
93 for open air?
Was it as simple as that? I really don't plan on tracking much, but do like the idea of the faster car. That said, the retractable roof seems equally appealing.

Also, curious why you may have chosen either a manual over the DCT?
I like that the DCT is faster and easier in traffic, but of course there is something about the 3rd pedal, that can't be replaced.

Insight? Thoughts? Recommendations?

mspeed · 10-31-2008, 01:45 AM

500lbs.

torredresen · 10-31-2008, 04:12 AM

I got up,choosing my E93...
I dont care about 0.2 of a second when I'm driving openair and hear the egine moan...
Damn, gives me goosebumps.
Plus I think the E93 is betterlooking (even close) and more unique. BUT more expensive...
E92 ,E93 : Your choice, let the game begin

mkoesel · 10-31-2008, 08:01 AM

I was debating between the E90 and E93, and went with the E93. Don't think I would choose the E92 simply because if I give up the retractable roof I will go for the car with the most utility.

I would recommend you go test drive both. This should help you make the decision.

aggs400 · 10-31-2008, 08:07 AM

E93 is about as fast as IS350

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181634

mkoesel · 10-31-2008, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggs400

E93 is about as fast as IS350

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181634

BMW says E93 does 0-60 in 5.1s vs. 5.5s for the IS350. I'm pretty confident I'd take an IS350 on the street

Plus, that's just acceleration. E93 M3 is impressive on the track given its weight.

http://www.fastestlaps.com/track24.html

Almost as fast as an RS4 in this test. That's good enough for me.

bazmandude · 10-31-2008, 09:07 AM

I've owned several M3 coupes from the E36, both non-evo and Evo, through the E46 M3 (which i loved so much i kept it for 6 years

to the current 09 E93 (my fifth M3). Why the change from coupe to convertible?

Well I don't intend to track the car and here in the UK with traffic congestion and speed cameras there are few opportunities to really stretch the car. Even with the E46 I found it frustrating having all that power and ability on tap and struggling to find the chance to use it!

Now it’s true the E92 is faster and more rigid, but the new convertible with the roof up is a vast improvement on the previous generations of M3 convertible, each of which I tried every time I chanced my car for the latest generation.

Right up until the first time I drove my new E93 with the roof down I still wasn’t sure I had made the right decision but the feeling of pushing the M3 with the wind in your hair and the glorious sound of that V8 has total convinced me that, with the current generation, the compromises are worth it.

BTW: I have own SMG 1 and SMG 2 cars and the M-DCT in the current car is the dogs…..!!!

HotLap · 10-31-2008, 12:18 PM

Top down driving is a must for me. Living in SoCal the weather is perfect for a convertible and there's just nothing quite like cruising down the coast with the top down, shifting through the gears hearing the exhaust....plus I'm not really into street racing any more and will not be taking this car to the track so it's really not about that last .2 10ths of a second to me. No matter how fast your car may be - there will alwasy be a faster car out there.

IS350 · 10-31-2008, 12:28 PM

Thanks all!!

Also to verify some reports gave the 92 to 60 at 4.1 tics if true that's a full second quicker than the 93? Does this seem correct? I realize the DCT is supposed to be .2 seconds quicker than a manual, but is that 500 pounds of the drop top really costing the car another .8 tenths of a second?

Plus, for any of you who debated manual or dct, would love to hear why you made the final choice. Thanks again!

mkoesel · 10-31-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IS350

Thanks all!!

Also to verify some reports gave the 92 to 60 at 4.1 tics if true that's a full second quicker than the 93? Does this seem correct? I realize the DCT is supposed to be .2 seconds quicker than a manual, but is that 500 pounds of the drop top really costing the car another .8 tenths of a second?

Right, but no one has really tested the E93 with such a punishing launch like was used in those tests by MT and C&D where they got 0-60 in 4.1s. The E93 should be just as likely to perform better than BMW's conservative times than the E92. Probably it could manage 0-60 times in the mid to high 4s if really launched hard. However, I don't think we're likely to see this in tests simply because no one is buying the E93 stricty for the numbers anyway so they don't usually focus on this in magazine tests.

Quote:

Plus, for any of you who debated manual or dct, would love to hear why you made the final choice. Thanks again!

I chose M-DCT because I wanted a change and because it is perfectly matched to this car's character.

Fiebrudo · 10-31-2008, 03:01 PM

Check fast laps and acceleration numbers in the forums.
The difference between the E92 and E93 is 0.3 secs when compared the numbers from similar authors. (remember, american carmags have a 1 foot rolling gap before the time starts accounting for at least for 0.3-0.4 secs when compared to a standing start time)

You will not be able to tell the difference between the two (if you are a "normal" human car enthusiast) and if you are not racing or tracking the car, there is no point in comparing the performance numbers between the two. 0.3 secs is the time it takes you to clap twice!! fast in a row! Looks good in paper but you will never be able to tell by the seat of your pants.

In a long road course, the difference between the 2 will be 1 sec.

If you want bragging rights on paper, get the E92. If you are a racer, get the E92. If this is not a factor, then get the one you enjoy driving the most. That is how I ended up with the E93.

DCT vs Manual: If the BMW manual was a short throw-slick unit like in a Porsche, or Miata or S2000, it would have been a no-brainer. But I didn't like it. The DCT makes me feel like a superhero. Having said that, there is no better sensation than a perfectly executed manual shift on your sports car. So I continue to have mix fillings about it. My advice is:

My answer to your question, Which one should you get, DCT or Manual?: Yes

MMMorish · 10-31-2008, 03:02 PM

I got an E92 6MT. For me tracking the car was never a care factor and I like the open air so I opted for the moonroof too.

Personally, I like the lines on the coupe better than those of the vert (roof up). Roof down driving is always fun but you can achieve that with a moonroof too.

Sedan is good if you need the utility (kids, clients, extra cargo, ect...).

As for the manual vs DCT, I like this stick. Driving a car like this without it makes me feel like something is missing... actually without the 3rd pedal, something is definitely missing!

Either way, you can't go wrong.

Cheers!

IS350 · 11-10-2008, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiebrudo

Check fast laps and acceleration numbers in the forums.
The difference between the E92 and E93 is 0.3 secs when compared the numbers from similar authors. (remember, american carmags have a 1 foot rolling gap before the time starts accounting for at least for 0.3-0.4 secs when compared to a standing start time)

You will not be able to tell the difference between the two (if you are a "normal" human car enthusiast) and if you are not racing or tracking the car, there is no point in comparing the performance numbers between the two. 0.3 secs is the time it takes you to clap twice!! fast in a row! Looks good in paper but you will never be able to tell by the seat of your pants.

In a long road course, the difference between the 2 will be 1 sec.

If you want bragging rights on paper, get the E92. If you are a racer, get the E92. If this is not a factor, then get the one you enjoy driving the most. That is how I ended up with the E93.

DCT vs Manual: If the BMW manual was a short throw-slick unit like in a Porsche, or Miata or S2000, it would have been a no-brainer. But I didn't like it. The DCT makes me feel like a superhero. Having said that, there is no better sensation than a perfectly executed manual shift on your sports car. So I continue to have mix fillings about it. My advice is:

My answer to your question, Which one should you get, DCT or Manual?: Yes

Great stuff guys. Thx a bunch!

If all of you could do it again, would you stick with your original choices for body style and transmission?

Robin_NL · 11-10-2008, 01:15 AM

I chose the E90 6MT for speed and handling/control/trackdays and not the E92 because the CF roof is just marketing and doesn't help at all, yes it does help BMW with the $$$$ LOL. Many things on my car are 100% marketing but I love it.

Best Motoring movie:E90 is faster than E92 LOL

sayemthree · 11-10-2008, 01:42 AM

e92 MT - for the most pure drving experience.

watrob · 11-10-2008, 02:09 AM

Why did I buy a vert, tell me what was my other choice, AW Coupe MT, damn that's common as a girl in swim suit.

rawedge2 · 11-10-2008, 11:32 AM

e92 looks about 10X better... the e93 roof lines are UGLY... and 500lbs is a lot!!!

e93 only looks good with the roof down... (and who wouldnt want the CF roof)

but then again if your a convertible lover.. its a hott convertible...

(just aint me)

yea and i prefer manual.. <- "drive" ur own car.. (i would get bored w/o it)

IS350 · 11-12-2008, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rawedge2

e92 looks about 10X better... the e93 roof lines are UGLY... and 500lbs is a lot!!!

e93 only looks good with the roof down... (and who wouldnt want the CF roof)

but then again if your a convertible lover.. its a hott convertible...

(just aint me)

yea and i prefer manual.. <- "drive" ur own car.. (i would get bored w/o it)

Did you go with the carbon roof then? Or compromise with the sunroof?

IS350 · 11-12-2008, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

I chose the E90 6MT for speed and handling/control/trackdays and not the E92 because the CF roof is just marketing and doesn't help at all, yes it does help BMW with the $$$$ LOL. Many things on my car are 100% marketing but I love it.

Best Motoring movie:E90 is faster than E92 LOL

So you don't buy the CF roof then eh? BTW, there are several reviews that get better times with the 90 vs. the 92... chalk it up to the driver?

ebohon · 11-12-2008, 01:56 AM

Carbon Roof, the sunroof was never a consideration... real life advantage??? NONE... But it looks aggressive. I've had sunroofs in all my cars and drove a conv bmw in the 90s. Been there done that. But carbon roof on Silverstone...man, what a car.
6MT or EDC? 6MT of course. Did I drive an EDC...no, there is Manual and there's everything else... yeah yeah... its a fraction slower than EDC. As you state, there is no substitute for that third pedal no matter how efficient the EDCs of the world get. You either drive a manual or you don't.

rouxeny · 11-12-2008, 02:09 AM

E93 because I'm not as interested in pure performance, more in the whole experience. I've never had a convertible before, I figure it's about time.

DCT because I currently have a manual and while I drive it pretty well, I wanted a change. DCT seems more like what the future will ultimately hold. I'm not sure it's been perfected, but I like the idea.

snoopy · 11-12-2008, 03:46 AM

how about this.

if you get the coupe get a manual, if you get the vert get paddle. This way speed wise you'll be about the same either way and that wont be a factor in your choice. Now just choose based on looks and feel.

10-31-2008, 01:39 AM	#1
IS350 IS350 to IS-F to M3 and M4 117 Rep 803 Posts Drives: 2015 i8 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (0)	For those of you who were debating between an E92 or E93 and/or a DCT vs Manual: What did you end up with an why? 92 for speed and handling? 93 for open air? Was it as simple as that? I really don't plan on tracking much, but do like the idea of the faster car. That said, the retractable roof seems equally appealing. Also, curious why you may have chosen either a manual over the DCT? I like that the DCT is faster and easier in traffic, but of course there is something about the 3rd pedal, that can't be replaced. Insight? Thoughts? Recommendations? Last edited by IS350; 10-31-2008 at 12:41 PM..
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10-31-2008, 01:45 AM	#2
mspeed Private 11 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 2006 M3 CSL wannabe Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: LA - OC iTrader: (0)	500lbs.
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10-31-2008, 04:12 AM	#3
torredresen Captain 53 Rep 712 Posts Drives: M3 09 E93 JzB Fox Red extended Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Z4; 2.0 [0.00] 2005 Z4 [0.00]	I got up,choosing my E93... I dont care about 0.2 of a second when I'm driving openair and hear the egine moan... Damn, gives me goosebumps. Plus I think the E93 is betterlooking (even close) and more unique. BUT more expensive... E92 ,E93 : Your choice, let the game begin
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10-31-2008, 08:01 AM	#4
mkoesel Moderator 7515 Rep 19,368 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	I was debating between the E90 and E93, and went with the E93. Don't think I would choose the E92 simply because if I give up the retractable roof I will go for the car with the most utility. I would recommend you go test drive both. This should help you make the decision.
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10-31-2008, 08:07 AM	#5
aggs400 Private 8 Rep 52 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Black CFR 6SP Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	E93 is about as fast as IS350 http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181634
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10-31-2008, 09:07 AM	#7
bazmandude New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: E70 X5 40d M Sport Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: London iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E93 M3 [0.00]	I've owned several M3 coupes from the E36, both non-evo and Evo, through the E46 M3 (which i loved so much i kept it for 6 years to the current 09 E93 (my fifth M3). Why the change from coupe to convertible? Well I don't intend to track the car and here in the UK with traffic congestion and speed cameras there are few opportunities to really stretch the car. Even with the E46 I found it frustrating having all that power and ability on tap and struggling to find the chance to use it! Now it’s true the E92 is faster and more rigid, but the new convertible with the roof up is a vast improvement on the previous generations of M3 convertible, each of which I tried every time I chanced my car for the latest generation. Right up until the first time I drove my new E93 with the roof down I still wasn’t sure I had made the right decision but the feeling of pushing the M3 with the wind in your hair and the glorious sound of that V8 has total convinced me that, with the current generation, the compromises are worth it. BTW: I have own SMG 1 and SMG 2 cars and the M-DCT in the current car is the dogs…..!!!
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10-31-2008, 12:18 PM	#8
HotLap First Lieutenant 13 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Vert / 535i Twin turbo Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Top down driving is a must for me. Living in SoCal the weather is perfect for a convertible and there's just nothing quite like cruising down the coast with the top down, shifting through the gears hearing the exhaust....plus I'm not really into street racing any more and will not be taking this car to the track so it's really not about that last .2 10ths of a second to me. No matter how fast your car may be - there will alwasy be a faster car out there. __________________ M3 ...the ultimate driving machine 2008 M3 6MT Cabrio, Jerez Black w/ Bamboo Beige interior, Tech/Preimum Packages, I-Pod, SAT/HD Radio, 19" MWheels 2008 535i tt, 6MT, Monaco Blue w/ Cream Beige interior, Preimim/Cold Weather/Sport Packages, HUD, HD Radio, etc.
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10-31-2008, 12:28 PM	#9
IS350 IS350 to IS-F to M3 and M4 117 Rep 803 Posts Drives: 2015 i8 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (0)	Thanks all!! Also to verify some reports gave the 92 to 60 at 4.1 tics if true that's a full second quicker than the 93? Does this seem correct? I realize the DCT is supposed to be .2 seconds quicker than a manual, but is that 500 pounds of the drop top really costing the car another .8 tenths of a second? Plus, for any of you who debated manual or dct, would love to hear why you made the final choice. Thanks again!
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10-31-2008, 03:01 PM	#11
Fiebrudo Private 7 Rep 52 Posts Drives: M3 Convertible Space Gray E93 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: STL iTrader: (0)	Check fast laps and acceleration numbers in the forums. The difference between the E92 and E93 is 0.3 secs when compared the numbers from similar authors. (remember, american carmags have a 1 foot rolling gap before the time starts accounting for at least for 0.3-0.4 secs when compared to a standing start time) You will not be able to tell the difference between the two (if you are a "normal" human car enthusiast) and if you are not racing or tracking the car, there is no point in comparing the performance numbers between the two. 0.3 secs is the time it takes you to clap twice!! fast in a row! Looks good in paper but you will never be able to tell by the seat of your pants. In a long road course, the difference between the 2 will be 1 sec. If you want bragging rights on paper, get the E92. If you are a racer, get the E92. If this is not a factor, then get the one you enjoy driving the most. That is how I ended up with the E93. DCT vs Manual: If the BMW manual was a short throw-slick unit like in a Porsche, or Miata or S2000, it would have been a no-brainer. But I didn't like it. The DCT makes me feel like a superhero. Having said that, there is no better sensation than a perfectly executed manual shift on your sports car. So I continue to have mix fillings about it. My advice is: My answer to your question, Which one should you get, DCT or Manual?: Yes
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10-31-2008, 03:02 PM	#12
MMMorish Just call me J.J. McClure 156 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 M3 & C4 Corvette Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5)	I got an E92 6MT. For me tracking the car was never a care factor and I like the open air so I opted for the moonroof too. Personally, I like the lines on the coupe better than those of the vert (roof up). Roof down driving is always fun but you can achieve that with a moonroof too. Sedan is good if you need the utility (kids, clients, extra cargo, ect...). As for the manual vs DCT, I like this stick. Driving a car like this without it makes me feel like something is missing... actually without the 3rd pedal, something is definitely missing! Either way, you can't go wrong. Cheers!
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11-10-2008, 01:15 AM	#14
Robin_NL S0THPAW 8717 Rep 7,846 Posts Drives: HS M2 Competition Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	I chose the E90 6MT for speed and handling/control/trackdays and not the E92 because the CF roof is just marketing and doesn't help at all, yes it does help BMW with the $$$$ LOL. Many things on my car are 100% marketing but I love it. Best Motoring movie:E90 is faster than E92 LOL
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11-10-2008, 01:42 AM	#15
sayemthree Major General 597 Rep 5,448 Posts Drives: ‘20 X3mC ‘20 Raptor ‘04 X3 6mt Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: usa so cal , AZ iTrader: (0)	e92 MT - for the most pure drving experience. __________________ Fore Sale Rare 6 speed manual X3 3.oi silver over grey. PM me
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11-10-2008, 02:09 AM	#16
watrob Lieutenant Colonel 140 Rep 1,597 Posts Drives: MY2022 X5 M-Sport 45e White Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Brisbane - Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 Toyota Yaris Z ... [0.00] 2022 BMW X5 G05 e45 [0.00] 2015 Ferrari Cali T [0.00]	Why did I buy a vert, tell me what was my other choice, AW Coupe MT, damn that's common as a girl in swim suit. __________________ MY22 X5 M-Sport 45e White, 22"rims, Red Calipers, Ceramic Pads. Better off saying what it does not have and that's a B&O Audio System, otherwise all option boxes are ticked.
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11-10-2008, 11:32 AM	#17
rawedge2 First Lieutenant 63 Rep 369 Posts Drives: 05 STI - 08 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: long island iTrader: (1)	e92 looks about 10X better... the e93 roof lines are UGLY... and 500lbs is a lot!!! e93 only looks good with the roof down... (and who wouldnt want the CF roof) but then again if your a convertible lover.. its a hott convertible... (just aint me) yea and i prefer manual.. <- "drive" ur own car.. (i would get bored w/o it) __________________ 2008 E92 M3 (03-08-2008-first delivery) JET BLACK on BLACK w/Carbon Leather, 19's, Tech, 6spd..
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11-12-2008, 01:56 AM	#20
ebohon Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 255 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Coupe, 6MT Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Anaheim Hills, CA iTrader: (2)	Carbon Roof, the sunroof was never a consideration... real life advantage??? NONE... But it looks aggressive. I've had sunroofs in all my cars and drove a conv bmw in the 90s. Been there done that. But carbon roof on Silverstone...man, what a car. 6MT or EDC? 6MT of course. Did I drive an EDC...no, there is Manual and there's everything else... yeah yeah... its a fraction slower than EDC. As you state, there is no substitute for that third pedal no matter how efficient the EDCs of the world get. You either drive a manual or you don't. __________________ 2009 M3 : 6MT : Carbon : Silverstone : Fox Red Novilo : Aluminum Trim : Tech Package : iPod : MODS: Performance Spoiler: Clear Reflectors : H&Rs : Escort 9500ix hardwired : Tint : Macht Schnell Filter : RPI Scoops : Rogue Pulley : Fabspeed resonated x-pipe with Remus Race : ESS Tune: TVinMotion
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11-12-2008, 02:09 AM	#21
rouxeny Living the aloha 241 Rep 449 Posts Drives: 2017 LBB M2 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Maui iTrader: (0)	E93 because I'm not as interested in pure performance, more in the whole experience. I've never had a convertible before, I figure it's about time. DCT because I currently have a manual and while I drive it pretty well, I wanted a change. DCT seems more like what the future will ultimately hold. I'm not sure it's been perfected, but I like the idea.
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11-12-2008, 03:46 AM	#22
snoopy Private 6 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 350z touring Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: san jose, California iTrader: (0)	how about this. if you get the coupe get a manual, if you get the vert get paddle. This way speed wise you'll be about the same either way and that wont be a factor in your choice. Now just choose based on looks and feel.
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