Will I miss the M3??

[wil_b]

I've been reading and researching this forum for weeks (great resource!), and I'd like to ask for some opinions on moving from a BMW M3 convertible (e46) that I've had for 4+ trouble-free years, to an R-SPEC. It'll be for many, many long days on the road for business as well as for hauling 3 kids/wife on the weekends. Looked at used BMW 550i's for months- but I'd like to think I'd be happier with the R-SPEC. Thoughts are appreciated (esp. those who traded in sporty sedans/coupes for a Genesis). Thanks!

 

[Dragon64]

I've been reading and researching this forum for weeks (great resource!), and I'd like to ask for some opinions on moving from a BMW M3 convertible (e46) that I've had for 4+ trouble-free years, to an R-SPEC. It'll be for many, many long days on the road for business as well as for hauling 3 kids/wife on the weekends. Looked at used BMW 550i's for months- but I'd like to think I'd be happier with the R-SPEC. Thoughts are appreciated (esp. those who traded in sporty sedans/coupes for a Genesis). Thanks!

As a former E60 ///M5 owner - I can give you my opinion and feeling about moving to the R Spec Sedan

First: Do I miss the Beast ?

honestly - no I don't

the R Spec is much more comfortable to drive - and a better family car

Do I miss the power ?

Only when I'm trying to pass a Ferrari.....LOL

not really

The R Spec can hold it's own...it's no slouch

Is it as engaging and fun to drive ?

It depends on what your priorities are at this point

I'm getting older - and spending LESS time in the chiropractors office is fine with me - I'm tired of whiplash from the SMG transmission

It may not be as "Sport" as the M3 - but it's a great car

So Get the R Spec

you won't regret it

 

[musher51]

As a long-time BMW owner (albeit 5- and 3-series, though, not an "M"), I can honestly say that I rarely miss the Bimmers. Not "never", as the Genesis isn't directly competing with BMW, and on occasion, I wistfully recall pushing my 530i (sport pkg and 5-speed manual) hard on winding back roads.

But on a pure value prop basis, you can't go wrong with the Genesis. Mile for mile, I enjoy the Genesis more and it cost $20K less. It's well-built and I got a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty to 120K miles (which even covers the oft-complained-about electronics) for <$1K, so I won't be subject to the panicky feeling of owning an out-of-warranty German performance vehicle. I'm on my second Genesis (3.25 years and 65K miles overall), and I still get a smile on my face when I get into this car.

 

[ImInPA]

Radically different cars. If you like the ride and handling of your M, then you will likely be disappointed in the Genesis, or a 5 series or an E class, etc. Different cars with different missions.

 

[Glashub]

Of course, you'll miss your BMW imo. The Koreans and even the Japanese have not yet perfected the ride the way the Germans have. But that said once you give the Genesis about 1500 miles you'll become acclimated and will enjoy the car greatly.

 

[TJPark01]

You will miss the M3, your passengers will not.

 

[homeofstone]

Get the R-spec and keep the M3 also. Variety is the spice of life. One day one of your kids may want the M3.

 

[wil_b]

Wow- great perspectives & I truly appreciate the passion everyone feels for these cars...that was one of my original concerns (lack of passion). Thanks for all the great input!

 

[pilotdane]

Get the Genesis, maybe even the 4.6 over the R-spec to have a smoother ride, and pick up a Z3M roadster or Z4M (if the budget will allow) when you need to satisfy the M urge.

 

[Aquineas]

Get the R-spec and keep the M3 also. Variety is the spice of life. One day one of your kids may want the M3.

lol don't know about you, but when my kids are old enough to drive, they're getting the slowest most plodding vehicle possible. It's a miracle I survived past the age of 25.

To the original poster, nothing I've driven (thus far) approaches the handling of a German car. Hyundai isn't there yet. But the Genesis will put a smile on your face in oh so many ways.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[homeofstone]

lol don't know about you, but when my kids are old enough to drive, they're getting the slowest most plodding vehicle possible. It's a miracle I survived past the age of 25.

To the original poster, nothing I've driven (thus far) approaches the handling of a German car. Hyundai isn't there yet. But the Genesis will put a smile on your face in oh so many ways.

I agree with your comments and that German cars handle better, having two german cars now. And its a wonder I lived past 25 also. I do enjoy driving the Genesis. It is also more reliable than BMW or Mercedes.

 

[xlittlejohnx]

I've been reading and researching this forum for weeks (great resource!), and I'd like to ask for some opinions on moving from a BMW M3 convertible (e46) that I've had for 4+ trouble-free years, to an R-SPEC. It'll be for many, many long days on the road for business as well as for hauling 3 kids/wife on the weekends. Looked at used BMW 550i's for months- but I'd like to think I'd be happier with the R-SPEC. Thoughts are appreciated (esp. those who traded in sporty sedans/coupes for a Genesis). Thanks!

I'm a BMW guy that just bought his first Hyundai. I restore old BMW 2002s and I have an E39 Dinan M5. I just bought a new, loaded genesis 4.6. I love the car, but its no BMW. Too much body roll! A hyundai will never feel like your BMW, but its not designed to. The Hyundai is certainly fast and reliable, though. I would purchase the Hyundai before getting a used 550i. You got lucky on the service with your M3. Most BMWs will crush you on service when they're out of warranty, so keep that in mind. Drive the R-Spec and then look at a lease on a new 535i, thats what I would do. A won't purchase another "newer" BMW, but a lease is a whole different story. I bet they will have some nice lease specials in December. Hope I was helpful!
-John

 

[tompass]

I agree. I love my car but said from one of my early posts that there was too much body roll. Again, coming from a 740 it was an adjustment that I had to make. And about owning a BMW out of warranty......

 

[acoga]

I love my R-Spec, but let's be clear: the R-Spec is NOT a sports sedan! It's a comfy cruiser that is engineered to compete with the Lexus "soft and quiet" type of car. The R-Spec has a modest suspension upgrade and a super powerful engine. That's IT. Not a true sport suspension like an M or AMG or Audi S, no adjustable suspension, no sport exhaust, no sport seats, and while the transmission gives buttery shifts, it pretty much sucks if you want sport mode (there isn't one).

Plus one thing the M cars are justly famous for is the incredible road feel and steering feedback. The R-Spec's steering is accurate but completely numb.

This sounds like I'm bashing the car, but that's not my intent. I'm just trying to set proper expectations: this is not an M-car competitor. It's a terrific comfy sedan loaded with way more features than you'll get on any other car at its price point, and it has a big honkin' motor. I love it for that. But if I was looking for an M5 substitute, I'd be hugely disappointed!

 

[TNTitan]

I traded in my E46 for the Genesis and never looked back. 2 different car though. (although I have a Twin Turbo Z sitting next to her in the garage when I feel the need... the need....)

 

[YEH]

I love my R-Spec, but let's be clear: the R-Spec is NOT a sports sedan! It's a comfy cruiser that is engineered to compete with the Lexus "soft and quiet" type of car. The R-Spec has a modest suspension upgrade and a super powerful engine. That's IT. Not a true sport suspension like an M or AMG or Audi S, no adjustable suspension, no sport exhaust, no sport seats, and while the transmission gives buttery shifts, it pretty much sucks if you want sport mode (there isn't one).

All true.

To the original poster, nothing I've driven (thus far) approaches the handling of a German car. Hyundai isn't there yet. But the Genesis will put a smile on your face in oh so many ways.

I'd say the Genesis Coupe is pretty much there and since the compact RWD sedan that Hyundai is working on will basically be a 4-door version of the next gen Genesis Coupe, the new smaller sedan should be there (maybe not as good as the 3 Series, but likely better than the C Class).