Getting to know the ///M . . . .

[sammyz]

Glad that you're enjoying the car so much.

Been busy with family stuff so haven't had a chance to 'miss it' yet. Have noticed that the sun has shined ever since the car went

AFAIK there is only one other imola ///M in the UK with red seats. There's also one with red and black seats. Very rare spec in a rare car.

 

[paulgs1000]

Hi John It's early days but I'm delighted Steph likes it already - was a concern as she really likes our 3.0si. She has said she feels secure in the ///M as she can feel it's more capable. Found that the exhaust has a lifetime guarantee as long as it's inspected when it changes owners - I'll look up the nearest outlet.
The usual work involved in keeping it looking shiny has been the only negative so far. . . .probably because that's 2 Zeds to keep on top of at the moment

 

[MrPT]

Enjoyed that, thanks for posting. She's a beauty! Love the darker wheels and black grilles/bumper on the red - very tasteful changes that keep it looking fresh.

Made the switch (si to M) recently as well, and am still able to compare back-to-back, on occasion. TBH, I don't find the M a more relaxing drive at all! It's mental! Controls are heavier, pickup is more aggressive, steering more direct, and you need to manage the weight over the front wheels quite carefully when "pressing on". Mine's the coupe though, and it's on 19s now, so I suspect the additional stiffness, tramlining and reduced visibility (compared to roof down) plays a part.

5 mpg difference is spot on. Not a huge problem with current fuel prices, but I've been caught out with the range a couple of times, being a full 100 miles less. Losing a bit of boot space isn't ideal either, but the engine alone makes up for all these things. So much character.

 

[paulgs1000]

Enjoyed that, thanks for posting. She's a beauty! Love the darker wheels and black grilles/bumper on the red - very tasteful changes that keep it looking fresh.

Made the switch (si to M) recently as well, and am still able to compare back-to-back, on occasion. TBH, I don't find the M a more relaxing drive at all! It's mental! Controls are heavier, pickup is more aggressive, steering more direct, and you need to manage the weight over the front wheels quite carefully when "pressing on". Mine's the coupe though, and it's on 19s now, so I suspect the additional stiffness, tramlining and reduced visibility (compared to roof down) plays a part.

5 mpg difference is spot on. Not a huge problem with current fuel prices, but I've been caught out with the range a couple of times, being a full 100 miles less. Losing a bit of boot space isn't ideal either, but the engine alone makes up for all these things. So much character.

That's a great assessment PT - reduced visibility doesn't appeal (it's the top down we particularly enjoy :lol: ) but the relaxed drive might be missed - though so far, I've found I can poodle about in it (the 3.0si is soooo easy for this). Fuel is not far off from the Zed when we press on - I liked to have the Zed balanced and as mentioned the ///M feels ok in a higher gear but we could cruise up a motorway at 34/36 mpg if we were very disciplined - couldn't achieve that on the way back from Liverpool (32 once though!). But it's smiles per mile not mpg with a car like this . . . .and it's a lovely 'specialist' Zed to own.

 

[craig3.2]

You always get interesting Porsches........... Nice collection of vintage Pork's

There were a right variety Angus and looked prepared for the track - they went before I got the chance to have a word

I did warn them about you ...

 

[craig3.2]

Enjoyed that, thanks for posting. She's a beauty! Love the darker wheels and black grilles/bumper on the red - very tasteful changes that keep it looking fresh.

Made the switch (si to M) recently as well, and am still able to compare back-to-back, on occasion. TBH, I don't find the M a more relaxing drive at all! It's mental! Controls are heavier, pickup is more aggressive, steering more direct, and you need to manage the weight over the front wheels quite carefully when "pressing on". Mine's the coupe though, and it's on 19s now, so I suspect the additional stiffness, tramlining and reduced visibility (compared to roof down) plays a part.

5 mpg difference is spot on. Not a huge problem with current fuel prices, but I've been caught out with the range a couple of times, being a full 100 miles less. Losing a bit of boot space isn't ideal either, but the engine alone makes up for all these things. So much character.

Having changed from a 3.0 to an M Roadster, I would say the M Roadster is just as Mental in character as the Coupe.... it just depends how you drive it.
I find they thrive on being grabbed by the scruff of their neck,so to speak,but can take a bit longer to getting used to driving at 9tenths,compared to the 3.0s......imho.
As Paul has just got his/Johns M,its understandable he will be taking it a bit easier than what he used to in the si...I was the same for a while,lol.

They are great cars though,and last of a dying breed as they are all going turbos and dct auto/semi auto boxes now on most recent performance models

 

[craig3.2]

Hi John It's early days but I'm delighted Steph likes it already - was a concern as she really likes our 3.0si. She has said she feels secure in the ///M as she can feel it's more capable. Found that the exhaust has a lifetime guarantee as long as it's inspected when it changes owners - I'll look up the nearest outlet.
The usual work involved in keeping it looking shiny has been the only negative so far. . . .probably because that's 2 Zeds to keep on top of at the moment

I know that feeling..... didn't even put my 3.0 up for sale until about 2months after buying my M,loved the 3.0 that much,after over 5years of ownership,had become attached to it
Plus I had the Wife's car and my work van to keep clean too.....almost a full time job at one point,lol

 

[paulgs1000]

Beautiful sunshine but not a day to take the ///M out - too much traffic :lol: We went seeking quieter roads but it was difficult to find any. The issue is the capability of the ///M - give me a clear road - please When traffic is lined up with short spaces between it can be so frustrating - spoils the roads! :lol: And everyone was out today Steph said as much before we headed out.

I was looking forward to my drive but I found I still wasn't relaxed; The ///M's such a thrilling drive. It's fast - gathering speed in the mid range and when the vanos cuts in like someone pushing you off the top of the slide when you were a kid - at the present it feels like it's in control (like the pusher on the slide) rather than it being a deliberate and sensitive use of the throttle. It is intoxicating but it gets into high speeds so quickly and so positively (it can't be called 'effortless' - it's far more deliberate and positive an experience to use that adjective :evil that you've got to be ahead of the game both in spacial awareness and even steering. The whole experience is a thrill and I'm beginning to understand the draw the ///M has for 'drivers'.

There was one section where a motorcyclist had got in front of us and the usual issue of having to slow on the tighter bends occurred but for a moment the road opened up and I relaxed to give the bike it's edge and let it clear ahead before the complex of bends within a rise and fall - the ///M was simply sublime in dealing with that part of the route (anyone know it - it's the road off the A68 to Rothbury - just been reopened after having been washed away). It's the first time I felt I was really using the ///M and it was a superb experience. But apart form some incredibly effective overtakes and our usual bends now feeling like straights because the ///M despatches them so effortlessly that was about it today, no chance to get into a flow .

We'll get out mid week when things are a little quieter and probably with some of the mid weekers and see how we get on then . . . .

 

[Lynchy]

Enjoying your write up Paul , I have recently bought an Imola ///M and although I absolutely loved my 3.0 as my Zed friends know , this car is something else . The power and the sound are addictive . Drove about 190 miles from home and back again in preparation for next weeks meet with my wife and had a great day . We even convoyed 50 odd miles back down the M20 with three Ferrari's which made an otherwise boring drive a lot better . Here's a pic of my new toy

 

[Dave1971]

I know you've been thinking about it for a while so it's nice to see that you've gone for it in the end and with a cracking example too. Having Gone the other way from the ///M to the 3.0si I know you and Steph are going to thoroughly enjoy the experience. A lot has been written about the differences between the two but I think the best way to sum it up for me is "I don't get out of the 3.0si grinning like I did when I used to get out of my ///M".

Enjoy. See you at the national in a few weeks

 

[MefiEcosse]

Glad you're enjoying it Paul.

 

[paulgs1000]

Having changed from a 3.0 to an M Roadster, I would say the M Roadster is just as Mental in character as the Coupe.... it just depends how you drive it.
I find they thrive on being grabbed by the scruff of their neck,so to speak,but can take a bit longer to getting used to driving at 9tenths,compared to the 3.0s......imho.
As Paul has just got his/Johns M,its understandable he will be taking it a bit easier than what he used to in the si...I was the same for a while,lol.

They are great cars though,and last of a dying breed as they are all going turbos and dct auto/semi auto boxes now on most recent performance models

Yep - It's taking time getting to know the ///M Craig.

I know that feeling..... didn't even put my 3.0 up for sale until about 2months after buying my M,loved the 3.0 that much,after over 5years of ownership,had become attached to it
Plus I had the Wife's car and my work van to keep clean too.....almost a full time job at one point,lol

I'm keeping my 3.0si for the time being . . . as you say, it's hard to give up.

Enjoying your write up Paul , I have recently bought an Imola ///M and although I absolutely loved my 3.0 as my Zed friends know , this car is something else . The power and the sound are addictive . Drove about 190 miles from home and back again in preparation for next weeks meet with my wife and had a great day . We even convoyed 50 odd miles back down the M20 with three Ferrari's which made an otherwise boring drive a lot better . Here's a pic of my new toy

The power and the noise are indeed something else Lynchy :lol: . Followed your story of ownership with interest

I know you've been thinking about it for a while so it's nice to see that you've gone for it in the end and with a cracking example too. Having Gone the other way from the ///M to the 3.0si I know you and Steph are going to thoroughly enjoy the experience. A lot has been written about the differences between the two but I think the best way to sum it up for me is "I don't get out of the 3.0si grinning like I did when I used to get out of my ///M".

Enjoy. See you at the national in a few weeks

Hi Laine, when John's ///M came up I had to go for it. Yep, be good to see you at the National

Glad you're enjoying it Paul.

[/quote]

Hi Richard - thanks very much - taking some getting used to

 

[paulgs1000]

Out again with PortheZ4 this time to try the ///M over Hartside. Still finding it very different to the 3.0si.

Beautiful sunshine at Newcastle but raining when we got to Alston It cleared up as we headed to Melmersby then returned back up (Dave drove a cracking drive on the return ) for a spot of lunch. Despite cleaning the ///M before we set off, it will need another clean after the rain



Headed to Middleton on Teesdale and the weather cleared and improved.





Stopped for a coffee and chat on the way home. Been an interesting day in the ///M. Thanks again Dave





///M washed and cleaned on return looking as fabulous as ever and the cover has now arrived but really don't want to use it . . .

 

[ncrossy1980]

I passed that convoy of Porsches heading down the A19 towards Moor Farm roundabout last weekend, got a weird shock seeing them here!

 

[Anonymous]

Good stuff

Though 1 point .....

Put Sport button on?
Mines NEVER off
Teaches you to drive it far better in my opinion

Mine was never off in the 3.0si and consequently went on in the ///M - well, you're right - the quick throttle response gave me a moment on one bend complex today Steph wasn't too concerned but it definitely taught me to curl my toes . . . . :lol:

very nice, was that sammyz's?

Do keep up Taz - :lol: Yes - picked it up on Tuesday.

Looking good, what car cover are you going to get?

Was a decision between a Hamilton and a Stormforce - went for the tailored Stormforce, 4 layers and soft inside . . . . we shall see.

Great read. Always interesting to here a comparison between the 3ltr and the ///M. Keep enjoying the

Thanks busyg - thought I'd post up my experiences - probably tells you more about me than the ///M :lol:

Great write up Paul

I remember speaking to Steve when I first got mine, and we agreed that we both sometimes felt like slightly sheepish hooligans as we overtook people :lol:

Oh Yes - bright red with a sports exhaust - perhaps I should get a flat cap and adopt a Terry Thomas persona :lol: (Bet there's a few Forumites don't have a clue what I'm talking about :lol: ) Used to feel that way in the 3.0si when overtaking - strangely I was hoping that the ///M would offer some justification :?

Hahaha oooo ohh hellllo

 

[ocrx8]

Paul, I also recently upgraded from a 3.0si (think there's a fair few of us in the last few months) and it has taken time to get used to the M. At first I missed the butter smoothness of the N52 as the S54 seemed almost rough in comparison. However, a few months down the line I absolutely love it.

The S54 has a character that the N52 doesn't, the steering is night and day better and the whole car just seems much more planted. I don't understand the comments about the Z4M (or E46 M3 for that matter) lacking torque - mine is noticeably more urgent than the N52, to the point where I've rarely felt the need to go over 5k rpm as there's already so much pace by that point. Perhaps mine is broken?

 

[paulgs1000]

Paul, I also recently upgraded from a 3.0si (think there's a fair few of us in the last few months) and it has taken time to get used to the M. At first I missed the butter smoothness of the N52 as the S54 seemed almost rough in comparison. However, a few months down the line I absolutely love it.

The S54 has a character that the N52 doesn't, the steering is night and day better and the whole car just seems much more planted. I don't understand the comments about the Z4M (or E46 M3 for that matter) lacking torque - mine is noticeably more urgent than the N52, to the point where I've rarely felt the need to go over 5k rpm as there's already so much pace by that point. Perhaps mine is broken?

I'm with you ocrx8 - there is power aplenty at all revs and the torque is amazing mid range - no need to change down for an overtake and brilliant power (as you say) up to 5K revs (after that it is ballistic). I'm still having trouble coming to terms with the character of the ///M though and it's interesting to hear what you (and Criag3.2) have said about it taking time to get used to. Despite the steering and handling and ride (which is all I had hoped for and more - it's in a different league to the 3.0si) at the minute I'm finding it's not suiting my style of driving and I miss the use of that smooth revving N52 . . . .

I passed that convoy of Porsches heading down the A19 towards Moor Farm roundabout last weekend, got a weird shock seeing them here!

They were an interesting group - look track prepared and collectable - expensive . . .

Hahaha oooo ohh hellllo

Glad someone understood my reference to Terry Thomas . . . :lol:

 

[ncrossy1980]

Just out of interest have you used DW///M Motorworks recently? Indie M guy over in Newburn area? I had mine in last weekend for an oil service and MOT and he said he'd recently had another M roadster in, there's not many of them around up here.

 

[paulgs1000]

Just out of interest have you used DW///M Motorworks recently? Indie M guy over in Newburn area? I had mine in last weekend for an oil service and MOT and he said he'd recently had another M roadster in, there's not many of them around up here.

No I've always used Team Valley Motors - Scott's establishment is always packed with ///Ms and he fills me with confidence. It's where the original purveyor of my first 2.0 litre Z4 took mine whilst it was under warranty as no one could diagnose an issue - he had it diagnosed and sorted - turned around in a day - like I say - fills me with confidence.

I don't know DW///M Motorworks though and Newburn is quite close - I'll go take a look.

 

[ncrossy1980]

I think the guy (Dean) is a former senior M mechanic from BMW, I might be getting wires crossed but I remember reading that somewhere. I get the same confidence from this guy as you do from your place, properly honest and good value too, his website is a bit naff but it gives you an idea of the various M stuff he does i.e. remaps etc. His garage is quite modest, typical unit in an industrial site, no branding or any fancy trinkets kicking about, but he knows exactly what he's doing which is good enough for me! £130 for a 10W60 oil service and a stamp in your book with ///M in print haha