2009-2013 M3 model differences

jphughan wrote  

flea333 wrote

I think ya'll have talked me down to a 335xi. I guess I have to be a race car driver to own an M3. But I see a lot of people with M3's for no damn reason. Even driving like shit.

It's true that lots of people have M3s despite never driving in any setting that would allow the car to be used as intended, never mind being skilled enough as drivers to really know how to drive the car. I believe that M3 owners who never take their cars to the track will never truly understand their car or why it's designed the way it was -- and people who only ever take their cars on city streets and freeways (no curvy back roads), well, they're just committing a crime.

A 335 will definitely give you fun, techy, sexy inside and out, and (especially if you get a tune) rollercoaster acceleration on tap. However, I'd recommend against the XI model since it rides higher, weighs more (and is therefore slower), and costs more, and if you're in California there's no need for AWD anyway. There are threads about this, but RWD is the way to go if you want the most sportiness and speed. The XI line pretty much only exists so BMW can sell cars in regions that get snow where RWD becomes trickier than FWD and AWD (though still not impossible).

flea333 wrote

OK, for all the haters before, the only thread I found was the 2011.75 press release updates.
I can't find the threads detailing the 2012 and 2013 updates. wtf.

Peahi wrote

Flea, 2012 had rear cup holders for coupe and modern angel eyes update.


Jk

zamboni wrote

The angel eyes looked the same to me, all with amber color.

flea333 wrote

OK, for all the haters before, the only thread I found was the 2011.75 press release updates.
I can't find the threads detailing the 2012 and 2013 updates. wtf.

• Google isn't the place to start your search about specific M3 information; this forum is the place (you know that already)
• If you go "in" to this forum professing interest in an M3, and then you start writing about "screw it, I'm going to stick with an abc-model car" then your chances of getting anyone to respond is pretty much dead. You have missed the cardinal rule about life: "Everybody's newborn baby looks good." (whether you believe it or not, you have to say their kid is awesome.)
• 
• It's a natural tendency to be defensive when someone calls you out for newbie mistakes; if you get to riled-up, you'll again cut down 80% of your potential advice. This is the "don't be an ass" rule, even if one or two people are an ass to you, remember there is a larger audience.
• Read the forums.
• [new] If you really care so much about the trim on the center console, then you're going to hate that there's no full-size spare tire.

flea333 wrote

I've updated the main post to include info I dug up on the forums. Someone is going to thank God all you all the whining has led me to do this to spare me some dignity. It really wasn't that easy to find. All I was looking for were the main updates. I wasn't asking for a detailed official BMW option nomenclature breakdown. That summary could have been done in 30 seconds by a knowledgeable individual.

mdosu wrote

looks about right now, so where's your M3?

MMM3PWR wrote

cloth visors 2008 - 2012 VS plastic visors in 2013

flea333 wrote

Updated with correct info for future reference (since this info wasn't all that easy to come by)!

2009 - updated navigation with internal hard drive (much) improved interface, new tail lights (sedan only)

2010 - standard HD radio and optional automatic headlights. [edmunds]

2011 -
"2011.5" (Sep 2010)

-Extended bluetooth:

- streaming audio over bluetooth,

- mobile office: email, text messages and notes displayed and/or read aloud

- external call list downloaded from phone

-iPod adapter updates (new Combox hardware not retrofitable to older models)

-No longer need Y-cable, use standard iphone usb cable, streams music digitally from device

-Album cover art displayed from metadata in track

-Voice command control external devices and select genre, artist, album, and song title by simply speaking the words.

-Mobile phone device driver update with BMW Assist (sounds stupid and wonder if this costs for their service)

- Competition package that adds a 10mm lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels w/ performance tires, reprogrammed electronic damping and stability controls.
- M button - programs your M settings - set the drivers preferences for Stability Control, Steering mode, Shift light, EDC, and if the car has the M DCT the Drive logic mode can also be set
- Automatic/Start Stop - car shuts off at complete stops, button controlled option (defaulted to Off on US model, On for euro models)
- Manual M Sport Seats - Remove electronic seat for weight savings. Lumber support and seatback side bolters remain electrically adjustable.
- New Mineral White Metallic paint is available
- New LED tail lights on coupe
- Leather option changes, Premium pkg 2 (adds power front seats), new Convenience Package replacing technology package

"2011.75" (March 2011) - BMW Apps integration (pandora, facebook, twitter etc)

2012 - None

zamboni wrote

The angel eyes looked the same to me, all with amber color.

Crimson92 wrote

They all have v8s who cares about everything else.

TMack2233 wrote

Question, I'm looking at a few engine parts for a friends 2012 M3. One of the parts is an alternator. I'm about to order online, but https://www.bmwdiscountparts.com is giving me different prices for the same part, different year. Will a 2011 M3 OEM alternator fit in a 2012 M3? They seem to be identical in dimensions. Any input is appreciated.