Hey guys, well, my first car was an E34 535i 5-spd. After that, I upgraded and I was driving around my parents' E46 325i ZSP. So, yesterday, for my 18th birthday/HS graduation/going off to college/very late xmas gift, my family gave me the biggest surprise of my life. They got me a gorgeous '02 Titanium Silver/Imola M3. Just a little under 80k on the clock (I wish the mileage was a bit lower, because now I have to be careful not to drive it around all the time, but it's alright). It's a one owner and it belonged to my neighbor down the street who is also a huge M3 enthusiast (he decided to go buy an E90 M3 which will be delivered soon). I was beyond shocked and extremely grateful for everything that they did. Many of you may think that I'm too young and inexperienced and do not deserve such a car like this. Well, whatever it may be, I'd appreciate it if you kept the hate and negative comments out of this thread. I was just simply curious what kind of performance I could expect from my car. I know that it's a huge upgrade from the E46 325i ZSP, but should I easily be able to take on 350Zs and Mustang GTs and what not? How would I fare vs. an Evo or STi? etc.

Also, just a quick question. I have the Xenon headlights on this car, which is something that the 325 didn't have. But, when driving, I realized that sometimes the headlights project all the way out in front (like they should), but other times they only extend maybe 10 feet out in front of the car. Does anybody know what I'm talking about? Is this something that has to do with the speed that I'm going or what?

Any input would be great. Thanks a lot guys!

Heres a tip, go to driving schools, driver education and whatever you can get yourself into. Not to be negative but at 18 that is more car stock than you will ever need, get some training and keep it on the track. Dont listen to your stupid friends when they want to race or go for a fast ride. IMO your parents are not too smart for giving you a car like this but whatever be careful.

Heres a tip, go to driving schools, driver education and whatever you can get yourself into. Not to be negative but at 18 that is more car stock than you will ever need, get some training and keep it on the track. Dont listen to your stupid friends when they want to race or go for a fast ride. IMO your parents are not too smart for giving you a car like this but whatever be careful.

You guys don't give teen drivers enough credit. Most don't drive retarded 24/7, we just like to have our fun. However, some do get cars they don't deserve. That being said, if he totals that M3, my heart will be crushed. And yes, you should easily be able to take most mustangs and 350Z's. Haven't seen too many Evo's around, so I can't answer that one.

Look above and tell me he doesnt want to be a idiot with it, "will I take Evo's and Sti's" Come on I give it 6 months before he crashes it unless he gets some training. Sorry buddy.

wow nice family congrats with the car and drive safe. being able to "take" someone depends on what conditions and in what way, but your M3 can easily hold it's own against 90% of the cars on the road.

It's not a drag machine. The M philosophy is handling performance first whereas the American philosophy is 0-60 and 1/4 mile first. You'll loose to plenty of other crappy V8's out there, including the 90's Mustangs if the owner has done much of anything to the car. Throw onto that many low-geared V8's that'll beat you through the intersection. I'm sure you can hit R&T, C&D, or Edmunds and compare their reviews to the E46 M3 figures.

However, as much as I'd like to see my name in print when they run down your profile after you kill yourself and 4 of your friends like some of your peer group (http://www.ocala.com/article/20080127/NEWS/801270355/1053/BREAKING_NEWS), it'd be nice to find out that in spite of my impressions of this thread, you'll not bother seeing what you can do against these cars as street racing inevitably ends poorly. The roads (let alone the typical drivers involved) aren't suited to the speeds. The limits of the cars you quoted and the M3 are FAR ahead of what should be attempted on streets.

This is not "hate". It's concern for where your head is on driving this car. We remember what happened when some of us were younger and got even close to the concept of a car as high performance as this.

I find it absolutely hilarious yet sad that you guys think that I will total my car just because I am young. You guys have no idea how I drive, my habits, skills, or just simply how careful I am. But, I guess you're willing to generalize just because I am 18. Due to the fact that I asked if I could take Evos or STis in my original post, that means that I am a careless driver who will total the car within 6 months? I'm sorry, but if you think so, you're only showing your ignorance and stupidity. What, you guys don't think I know the preeminent performance that this car delivers? I honestly don't think that my parents would buy me a car of this caliber if they didn't think that I was capable of taking good care of it. My family is not rich by any means whatsoever, so it's not like my parents just went out and bought this car on a whim because I simply asked for it. It took A LOT of time and planning, and it's by far the nicest car in my family. But, I have no need to defend myself against you guys who are going to do nothing but generalize simply because other careless idiots my age drive like morons. Say whatever you want, but at the end of the day, you don't know me. Period. Oh, and for the record, I will be attending several driving courses that my family is actually MAKING me take (as if I wouldn't want to in the first place). So...thanks.

With that said, please spare me from stories about me totaling my car because I'm young and I asked how my car would stack up against others. Jesus H. Christ, I can't even believe some of you guys, just give me a damn break.

Thanks to those of you who contributed positively to this thread.

I find it absolutely hilarious yet sad that you guys think that I will total my car just because I am young. You guys have no idea how I drive, my habits, skills, or just simply how careful I am. But, I guess you're willing to generalize just because I am 18. Due to the fact that I asked if I could take Evos or STis in my original post, that means that I am a careless driver who will total the car within 6 months? I'm sorry, but if you think so, you're only showing your ignorance and stupidity. What, you guys don't think I know the preeminent performance that this car delivers? I honestly don't think that my parents would buy me a car of this caliber if they didn't think that I was capable of taking good care of it. My family is not rich by any means whatsoever, so it's not like my parents just went out and bought this car on a whim because I simply asked for it. It took A LOT of time and planning, and it's by far the nicest car in my family. But, I have no need to defend myself against you guys who are going to do nothing but generalize simply because other careless idiots my age drive like morons. Say whatever you want, but at the end of the day, you don't know me. Period. Oh, and for the record, I will be attending several driving courses that my family is actually MAKING me take (as if I wouldn't want to in the first place). So...thanks.

With that said, please spare me from stories about me totaling my car because I'm young and I asked how my car would stack up against others. Jesus H. Christ, I can't even believe some of you guys, just give me a damn break.

Thanks to those of you who contributed positively to this thread.

you're 18....you have no driving skills. You're just like every spoiled 18yr old kid on this forum who gets handed an m3, and think you have "driving skill". We know exactly how you drive due to you coming on with your first post and ask about racing other cars :rolleyes. When you make a thread like this asking what cars you can beat, what the hell do you expect us to think? We've seen your story 3424124123453245 times. Just like every other thread started like this....x number of months down the road another one pops up "i messed up my car", "I wrecked my car", ect.

Congrats on the new to you M3. It is a wonderful machine. I am 20 years old and purchased a 335i coupe when I was 19. Same performance as you will be experiencing in your M3, and I have had no issues. I never took driving schools or anything of that nature. Car is still in perfect shape with no problems. It all comes down to your respect and maturity with such a vehicle. If you respect its power and prestige then you will have no problems. Enjoy it and once again, congrats.

you're 18....you have no driving skills. You're just like every spoiled 18yr old kid on this forum who gets handed an m3, and think you have "driving skill". We know exactly how you drive due to you coming on with your first post and ask about racing other cars :rolleyes. When you make a thread like this asking what cars you can beat, what the hell do you expect us to think? We've seen your story 3424124123453245 times. Just like every other thread started like this....x number of months down the road another one pops up "i messed up my car", "I wrecked my car", ect.

Yep, I'm sure you know EXACTLY how I drive because of what I post on a forum. I've been driving daily for 2.5 years with no accidents nor anything remotely close to an accident, including cross country road trips. Just because I want to know what my car is CAPABLE OF, that MUST mean I am a horrible driver who will wreck my car. I worship you, Miss Cleo. Keep talking like you know me. :rolleyes

Congrats on the new to you M3. It is a wonderful machine. I am 20 years old and purchased a 335i coupe when I was 19. Same performance as you will be experiencing in your M3, and I have had no issues. I never took driving schools or anything of that nature. Car is still in perfect shape with no problems. It all comes down to your respect and maturity with such a vehicle. If you respect its power and prestige then you will have no problems. Enjoy it and once again, congrats.

Exactly, I agree. Thanks a lot, bro. I'm sure a lot of your peers must've given you some crap for having a brand new Bimmer off the showroom at the age of 19. More power to you. :buttrock

the young driver thing comes up too often... no you shouldnt have an e46 m3 at 18 in my opinion. kids parents shouldnt give their kids nice ass cars like that. people take way better care of their car if they bought it their self.

and yeah.... an 18 year old kid just got an m3 and is talking about racing everything on the road i say 6 months too... sad

Congrats on the new car, it will be tempting to street race, I suggest you try to avoid it. Think of your parents who were kind enough to buy you such a nice car when you get the urge to. Save it for the strip.

Also do not turn off DSC, even the best of drivers have managed to put this car into a pole by screwing around with DSC off. Try it out in a controlled environment only. Good luck and congrats again.

Congrats on the new car, it will be tempting to street race, I suggest you try to avoid it. Think of your parents who were kind enough to buy you such a nice car when you get the urge to. Save it for the strip.

Also do not turn off DSC, even the best of drivers have managed to put this car into a pole by screwing around with DSC off. Try it out in a controlled environment only. Good luck and congrats again.

Good advice.

Thanks.

Congrats on the new car, it will be tempting to street race, I suggest you try to avoid it. Think of your parents who were kind enough to buy you such a nice car when you get the urge to. Save it for the strip.

Also do not turn off DSC, even the best of drivers have managed to put this car into a pole by screwing around with DSC off. Try it out in a controlled environment only. Good luck and congrats again.


+1. Congrats on the new car. just take great care of it and youll find yourself not wanting to destroy it. Modding is always a good way to put some work into the car to respect it more. DSC always on. A buddy wrecked an e36 M with this off for just a second. Have fun and enjoy!

Yep, I'm sure you know EXACTLY how I drive because of what I post on a forum. I've been driving daily for 2.5 years with no accidents nor anything remotely close to an accident, including cross country road trips. Just because I want to know what my car is CAPABLE OF, that MUST mean I am a horrible driver who will wreck my car. I worship you, Miss Cleo. Keep talking like you know me. :rolleyes

Wow! A whole 2.5 years of driving experience -- look out world. Listen here, I know people who have been driving for 12.5+ years and had their lives erased in a fraction of a second because of something out of the blue in the middle of the road or another driver with 2.5 years of experience thought they were Mario Andretti.

Listen to what the people here are telling you. They are not telling it to you to be an ass. They are telling it to you to save your life.

We don't know you. We know the pattern your line of questioning leans towards so stop bitching about the legacy of your peers. We bring it up as a cautionary tale. If you feel that's negative, then I guess the message is lost on you. It's not "sad and hilarious" that we recognize a statistical probability building to its final 1.0. It's concern.

We don't assume you're a bad driver. We know you're an inexperienced driver with a very high performance car. In two posts now, you have made it clear you're asking if you can "take" Evo's and STi's with the word "track" nowhere in sight. What are we to think your intentions are?

I don't care how you got the car or how rich you are or how old you are. I'd have the same tale for anyone coming to this board asking about racing their brand new, unfamiliar to them car. You bring the added liability of inexperience and, likely (statistically, not because I know you), a young man's impulsiveness.

Quite frankly, I couldn't care less if you kill yourself in the car. What I care about is how dangerous such activities are for the rest of the people around you.

Never mind that you came here asking a question anyone who does a few searches on Roand and Track, Car and Driver, or Edmunds could figure out in a heartbeat.

http://www.dragtimes.com/compare.php

Congrats man. I'm 19 and got my car when I was 18. Alot of people will rag on you so just get used it. Do some DE's and they won't beleive it when you pass them becuases you are an 18 year old. If you are a mature responsible individual you will be fine. Have fun with it but don't be stupid, its not worth it.

Here is some advice from someone who got their M3 at a young age (17) too. I was a junior in HS and everyone tried to race. DO NOT RACE ANYONE. You cant afford a ticket or insurance if you screw around in the car. You have nothing to prove to anyone. If someone is reving at you, just smile & waive. If you want to race, go to a drag strip....better yet, go do a HPDE at your local race track.

Congrats & good luck. Stay safe & ignore the haters :)

Wow! A whole 2.5 years of driving experience -- look out world. Listen here, I know people who have been driving for 12.5+ years and had their lives erased in a fraction of a second because of something out of the blue in the middle of the road or another driver with 2.5 years of experience thought they were Mario Andretti.

Listen to what the people here are telling you. They are not telling it to you to be an ass. They are telling it to you to save your life.

I knew somebody would eventually comment on that. Way to pick out bits and pieces of my overall message. How many years of driving experience do you expect me to have at the age of 18? 10? 20? The main point I was making was that I have yet to be in an accident, especially in the first few years where young drivers are most accident prone. So how can anybody call me an irresponsible driver? Oh, and please don't bring up some bull about how nobody here is saying that to me...

I know that people are "just trying to help", but like I said before, save it. All of a sudden people think they know the type of driver I am because I have an M3 at the age of 18 and I asked what my car was capable of.

We don't know you. We know the pattern your line of questioning leans towards so stop bitching about the legacy of your peers. We bring it up as a cautionary tale. If you feel that's negative, then I guess the message is lost on you. It's not "sad and hilarious" that we recognize a statistical probability building to its final 1.0. It's concern.

We don't assume you're a bad driver. We know you're an inexperienced driver with a very high performance car. In two posts now, you have made it clear you're asking if you can "take" Evo's and STi's with the word "track" nowhere in sight. What are we to think your intentions are?

I don't care how you got the car or how rich you are or how old you are. I'd have the same tale for anyone coming to this board asking about racing their brand new, unfamiliar to them car. You bring the added liability of inexperience and, likely (statistically, not because I know you), a young man's impulsiveness.

Quite frankly, I couldn't care less if you kill yourself in the car. What I care about is how dangerous such activities are for the rest of the people around you.

Never mind that you came here asking a question anyone who does a few searches on Roand and Track, Car and Driver, or Edmunds could figure out in a heartbeat.

Bless your heart, George.

Congrats man. I'm 19 and got my car when I was 18. Alot of people will rag on you so just get used it. Do some DE's and they won't beleive it when you pass them becuases you are an 18 year old. If you are a mature responsible individual you will be fine. Have fun with it but don't be stupid, its not worth it.

Yeah, definitely, thanks for the advice man.

Here is some advice from someone who got their M3 at a young age (17) too. I was a junior in HS and everyone tried to race. DO NOT RACE ANYONE. You cant afford a ticket or insurance if you screw around in the car. You have nothing to prove to anyone. If someone is reving at you, just smile & waive. If you want to race, go to a drag strip....better yet, go do a HPDE at your local race track.

Congrats & good luck. Stay safe & ignore the haters :)

I agree 100%. Thanks for the tips, solid advice. :) I wasn't really planning on going and just racing every guy out there.



Look guys, plain and simple. I don't want to develop a negative rep on this forum. I am as friendly as it gets, not to mention I'm not some immature brat, so I'd appreciate it if you guys stopped with all of the negativity in this thread. I don't care if you're doing it for my own good or the good of those around me. Granted, I didn't "mention the word 'track'" in my posts, but nowhere in ANY of my posts did I say I'm going to go out looking for street races for the hell of it. I asked a simple question, which was what my car was capable of against other cars, and in come some members acting like I pissed in their Cheerios telling me that I'm going to wreck my car. Put yourself in my shoes. You ask how your new car would fare against others and in come a flood of people out of NOWHERE telling you that you're an "inexperienced driver who will crash his car within 6 months because his post discussed speed". Once again, give me a damn break.

To everyone, isn't it quite odd how most of the younger members on this board can relate to me and are giving me solid advice while the older members are sitting there pissing and moaning about me going to wreck my car? Hmm....

emretk i know some of the guys can come off real harsh but don't let them get to you once people (yourself included) start getting on the defensive things escalate and it'll get everyone no where fast. Enjoy your new ride and spend time on here (or better yet spend tme on e46fanatics or m3forum). I've found more e46 M3 guys lurk there. The above advice you received is excellent do not experiment with the dsc off unless you're in a an empty parking lot with absolutely nothing you can hit. These cars are expensive to fix should a mis-hap occur. M3's really do encourage drivers (both young and old) to do silly things because the car gives you some much confidence and a bit of an ego trip as well, just remember that.

How many years of driving experience do you expect me to have at the age of 18? 10? 20?

This is the point, it's impossible to have many years of driving experience at the age of 18. I don't have any comments about your ability, but there is no argument against the inexperience of an 18 year old driver. You'll find a lot of jealous people, but also many that just care about a fellow enthusiast. Don't be too quick to reject their advice.

go to the track and find out, its that simple :) Don't be an asstard and give young kids a bad name by being a dumb ass m3 driver. Your lucky yours was given to you, i've saved up about 5k for an initial payment on the e46 m3 i pick up in aug. I'll be 20, 4 years of driving experience, but like everyone says, you never know what can happen.

emretk, check your ego at the door and the whole smartass thing you are doing. I grew up around a 911, 427 Cobra and a 951 and know exactly how much one wants to screw around and do idiotic stuff in cars. I have had a lot of close calls and have learned from them. Frankly, on paper, I should not be alive!! I watched a friend die in front of me on a motorcycle trying to be a hot dog.

We all know the temptation. No one is saying you are a bad driver. I thought I too was a good driver at your age. Go to a DE and you will find out that there are a lot of things that you dont know and wont find out just because you are young and havent had enough experience yet.

Furthermore, no one is saying you don't respect the ///M. I am sure you do!!! If i were given that car at your age I would be stoked and would be so anal in keeping it looking brand new.

Final note. CONGRATULATIONS on your sweet new ride. You will love it (which I am sure you already do!!!!) and will become a much more aware and better driver after learning the ins and outs of the ///M3. I dont want to hate, I want to expand the love of our car to many and all!!!!

emretk, check your ego at the door and the whole smartass thing you are doing. I grew up around a 911, 427 Cobra and a 951 and know exactly how much one wants to screw around and do idiotic stuff in cars. I have had a lot of close calls and have learned from them. Frankly, on paper, I should not be alive!! I watched a friend die in front of me on a motorcycle trying to be a hot dog.

We all know the temptation. No one is saying you are a bad driver. I thought I too was a good driver at your age. Go to a DE and you will find out that there are a lot of things that you dont know and wont find out just because you are young and havent had enough experience yet.

Furthermore, no one is saying you don't respect the ///M. I am sure you do!!! If i were given that car at your age I would be stoked and would be so anal in keeping it looking brand new.

Final note. CONGRATULATIONS on your sweet new ride. You will love it (which I am sure you already do!!!!) and will become a much more aware and better driver after learning the ins and outs of the ///M3. I dont want to hate, I want to expand the love of our car to many and all!!!!

Well, thanks, I appreciate it. See, I don't mind if people express what they have to say in the manner that you just did. I obviously don't think I'm the best driver out there by any means whatsoever, and like I said before, of course I'm going to attend a DE. But, if you see what I'm doing, you'll realize that I'm only being a smartass to the jerkoffs who come in here and act like douchebags telling me that I will wreck my car within 6 months just because I asked a simple question. As you see, if people are mature about the whole thing and they do not purposefully act like a prick, I am perfectly fine with accepting their advice. I have no problem with that at all.

Holy crap kid, grow up already. Oh wait, impossible. Maybe after you wreck your car you'll figure it out.

Holy crap kid, grow up already. Oh wait, impossible. Maybe after you wreck your car you'll figure it out.

:rofl :rofl

whatever happened to not getting anything for a high school graduation present? your education is not done yet. you dont deserve a bmw, let alone a m3 at such a young age.

Per your original question, don't run any STi's. My stock 05 walked away from stock e46 m3s every time (under 90mph). That being said, I sold it and am now in the market for an e46 M3. Enjoy it.

And to all the members who are quick to judge young drivers: There is this thing called the "track". You can safely and legally race other cars there. I don't see anything in the OP's write-up about street racing so what reason do you have to jump to that conclusion? Legitimate advice goes a lot farther than criticism.

Wow, a very opinionated thread to say the least. Anyway, congrats on graduation and moving on to go to college (and for getting a kick-ass car). Good luck with both. My advice would be that while you are in school, find someone else's car to go out in...you'll thank me for it.

cheers,
bill

You guys don't give teen drivers enough credit. Most don't drive retarded 24/7, we just like to have our fun. However, some do get cars they don't deserve. That being said, if he totals that M3, my heart will be crushed. And yes, you should easily be able to take most mustangs and 350Z's. Haven't seen too many Evo's around, so I can't answer that one.

When teen drivers quit flying of runways then people will give them credit.

This thread is eerily similar to the M5 in orbit thread a few months ago.

I am only 20, and I have been in two accidents ( rearended once, and t-boned by a stop sign runner ) both making me a very cautious driver. Yes you may be a skilled driver, I consider myself naturally gifted. But the roads are not a race course, you can't trust anyone around you at all, and even if it feels safe to speed, it just decreases your time to react when a bonehead cuts infront of you. Also I agree with most of the returns on this thread. What do you expect with a title like this? IMO you should work your way up in the car world
Every car I've owned was stick and RWD, the first was a 325i with 4 completely bald tires pushing me through an upstate NY winter. And now only 3 years later I'm in the process of purchasing an E46 M3, I have been supporting myself since I was 16.

Make sure you don't wreck Mom and Dad's investment speed racing a civic ;)

This thread is eerily similar to the M5 in orbit thread a few months ago.

wow now that i think about it you're totally correct. eerie.

seems like there is alot of jealousy here. I bought my e46 328i at 19. bought it myself. paid cash. worked very hard for it. love it and in better condition from when i bought it. i hope you do the same with your car. happy motoring. :)