Your fleet running reports

[IanF]

It's only 200ish mm difference.

The exterior size isn't vastly different (though 8" difference is still relatively noticeable I'm sure). It's substantially smaller and less practical inside though. Look how narrow the space is between the rear suspension in the boot:




Vastly more practical than a 911, admittedly.

I think camera angle and distance are doing a lot of the heavy lifting there tbh, but it’s definitely a size smaller than the A6, the 5 Touring exists if that’s your priority. I’m not sure how you then go to 911 as that’s zero boot and it looks like performance with some practicality is what you’re looking for? For example, you can easily put your mtb in the M3, but think it’d be a brave chap trying to lift an emtb onto a new 911 on seasuckers.. equally a visit to a garden centre, farm shop or supermarket are easier with an estate, but the drive there would admittedly be more fun in a 911!

Biggest issue I had with the BMW was the graphics on the displays- they’re logical, quick witted and high enough resolution, but the design of them was (is) off putting to me.. I believe idrive X has the option to display old style round dials and hope this will be added to older generations, but that may be overly optimistic.

[Jobbo]

I was just illustrating the width between the suspension towers rather than the boot space overall, Ian - the Audi boot isn't just bigger, it's got straight sides with no intrusion. I can't see that I would be able to get my bike into the M3 Touring boot to be honest, nor two full size suitcases between the arches.

If I get a 911 I'll keep the S6 so the practicality is less relevant. An S6 Avant and an M3 Touring seems like a silly pairing so I'd have wanted the M3 to replace the S6, but that's not really achieved - I think for me the benefit when I want to have fun is outweighed by the compromises 95% of the time. Basically I think I've decided against the M3 Touring now. Steering wheel is a bit thick, too.

[Rich B]

I was just illustrating the width between the suspension towers rather than the boot space overall, Ian - the Audi boot isn't just bigger, it's got straight sides with no intrusion. I can't see that I would be able to get my bike into the M3 Touring boot to be honest, nor two full size suitcases between the arches.

If I get a 911 I'll keep the S6 so the practicality is less relevant. An S6 Avant and an M3 Touring seems like a silly pairing so I'd have wanted the M3 to replace the S6, but that's not really achieved - I think for me the benefit when I want to have fun is outweighed by the compromises 95% of the time. Basically I think I've decided against the M3 Touring now. Steering wheel is a bit thick, too.

For reference, i could fit my (bigger than yours) bike into my M2.

(admittedly it involved removing both wheels and a degree in Tetris)

[Jobbo]

For reference, i could fit my (bigger than yours) bike into my M2.

(admittedly it involved removing both wheels and a degree in Tetris)

Mine has a 29" rear wheel as well as front, so arguable whose is bigger. Maybe we should whip them out and compare?

To be fair, the suitcases thing is more relevant.

[Rich B]

wheels aren’t really an issue tbh - they just sit on top. It’s more the posting it in rear first!



I’m being far too literal though obviously, you can easily fit a mtb in an M3 estate, but it might be a bit too tight to be a hassle free job!

Although, i could easily fit 2 bikes into my e46 or e92 boot! though you needed to remove pedals!

[IanF]

For reference, i could fit my (bigger than yours) bike into my M2.

(admittedly it involved removing both wheels and a degree in Tetris)

Mine has a 29" rear wheel as well as front, so arguable whose is bigger. Maybe we should whip them out and compare?

To be fair, the suitcases thing is more relevant.

Put the two suitcases on their sides? (Or buy another one at the airport? See Richb ) 911 wheel is nicer (maybe too small for powerfully built directors?) than BMW phat rims.. I don’t know why they do it tbh, for fat fingered Americans perhaps?

I did think this was a replacement for S6, would you keep the MX5 if you bought 911? M5 Touring or RS6 Avant both have hybrid ie electric only range ,so may be better for you with your ability to charge them. I think BMW quoted both boot space as the same for the M3 and M5 Tourings, but Matt Watson did a comparison with suitcases that shows total volume isn’t everything.. you should still test drive an M3 though.. and spend some time changing settings, like all modern M cars, they start in eco pro mode which can make them feel heavy and unresponsive

[Jobbo]

Put the two suitcases on their sides? (Or buy another one at the airport? See Richb ) 911 wheel is nicer (maybe too small for powerfully built directors?) than BMW phat rims.. I don’t know why they do it tbh, for fat fingered Americans perhaps?

I did think this was a replacement for S6, would you keep the MX5 if you bought 911? M5 Touring or RS6 Avant both have hybrid ie electric only range ,so may be better for you with your ability to charge them. I think BMW quoted both boot space as the same for the M3 and M5 Tourings, but Matt Watson did a comparison with suitcases that shows total volume isn’t everything.. you should still test drive an M3 though.. and spend some time changing settings, like all modern M cars, they start in eco pro mode which can make them feel heavy and unresponsive

I think the M3 Touring has just got an even fatter steering wheel - the one I sat in was new and unregistered and it was thicker than I remember the already thick BMW wheels to be. Joe Achilles mentioned something about it in his Youtube video speccing his new order too.

I don't have a need to replace the S6 and wasn't intending to really; I just got a bit of inspiration from seeing people talk about deals and the fact I think they look amazing. So I went to have a look and the deals were doable, though I think could be keener - if I were more in the mood to buy I'd push a bit more.

MX5 was always bought to keep forever, since I missed my last two after selling them. A 911 would potentially jeopardise that though I'd definitely have a coupe, and I'd aim to use the 911 to commute to work and other normal driving because that's something they're good at.

These days there are so few cars still made which appeal to me that I'm considering any of them rather than exactly how they fit into my life. Until I then get to the reality of using them. I'm just like everyone else here; always thinking about cars and going to look at them from time to time; fortunately I like what I have currently so there's no massive compulsion to buy unless I love something else and it works for me. Hence I didn't post a new car thread or anything concrete like that.

On which subject, the S6 is coming up to 55,000 miles, did 51.3mpg on my way home from work last night and I think has nicer seats and leather than the M3. I'd rather it wasn't a diesel so I've turned the artificial sound back on, but I'd miss the ecomony and range if I switched to a petrol.

[V8Granite]

wheels aren’t really an issue tbh - they just sit on top. It’s more the posting it in rear first!



I’m being far too literal though obviously, you can easily fit a mtb in an M3 estate, but it might be a bit too tight to be a hassle free job!

Although, i could easily fit 2 bikes into my e46 or e92 boot! though you needed to remove pedals!

Some cars just have the right shape, I could drop
My seat post, remove the front wheel and my Specialised 29 Camber would fit in the TT.

I can fit a 26" wheel MTB in the ML with the wheels on and seat dropped.

Dave!

[Jobbo]

I used to fit my 90s MTB in a Peugeot 205, VW Scirocco and VW Corrado without any trouble. In fact, I fitted two in the Corrado with the boot closed when a mate and I went to the British GP, and I'm fairly sure we didn't even take the wheels off. I guess the 26" wheels and geometry would make them look like kids' bikes now

[Rich B]

Of course i have now gone the other direction in terms of practicality…

[Jobbo]

The van looks very practical Carpeted trim seems a bit posh.

I've also not changed my mind about replacing the Jimny with a Touareg for things like tip runs and bikes. Just done very little about it as yet.

[DeskJockey]

Can you get an inside bike rack to lock it in place? Looks like you can get another two in there without any issue.

Edit: how about Thule style roof carriers mounted on a sliding base?

[Rich B]

Can you get an inside bike rack to lock it in place? Looks like you can get another two in there without any issue.

Edit: how about Thule style roof carriers mounted on a sliding base?

No point really, - i just open doors and wheel it in. i can fit two bikes whole, diagonally without changing anything. Racks and stuff just make it less practical imo.

i removed the big bulkhead since the photo too, which means if i lean a rear seat forward or remove a seat i can have 4 whole bikes plus 4 people in comfort (which i do fairly often).

[DeskJockey]

Can you get an inside bike rack to lock it in place? Looks like you can get another two in there without any issue.

Edit: how about Thule style roof carriers mounted on a sliding base?

No point really, - i just open doors and wheel it in. i can fit two bikes whole, diagonally without changing anything. Racks and stuff just make it less practical imo.

i removed the big bulkhead since the photo too, which means if i lean a rear seat forward or remove a seat i can have 4 whole bikes plus 4 people in comfort (which i do fairly often).

They don't fall over? Agree that adding racks or things will complicate things, it was whether it was a worthwhile trade-off if you're hauling bikes around often.

[Rich B]

Can you get an inside bike rack to lock it in place? Looks like you can get another two in there without any issue.

Edit: how about Thule style roof carriers mounted on a sliding base?

No point really, - i just open doors and wheel it in. i can fit two bikes whole, diagonally without changing anything. Racks and stuff just make it less practical imo.

i removed the big bulkhead since the photo too, which means if i lean a rear seat forward or remove a seat i can have 4 whole bikes plus 4 people in comfort (which i do fairly often).

They don't fall over? Agree that adding racks or things will complicate things, it was whether it was a worthwhile trade-off if you're hauling bikes around often.

i don’t try and balance them, if they fit lying over on one side that’s how they go in. i chuck a blanket between bikes and it’s done!

[DeskJockey]

No point really, - i just open doors and wheel it in. i can fit two bikes whole, diagonally without changing anything. Racks and stuff just make it less practical imo.

i removed the big bulkhead since the photo too, which means if i lean a rear seat forward or remove a seat i can have 4 whole bikes plus 4 people in comfort (which i do fairly often).

They don't fall over? Agree that adding racks or things will complicate things, it was whether it was a worthwhile trade-off if you're hauling bikes around often.

i don’t try and balance them, if they fit lying over on one side that’s how they go in. i chuck a blanket between bikes and it’s done!

You animal! What if the frames get scratched?

[Rich B]

They don't fall over? Agree that adding racks or things will complicate things, it was whether it was a worthwhile trade-off if you're hauling bikes around often.

i don’t try and balance them, if they fit lying over on one side that’s how they go in. i chuck a blanket between bikes and it’s done!

You animal! What if the frames get scratched?

They get treated far worse when i take them out of the van!

[DeskJockey]

i don’t try and balance them, if they fit lying over on one side that’s how they go in. i chuck a blanket between bikes and it’s done!

You animal! What if the frames get scratched?

They get treated far worse when i take them out of the van!

What. You actually ride your bike? What kind of crazy is that?