NoVAphotog’s ///M Odyssey
Ok. This time it’s for real.
After two failed PPI’s on E46 M3’s and a tease gone wrong with an E32 it was time to abandon the idea of an older BMW (for now).
There were a couple of newer cars I had driven recently that I absolutely loved: the Ford Shelby GT350 and BMW M2.
I wasn’t about to drop 65 thousand dollars so one day I realized that if those two cars procreated...they’d produce an E92 M3. While combining a 50/50 mix of High-revving Naturally Aspirated V8 with BMW refinement and no cars and coffee “crowd control” stigma. It’s also 50% less money.
So the search was on.
It didn’t take long. I had set relatively open parameters especially for coupes. 2011-2013 (LCI), southern car (fuck rust), Under 60k miles, carbon fiber roof, maintenance records, 6-speed manual. Pretty much it. Space gray or blue of any hue. Black interior. The ZCP pack didn’t do much for these so that was take it or leave it.
Ended up finding one on the forums.
2011 E92 M3 6MT
Space Gray/Black
Carbon fiber roof
56,xxx miles
GA & TX car
Records to new
Clean carfax, title
ZPP
Heated seats
No ZCP (Style 359’s added by PO)
I set up a PPI and a started looking at flights.
After a clean bill of health from Bavarian Auto Repair in San Antonio I bought a ticket.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...180f9190cb.jpg
Flew down to San Antonio, Texas on October 11th, 2018 to meet with Rodrigo M3ndoza and check out his 2011 E92 M3.
He picked me up at the airport and Immediately I could tell the PPI report and countless pics he had shared were accurate. It looked like it was brand new.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d67650e626.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...861ce45510.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4626a32b22.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bb5ddd7b0b.jpg
After a drive around San Antonio and a stop for lunch together it was time to sign the paperwork, shake hands and roll out.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a215876774.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f51398eb4f.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...61d9e21eec.png
I didn’t have too far to go. My first stop was an hour and a half North on I-35 in one of my favorite cities.
Austin, Texas.
NoVAphotog’s ///M Odyssey
Called my friend Alex in Austin and let him know I was on my way. His 2011 335 was the first BMW I drove back in 2013, also in Austin, so it was fun to think that a few years later here I was with a 2011 BMW of a little bit different variation.
With us both being photographers, upon arrival we immediately went for a drive to find a good spot for pictures. Ended up at the Barton Creek Mall at sunset...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0e7b2a4467.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...83d5c6fd6a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9e3cce1170.jpg
As one can see, that is a pretty big empty parking lot. Traction control may or may not have been disabled and a circle pattern left on the pavement shortly following those pictures... :shifty
Afterwards it was back to the city for BBQ at Cooper’s.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a4c9099160.jpg
Some quick pics of the city and Alex’s Scotch collection...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...173dfb7c0d.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...15765c6a79.jpg
Course the car looking pretty in the garage...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e7a4b3b0a5.jpg
I then said goodbye and headed to Dallas. A friend there had given a hotel recommendation for the night which I was very grateful for.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...62a5895de0.jpg
The next morning I awoke to some interesting clouds and set sights for Nashville, Tennessee by way of Little Rock, Arkansas.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5ef76e8cf3.jpg
In Little Rock, I stopped at Central High school. Definitely a powerful spot.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0898add674.jpg
I then headed to the Whole Hog Cafe for some (more BBQ) lunch. Fantastic.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6d81ab6987.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0b2385889c.jpg
The rest of Arkansas and Tennessee went by without a hitch. I realized lodging in Nashville is not conducive to the “play it by ear” road trip.
Fortunately, found a hotel in Mt. Juliet.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e518017fe5.jpg
The next day, Saturday the 12th, I set off for Harrisonburg, Virginia and Vas’ house. And ultimately home, if I felt up for it.
Driving through Knoxville and crossing into Virginia brought me back to the road trip in the ZHP. Good memories.
This car is a whole different animal though. On ramps feel like taking off in an airplane. Just revs and revs and revs.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2caec04ffd.jpg
Was great to see Vas and make friends with Steve the cat. Thanks again to Vas and Vika for dinner and the care package!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cf5bc5a429.jpg
After loading me up with some food and coffee to go I did push home wanting to sleep in my own bed.
Felt good cruising back into familiar territory on 66. I told my neighbor to keep an eye out for an E92 next to his F80 some day soon.
A spot happened to be open. After 1,516 miles and a year and half without a BMW...It’s good to be back.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f7e1e11d25.jpg