Hi gang. Considering getting into an AMV8 from an M3 V8. But since the closest AM dealer is hundreds of miles away from El Paso, TX, need your help to determine if the AMV8 is the car I'm looking for. Hopefully people familiar with both can answer my questions. But first, I'm a GT car guy who loves to drive (especially manual cars), and who values refinement and luxury over lightness and brute power. I drive my 'toy' cars mostly on the highway, and like to drive fast but rarely do quick starts. Never race or track my cars, so any V8 is enough for me. And yes, I like a firm suspension with nice handling, but nothing harsh. I like to hear my engine but with no drone, and no intrusive noise. You get the picture. Here are my questions:

- Am disappointed with the M3's excessive road noise, especially over the prevalent rough asphalt of the desert southwest. How quieter is the AMV8 compared to the M3? I don't expect nor want MB S-class quiet, but this car is ridiculously loud. Yes, I can drown it out some with the volume, but that's not the volume I like to listen to my music.

- Am also disappointed at the stratospheric rpm this car cruises at (4K rpm at 96 mph, or 3K at 72mph). What's the rpm on the AMV8 in 6th gear at 3 or 4K rpm? And what's the 4.3's redline?

- Also very disappointed at the RANGE. Combine a dismal 17+ mpg on the highway (at the ton) and only 16 gallons, and it rivals a motorcycle . What's the fuel capacity and approx. MPG of the AMV8 at the ton?

- I love the V8 of this car, but it's overly complicated with its 8 individual TBs. And the valve controlling them is prone to failure, and very expensive. Also crap is it's CANbus electrical system, with myriad gremlins, and worst of all, the inability of dealers to find problems when they arise. That scares me the most to keep this car after warranty. What are the problem areas of the 4.3 AMV8? If you can be specific with years it'd be great. I assume it's probably better to skip '06s, but will have to find another source of info on differences over those 3 years.

- Finally, are there any other sites to research this car better? Since I'd probably buy it without warranty (or just about to expire), I want to make sure I know what I'm getting into. I don't expect Honda reliability, but don't want to turn into a troubled relationship . I'd do all my maintenance. And the lack of a local dealer is a concern as well, in case of an issue I can't tackle myself. I've only seen one AMV8 here, and it had out-of-state plates (probably just passing by). I'd like to know what transaxle it has (Getrag, ZF, Aisin, Tremec, etc), and what suspension (double wishbone all around, front struts, etc). Also need to learn about all possible options, and which ones are to be avoided (if any). This would be my first used car, but after the M3, I'm not going to ever buy a new toy car again, especially when you can find a pristine one with less than 10K miles for almost half. Thank you folks.

 

One item I would mention is......... you'd have to compare a newer 4.7 AMV8 to the current M3 for the power-factor, and even at that I think the new M3 probably has the edge. (not sure though as I can not recall the numbers, but from driving both felt that). I also think that the AM has a much heavier steering feel, which is probably the overall balance of the car itself.

Don't get me wrong, I think the AM is just a great car..........love the looks and the sound is purely amazing, just saying you may want to check out a 4.7L AM. (Big difference IMHO vs the earlier models). Just about what the car always needed I think.

Something else to consider might be the M6?..........or........... on the MB side (although some think a chic-car) is the SLK55 AMG with the P030 package. Decent price, upper 70s as I recall, handling is not close to the M3, but still not bad, limited trunk space with the top down.

 

Thanks a bunch for your reply; greatly appreciated. I HATE the M6, plus its range is even worse. The SLK is too darn small, so out too. And the 4.3 should be enough buddy; I know the M3 is probably quicker than both, but I don't need that much power to be honest. Plus the 4.7 is out of consideration due to the fact I'd lose my a$$ selling my basically new M3 with only 5K miles. The 4.3 should be perfectly adequate; even that car probably has more power than I'd ever need. Bought the M3 because how it drives and the V8 (I'm a V8 guy), not for the power alone. Any V8 engine on a sub-4K-lb car is enough for me. If you notice I never mentioned the power issue (which I've heard of) because it's not that important to me, especially with a manual, where I choose gears, not a computer.

Don't get me wrong; I'd LOVE to be able to drive an AMV8, but that's probably an unrealistic wish where I live. And that's why I'd like answers to my questions before any further consideration. Have a great weekend, and thanks again for your help.

 

I'll also try to give some answers. I have an '08 V8V. At 3,000 RPM I'm right at 80mph. Interesting, the Speedo reads 77mph, but a separate Garmin GPS reads right at 80. At that constant speed flat road (So Dakota), I averaged a little better than 20mpg. More than 20gallon tank gives a nice 350+ cruising range. My '08 has plenty of power for me, but as always an extra 40HP is nice. if you want to spend the extra $$$.

 

I had a 335i Coupe and then an AMV8 4.3. I have driven the M3 on different occasions.

I think the M3 is a quieter more comfortable car, the engine is stronger than the AM's 4.3 (4.7 might be closer)

During my commutes from Irvine to Newport Beach when I had the AM, I averaged 10-11mpg thanks to the massive hills. I usually averaged 13-15 per tank, mostly city with an occasional OC - LA trip.

My car was reliable otherwise except for a bluetooth system that intermittently crap out and mute the left audio channel.

Hope that helps. I really wanted the M3 and still want it but I do not regret having experienced the AM at all. It's quite an experience. The car's so beautiful I could just have a drink, watch the sunset and look at the car.. (OK not quite but you get the picture).

If I were you I would wait out an 09+ model with the updated interior. I did notice the lack of power or general feeling of quickness.. even compared to the 335i

 

Thanks for your help man. 3K at 80 MPH is the minimum I consider acceptable, so great news. We don't buy these cars with fuel economy in mind, but a bad range is what makes owning the car a major inconvenience for me, especially the roads I travel, which force me to fuel TWICE in 400 miles on the M3. Ridiculous. No need to fuel at all in my other cars (although I do stop twice anyway), even at the ton as well. Glad this car has a 20-gal tank.

Hey, may I ask you what's the redline on the 4.3 V8? Curious. And I'm positive I won't have an issue with the power either. It's an unjustified obsession IMO . Take care.

 

Redline is right at 7,200 RPM, I don't have it here right now so I can't look. As you'd expect, it has a rev limiter. Speeds at Redline (mph) are: 1st 45, 2nd 72, 3rd 100, 4th 120, 5th 150, 6th (never tested but spec is 175). The interesting thing to me is the HP peak is right at Redline--not a big deal but for maximum acceleration I'd like to see it a few hundred above the peak.

 

Really? Glad you posted man. That means my quest is over until I drive one. No way I'm taking a bath on the M3 to jump to an even noisier ride. But I'm surprised as hell such an expensive GT car is actually noisy. Well, I was also surprised how noisy the M3 actually is .

The other part that got my attention was the 'updated' interior of the '09 (along with the motor). What exactly changed?

And yes, this car is the most beautiful one I've ever seen, from any angle. I was hoping the driving experience matched that. Really have to drive one. Will look for the closest way to do that. Thanks a lot for that informative post. Have a great weekend gang.

 

Thanks man. The M3 is the same way: peak power (414HP) at redline (8,300 rpm). Rev limiter kicks in at 8,400 rpm. And car is limited to 168 mph at exactly 7K rpm (done at a track, of course ). That little engine has beautiful linear power; it's a gem, but overly complex IMO.

Well, 3K rpm at 80 with a 7,200 rpm redline turns out to be even more high-strung than my M3 with 3.33K rpm at 80 with an 8,300 rpm redline (40% vs 42% of redline at 80). Well, the good news is it's better than Porsche. I can live with that I guess, but not the noise issue. Need to drive one to know. I really doubt it, to be honest. My M3 is as noisy as a Vette, and doubt such an expensive GT car will be at that level. We'll see. Thanks for all the great replies folks. This is a great forum.

 

The Vantage is definitely much louder the M3 even in stock form, and especially with fuse 22 pulled and or with upgraded cats. Much. The M3 is actually pretty quiet, IMO. The torque of the 4.7 is noticeably higher than in the M3, which makes it feel faster. The M3 really doesn't have much torque for a V8 but makes up for it with revs.

I drove both back to back and actually found the e92 M3 to be a bit bland...in comparison to the Vantage as well as the e46 M3. However, that was a new e92 M3 that wasn't broken in...it might get better with more miles on the engine.

 

I agree, the M3 is quiter than the Vantage. I told my friend that he need to get an aftermarket exhaust for his M3, it's just too quite. But, cruising and the with the stock exhaust below 4k, it's plenty quiet for a long road trip. Besides, the "Premium" stereo system is very, very good for stock.


I am getting about 14mpg combined city/highway ... that puts me at 250 miles for the range.

 

In the Aston range the DB9 is the GT, and the Vantage is the sports car.

I believe the exhaust on the 4.7 is a little quieter than the 4.3, which is a bit disappointing when that V8 exhaust sounds so good, I'd like it much louder!

Its interesting to compare the theoretical stresses on the engines, but overall the Aston engines are very reliable, its very rare for one to have a problem. Even high mileage cars seem to be problem free

 

Man, I'm glad you specifically mentioned the fuse, meaning you all are talking about noise OUTSIDE the car. And it'd be true, as the M3 is pretty subdued under light acceleration. I really like the stock tone, but it's a bit mellow. However, even the mildest systems substantially increase the volume inside the car, and I didn't want that; engine sound is perfect inside the car stock IMO. For some reason, the S65 V8 is a drone machine. Even the stock exhaust drones a little below 3K rpm. That's why I just painted the ugly muffler flat black, and called it a day.

I was talking about road noise INSIDE THE CAR, in case I didn't make myself understood. Is the AMV8 noisier inside the cabin with the windows closed?

That's pretty much the nature of this engine indeed, and what makes it great if you love a linear power delivery and immediate throttle response. But yes, it definitely doesn't have the kick of a large V8 or force induction; simple physics. It's very docile at low revs but still has plenty of smooth linear power, but if you want explosive acceleration you need to be at 4K rpm and above. For a manual car, it's perfect. I much rather have this engine than a FI one with twice the power. I just don't need any more performance than this car for the streets. In fact, don't need any more than the 4.3 AMV8. And the way gas is heading, we won't be able to afford it pretty soon .

Hey, one question about the stereo: How does the 'enhanced audio' on the M3 compares to the 'enhanced' system on the AMV8? I have all options on my car, and find the stereo system very good indeed, but not among the best OEMs. You know which car I consider having the best OEM sound system (and I've heard most)? Get ready for a laugh: the one on the Hyundai Genesis V8. That thing sounds incredible. Next is line is Lexus's Mark Levinson, but not on all models. I've owned 5 V8 Lexus vehicles, and the best was the LS by far. The worst was the SC430 due to being a convertible, I guess. The new Acuras also have pretty good 'enhanced' sound systems. So how does the AMV8 stacks up stereo-wise? Thanks gang.

 

sorry, I can't answer all your questions, but most people find the vantage's optional audio system very satisfactory indeed!

 

The aston's stereo is AWESOME

I had the logic 7 stereo in the 335i and it was really good but the AM's optional audio was way better. I did like the iDrive and kind of wish the AM had an equally fancy system. But I might be in the minority regarding iDrive

The AM was really quiet at cruising, you can't really hear the motor (if you open the throttle, you would hear the wonderful exhaust though).

I do remember that the car had a lot of road noise coming in even with brand new Michelin PS2s. It might just be the concrete highways in Southern California though (not that I'm complaining compared to the bombed out roads of Massachusetts)

Never really took the M3 on long trips so I can't really compare. But I still imagine that the M3 is more comfortable. The E92, compared to the AMV8, is easier to get in and out of, got real usable back seats, has more high tech electronics and is almost 'invisible' on the road (good or bad - up to you). The AM's 'swing up' doors come in handy with curbs though and add curb appeal too (no pun intended)