[supernova105]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

The 328i now has a companion!

Congratulations to the owner on her gobsmacking M2, and it looks wicked
Those pictures are amazing, and just reading about a 300HP tuned Octavia and M2 driving together on those roads makes me wonder how much fun you'll must have had!

I remember seeing Faisal Khan's Manual M2 drive review video and falling in love with it, though India would definitely prefer the automatic transmission for obvious reasons.
Wishing you many happy miles on the M2 as well, even if it may just be for just fleeting periods of time.

[suhaas307]

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

Cars like the M2 are on a different level altogether. I actually think a car like this is more enjoyable to drive on our new motorways, than some of our developed country roadways. The German motorway being the exception. I think our roads allow you to test not just outright acceleration. Even the brakes are pushed hard.

True, in many ways they can be more enjoyable on Indian B-Roads and even some desolate highways, thanks to some of the "freedoms" we enjoy.

However, things are changing quickly. Speed cameras are gaining prominence and the cops are clamping down on cars exceeding the speed limit. Challans are being generated left right and center, even on those that have breached the limit by 3 km/h.

But the real challenge is the uncertainty that highways and open roads often present. Despite access being controlled, we still have locals and live-stock finding their way onto these highways. Add to that the general apathy and lack of civil sense amongst those who reside around these highways. It becomes difficult to truly enjoy these cars knowing that there is danger lurking right around the corner.

Personally, I do not feel comfortable stretching the legs of these sports cars, or even my 328i. It's an extremely stressful experience these days. I prefer cruising at a steady 120 km/h on highways and expressways, and indulge in the occasional short bursts when I am absolutely certain that my path is unhindered.

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

I was behind the wheel of a C43 a couple of years ago...

...Jumped back into my 328i and tried driving it like that C43 and I was like .

The last gen C43 is a lovely car! That Chrysler-derived V6, although technically not a true-AMG, is a great engine. It's punchy and sounds exotic enough to turn the heads of the 'uninitiated'.

Originally Posted by Ace F355

That's a great company for your 328i! Thanks for sharing, those are some lip-smacking photos too!

A few years back I would have straight away dismissed your statements about M2 being a bit too much. But the sad truth is, most sportscars are like that, more so in our country. At least in today's time, the improving road infra is of some help, and can allow for some leg stretching once in a while. Otherwise, I have noticed that once the I-bought-a-sportscar novality wears out, most of these become weekend toys and barely see any tarmac, except for those weekend coffee meets. With M2, I expect it to be clocking some kms given the use case and it's somewhat practical nature.

Once again, congratulations to the owner and wishing her all the fun with her new M.

You're absolutely right. The novelty will wear off, eventually. But it will never wear off for me The sense of occasion that a car like the M2 offers, is enough for me to keep me interested.

I have always wanted a sports car, and I am working towards acquiring one as early as next year. And it will be a Porsche from a few generations prior.

Originally Posted by Ace F355

I may have the answer on similar lines. Between my wife and I, we currently have an 3.2 Endeavour coupled with a GLA 45 AMG.

The more sportscars I try, the more I lovingly come back to the AMG. We have managed to put up decent miles on it, it's a total sleeper and is also practical for my wife to carry both kids around, and allows me to have some fun once in a while. So yeah, that's my two-bits on an ultimate two-car garage

Here is a quick fun video, with my daughter doing the countdown and enjoying some AMG burble infused adrenaline.

Mercedes GLA 45 AMG + Endy 3.2 in-line 5 = arguably the ultimate two-car garage for India. While one is a work-horse, the other is a potential daily-driver that offers oodles of fun.. and both cars are supremely practical too! A deadly pairing, I must admit! I watched the video, and your kiddo's wholesome chuckles are all the reasons one may need to consider a fun 2nd car that the family would also enjoy!

Originally Posted by supernova105

Congratulations to the owner on her gobsmacking M2, and it looks wicked
Those pictures are amazing, and just reading about a 300HP tuned Octavia and M2 driving together on those roads makes me wonder how much fun you'll must have had! ...

Thank you!

It was an absolute blast! This Octavia was an innocuous family sedan before Sharan got his hands on it. Now, it still looks innocuous, but goes like stink!

[Ace F355]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

I have always wanted a sports car, and I am working towards acquiring one as early as next year. And it will be a Porsche from a few generations prior.

Absolutely true, it should keep you entertained. And I wish you get that Porsche at the earliest.

Those from last decade or older at the forum would have remembered you as THE Porsche nerd at TBHP. It's wholesome to see you working towards getting your first Porsche.

At some point of time, I do wish to get a Porsche 911, 991.1 Carrera S to be absolutely precise. Unfortunately, the NGT is eroding that dream of mine day by day. As a matter of fact, because the cars, as a product, have continued to move away from engine-vingine pointers to screen sizes and ambient light coloring options, EVs and stuff, I can sense that our generation has started to lose interest in cars somehow.

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Mercedes GLA 45 AMG + Endy 3.2 in-line 5 = arguably the ultimate two-car garage for India. While one is a work-horse, the other is a potential daily-driver that offers oodles of fun.. and both cars are supremely practical too! A deadly pairing, I must admit! I watched the video, and your kiddo's wholesome chuckles are all the reasons one may need to consider a fun 2nd car that the family would also enjoy!

Yep. That was the whole idea behind the combination. My AMG is indeed a daily driver, extremely practical, firm enough to enjoy on good roads and supple enough to not break the occupant backs. I can drive it to our farm with 4 passengers without a worry about scraping its belly, and yet I can keep up with all the big boys on open roads.



And the best part - it looks like a baby Merc much more than a baby AMG, we can drive it anywhere, park it anywhere without a worry in the world. Nobody gives it a second glance, except for us of course

May be I should write about it someday. Let me see... Now back to your thread.

[Desmosedici]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

It was an absolute blast! This Octavia was an innocuous family sedan before Sharan got his hands on it. Now, it still looks innocuous, but goes like stink!

Congratulations on your pals M2 where you get to be the guardian

Do we have a thread on the 300bhp 1.8 Tsi Octavia? (Fellow Octavia owner here)

Cheers,
Raj

[Tvk1991]

Originally Posted by Ace F355

And the best part - it looks like a baby Merc much more than a baby AMG, we can drive it anywhere, park it anywhere without a worry in the world. Nobody gives it a second glance, except for us of course

May be I should write about it someday. Let me see... Now back to your thread.

Yes GLA45 AMG was the best of the practical AMG's launched in India, better than the GLC and GLE according to me.

Do write your review about the car when possible, would love to know about it.

At one point I was searching to get one in the used market, but could not find a good car in my state.

[Shivacharanpate]

M2 looks absolutely a beast in that black color! Many congratulations to your friend.
This made me look up Auto Trader for used M2 and there are very good examples which are 2024 ones for 50k GBP. It would be an amazing car to have in any garage! Some day!!

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Personally, I do not feel comfortable stretching the legs of these sports cars, or even my 328i.

You most certainly can. They all have phenomenal stopping power. Try it in a safe environment. Easier when its your own car. Less so when it belongs to someone else.

The 328i brakes are nowhere near that of any of these performance cars. You can't expect that from a family sedan. You can stand on the brakes and it ain't going to stop anywhere near as quick. Besides, the rotors heat up rapidly and brake fade sets in early. The rear brake rotors are a joke, atleast on mine.

While acceleration was the highlight of driving that C43, I can't say enough about the stopping power of that car. It will be more or less the same for the M2. You can shed speed so fast with <50% brake application. It makes the whole experience effortless.

[McLaren Rulez]

Amazing photo session! Where is this hill road by the way?

[suhaas307]

Originally Posted by Ace F355

...Those from last decade or older at the forum would have remembered you as THE Porsche nerd at TBHP. It's wholesome to see you working towards getting your first Porsche...

So.. you remember! :')

I have crossed all my fingers and toes hoping that a certain gentleman, with whom I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with recently, decides to sell this beauty in the not-too-distant future:



He has graciously promised me rights of first refusal, when the time comes.

Until then, I shall enjoy my 328i and the occasional blast in the M2.

Originally Posted by Ace F355

And the best part - it looks like a baby Merc much more than a baby AMG, we can drive it anywhere, park it anywhere without a worry in the world. Nobody gives it a second glance, except for us of course

May be I should write about it someday. Let me see... Now back to your thread.

I'd mentioned earlier that I had debated whether I should continue this thread, as the response was lukewarm. But I went ahead with it nonetheless, and you must too!

Originally Posted by Desmosedici

...Do we have a thread on the 300bhp 1.8 Tsi Octavia? (Fellow Octavia owner here)...

Unfortunately, Sharan is not a member on the forum. But he has offered to share some details about his car, for the benefit of the community:

- AS Motorsports ECU & TCU
- OEM IHI IS20 Turbo
- RTMG Kevlar clutch
- Do88 intercooler
- Iridium plugs
- Turbosmart EM series dual Port BOV.
- ECS turbo Inlet house
- APR Carbon Fibre Open Intake
- APR ignition coils
- 034 Turbo Inlet
- Racenote Performance Downpipe + Catback exhaust with Valve Control
- Racenote ignition wiring, turbo muffler delete, intercooler plumbing, charge pipes
- heat sheild wrap
- Gecko Coil overs
- Mandrus Stirling 17*8j
- 225/45 Michelin PS4 ST
- Front 340 mm callipers from the Gen 3 vRS
- Brembo Xtra Pads and Rotors
- Dot 5.1 brake fluid
- Titan Fuchs race oil
- MK 3.5 steering wheel
- Lighting Expertz LED upgrades
- Lightforce 20inc flood lightbar

Mods in the pipeline:

- Beru coilpack
- Dq250 swap
- Bbk
- Peakmu chassis upgrade
- Audio
- Performance oil-cooler and catch-can

Originally Posted by Shivacharanpate

M2 looks absolutely a beast in that black color! Many congratulations to your friend.
This made me look up Auto Trader for used M2 and there are very good examples which are 2024 ones for 50k GBP. It would be an amazing car to have in any garage! Some day!!

British B-roads are ideal for a car like the M2! If the new M2 is out of reach, you should look at the previous generation F87. It's almost as good as the new one in many respects, and low-mileage ones can be had for half the price of a new one. Insurance costs will be high though, in the UK.

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

You most certainly can. They all have phenomenal stopping power. Try it in a safe environment. Easier when its your own car. Less so when it belongs to someone else..

There is no such thing as a safe environment in India That said, I did give the A and B pedals a proper workout and as you said, it's astonishing!

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

The 328i brakes are nowhere near that of any of these performance cars. You can't expect that from a family sedan. You can stand on the brakes and it ain't going to stop anywhere near as quick. Besides, the rotors heat up rapidly and brake fade sets in early. The rear brake rotors are a joke, atleast on mine.

Absolutely true. Which is why I am strongly considering a brake upgrade in the future.

The stock brakes are good, for the power it makes in stock form, and for everyday commuting. But on a tuned car which gets frequent workouts on the open roads, the fade that develops due to high speed braking is a real issue.

BMW retails M Performance brake kit for this car:

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Brakes/B...t-F22-F3X.html



4 piston calipers with 370 mm rotors up front, and 2 piston calipers with 345 mm rotors at the back.

These brakes are essentially the same ones that you will find on the F80/F82 M3/M4. The price is eye-watering, yes. But it will give me immense confidence on the highways and looks great too!

Originally Posted by McLaren Rulez

Amazing photo session! Where is this hill road by the way?

Thank you!

These pictures were taken at Penukonda Fort. It is located on the BLR-HYD highway, about 100 km from the Airport.

[1.2GT3GT]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Absolutely true. Which is why I am strongly considering a brake upgrade in the future.

The stock brakes are good, for the power it makes in stock form, and for everyday commuting. But on a tuned car which gets frequent workouts on the open roads, the fade that develops due to high speed braking is a real issue.

BMW retails M Performance brake kit for this car:

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Brakes/B...t-F22-F3X.html

4 piston calipers with 370 mm rotors up front, and 2 piston calipers with 345 mm rotors at the back)

These brakes are essentially the same ones that you will find on the F80/F82 M3/M4. The price is eye-watering, yes. But it will give me immense confidence on the highways and looks great too!

You might find this interesting. Chennai based importer of Brembo brakes among other brands. They may be able to help you find some alternative solutions. I haven't bought anything from them yet. You might want to evaluate based on your requirements.
https://www.theunitedmotors.com/#product

[suhaas307]

Originally Posted by 1.2GT3GT

You might find this interesting. Chennai based importer of Brembo brakes among other brands. They may be able to help you find some alternative solutions. I haven't bought anything from them yet. You might want to evaluate based on your requirements.
https://www.theunitedmotors.com/#product

I have been in touch with Ashish from United Motors since 2019 when I purchased a pair EBC rotors (288mm) to go with my OEM big brake kit for my Polo.

I have found an alternative too.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...bo-xtra-fald42

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...bo-xtra-fald52

It’s nearly identical to the M Performance brake kit in terms of spec, albeit without the M branding, which I find particularly appealing. The black callipers vis a vis the red callipers are also preferred.

Waiting for quotes and other details and shall take a call soon.

[Desmosedici]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Unfortunately, Sharan is not a member on the forum. But he has offered to share some details about his car, for the benefit of the community:

Attachment 2744091

That’s quite a lottttt of interesting mods. Thanks for sharing. Never heard of Turbo Muffler Delete so learnt something new there.

Would you mind getting more details on the Lighting mods done as I’m practically driving blind. The upgraded Nightbreaker Xenons are still candles. This is the biggest worry for now.

Cheers,
Raj

[splendor blende]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

So.. you remember! :')

I have crossed all my fingers and toes hoping that a certain gentleman, with whom I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with recently, decides to sell this beauty in the not-too-distant future:

Attachment 2744090

He has graciously promised me rights of first refusal, when the time comes.

Hey, talk about a small world.
I spent a while ogling the same Carrera S in nearly the same parking spot albeit on what seems to be a different day. I was absolutely smitten with the flawless silver paint and the red leather interiors and ooh those alloys. Hope the deal works out


Cheers
SB

[Turbojc]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

I have always wanted a sports car, and I am working towards acquiring one as early as next year. And it will be a Porsche from a few generations prior.

Originally Posted by suhaas307

I have crossed all my fingers and toes hoping that a certain gentleman, with whom I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with recently, decides to sell this beauty in the not-too-distant future:

He has graciously promised me rights of first refusal, when the time comes.

Hi Suhaas, I’m elated to hear that our resident Porsche guru is on track towards his 911 - I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you as well .

It’s so heartening when you see fellow enthusiasts you grew up reading snag their dream set of wheels. Gives me hope that I too will join the bandwagon soon .

https://youtu.be/Cru1ug5C0Xo?si=JXhZiORokPCX6Yv8

https://youtu.be/ZDXWUGsFkKU?si=W1cMOq7eOqyFITQI

Cheers!

[car love]

Awesome. I do know a woman who has similar tastes and likes all her cars in black. These women are never to be messed with :-)