E46 M3 Daily driver?
Discussion
OP,
I sort of did the reverse of what you're thinking....
I had an e46 M3 as my daily driver. I loved it. It was as practical and easy as a normal 3 series when you were doing sensible stuff, but such a fun drivers car when you wanted to play.
So much so that I ended up doing a few track days in it.
Because of my interest in track days, I wanted a car that was a bit more suited to them in terms of cost, so I bought a Supercharged Elise.
However, I also bought an e90 320d to use for daily duties.
The problem I then had was that whenever I was doing normal things I just jumped in the 320d. Now as nice as the car was, every journey just felt so boring after having an M3 as a daily.
I put up with it for 2 years because I was enjoying the weekends / track days in the Lotus.
8 months ago I decided it was time to go back to a 'jack of all trades' car that I can enjoy every day.
(I actually bought a Cayman S, but my second choice would have been another M3)
So in conclusion after all my rambling.....buy an M3. It is (obviously in my opinion) one of the best cars you can buy that covers everything from taking rubbish to the tip....to tipping it into Paddock Hill bend on a track day.
Here's what mine was like:
I sort of did the reverse of what you're thinking....
I had an e46 M3 as my daily driver. I loved it. It was as practical and easy as a normal 3 series when you were doing sensible stuff, but such a fun drivers car when you wanted to play.
So much so that I ended up doing a few track days in it.
Because of my interest in track days, I wanted a car that was a bit more suited to them in terms of cost, so I bought a Supercharged Elise.
However, I also bought an e90 320d to use for daily duties.
The problem I then had was that whenever I was doing normal things I just jumped in the 320d. Now as nice as the car was, every journey just felt so boring after having an M3 as a daily.
I put up with it for 2 years because I was enjoying the weekends / track days in the Lotus.
8 months ago I decided it was time to go back to a 'jack of all trades' car that I can enjoy every day.
(I actually bought a Cayman S, but my second choice would have been another M3)
So in conclusion after all my rambling.....buy an M3. It is (obviously in my opinion) one of the best cars you can buy that covers everything from taking rubbish to the tip....to tipping it into Paddock Hill bend on a track day.
Here's what mine was like:
Fantastic cars.....but.......No car is perfect.....
I bought my one in Dec 12, ( jeez, where has the ruddy time gone ?? ) my budget was very tight and It had to be just 2 exterior colors and with a manual gear box ( throw the £ pain in the Botteeee SMG over the nearest hedge ) and if possible no sunroof and the best / stunning red interior option and no crap nav.
But after a lot of searching, my ideal car just wasn't out there / impossible to find and circa £ 8 grand plus. But suddenly there it was via flea bay, a facelift model, manual, black interior, with just 2 professional, mature owners, full history, immaculate, but high motorway business miles.
I rang the garage and the guy said " if you see it you will buy it, it's that nice " well, true to his word, it was. I waited at the front of the garage whilst he bought it round to the front and as soon as it appeared I said out loud " il have it ".
Mileage was 159,000 now on nearly 167, 000 and she still pulls like an express train and uses no oil.
However.....dislikes include the excessive weight, far too heavy, the seats are like cruise ship anchors, door cards are rowing boat anchors and which bright spark dreamt up the electric rear 1/4 windows.....
The heater controls are a total / confusing / ilogical pain in the bum as well.
The sunroof is awful, terrible / apalling buffeting / resonance which hurts the ears unless the front windows are opened. First gear is too short and the change to second is very poor ( it would be a quicker / far nicer car with 5 speeds )
The styling just doesn't excite either.
However.....an E46 M3, must be amongst the best rear wheel drive " Drivers Cars ", BMW got the balance and excess weight distribution just right.
My first, fast, wet, cross country drive ( warranty claim for a new starter ) will never be forgotten. The car inspires so much confidence, I suspected my car had a non standard steering rack and on speaking to the previous owner he confirmed that he had had a new £ expensive CSL rack ( £1,300 ) fitted. The steering is near perfect.
I hate the non sport setting on start up, it's infuriating that you have to press " sport " each time it's started and I must get it changed.
Fuel consumption according to the computer is around 27 mpg, but the gauge drops very quickly even when driving as economically as possible.
Low down torque is very poor, far lesser cars will be pushing you until circa 4,000 rpm and then the full throttle howl from that jewel of an engine is addictive.
No way would I use one every day as the £ running costs are just too high, but if you have deep pockets, then an M3 is more than capable.
Can't see me ever selling.
I bought my one in Dec 12, ( jeez, where has the ruddy time gone ?? ) my budget was very tight and It had to be just 2 exterior colors and with a manual gear box ( throw the £ pain in the Botteeee SMG over the nearest hedge ) and if possible no sunroof and the best / stunning red interior option and no crap nav.
But after a lot of searching, my ideal car just wasn't out there / impossible to find and circa £ 8 grand plus. But suddenly there it was via flea bay, a facelift model, manual, black interior, with just 2 professional, mature owners, full history, immaculate, but high motorway business miles.
I rang the garage and the guy said " if you see it you will buy it, it's that nice " well, true to his word, it was. I waited at the front of the garage whilst he bought it round to the front and as soon as it appeared I said out loud " il have it ".
Mileage was 159,000 now on nearly 167, 000 and she still pulls like an express train and uses no oil.
However.....dislikes include the excessive weight, far too heavy, the seats are like cruise ship anchors, door cards are rowing boat anchors and which bright spark dreamt up the electric rear 1/4 windows.....
The heater controls are a total / confusing / ilogical pain in the bum as well.
The sunroof is awful, terrible / apalling buffeting / resonance which hurts the ears unless the front windows are opened. First gear is too short and the change to second is very poor ( it would be a quicker / far nicer car with 5 speeds )
The styling just doesn't excite either.
However.....an E46 M3, must be amongst the best rear wheel drive " Drivers Cars ", BMW got the balance and excess weight distribution just right.
My first, fast, wet, cross country drive ( warranty claim for a new starter ) will never be forgotten. The car inspires so much confidence, I suspected my car had a non standard steering rack and on speaking to the previous owner he confirmed that he had had a new £ expensive CSL rack ( £1,300 ) fitted. The steering is near perfect.
I hate the non sport setting on start up, it's infuriating that you have to press " sport " each time it's started and I must get it changed.
Fuel consumption according to the computer is around 27 mpg, but the gauge drops very quickly even when driving as economically as possible.
Low down torque is very poor, far lesser cars will be pushing you until circa 4,000 rpm and then the full throttle howl from that jewel of an engine is addictive.
No way would I use one every day as the £ running costs are just too high, but if you have deep pockets, then an M3 is more than capable.
Can't see me ever selling.
Ive used mine as a daily driver for 15 months now, covering 12k miles. SMG coupe
Its superb, very much a Jekyll and Hyde car, munches up motorway miles comfortably, and attacks those b roads brilliantly.
Biggest costs..
Fuel. you'll achieve 30mpg on a motorway, 35 is possible, but you have to drive like a hyper miler to achieve that. Otherwise i average 20mpg on a full tank, around town will drop to 15mpg.
Tyres, I've gone through a set of rears in 12k, jus ordered 2 rear oem continentals from an online tyre site for £328.
Servicing is reasonable i paid £699 for an inspection 1 at Sytner.
Reliability, id say its pretty respectable, things will go wrong as with any car, so far I've had a new air pump, rear view mirror started leaking. It's going in next week for new drop links, trailing arm bushes and diff seals.
Went on a Euro road trip which included 4 laps of the ring, covered 1040 miles in 5 days, averaged 25 mpg, no problems at all, and comfortable on those long distances. Sat nav; yes it is dated, but it got me around Europe (Bucks-Brussells-Cologne-Nurburgring-Amsterdam-UK) just fine.
Highlight of the car is the engine and exhaust note. followed by refinement.
Gripes... yes it is heavy, and the ride around uk towns is really firm, on european roads, it super smooth, Also technology is getting dated on these cars, no iPod connectivity or mp3, etc
Its superb, very much a Jekyll and Hyde car, munches up motorway miles comfortably, and attacks those b roads brilliantly.
Biggest costs..
Fuel. you'll achieve 30mpg on a motorway, 35 is possible, but you have to drive like a hyper miler to achieve that. Otherwise i average 20mpg on a full tank, around town will drop to 15mpg.
Tyres, I've gone through a set of rears in 12k, jus ordered 2 rear oem continentals from an online tyre site for £328.
Servicing is reasonable i paid £699 for an inspection 1 at Sytner.
Reliability, id say its pretty respectable, things will go wrong as with any car, so far I've had a new air pump, rear view mirror started leaking. It's going in next week for new drop links, trailing arm bushes and diff seals.
Went on a Euro road trip which included 4 laps of the ring, covered 1040 miles in 5 days, averaged 25 mpg, no problems at all, and comfortable on those long distances. Sat nav; yes it is dated, but it got me around Europe (Bucks-Brussells-Cologne-Nurburgring-Amsterdam-UK) just fine.
Highlight of the car is the engine and exhaust note. followed by refinement.
Gripes... yes it is heavy, and the ride around uk towns is really firm, on european roads, it super smooth, Also technology is getting dated on these cars, no iPod connectivity or mp3, etc
Ran the convertible for 4 years , had the SMG gearbox ( loved it ) , marmite colour I know - but I really liked it. A totally different car when it had the hardtop on aswell .
Running costs reasonable, I owned a 330 Convertible for 3 years before I bought the M3, the main difference in running costs was the fuel.
Mind you both cars ran excellently for the 7 years in total, with very very few problems,
I ran an E46 M3 for 3 years as a daily and now own an E91 330i. The fuel costs are similar, but the M3 is far more involving, better handling and generally more special. It feels far lighter on its feet than the E91 and the brakes have far more feel too.
The E91 is an understeering mess, as bad as my 1991 Volvo 460, but the M3 is far, far more neutral at the limit, especially with a bit more toe out dialled in at the front.
It's a wonderful car. I'd say go for it.
The E91 is an understeering mess, as bad as my 1991 Volvo 460, but the M3 is far, far more neutral at the limit, especially with a bit more toe out dialled in at the front.
It's a wonderful car. I'd say go for it.
neutral 3 said:
I hate the non sport setting on start up, it's infuriating that you have to press " sport " each time it's started and I must get it changed.
I'm completely the opposite on this. I hate the Sport setting and found the throttle modulation much more consistent with Sport off. Of course, once you're at full throttle it makes no difference anyway. 
Bought my e46 M3 nearly five years ago on 42k miles with one owner, and it now has 68k on it. I now live in London so it sees less use but it does anything and everything from short trips to the shops, to cross country weekends away, work trips up the M1, load lugging etc.
Other than servicing, which isn’t terrifying anyway, all it has needed has been tyres and brakes, and a few bushes. I have done other things as you tend to anyway but in terms of ‘running’ costs they have been it. When I got it, I was a bit concerned by the ‘it’s a £45k car with £45k running costs’ type comments, but <touch wood> it has had far fewer costs than almost any other car I know of in friends/family. I may have got a good one (and I paid somewhat over the odds for one with the best history I could find) but it has been a delight.
Now it is getting on a bit, I keep thinking about what I should get next. However, I have come to the conclusion that I’m not sure there IS anything I’d replace it with, certainly without spending a lot, and given I keep it in a garage in central London, I’m not sure anything more expensive is justifiable any way. It is now at the stage where I’m gradually treating it to things like new interior parts (new gear lever, steering wheel etc), having the leather reconditioned, a bit of paint on the front to freshen it up etc, but with a private plate on it, no one would believe it was nearly 12 years old I don’t think.
My Mrs even learned to drive in it (never did get any pictures of it with L plates on!) and it survived that (although not sure it has done the clutch any favours….). I did also buy her some 17s to use to, ahem, find the width of the car using the kerb…
I’d say, get a good one with a good history, and go for it!
Other than servicing, which isn’t terrifying anyway, all it has needed has been tyres and brakes, and a few bushes. I have done other things as you tend to anyway but in terms of ‘running’ costs they have been it. When I got it, I was a bit concerned by the ‘it’s a £45k car with £45k running costs’ type comments, but <touch wood> it has had far fewer costs than almost any other car I know of in friends/family. I may have got a good one (and I paid somewhat over the odds for one with the best history I could find) but it has been a delight.
Now it is getting on a bit, I keep thinking about what I should get next. However, I have come to the conclusion that I’m not sure there IS anything I’d replace it with, certainly without spending a lot, and given I keep it in a garage in central London, I’m not sure anything more expensive is justifiable any way. It is now at the stage where I’m gradually treating it to things like new interior parts (new gear lever, steering wheel etc), having the leather reconditioned, a bit of paint on the front to freshen it up etc, but with a private plate on it, no one would believe it was nearly 12 years old I don’t think.
My Mrs even learned to drive in it (never did get any pictures of it with L plates on!) and it survived that (although not sure it has done the clutch any favours….). I did also buy her some 17s to use to, ahem, find the width of the car using the kerb…
I’d say, get a good one with a good history, and go for it!
Isn't finding a good one a challenge?
£5k-60k (e46 M3 up to low miles CSL).
Most are privately sold so zero warranty (no part x option)
Rear subframe is now out of warranty so if it cracks isn't that a £2-5k job
So at the age these cars are at now it really is a case of buy on condition and evidence of work carried out - all suspension including springs should have been replaced new exhaust air con condenser radiator oil cooler wheel bearings all rounds drop links and given stone chips front end respray incl new windscreen if needed. Brake pipe replacements engine and gearbox mounts replaced - lastly if mileage if very high new drivers seat due to collapsing foam /previous owners sweaty bum /leather wear etc ( joking a but on the last bit)
£5k-60k (e46 M3 up to low miles CSL).
Most are privately sold so zero warranty (no part x option)
Rear subframe is now out of warranty so if it cracks isn't that a £2-5k job
So at the age these cars are at now it really is a case of buy on condition and evidence of work carried out - all suspension including springs should have been replaced new exhaust air con condenser radiator oil cooler wheel bearings all rounds drop links and given stone chips front end respray incl new windscreen if needed. Brake pipe replacements engine and gearbox mounts replaced - lastly if mileage if very high new drivers seat due to collapsing foam /previous owners sweaty bum /leather wear etc ( joking a but on the last bit)
interesting points, im torn between a e46 and a e90 as my next one so have been reading the other thread e46vse90 thread as well.
My budget falls in between the two so a well sorted e46 is highly desirable to me. Quick question to those who have owned one is "do these wander and tramline like most e46's"?
My budget falls in between the two so a well sorted e46 is highly desirable to me. Quick question to those who have owned one is "do these wander and tramline like most e46's"?
SBN said:
interesting points, im torn between a e46 and a e90 as my next one so have been reading the other thread e46vse90 thread as well.
My budget falls in between the two so a well sorted e46 is highly desirable to me. Quick question to those who have owned one is "do these wander and tramline like most e46's"?
Yes they are very tyre sensitive. I have Continentals on mine, which came with the 19" alloys I bought off a friend who was fitting 18"s to his M3. I think his geo must have been a bit out, as the wear is slightly uneven and they tramline like mad.My budget falls in between the two so a well sorted e46 is highly desirable to me. Quick question to those who have owned one is "do these wander and tramline like most e46's"?
It's something I will sort later in the year, new tyres all round. Michelin Pilot SP2's seem to get the thumbs up for these for normal road use.
So is it down to Conti M3s that make my one tram line so badly ? On some road surfaces its almost impossible to keep it in a straight line !
I think my one may have oversize rear tires fitted as im sure they are not the same size as the tire pressure decal in the right door shut states.
I think my one may have oversize rear tires fitted as im sure they are not the same size as the tire pressure decal in the right door shut states.
I bought one to be a "jack of all trade" car but unfortunately I bought an SMG. I love the gearbox for having a blast but my daily journey is very much a stop start affair and the gearbox drove me round the bend. Again I love the SMG and it's far more satisfying for a blast than a DCT/PDK etc but why couldn't they have made the thing make a positive change when you're going slowly?
I would very much recommend a manual or at least test drive an SMG over your regular journey prior to buying one. Great cars and don't think I'll ever get rid of mine.
I would very much recommend a manual or at least test drive an SMG over your regular journey prior to buying one. Great cars and don't think I'll ever get rid of mine.
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