Newbie E46 M3 Owner! :)

[Richie200]

Very happy for you Jim; lovely car You keeping it in the UK or bringing it over?

[Jim1556]

What do you think? ;-)

Ring trip in April methinks! :-)

[Richie200]

Sounds like a plan mate. I have so far planned to go to the Essen Techno Classica (see link below) in April and I think the first DN event is also in April but let me know what you have in mind mate

This is defo worth a visit. The biggest Classic show in the world
[urlhttp://www.siha.de/tce_uk.php?m=3&ms=1[/url]

[Jim1556]

I'm still away, but my mate took it out for a drive (just to keep everything circulating) and took this...



Wash, polish, fettle, drive, leather, pint... To follow when I get home - not necessarily in that order!

[48Valves]

I've just put a deposit on a car at SJ Specialist in Wigan for what will hopefully be my first M3.

I don't mind admitting that I'm more excited that the kids on Christmas day.

The weekend is such a long time away.

[JoshMay]

bennyboysvuk said:

Jim1556 said:

The engine is addictive in the way it just keeps revving! But didn't push on the twisties as it's still an unfamiliar car.

A couple of slight sideways moments, but realise I need to relearn RWD control. Very happy!!!

The E46 M3, to me, was one of the most neutral handling road cars I've ever driven. It just felt like the grip was centered around the driver and it was easy to make either end do whatever you want for as long as you want. IMO my one was the best car I've ever owned. It sounds like you're someone who enjoys the odd slide and these cars will do that all day long. Add to that the noise and the feedback and it's a great experience. Enjoy.

I bought my E46 ME conv a fortnight ago and still haven't had the guts to hit the sports button as am overwhelmed by the power in standard mode!
It's an awesome machine and such a step-up from my 330Ci.

[swight]

Yes its an awesome car. The sport button does not give you anymore power, just sharpens the throttle response and gives the steering more feel.

[wiggycerb]

Not sure if its just me, but the sport button makes it a little to 'snatchy' for my liking ...

[Baz Tench]

I have a standard 03 manual coupe. As stated above, the sport button sharpens up the throttle response (In the early days of ownership, I only noticed it being snatchy when it's cold in this mode, so I don't bother).

It doesn't do anything to the steering or the suspension. I think the improved throttle response creates a bit of an illusion. For instance, I swear it gives off a harder snarl when driving spiritedly whilst in sport mode.

It probably doesn't though.

[Captainawesome]

wiggycerb said:

Not sure if its just me, but the sport button makes it a little to 'snatchy' for my liking ...

Not just you, me too. Particularly around town. I just leave it off all the time now.

All it does is change the throttle map. Kinda pointless wee doohickey IMO.

[bennyboysvuk]

JoshMay said:

I bought my E46 ME conv a fortnight ago and still haven't had the guts to hit the sports button as am overwhelmed by the power in standard mode!
It's an awesome machine and such a step-up from my 330Ci.

I never drove mine with Sport mode on, but I used to turn the DSC off after I turned the key on almost every occasion. It was such a natural, neutral handling car. It was phenomenal. Enjoy yours.

[Jim1556]

I press 2 buttons when I start it...

Sport on

DSC off

Just saying...

[bennyboysvuk]

Jim1556 said:

I press 2 buttons when I start it...

Sport on

DSC off

Just saying...

On the NA engine, I found the Sport throttle map a bit too keen initially and chose not to use it.

However, wind on a few years and the sport throttle map in the M135i is very good and seems to keep boost present, which helps the throttle response, however the DSC is always on in this mode, which is terrible.