Suitable alternatives to an E46 M3.

[f13ldy]

I currently have a E46 M3 SMG. Whilst I think the car is great, I feel it is time for a change.

What other marques have cars of relatively the same power, handling etc for the same price (read I don't want to have to pay extra for the privilege).

Its a 2003 (53), most extras, bmw warranty 53k miles. So probably worth around 11k in todays climate.

Or am I pissing in the wind and the M3 is the best car I could get for the money?

I actually fancy a 911 but don't really want an old V plate 996 Carrera 2.

[Harsh]

realistically, if you want one car that does it all, stick with the M3..

i tried for years to figure it out and ended up having to get something as well as, not instead of

[kusee pee]

You could always go for an even older 911...a totally different experience to an M3 but a very thrilling one.

[ASBO]

kusee pee said:

You could always go for an even older 911...a totally different experience to an M3 but a very expensive one.

EFA

Running an old 911 makes even an E34 M5 seem like a Metro. The 996 on the other hand, whilst not flavour of the month amongst the Zuffenhausen cognescenti is a helluva lot of car for very little money these days.

[Schermerhorn]

ASBO said:

kusee pee said:

You could always go for an even older 911...a totally different experience to an M3 but a very expensive one.

EFA

Running an old 911 makes even an E34 M5 seem like a Metro. The 996 on the other hand, whilst not flavour of the month amongst the Zuffenhausen cognescenti is a helluva lot of car for very little money these days.

Even if you add another £5000-£8000 to the value of the M3 (circa £11,000)) he'd be getting probably a pre-2000 car, with high mileage, not the same power and not even half the toys. The M3 is a wicked machine. I'd keep it.

[darreni]

I'm having the same dilemma, had my M3 smg cab for 2.5 yrs & was thinking of a change, but having just got back from a 2500 mile trip across France & Italy, i don't think i could have had a better car. Great for hooning on mountain roads, quiet at a ton with the cruise control set, roof down around Cannes & Monaco & discreet enough to park in the street if needed, without worry.
Its sooo easy to live with day to day as well.
Given the current values, i going to keep mine, spend some money getting the brakes & suspension uprated & enjoy.
If motors keep dropping at current rates, i'll have another look in 12 months & look at a Maserati Grandsport or SL55.

[MrBet]

I went from an 03 M3 to a 54 plate S4 auto convertible. I found the v8 to be a smoother engine and the handling was more manageble in the corners with the 4wd. It was alot heavier car and felt more planted. I have gone back to an E92 M3 and it feels as planted as the S4 probably due to the extra weight of the car.

[teabagger]

keep the m3 and buy a bike engined kit car

have your cake and eat it!

[Vixpy1]

You should get alot more than 11K for the M3, Its got DW, SMG and low mileage, i'd say 15K + at least

[Vixpy1]

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/638270.htm , viola, a much more sensible price.

[f13ldy]

Vixpy1 said:

You should get alot more than 11K for the M3, Its got DW, SMG and low mileage, i'd say 15K + at least

I was joking with the 11k remark, as all forums I visit seem to massively underprice them.

I would be looking for 19k or there abouts to be honest, it is silver grey with imola red leather.

Plus it doesn't have a random ///m badge stuck to the nose cone like some kind of birthmark like the example posted meaning its worth at least 2k more...

[Windymiller]

I've just sold my Boxster S for one (M3), and had the opportunity to try a '99 996 C4 with 44,000 miles against an '03 E46 M3 with 54,000 miles. The Porsche felt like a very old place to be indeed. And the pace was pretty far off the M3. Felt closer to my Boxster to be honest.

For reference, the 996 was £3,000 dearer...

[mickyblue]

Hi f13ldy

Tastes change and move on - and I think that part of being an 'enthusiast' is trying different cars with different characters.

I had my E46 M3 for three years and enjoyed every minute - I was sad to see her go, but she was getting a bit 'long in the tooth'.

Having owned a couple of Audis before the M3, I thought I'd give a Merc a try and have just bought an SL55 AMG. A totally different experience to the M3 - less agile and more muscle-car, but an amazing machine with the benefit of being a convertible at the push of a button. For cruising it's a great GT. I'll probably keep the SL for a couple of years - and then try a Porsche of some sort.

Whatever you choose, I'm sure the E46 M3 will retain special memories - a great car, an amazing engine. Test drive a few different cars and see if you find anything that 'fits' you.

And let us know what you go for!

Micky

[Deutscher]

f13ldy said:

Its a 2003 (53), most extras, bmw warranty 53k miles. So probably worth around 11k in todays climate.

Things are so tough at the moment, everyone took this 'joke' seriously!

But I don't think you've got a hope in hell of £19k. Probably £15k privately.

[noumenon]

Windymiller said:

I've just sold my Boxster S for one (M3), and had the opportunity to try a '99 996 C4 with 44,000 miles against an '03 E46 M3 with 54,000 miles. The Porsche felt like a very old place to be indeed. And the pace was pretty far off the M3. Felt closer to my Boxster to be honest.

For reference, the 996 was £3,000 dearer...

Hey Windy, thinking of doing exactly the same myself - 986 S -> M3 SMG. How do you find the M3 in comparison?

[darreni]

Deutscher said:

f13ldy said:

Its a 2003 (53), most extras, bmw warranty 53k miles. So probably worth around 11k in todays climate.

Things are so tough at the moment, everyone took this 'joke' seriously!

But I don't think you've got a hope in hell of £19k. Probably £15k privately.

11K for one without satnav & 19"'s probably.

[Rags]

Deutscher said:

f13ldy said:

Its a 2003 (53), most extras, bmw warranty 53k miles. So probably worth around 11k in todays climate.

Things are so tough at the moment, everyone took this 'joke' seriously!

But I don't think you've got a hope in hell of £19k. Probably £15k privately.

Well considering Cooper Cobham have two cars @ 22995 with 45k and 04 plates, 19k seems not too far off.

[Deutscher]

Rags said:

Deutscher said:

f13ldy said:

Its a 2003 (53), most extras, bmw warranty 53k miles. So probably worth around 11k in todays climate.

Things are so tough at the moment, everyone took this 'joke' seriously!

But I don't think you've got a hope in hell of £19k. Probably £15k privately.

Well considering Cooper Cobham have two cars @ 22995 with 45k and 04 plates, 19k seems not too far off.

I think not:

http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_details/0,,1260...

[noumenon]

Buyers market I think. Here's one at a dealer for £14k.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/646339.htm

[MattOz]

Ssshhhhhhhhhh!

Will everyone stop highlighting how reasonable the E46 M3 is getting now.

Matt