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bamberwell
Original Poster
1,217 posts
31 months
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is it possible to use a E46 M3 for everyday use and commuting (15 miles each way) or is it just wishful thinking on my part? currently have a 08 ford mondeo 2.0tdci estate (i know, i know)but have been gifted a little money  and have always fancied a M3 ....also what do i need to look for, and any other options ideas appreciated (up to 10k), been looking myself and these are all i can think of tvr chim 350z 911 996 s2000 mx5 ! z4m c5 corvette monaro (but don't like the styling) vx220 elise (pushing it on price) 330ci boxster 3.2s
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no-worries88
1,793 posts
67 months
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A little biased as I'm in a 996turbo, but I'd say 996, if not then stick to m3.
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bamberwell
Original Poster
1,217 posts
31 months
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no-worries88 said: A little biased as I'm in a 996turbo, but I'd say 996, if not then stick to m3. what about ims/"porous block" problems though? must admit, i'd prefer the 911 but the potential problems are a bit off putting
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no-worries88
1,793 posts
67 months
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To be honest,I'm quite crap with questions like that,I'm an 'if I like it,ill buy it and deal with what it comes with" type of person.
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v8will
2,527 posts
65 months
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I've driven a few 996's over the years and they have never failed to disappoint. Seen 2 with leaky crank seals though.
If it was my money and at that price point I think the M3 would be my choice, should be plenty of good ones available.
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NotNormal
1,512 posts
83 months
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Looked at a similar list myself when looking for a daily. Got the M3 in the end, paid more than your budget but then i've been running it for 2 years now and clocked up over 20k miles so far. Been superb, extremely reliable and has the ability to do normal 3 series duties e.g decent boot, carry 4 people etc but then when you do find those times to have some fun it ramps up a few notches and ticks the fun box also.
As for specs, plenty to choose from so work out what you want on the car and then go hunting to find the right car.
Just depends what will suit you though so right choice for me might not be the same for yourself.
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tom felty
577 posts
32 months
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bamberwell said: no-worries88 said: A little biased as I'm in a 996turbo, but I'd say 996, if not then stick to m3. what about ims/"porous block" problems though? must admit, i'd prefer the 911 but the potential problems are a bit off putting dont listen to any of the bs from the Porsche forum most of them have a problem with life  buy a 996 its the best decision you will ever make
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bamberwell
Original Poster
1,217 posts
31 months
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Well i've decided to narrow the list down to just M3 and 996. Going to have as look at a M3 and a Carrera s on Friday and see what I think, leaning more to the M3 from a practicality point of view, but then look at a few pictures of 996s ,especially with the GT3 aero kit on, and start to change my mind
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E30M3SE
6,667 posts
65 months
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bamberwell said: is it possible to use a E46 M3 for everyday use and commuting (15 miles each way) or is it just wishful thinking on my part? No issue at all.
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jon-
11,648 posts
85 months
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For me the problem with the 996 is how the 997 and now 991 dates it so badly. It's very similar but worse in every way.
The E46 is such a different beast from the e9x it doesn't have the same effect. Again, IMO.
For the money I'd safe the M3 is the safer, and more fun choice. And sounds so good.
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Nedzilla
1,836 posts
43 months
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E46 M3's are great cars and these days will get you an awful lot of car for £10k if you find a good one.I had a convertible for 5 yrs and it was a great car,perfectly usable every day and not as expensive to run as you might think...(although considerably more than your mondeo).
Have a look in the M power forum,loads of threads on E46 M3s or go to M3 cutters.com forum,loads of info and buying guides on there too.
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Cemesis
489 posts
31 months
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I did 20k in a year in an M3. Many around with well over 100k now. Not the cheapest car to run but thats because of tyres, insurance and brakes. Its actually very good on fuel for its engine size and power.
Try and get a really good one with lots of toys. From 2004 onwards they came with a 12 year anti-perforation warranty (and BMW's rust).
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billzeebub
2,333 posts
68 months
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996 or E46 M3 both perfectly plausible as every day transport. Get it done..
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Fox-
9,952 posts
115 months
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It is perfectly usable day to day - infact only really cost would put you off doing big miles in one. It is practical, comfortable, etc etc. It's just expensive.
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Gingernuts
319 posts
79 months
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Ive just bought an E46 M3, and it could be use for day to day driving no problems. Fuel economy is as youd expect, but its incredibly dosile around town, silent on the motorway and brutally quick when unleashed on a back road.
DO IT, and dont look back.
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VR46
289 posts
12 months
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For 10k I'd be looking for a decent scooby or evo. An R32 would be a good daily driver too.
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E30M3SE
6,667 posts
65 months
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VR46 said: For 10k I'd be looking for a decent scooby or evo. An R32 would be a good daily driver too. Issue with those is short service intervals.........
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nottyash
3,689 posts
64 months
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Yes, I used mine 20 mile each way to work, no problems what so ever. I also owned a Boxster S and that was also great on the same journey, more so when the suns out, less so if its wet as no LSD. Got a S2000 at the moment doing the same journey, great with the roof off with an LSD standard, but basic and not refined. Get the M3  An LSD makes a big difference on a rear drive sports car, the Boxster was a bit of a let down without it considering the price of them. Ive also got a Subaru B4 which is a great alrounder, although it drinks more than me on a night in the pub! By far more thirsty than any of the above.
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VR46
289 posts
12 months
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The r32 service intervals are variable upto 20k. The evo is around 4.5k and the scooby around 10 iirc.
The m3 is lovely but more costly to run.
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Gingernuts
319 posts
79 months
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An r32 isn't in the same league as an M3 in the way it drives. Might be better in the wet, and the sound is nice, but the M3 has a distinct sound of its own. Having driven both i know which i'd pick
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