RE: BMW M3 (E46): You Know You Want To
Discussion
bruciebonuz said:
olly22n said:
18's counteract the image.
I think perception of them as rudeboy-mobile is changing anyway now they are getting older....rudeboys will move on to something else.I think for most of these guys find the running costs and insurance are a stretch too far.
g3org3y said:
Very tempting. Am assuming the subframe issue is a case of 'when' rather than 'if'?
They seem to be settling at a similar price to E39 M5s, however appears that the running costs are quite a bit lower.
Depends who you ask on the subframe issue, most say it's when rather than if however i've recently had mine checked with no issues and i know numerous other older E46 M3's that have had no issues.They seem to be settling at a similar price to E39 M5s, however appears that the running costs are quite a bit lower.
I've had both the E46 M3 and E39 M5 and to be fair running costs are pretty similar. The M3 will give you an extra 5 miles a gallon and they are a bit lighter on tyres but servicing/consumables are pretty much the same.
adzpz said:
bruciebonuz said:
olly22n said:
18's counteract the image.
I think perception of them as rudeboy-mobile is changing anyway now they are getting older....rudeboys will move on to something else.I think for most of these guys find the running costs and insurance are a stretch too far.
RemarkLima said:
Plus the 330d will be kicking out a black smog
Have a look at this..
weez123 said:
Looks like a coal-fired power station.
Contigo said:
I'd have a convertible in the E46 as I think it looks better than the coupe. I must admit it could be a nice buy for the wife when her car dies!
I can't help but find they just look like a coupé with the roof cut off. Always prefer a convertible that's been designed as one from the off.TaylotS2K said:
Heard it's a best part of 1K to service these (major service).
There doesn't appear to be anything in the basic service schedule that wouldn't be there on most cars with the exception of diff and gearbox oil changes and checking valve clearances, neither of which should be difficult. Edited by kambites on Tuesday 13th August 13:42
I am firmly in the 'WANT' camp when it comes to the E46 M3. I can't make it work for me financially or practically at the moment though. It's also one of those cars which although affordable to buy, would become a problem (for me) to run. I do too many miles, so the fuel cost would be high, servicing would come around too quickly, tyres replaced regularly and my paranoia about the threat of a 'big bill' would forever worry me.
Shame. If my situation changes though I would be very keen to own one for a while.
Shame. If my situation changes though I would be very keen to own one for a while.
kambites said:
There doesn't appear to be anything in the basic service schedule that wouldn't be there on most cars with the exception of diff and gearbox oil changes.
£1k (at BMW) is for an Inspection II. This includes valve clearances or at least it should do; I've heard that some dealers don't even bother if the car is low mileage or still sounds quiet.mwstewart said:
kambites said:
There doesn't appear to be anything in the basic service schedule that wouldn't be there on most cars with the exception of diff and gearbox oil changes.
£1k (at BMW) is for an Inspection II. This includes valve clearances or at least it should do; I've heard that some dealers don't even bother if the car is low mileage or still sounds quiet.Still, none of the work looks difficult and none of the parts seem to be hugely expensive. I gave up on paying other people to service my cars a long time ago and even if people aren't handy with spanners themselves, I'm sure a decent indi would do it for half the price of a main dealer.
flange. said:
I have a 335d. My friend has an E46 M3. Both on the track and in a straight line the M3 is quicker. Not by much, but it is. This is based on actual experience, based on actually driving the cars together, at the same time. Not some internet warrior using stats on a piece of paper
Is your 335d remapped though? Mine was remapped by Evolve and in a straight line it is marginally quicker than a M3, I've no doubt an M3 would leave me for dust in the twisty stuff. However as a baby carrier / dump dropper offer / B&Q picker upper machine my E91 335d leaves the M3 for dust 
Edited by adzpz on Tuesday 13th August 13:54
How bad are these for rust, wishbones and door seals?
I had an E46 325Ci Sport on a 51 plate 4 years ago, loved the looks, loved the noise, loved the interior, but dear god you could tell it was built down to a price.
Arches pretty badly rusted, all 4 of them, it was also working its away along the sills. Both door seals were gone and needed replacing. It ate front wishbones and bushes like a fat kid eats sweets. But........
I loved it and still think the E46 M3 is one of the best looking BMW's ever made and would love one.
I'm aware of the boot floor issue, rides better on 18s, plus cheaper tyres. However I have not really heard anyone mention rust or wishbones.
Would I be correct in saying that due to different wings being on them, they don't have the same issues with rust? Are the wishbones different from the regular sports?
A slightly leftfield choice would be a B3S coupe, as above, are these as rusty as the normal 3's, do they still use the sport wishbones and bushes?
I had an E46 325Ci Sport on a 51 plate 4 years ago, loved the looks, loved the noise, loved the interior, but dear god you could tell it was built down to a price.
Arches pretty badly rusted, all 4 of them, it was also working its away along the sills. Both door seals were gone and needed replacing. It ate front wishbones and bushes like a fat kid eats sweets. But........
I loved it and still think the E46 M3 is one of the best looking BMW's ever made and would love one.
I'm aware of the boot floor issue, rides better on 18s, plus cheaper tyres. However I have not really heard anyone mention rust or wishbones.
Would I be correct in saying that due to different wings being on them, they don't have the same issues with rust? Are the wishbones different from the regular sports?
A slightly leftfield choice would be a B3S coupe, as above, are these as rusty as the normal 3's, do they still use the sport wishbones and bushes?
kambites said:
Yeah I just spotted the valve clearances.
Still, none of the work looks difficult and none of the parts seem to be hugely expensive. I gave up on paying other people to service my cars a long time ago and even if people aren't handy with spanners themselves, I'm sure a decent indi would do it for half the price of a main dealer.
That's true, the main dealer work service work is rarely complicated. If the car has done a few miles it's probably not worth the premium.Still, none of the work looks difficult and none of the parts seem to be hugely expensive. I gave up on paying other people to service my cars a long time ago and even if people aren't handy with spanners themselves, I'm sure a decent indi would do it for half the price of a main dealer.
adzpz said:
Is your 335d remapped though? Mine was remapped by Evolve and in a straight line it is marginally quicker than a M3, I've no doubt an M3 would leave me for dust in the twisty stuff. However as a baby carrier / dump dropper off / B&Q picker upper machine my E91 335d leaves the M3 for dust
To be fair, its not and its something I want to do (when I've pulled all the rubbish carbon off that the previous owner stuck on it and done the wheel bearings). Do you mind me asking how much it was and what gains you've seen?We had a straight line drag race (private roads) and up to about 120 there wasn't a huge amount in it. Then the M3 just pulled away.
For track work mines rubbish, I took it to Spa over Easter and it was frankly dreadful. The gearbox is awful and the handling less than ideal. It needs a proper diff, a manual box - you may as well buy an M3. But then you don't by a car like mine for track stuff I suppose...
TaylotS2K said:
Heard it's a best part of 1K to service these (major service).
Main dealers want £899 for an Inspection II but reputable independents will be much cheaper £500-£600. It is still a fair cost but bear in mind its only once every say 2 years (mileage dependent obviously) so its not too horrible. As for mpg, mine returns 27-30mpg all day long. Went down the Cambridge last month and got 35mpg for the entire trip, motorway, fast a roads and city centre so was very impressed.
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