The E46 M3 is the best car I have ever owned
Discussion
How does the M3 stack up as a driver's car on the road? I drove one for about 30-45 mins a couple of years back and remember not being that impressed but perhaps I needed more exposure?
The things that I didn't gel with were the excess weight and therefore lack of agility, what appeared to be a complete lack of steering feel, slow gearchange, poorly placed pedals and disappointing engine (it was good but not as good as the hype or what I expected). I am sure on a track it may have been better or maybe I was just expecting too much. My car at the time was an Integra DC2 which unfortunately showed the BMW up quite badly in those dynamic areas.
The things that I didn't gel with were the excess weight and therefore lack of agility, what appeared to be a complete lack of steering feel, slow gearchange, poorly placed pedals and disappointing engine (it was good but not as good as the hype or what I expected). I am sure on a track it may have been better or maybe I was just expecting too much. My car at the time was an Integra DC2 which unfortunately showed the BMW up quite badly in those dynamic areas.
The M3 is a big heavy car (comparatively speaking), it's never going to be able to compete with more focussed machines in terms of involvement and feedback. If you think it feels numb after an Integra, you should try hopping into one when you're used to driving an Elise. 
What it does do, is provide a decent driving experience and a lot of performance whilst still behaving like a 3-series in every other respect. I'd never buy one as a toy or even as a daily driver if I could live with two seats, but if you need a real jack of all trades, it's a very difficult car to beat (which is why I think it's a shame they never did a touring, which would fulfil that role even better).
What it does do, is provide a decent driving experience and a lot of performance whilst still behaving like a 3-series in every other respect. I'd never buy one as a toy or even as a daily driver if I could live with two seats, but if you need a real jack of all trades, it's a very difficult car to beat (which is why I think it's a shame they never did a touring, which would fulfil that role even better).
Brilliant car! I've had that engine in the Z4M, equally amazing if you don't need 4 seats.
I still remember admiring the E46 M3's when they first arrived and, to me, they remain as fresh as they did back then - awesome design.
(So glad they didn't spoil it by making a Touring version - that would have belittled it no end).
I still remember admiring the E46 M3's when they first arrived and, to me, they remain as fresh as they did back then - awesome design.
(So glad they didn't spoil it by making a Touring version - that would have belittled it no end).
kambites said:
The M3 is a big heavy car (comparatively speaking), it's never going to be able to compete with more focussed machines in terms of involvement and feedback. If you think it feels numb after an Integra, you should try hopping into one when you're used to driving an Elise.
What it does do, is provide a decent driving experience and a lot of performance whilst still behaving like a 3-series in every other respect. I'd never buy one as a toy or even as a daily driver if I could live with two seats, but if you need a real jack of all trades, it's a very difficult car to beat (which is why I think it's a shame they never did a touring, which would fulfil that role even better).
I've got an Elise so I know what you mean (though the ITR could give the Lotus a run for its money in certain dynamic elements)! I always think the M3 is a car I should love but unfortunately found it somewhat disappointing. What it does do, is provide a decent driving experience and a lot of performance whilst still behaving like a 3-series in every other respect. I'd never buy one as a toy or even as a daily driver if I could live with two seats, but if you need a real jack of all trades, it's a very difficult car to beat (which is why I think it's a shame they never did a touring, which would fulfil that role even better).
Saying that I do need a new "daily" to replace my not long gone Integra - weekend use and 6k miles a year. To be used for shopping, taking the missus out and generally used as a car; I am completely struggling as to what to get but do think an M3 would fit the bill...
e46acs said:
I'm on my 5th E46 M3 (7th M3 in total). I keep selling them looking for something else, but for the money, you can't beat them. They are incredible value for money now.
Hi, this seems to be very common with some having owned 3-5 M3's (usually E46). People keep coming back to them. SidewaysSi said:
Saying that I do need a new "daily" to replace my not long gone Integra - weekend use and 6k miles a year. To be used for shopping, taking the missus out and generally used as a car; I am completely struggling as to what to get but do think an M3 would fit the bill...
If not an M3, what about a Monaro?danp said:
Leins said:
Watch out for the interior mirror leaking, especially if being left out on a hot day. Worth a preventative fix
What's the preventative fix?Funny how this issue never seems to get much attention in buyers' guides, and yet can potential cause a lot of damage
paulmoonraker said:
Atomfire said:
To those with experience, how does the e46 M3 stack up to the current M3 the V8?
The V8 in the e92 is epic. Absolutley epic. I have owned an e92, and driven an e46 (several times).
Leins said:
Get the gel replaced inside it, which fixes the original manufacturing fault on self-dimming "oval" mirrors built by Magna-Donnelly for E46 & E39 //Ms. I used a crowd in the US called Radar Mirror, who provide a good service IME, but I believe there's someone in England doing it now too. Cheaper and less hassle than having to source a new mirror and interior if it leaks, especially as they don't always seem to give a warning of when they're about to do it. Also, I've heard of supply issues with new "oval" mirrors
Funny how this issue never seems to get much attention in buyers' guides, and yet can potential cause a lot of damage
If anyone has any details on a UK based company offering this could they please share?Funny how this issue never seems to get much attention in buyers' guides, and yet can potential cause a lot of damage
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