Are E46 M3's fun?

[Bristol spark]

After having the S2000 for 2 years (longest I've ever had a car!) I think I'm starting to now get bored apart from the VTEC!!!!

However I'm a little stuck on what to get with only a £10K budget, i really want a 911, but i think i need £15K for a decent one.
Would also love a TVR, but again £15K starting, so maybe something cheaper for a year or so.


Ive had a E46 318ci, and 328ci, which TBH i found rather dull and boring and did not last long.


However I've always had that little itch for a E46 M3 convertible.......


So are the M3's a world of difference to the standard 3er, or just a faster 3 series?

I know they are relitivly fast in a straight line and sound good, but are they "fun" in the corners like the S2000?

Will an early E46 depreciate much more?


It won't be a daily, only for fun at the weekends. I also live near wales where there are some very fun empty roads (monmouth-abergavenny )


Anyone with any experience advise?

Cheers

[jonah35]

Theyre appreciating in value.

I dont personally find them much fun.

[s m]

Everyone's definition of fun is different


Please define fun

[CaptainMorgan]

I think it's something everyone will have a different opinion on, I reckon try one and see.

From a depreciation point of view, a manual coupe will be the most solid in terms of keeping value I reckon. That said, I'd not buy a 'fun' car based on it loosing me the least money.

[siovey]

Yes, yes they are.

Aside from looking slightly similar in the cabin, they are nothing like the "lesser" models.
Not sure about the convertible though...

Just get a manual coupe and you'll be happy..until the boot floor splits apart or the head gasket or vanos goes.

Or, make sure you get one that's had preventative work done and you'll be fine

[CABC]

the cabrio is over 150kgs heavier than tin top. the saloon is great, balanced, fast all rounder.
Hugely capable cars that aren't as much fun as lighter cars imo.

[Debaser]

If you think a 328i is dull, you're unlikely to enjoy an M3.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Just make sure you're still able to enjoy yourself when faced with a "big bill". Inspection 2 on these cars will never be a walk in the park.

[SidewaysSi]

I found the standard E46 M3 deathly dull to be honest. Too heavy with poor steering.

[topless360]

M3 is quite dull, however I recently changed my daily from an S2000 to a Z4M. It seemed like the natural progression.

£12k should get you a half decent one, slightly lighter than an M3, bigger brakes, but a far more raw and involving drive.

That said I do miss my S2K.

[topless360]

Just noticed you're in Bristol too, if you want to be taken for a spin in mine let me know!

[SWoll]

Having had an E46 330i I thought the M3 was a big step up in involvement and 'fun', although coming from an S2000 you may well feel differently.

I'd also suggest that for £10K you aren't going to get a good one and with the M tax on everything it could be ruinous. I'd keep the S2000 and keep saving for a while personally, although if your not sure an M3 would be fun I doubt a 996 C2 is going to float your boat.

Perhaps an S2 Elise, with supercharging a possible upgrade path?

Edited by SWoll on Sunday 18th September 23:16

[rallycross]

M3 e46 is much more fun than an S2000 but both are a bit dull ( have owned both and wouldn't buy either model again).

[CS Garth]

M3s are dull? Blimey - that's a bit like being taken out on a date with Rachel Riley and complaining that she didn't pay for dinner or make you breakfast the next morning.

You get out what you put in - if you want easy access performance get something with a 2 litre turbo and press and point. If however you want a clinical, exceptionally well balanced machine that isn't about outright pace but a to b enjoyment and driver reward then get one. The engine needs to be kept fizzing above 4.5k but keep it there and you will be rewarded. The gearbox is baggy as a wizard's sleeve, the seat a touch high and the wheel not quite vertical enough but I'm nitpicking

[SWoll]

It's a question of reference point and how you define 'fun'.

If you come from a history of TVR's it'll likely be underwhelming. Similarly, if you come from an Elise or other lightweight it's going to feel big, heavy and lacking in feel.

[james_gt3rs]

Sounds like an Elise or VX220 is more suitable for your usage. Or Boxster.

[psymonr]

james_gt3rs said:

Sounds like an Elise or VX220 is more suitable for your usage. Or Boxster.

This

I love my E46 M3, and I find it fun, but it's my only car, so it's a compromise, if you aren't compromised by having a single car and really want some fun on South Wales roads, get an Elise/Exige/VX220/caterham etc. if I could, I would (though I'd keep my M3 as a daily still!)

[cerb4.5lee]

SWoll said:

It's a question of reference point and how you define 'fun'.

If you come from a history of TVR's it'll likely be underwhelming.

I agree with this and I found both my E92 M3 and Z4M dull after my TVR, but I am sure that if I'd not had the TVR I would have been far more impressed by them.

I actually preferred my 200sx to my TVR for fun though, so fun is quite difficult to measure and I am sure we all see it differently.

[Shnozz]

james_gt3rs said:

Sounds like an Elise or VX220 is more suitable for your usage. Or Boxster.

I found my ex-gf's E46 M3 far more fun than the Boxster S I had at the time. Hooligan car.

The E92 M3 I found very sedate and far less fun but the E46 used to make me laugh every drive.

[mercer868]

SidewaysSi said:

I found the standard E46 M3 deathly dull to be honest. Too heavy with poor steering.

What are you on about. They feel a lot lighter than they actually are and their steering is very accurate