Newbie E46 M3 Owner! :)

[Jim1556]

Hi guys (n gals)!

I've been after an M3 for ages, ever since my E36 328i Coupe went to the scrapyard in the sky (due to a brake issue)...

Initially I was after an E36, but after a chat with a racing driver, relative car ages and their availability, I decided on an E46.

Agreed a deal with SJ Specialist Cars in Wigan yesterday and I'll be picking it up sometime this week when I can get back over to Wigan...

The car has a few stone chips, but otherwise immaculate! Full BMW history and if anyone knows any other history about this (apparently a previous owner was an owners club member?), please get in touch...

I'm sure I'll soon be asking lots of stupid questions on here so please, be gentle!

Edited by Jim1556 on Saturday 7th February 18:32

[nitrodave]

love the e46 m3. thinking about one myself.

is the one you got black? and from wigan? could be the one that was recently rolled and repaired. there's a thread somewhere on the e46 owners forum.

[Jim1556]

nitrodave said:

love the e46 m3. thinking about one myself.

is the one you got black? and from wigan? could be the one that was recently rolled and repaired. there's a thread somewhere on the e46 owners forum.

Yes, he had a couple in black - full car check reveals no accidents... Any more info?

[Smuler]

Jim1556 said:

nitrodave said:

love the e46 m3. thinking about one myself.

is the one you got black? and from wigan? could be the one that was recently rolled and repaired. there's a thread somewhere on the e46 owners forum.

Yes, he had a couple in black - full car check reveals no accidents... Any more info?

I thought HPI checks would only reveal if cat C or Cat D write offs, not any accident; so no check would be fool proof.

If it's the one where SJ has, unusually it seems, hidden the registration on the website it looks great in these pictures

[drmark]

If anyone is looking for a cracking E46 M3 owned from new with FBMWSH and fastidious owner (my brother) check this out.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

Edited to add: all orignal panel and paint except scuffed front bumper re sprayed by BMW approved shop

NOW SOLD

Edited by drmark on Thursday 15th January 16:43

[mattcambs]

I was going to see SJ, but bought this instead. Also upgraded from an E36 328 Sport



I absolutely love it.

Which one did you buy from Scott?

[Jim1556]

Considering it was having an inspection 2 service at BMW in November, I doubt it's been rolled and repaired, also my 3 hour viewing of the car, I found nothing untoward except 1 tiny bubble on the front right wing - I'll get that sorted soon.

I'll be picking this up tomorrow:

[b16a2_VTi]

nice motor, im looking to purchase a E46 M3 later this year.

[Richie200]

Cracking car Jim, go easy in this weather

[supertouring]

I just bough a black one before xmas, but I went for one with red leather, bro!

Having driven mainly turbo performance cars previously, the way it performs is refreshing and the sound is addictive.

Enjoy.

[Jim1556]

Richie200 said:

Cracking car Jim, go easy in this weather

Wildo, how's the RS? Got your jobs done?

[Richie200]

Jim1556 said:

Richie200 said:

Cracking car Jim, go easy in this weather

Wildo, how's the RS? Got your jobs done?

All sorted on the RS front mate;) You wasted no time getting into the E46. I really like these cars, fantastic engine. You are a lucky boy

[Jim1556]

Richie200 said:

All sorted on the RS front mate;) You wasted no time getting into the E46. I really like these cars, fantastic engine. You are a lucky boy

If you're that keen, I'll swap ya!

Trouble is, I've already started pricing up tyres (not needed), radiator, water pump, coolant change etc.

Then there's big brake kits, coilovers, polybushing, exhaust... Lol.

I'll keep it standard this year n we'll see how it goes.

[Richie200]

Brakes are a good idea mate, they are a little heavy on brakes and with your previous...
I'm also considering an M powered beemer. The Z3M coupe is a bit left field but I quite fancy one.

[Jim1556]

What for, another investment? They're expensive now but will appreciate if looked after - that means you can't drive them...

[Richie200]

With a few different toys you can spread the mileage between them I probably only did 1000miles in the fried egg monster last year.
From memory K-Sport do a well priced brake kit for the M3. Phil Morrison from Driftworks has quite a bit of experience with the E46 (fitted the V10 from the M5 into one). Have a chat with him.

[Jim1556]

Richie200 said:

With a few different toys you can spread the mileage between them I probably only did 1000miles in the fried egg monster last year.
From memory K-Sport do a well priced brake kit for the M3. Phil Morrison from Driftworks has quite a bit of experience with the E46 (fitted the V10 from the M5 into one). Have a chat with him.

Wildo bud, cheers...

[Richie200]

Both of these kits are less than £1k

[Jim1556]

So, back home today (with a cheeky proper pint to end the drive home on)...

Light was dropping quickly when we arrived, but managed to get one good shot.
The engine is addictive in the way it just keeps revving! But didn't push on the twisties as it's still an unfamiliar car.

A couple of slight sideways moments, but realise I need to relearn RWD control. Very happy!!!

[bennyboysvuk]

Jim1556 said:

The engine is addictive in the way it just keeps revving! But didn't push on the twisties as it's still an unfamiliar car.

A couple of slight sideways moments, but realise I need to relearn RWD control. Very happy!!!

The E46 M3, to me, was one of the most neutral handling road cars I've ever driven. It just felt like the grip was centered around the driver and it was easy to make either end do whatever you want for as long as you want. IMO my one was the best car I've ever owned. It sounds like you're someone who enjoys the odd slide and these cars will do that all day long. Add to that the noise and the feedback and it's a great experience. Enjoy.