The E46 M3 is the best car I have ever owned

[HannsG]

I am 32 years of age, so hopefully I will own a fair few other cars. However, having owned this car I can categorically state that for ME this is a brilliant car for anyone who can appreciate a brilliant feat in car evolution.
I can't believe it was released in 2001, it was way ahead of its time. Yes its dated to fk now probably,but that engine. Christ on a bike and what an engine it is, just the snarl up to 5k+ and it keeps going and going.

Yes there are newer cars, and 2.0 hot hatches which could beat it in a straight line. But I have to give the M Division their dues. Since having this car I no longer yearn for a different car, or am bored. Ask me in a year maybe...who knows
Yes the are dated, cheap, high maintenance and owned by nefarious individuals. But don't knock it until you have tried one. Mines the manual version..

I have spent 1.5k on mine so far in two months. Suspension overhaul and other odds and sods, but the car is 100% now. Its very important to keep on top of maintenance. Regardless, the car is worth it.

Great cars. fking brilliant.

Edited by HannsG on Sunday 20th April 22:38

[HannsG]

ILoveMondeo said:

Is yours the smg or manual? I really don't like that box. I really don't like the smg. Manual is ace though, handles like a car half it's size and an absolute hoot to thrash that engine!

Mines a manual. Specifically was on the lookout for a Silver/Grey with Imola interior and a manual gearbox.

Its a clonky thing shifts 1 through to 2 in the cold are stiff. But once warmed up its a great solid box, I have been mulling over whether to change the oil to royal purple. I think the gearbox is made by Gertrag (sp?).

[HannsG]

Test driver said:

Lovely motor, would consider one next. What are the main issues to look out for and cost of fixing?

Everything is fixable. My suspension needed overhaul purely due to wear and tear. New top mounts, shocks and Eibachs sorted it out.

Subframe is a big one. But its fixable if out of warranty for around 1.5k or less. Depends where you go. Also I have very very slight rust on front wings. BMW are sorting the repair under warranty. Other than that I have nothing else really thats gone wrong.

Get on M3Cutters and start researching. There are some good unmolested examples out there.

[HannsG]

aspirated said:

This seems like great VFM..

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...


Although nothing about the subframe mentioned, maybe it may still be within the 10 year grace period for repair...

Excellent spec, great combination on colour, reasonable mileage and priced very keenly. If it has FSH whats to hate?

Buy it and if the subframe aint been checked, budget for it and enjoy regardless! Priced very keenly though....if all the receipts and repairs check out its a bargain. Hopefuly not a cat D.

[HannsG]

panholio said:

Such a perfect coupe shape. The e92 just never looked right.

Was parked next to a new 4 series coupe yesterday and it is a return to form.

The M4 is indeed a great looking moter

[HannsG]

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.

[HannsG]

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?

[HannsG]

In regards practically.

I went to outlaws over easter.

Full size maxi cosi pram
baby stuff etc
2 overnight bags
toys, presents the lot

The M3 also carried the kid and wife in comfort in the rear. We also own a Saab TTiD Estate.

The Saab is seeing less and less road use on family occasions. If I had the choice I would have bought the M3 before being strong armed into the whole newborn practicality bks.

The M3 is a superbly practical GT.

[HannsG]

Captainawesome said:

Bought mine last year with 27,000 on the clock. Shes just ticked over 50,000. I have loved every single mile. I use it for shopping, transporting family, hoonage, many, many, many trips up to Scotland and she has done it all with no problem whatsoever and left me smiling and looking back at her every time. For me too, this is the best car I have ever owned. It just does everything well. Yes an M135i may give me a run for my money but lets face it....it's not an M3 and never will be and the M in M3 stands for more than just lap times and 0-60 times. I guess you have to be an enthusiast to understand.

I have just ordered the Carbon airbox from evolve and also a full supersprint lightweight exhaust, just waiting for them to arrive and be fitted. Unfortunately I got caught speeding on my way to work in Scotland last week at 113mph so I'm not going to be able to enjoy the amazing noise for a wee while. Hoping to get a reduction through mitigation.

Anyhoo, your car is beautiful. I own a supercharged one too but am going to be selling her as I feel the power level is just about right as standard and I prefer driving the standard one.

Lovely to see a thread like this as these cars really do seem to get under your skin. I absolutely adore mine and am hoping never to sell her.

from one M3 lover to another!

Airbox and a Supersprint! Your car is going to sound brilliant.

I have done a few mods, but want to do a few more. Nothing extreme just a few tasteful ones. Not to detract from stock etc. The car in the pic is dropped on Eibachs. Also have Eurotips on the rear, have a Milltek centre exhaust section to fit and also a rear diffuser to go on. Will be ordering a Big Brake Kit too and will finish the car of possibly with some CSL wheels.

Regards the exhaust, I was considering a full aftermarket system. But I ferry my son around a lot so need to avoid a full on sound. Hence the reason for the centre section.

Edited by HannsG on Monday 21st April 19:11

[HannsG]

kambites said:

I'm sure the last E46 saloon I drove had folding rear seats? Wasn't it an optional extra on both body-styles? The estate certainly does.

I must admit the B-pillar position was something that I hadn't really considered. I'm only six foot, so I've never really had a problem with rear 3/4 visibility.

I'm pretty sure the folding seats was a £1000 option..