E46 M3 CS - thoughts / practicality?
E46 M3 CS - thoughts / practicality?
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bungle

Original Poster:

1,874 posts

266 months

Friday 25th November 2011
quotequote all
Toying with an E46 M3 CS. Keep seeing things like http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/bmw/m... and thinking "why not?". Always wanted one, what am I waiting for?

Not driven an M3 for years (about 5), but owned an S54 ZMC until about 4 yrs ago, so I do know I like the S54 lump! (regret selling the ZMC to be honest (big time) but after a year of fun and selling it at a profit I thought it was a good decision at the time).

Is the CS worth the premium though? And, sad as it may be to ask, I've never tried fitting 2 kids in the back of an E46 M3 - with a 6ft driver, is the seat so far back that there's no leg room for the kid behind the driver? And how practical is the boot (for things like buggies?). The wheel arches seem to protude somewhat into the space - so even though the cubic ft measurements sound OK, is it an impractical shaped boot?

Sorry, they are boring-type M3 questions (and I know I could just pop down the nearest dealers that has one to check it out, but first-hand experiences on here are appreciated).

Looking to get back into M ownership, but regularly ferrying around 2 kids (with car seats) is essential, is a CS really a practical option? (E90 M3 saloon would be my preferred option, but I would be talking £10k more at least, and (without driving it) I am assuming that I would have to work harder to enjoy the V8 day-to-day, so I have parked that for now). Thanks.

m3mjw

23 posts

175 months

Friday 25th November 2011
quotequote all
Hi mate,

I am just getting out of an e46 M3 which i have owned for nearly 5 years. Bought it when my little boy was 3 and my girl 5. I looked long and hard for a practical (almost) fast coupe. I really wanted a 911 but that was out of question. The e46 was fast and practical for everyday use with 2 kids in the back. I am only 5'8 but there is plenty of room in back. Bootwise a buggy went in no problem ( i had the drop down seat option which came in handy now and then) the boot takes 2 suitcases. We have had numerous weekends away etc and although we sometimes had to pack out the cabin too not really an issue.

In all of the years i have had it the car never let me down and the only thing i had to replace were usual consumables. In my opinion get one you will not regret it. I am picking up an m5 next week and i must say i am wondering whether i have made a mistake the e46 was that good a car. I am sure when i put my foot down for the 1st time those fears will subside thoughsmile

Hope this helps mate

cheers

Marc

Edited by m3mjw on Friday 25th November 16:39

JNW1

9,371 posts

220 months

Friday 25th November 2011
quotequote all
bungle said:
Toying with an E46 M3 CS. Keep seeing things like http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/bmw/m... and thinking "why not?". Always wanted one, what am I waiting for?

Not driven an M3 for years (about 5), but owned an S54 ZMC until about 4 yrs ago, so I do know I like the S54 lump! (regret selling the ZMC to be honest (big time) but after a year of fun and selling it at a profit I thought it was a good decision at the time).

Is the CS worth the premium though? And, sad as it may be to ask, I've never tried fitting 2 kids in the back of an E46 M3 - with a 6ft driver, is the seat so far back that there's no leg room for the kid behind the driver? And how practical is the boot (for things like buggies?). The wheel arches seem to protude somewhat into the space - so even though the cubic ft measurements sound OK, is it an impractical shaped boot?

Sorry, they are boring-type M3 questions (and I know I could just pop down the nearest dealers that has one to check it out, but first-hand experiences on here are appreciated).

Looking to get back into M ownership, but regularly ferrying around 2 kids (with car seats) is essential, is a CS really a practical option? (E90 M3 saloon would be my preferred option, but I would be talking £10k more at least, and (without driving it) I am assuming that I would have to work harder to enjoy the V8 day-to-day, so I have parked that for now). Thanks.
Had an M3 CS for about four and a half years and 60k miles and couldn't praise it highly enough; a real pleasure to own and drive and it's probably safe to say I regret selling it as much as you regret getting rid of your Z4MC! I didn't have the kids issue but the car will seat four adults in reasonable comfort so I'm sure car seats will fit without a problem; the obvious downside will be having to reach in and out of the back with only two doors but I suppose that goes with coupe territory!

Is the CS worth the premium over the standard car? I've never driven a "normal" E46 M3 but in reality I don't think the premium's that much (perhaps around 10%?) and the road tests at the time the car was launched certainly suggested the CS was well worth the extra. Two of the main criticisms of the standard car were indifferent ride quality (especially on 19" wheels) and poor steering feel and I didn't find either of those an issue on the CS; in fairness I think all 2005 model year M3's got the same suspension settings as the CS (which may address the ride problem) but things like the steering rack and brakes were CS only as were the wheels.

Therefore, if you're interested in an E46 M3 I'd say go for the CS; terrific cars and if you find a good one you won't be disappointed. The one in the link you posted looks a decent starting point and if it's not too far from where you live go and have a drive and if nothing else it will give you a benchmark to work from; if you like it I daresay the private seller would move a little bit on price if they're serious about selling!

Good luck!

Edited by JNW1 on Friday 25th November 17:28

MattOz

4,019 posts

290 months

Friday 25th November 2011
quotequote all
OP,

I've had a couple of normal M3s in the past before my current CS. The CS is definitely the best of the lot. I thought I'd miss the cruise control and stereo functions from the steering wheel, but in reality I haven't. The revised steering rack and bigger brakes are welcome. The CS certainly steers more crisply than a normal M3.

I'm very happy with mine and if you're concerned about practicality, mine recently took 4 adults to Brighton and back (310 mile round trip) in a day in comfort. There would be plenty of space in the rear for kids etc.

Matt

LuckyNumber7

44 posts

181 months

Saturday 26th November 2011
quotequote all
That's a bargain!

I love my CS and it's been pretty practical taking 3 sets of golf clubs and 1 trolley a few weeks back and 4 fat lads to Goodwood one summer with no complaints.

Ride wise I thought the lighter cs wheels felt better than a standard 19 wheeled car and the quicker rack is a big bonus for me.

Don't forget the m-track mode either.

outnumbered

4,832 posts

260 months

Saturday 26th November 2011
quotequote all
Are your kids old enough to put their own seatbelts on? It can be a bit of an arse leaning into the back if you have to do it for them, especially if you're doing it a lot.

Otherwise, the E46 M3 of any sort is a brilliant, practical yet great fun, family car smile

Big E 118

2,468 posts

195 months

Sunday 27th November 2011
quotequote all
I've had my CS about a year and would highly recommend over a standard E46 M3. For me it's the steering rack that makes such a difference, the cars much sharper on the turn in and you seem to be able to really feel the road.

I'm 6'3 and there's enough room behind my seat to get another adult in (just).

I'm thinking of getting a new car in the new year but seriously considering keeping the CS as I don't think I could bring myself to sell it!

Ticker

458 posts

274 months

Tuesday 29th November 2011
quotequote all
bungle said:
Toying with an E46 M3 CS. Keep seeing things like http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/bmw/m... and thinking "why not?". Always wanted one, what am I waiting for?

Not driven an M3 for years (about 5), but owned an S54 ZMC until about 4 yrs ago, so I do know I like the S54 lump! (regret selling the ZMC to be honest (big time) but after a year of fun and selling it at a profit I thought it was a good decision at the time).

Is the CS worth the premium though? And, sad as it may be to ask, I've never tried fitting 2 kids in the back of an E46 M3 - with a 6ft driver, is the seat so far back that there's no leg room for the kid behind the driver? And how practical is the boot (for things like buggies?). The wheel arches seem to protude somewhat into the space - so even though the cubic ft measurements sound OK, is it an impractical shaped boot?

Sorry, they are boring-type M3 questions (and I know I could just pop down the nearest dealers that has one to check it

out, but first-hand experiences on here are appreciated).




Hi,

I have had my 2003 M3 (non cs), for 4 months now, I have 3 kids, 12, 9, and 8, and all 3 sit in the back reasonably comfortable,, with enuff space for at least 2 good suitcases in boot. Regularly doing 400 mile round trip to isle of Wight, no issue. Fantastic car, and it goes like stink, go on, you know you want to smile

Dave






Looking to get back into M ownership, but regularly ferrying around 2 kids (with car seats) is essential, is a CS really a practical option? (E90 M3 saloon would be my preferred option, but I would be talking £10k more at least, and (without driving it) I am assuming that I would have to work harder to enjoy the V8 day-to-day, so I have parked that for now). Thanks.

kchika

246 posts

186 months

Tuesday 29th November 2011
quotequote all
Sorry to hijack the thread, but how does this car look?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-M3-3-2-CS-MANUAL-200...





For a car with only 44k miles, does the driver's seat look far too worn?

JNW1

9,371 posts

220 months

Tuesday 29th November 2011
quotequote all
kchika said:
Sorry to hijack the thread, but how does this car look?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-M3-3-2-CS-MANUAL-200...





For a car with only 44k miles, does the driver's seat look far too worn?
I see what you mean about the driver's seat but the other give-away on a CS is often the alcantara steering wheel; they go shiny with use but from the photos I'd say the one on that car looks consistent with the mileage (i.e. it doesn't look like it's been refurbished on the one hand or like it belongs on a car that's done a much higher mileage on the other). Having said that, on a CS the handbrake lever should be alcantara as well and I'm not sure the one on this car is (could just be that the photo's a bit unclear though!). However, if the car's had only 2 owners and has a full service history it shouldn't be too difficult to verify its provenance; if it's a genuine, straight, CS the price is certainly competitive (perhaps too good to be true?!) and it probably won't hang around for long. Just a shame it was registered in May 2006 as it will attract the higher road tax; however, for a good CS that shouldn't be a deal breaker!

Big E 118

2,468 posts

195 months

Tuesday 29th November 2011
quotequote all
kchika said:
Sorry to hijack the thread, but how does this car look?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-M3-3-2-CS-MANUAL-200...





For a car with only 44k miles, does the driver's seat look far too worn?
Looks good, I'd be worried about the "not sold with warranty" bit on a car that's probably underpriced. Putting that in the ad would make me avoid, but maybe I'm just too cynical!!

kchika

246 posts

186 months

Tuesday 29th November 2011
quotequote all
The listing was put up last night and I called the dealer this morning. By the time I called, the guy on the phone said I was the fourth person to call and there was someone on site looking at the car already.

From what I recall, the SH is not full BMW and he's only got one key. Anyway, it looks like that the listing has ended and the car has been sold. I'm on the same boat as you here Big E, the seat looks like it's done a lot more than 44k and the price just seems too good to be true.

outnumbered

4,832 posts

260 months

Tuesday 29th November 2011
quotequote all

The standard E46 M3 leather seats can look saggy & worn very quickly, especially if any previous owner was a, er, "larger gentleman". as you will always catch the bolsters getting in and out.

That one above could be quite consistent with 44K miles.

3ftandclean

357 posts

206 months

Tuesday 29th November 2011
quotequote all
I've had three e46 M3's, the last being a 55 plate CS. It's still the car I look back on with most fondness, even after two current shape M3's and a 1M. It seemed to have the right balance of performance and practicality. The handling and steering were fabulous but the best part was the exhaust note, fantastic. The red car in the ad has got me thinking...

JNW1

9,371 posts

220 months

Wednesday 30th November 2011
quotequote all
3ftandclean said:
I've had three e46 M3's, the last being a 55 plate CS. It's still the car I look back on with most fondness, even after two current shape M3's and a 1M. It seemed to have the right balance of performance and practicality. The handling and steering were fabulous but the best part was the exhaust note, fantastic. The red car in the ad has got me thinking...
Interesting; I sold my CS about 2 months ago (loved it to bits) and I can see I'm going to have a real problem deciding what to replace it with! The 1M does have a certain appeal but personally I think the second-hand prices are a tad OTT at the moment given you can get an E92 M3 of similar age and mileage for similar money. However, as someone who's had experience of all three, as an everyday car how would you rate the 1M and E92 M3 relative to each other and the CS?

Big E 118

2,468 posts

195 months

Wednesday 30th November 2011
quotequote all
JNW1 said:
Interesting; I sold my CS about 2 months ago (loved it to bits) and I can see I'm going to have a real problem deciding what to replace it with! The 1M does have a certain appeal but personally I think the second-hand prices are a tad OTT at the moment given you can get an E92 M3 of similar age and mileage for similar money. However, as someone who's had experience of all three, as an everyday car how would you rate the 1M and E92 M3 relative to each other and the CS?
^^I'd be very interested in this as well. I'm due to change cars but really stumped on what to go for that will be better than a CS.

Current optionds are:
E92 M3 - Driven quite a lot and not as raw as CS, a bit tame 90% of the time
1M - Haven't driven, personally not too keen on the looks but reviews sound positive
M6 - Trying to find one to drive, wasn't keen on 650i but sure M is a different beast!
Cayman S - Feels good, no quicker though
997 C2S - unsure, will always want it to be a GT3 RS

djon

409 posts

260 months

Wednesday 30th November 2011
quotequote all
I've had my CS about 4 weeks and love it. It just does everything so well. Only thing is the brakes aren't up to much when really pressing on, but there are lots of fixes out there.

The alcantara does get pretty grim, most I looked at were rank and sticky.

Here are two (crap) photos of before and after I cleaned the wheel.

Took about 20 mins with a microfibre cloth and some detergent/warm water and a razor (to shave off any bobbles) to clean and bring the nap back.





Just ordered the Intravee and will debate the Evolve remap in the new year. smile

3ftandclean

357 posts

206 months

Wednesday 30th November 2011
quotequote all
Big E 118 said:
JNW1 said:
Interesting; I sold my CS about 2 months ago (loved it to bits) and I can see I'm going to have a real problem deciding what to replace it with! The 1M does have a certain appeal but personally I think the second-hand prices are a tad OTT at the moment given you can get an E92 M3 of similar age and mileage for similar money. However, as someone who's had experience of all three, as an everyday car how would you rate the 1M and E92 M3 relative to each other and the CS?
^^I'd be very interested in this as well. I'm due to change cars but really stumped on what to go for that will be better than a CS.

Current optionds are:
E92 M3 - Driven quite a lot and not as raw as CS, a bit tame 90% of the time
1M - Haven't driven, personally not too keen on the looks but reviews sound positive
M6 - Trying to find one to drive, wasn't keen on 650i but sure M is a different beast!
Cayman S - Feels good, no quicker though
997 C2S - unsure, will always want it to be a GT3 RS
These are my subjective thoughts;
E9x M3 compared to E46 M3 CS;
E9x feels a bit more 'grown up', not a GT exactly but more rounded in it's capabilities. I think the V8 engine has something to do with it, most of the time you are not exploring the upper reaches of it's rev range so consequently not experiencing the best it has has to offer in terms of performance ( unless you drive at anti-social speeds ) I guess it depends where you live but for me living in the London area I felt I wasn't using it to it's full potential.
The CS felt more focused as I remember it and more exciting. Maybe due to the revvy nature of it's engine and comparative lack of torque It felt more fun more of the time. In SMG guise it felt special to be holding the alcantara steering wheel with my fingertips resting on the paddles.

1M compared to E9x M3
I waited so long for the 1M to come out and read everything I could on it and listened to all the hype so maybe it had too much to live up to, but looking back I actually think I rate the M3 higher. I know it's the more expensive car with a lot more development time behind it but I think it felt like the more solid, coherent car, if that makes sense. It's easy to compare new v used prices and say 'well you can get this for the price of this' but I can't help thinking that a very slightly used M3 ( of which there are many ) would make more of a compelling buy than a new 1M ( of which there are one or two ) There are variables, of course, like future values and running costs to consider.
However, having said all of that, either one would be absolutely terrific!
On the other hand, a Cayman S...!



3ftandclean

357 posts

206 months

Wednesday 30th November 2011
quotequote all
Big E 118 said:
JNW1 said:
Interesting; I sold my CS about 2 months ago (loved it to bits) and I can see I'm going to have a real problem deciding what to replace it with! The 1M does have a certain appeal but personally I think the second-hand prices are a tad OTT at the moment given you can get an E92 M3 of similar age and mileage for similar money. However, as someone who's had experience of all three, as an everyday car how would you rate the 1M and E92 M3 relative to each other and the CS?
^^I'd be very interested in this as well. I'm due to change cars but really stumped on what to go for that will be better than a CS.

Current optionds are:
E92 M3 - Driven quite a lot and not as raw as CS, a bit tame 90% of the time
1M - Haven't driven, personally not too keen on the looks but reviews sound positive
M6 - Trying to find one to drive, wasn't keen on 650i but sure M is a different beast!
Cayman S - Feels good, no quicker though
997 C2S - unsure, will always want it to be a GT3 RS
These are my subjective thoughts;
E9x M3 compared to E46 M3 CS;
E9x feels a bit more 'grown up', not a GT exactly but more rounded in it's capabilities. I think the V8 engine has something to do with it, most of the time you are not exploring the upper reaches of it's rev range so consequently not experiencing the best it has has to offer in terms of performance ( unless you drive at anti-social speeds ) I guess it depends where you live but for me living in the London area I felt I wasn't using it to it's full potential.
The CS felt more focused as I remember it and more exciting. Maybe due to the revvy nature of it's engine and comparative lack of torque It felt more fun more of the time. In SMG guise it felt special to be holding the alcantara steering wheel with my fingertips resting on the paddles.

1M compared to E9x M3
I waited so long for the 1M to come out and read everything I could on it and listened to all the hype so maybe it had too much to live up to, but looking back I actually think I rate the M3 higher. I know it's the more expensive car with a lot more development time behind it but I think it felt like the more solid, coherent car, if that makes sense. It's easy to compare new v used prices and say 'well you can get this for the price of this' but I can't help thinking that a very slightly used M3 ( of which there are many ) would make more of a compelling buy than a new 1M ( of which there are one or two ) There are variables, of course, like future values and running costs to consider.
However, having said all of that, either one would be absolutely terrific!
On the other hand, a Cayman S...!



JNW1

9,371 posts

220 months

Thursday 1st December 2011
quotequote all
3ftandclean said:
These are my subjective thoughts;
E9x M3 compared to E46 M3 CS;
E9x feels a bit more 'grown up', not a GT exactly but more rounded in it's capabilities. I think the V8 engine has something to do with it, most of the time you are not exploring the upper reaches of it's rev range so consequently not experiencing the best it has has to offer in terms of performance ( unless you drive at anti-social speeds ) I guess it depends where you live but for me living in the London area I felt I wasn't using it to it's full potential.
The CS felt more focused as I remember it and more exciting. Maybe due to the revvy nature of it's engine and comparative lack of torque It felt more fun more of the time. In SMG guise it felt special to be holding the alcantara steering wheel with my fingertips resting on the paddles.

1M compared to E9x M3
I waited so long for the 1M to come out and read everything I could on it and listened to all the hype so maybe it had too much to live up to, but looking back I actually think I rate the M3 higher. I know it's the more expensive car with a lot more development time behind it but I think it felt like the more solid, coherent car, if that makes sense. It's easy to compare new v used prices and say 'well you can get this for the price of this' but I can't help thinking that a very slightly used M3 ( of which there are many ) would make more of a compelling buy than a new 1M ( of which there are one or two ) There are variables, of course, like future values and running costs to consider.
However, having said all of that, either one would be absolutely terrific!
On the other hand, a Cayman S...!
Thanks for those thoughts. Your description of the E92 M3 makes me think one of those would better suit my requirements so I think having a drive in one is probably my priority. I'm running a 123d at the moment and, while I accept the 1M is a different kettle of fish dynamically, I just wonder whether things like the interior build quality is really that much better than the lesser versions? The ride is also poor on the 123d and, while I'm sure run flats don't help, I suspect the relatively short wheelbase is a factor as well in which case the 1M could still be relatively lively in that department (which would in turn make the car wearing for long distances). I've just spent about 3.5 hours each way on a retun trip to Scotland over the last two days and didn't enjoy the experience one little bit in the 123d; the same journey would have been a pleasure in the CS (albeit harder on the wallet of course!). It may just be a sign of getting older but a more rounded CS would suit me fine; I'd even consider DCT! smile



Edited by JNW1 on Thursday 1st December 20:49