Do E46 M3's drive like this?
Discussion
Wanting to change from a Z4 3.0Si roadster to an M3 I found what I thought was the perfect car for me. Colour was nice, spec was exactly what I wanted and also featured the CSL wheels (which I would like) and CSL boot lid. The service history was perfect and the owner was just the sort of person you'd like to buy from.
Visually the car was spot on, but driving it was not what I expected. The gear change was not as tight as I'd like, nor was the steering. (and some people slate the electronic steering of the Z4, but personally I like it and it's very direct)
do all E46 M3's feel like this? It had only done 89'000m would a lower mileage example feel 'tighter' or am I expecting too much coming from a 2006 Z4 to a 54plate M3.
I'm a bit gutted now as I thought I had found the perfect car but I had to turn it down for the time being.
Thanks in advance.
Visually the car was spot on, but driving it was not what I expected. The gear change was not as tight as I'd like, nor was the steering. (and some people slate the electronic steering of the Z4, but personally I like it and it's very direct)
do all E46 M3's feel like this? It had only done 89'000m would a lower mileage example feel 'tighter' or am I expecting too much coming from a 2006 Z4 to a 54plate M3.
I'm a bit gutted now as I thought I had found the perfect car but I had to turn it down for the time being.
Thanks in advance.
Muska - wasit in Sutton coldfield by any chance?
I had watched that one.
I've not teat driven one yet but looking to buy. Reading many mixed reports about the 'feel' of many aspects of these cars!
I think plenty of test drives are needed - the only problem is I always buy the first car I drive! Especially if like you say, the owner is genuine.
Anything else to report on the car or m3's in general?
I had watched that one.
I've not teat driven one yet but looking to buy. Reading many mixed reports about the 'feel' of many aspects of these cars!
I think plenty of test drives are needed - the only problem is I always buy the first car I drive! Especially if like you say, the owner is genuine.
Anything else to report on the car or m3's in general?
Thanks for the replies, it was indeed the sutton cold field car.
It's the second car I've viewed now, the first had rust on the rear arch so I walked away without viewing further. (it was at a garage I pass near my sisters)
This car looked fantastic, both side mirrors had that sort of bleeding look to the lower half of them but thats not the end of the world, other than that I found it really hard to fault it. The owner was a top bloke, definitely the kind of person I'd want to buy an M3 from. It was just the drive that had me not 100% sure. Perhaps I am spoilt, as the Z4 I have on an 06 plate with 57k on it drive like a new car. I just hoped a car 18months older would not feel so different.
More test drives required then, I just hate wasting peoples time as I'm quite specific on spec.
It's the second car I've viewed now, the first had rust on the rear arch so I walked away without viewing further. (it was at a garage I pass near my sisters)
This car looked fantastic, both side mirrors had that sort of bleeding look to the lower half of them but thats not the end of the world, other than that I found it really hard to fault it. The owner was a top bloke, definitely the kind of person I'd want to buy an M3 from. It was just the drive that had me not 100% sure. Perhaps I am spoilt, as the Z4 I have on an 06 plate with 57k on it drive like a new car. I just hoped a car 18months older would not feel so different.
More test drives required then, I just hate wasting peoples time as I'm quite specific on spec.
All M product cars have scheduled gear box oil changes at 1200 miles and every inspection 2. I have SMG so no real idea about gearchange 'feel' except for regular feedback that it hasa long throw and is notchy to use.
well maintained these should still feel tight a v high milage but a specific fault like bushes being shot/top mounts etc can spoil the handling until recitified.
Most BMWs fee solid at 150k in my experience.
well maintained these should still feel tight a v high milage but a specific fault like bushes being shot/top mounts etc can spoil the handling until recitified.
Most BMWs fee solid at 150k in my experience.
I run a 30k mile M3 as my daily drive and it's sharp and tight.
The issue you will have is finding a good one as most have been thrashed, clocked and bumped. They are in the price bracket that the young lads can get into them and they tend to drive them hard and sell up when something needs replacing.
It's worth paying good money for the right one as they are wonderful cars. Just be careful
The issue you will have is finding a good one as most have been thrashed, clocked and bumped. They are in the price bracket that the young lads can get into them and they tend to drive them hard and sell up when something needs replacing.
It's worth paying good money for the right one as they are wonderful cars. Just be careful
I won't lie, I would love a Z4MC (or R) but what I'm really after is M performance with two rear seats and a decent boot.
Thanks for pointing out the boot floor issues, it would be something to be checked on condition of sale for me.
I'm not opposed to an SMG either if the right car comes along, I think i could get along with it.
Thanks for pointing out the boot floor issues, it would be something to be checked on condition of sale for me.
I'm not opposed to an SMG either if the right car comes along, I think i could get along with it.
custardkid said:
At 90k it may be worth replacing the suspension bushes and rear top mounts.
Could be as above but I did find the standard M3 a bit numb through the steering wheel. You say it had CSL wheels, could have been cheap and heavy reps that wouldn't help the steering feel either.If you want something that feels sharper (and can't afford a CSL) then look out for a CS. It has the quicker CSL steering rack and lightweight CSL style wheels.
I had a CS that had about 55k on the clock when I sold it and it felt as new.
I sold my M3 on 77k I think and it was still very tight, both handling and gear shift - as someone has said - could be easy to rectify if just bushes etc. it's worth bearing in mind, coming from a Z4 with run flats, perhaps the softer sidewalls make the feel rather different on the steering? I came from a Z4 2.5 Si to the M3 and found it far more compliant ride-wise.
I owned an E46 M3 (Manual) but sold it just prior to 100,000 (motorway) miles...a few years ago.
The gearbox and steering were both tight & sharp so my advice is to continue looking until you find the right car.
My only surprise was, during winter, how heavy the gearbox was (movement-wise) until the oil warmed up. Not really a criticism of the car...just don't judge the car until it's warmed up.
The gearbox and steering were both tight & sharp so my advice is to continue looking until you find the right car.
My only surprise was, during winter, how heavy the gearbox was (movement-wise) until the oil warmed up. Not really a criticism of the car...just don't judge the car until it's warmed up.
Guys,
My e46 M3 has 99k on the clock now and a full service history at BMW. The gearbox is very tight / direct and the steering too - I have the original spec Conti-sports that were specific for the e46 M3, and that makes a big difference in the steering feel - they just cost a lot.
The rear suspension bushes etc is a good shout. I have recently noticed a metallic clunking in my rear suspension, and i think a spring has snapped. Its going in tomorrow, so will let you know - I'll also get the bushes done while its in.
Keep looking, and buy a standard one - if you want to mod it later, then so be it, but at least you are buying a good blue print rather than taking a view on someone else's tastes.
BMW will probably sell you the CSL wheels if they can still get them, but they are around 2k - bit extravagant, but i might take the plunge at some point !
keep us posted!
Best
Trev
My e46 M3 has 99k on the clock now and a full service history at BMW. The gearbox is very tight / direct and the steering too - I have the original spec Conti-sports that were specific for the e46 M3, and that makes a big difference in the steering feel - they just cost a lot.
The rear suspension bushes etc is a good shout. I have recently noticed a metallic clunking in my rear suspension, and i think a spring has snapped. Its going in tomorrow, so will let you know - I'll also get the bushes done while its in.
Keep looking, and buy a standard one - if you want to mod it later, then so be it, but at least you are buying a good blue print rather than taking a view on someone else's tastes.
BMW will probably sell you the CSL wheels if they can still get them, but they are around 2k - bit extravagant, but i might take the plunge at some point !
keep us posted!
Best
Trev
I'm easy on colour, although I would prefer anything but the light silver.
Spec
2003/4
Must have sat Nav and prefer digital tv too
Prefer sunroof
I believe everything else like PDC's & cruise was standard on an M3.
Under 80k preferred.
19" wheels, csl's preferred.
Don't mind smg or manual.
Circa £10k hopefully.
Spec
2003/4
Must have sat Nav and prefer digital tv too
Prefer sunroof
I believe everything else like PDC's & cruise was standard on an M3.
Under 80k preferred.
19" wheels, csl's preferred.
Don't mind smg or manual.
Circa £10k hopefully.
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