Changing E46 to E93 - Opinions Please
Changing E46 to E93 - Opinions Please
Author
Discussion

TorqueVR

Original Poster:

1,943 posts

225 months

Saturday 5th July 2014
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I'm very pleased to have sold my TVR last year and changed it for a soft top E46 M3. It's meant to be the weekend car, but I've taken to using it more often as its such a good drive. So, I've decided to keep the daily drive (which is due for a change) and mis-direct the funds to an E93 with the auto box. I intend to blag a drive with a local dealer who's selling one, but who's made the change and what do you think about how they compare?

cerb4.5lee

42,607 posts

206 months

Sunday 6th July 2014
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My brother in law went from a E46 M3 Coupe to a E93 M3 DCT and he is really happy with his E93 and he loves the gearbox too as his E46 was a manual, the only thing he misses is how fuel efficient his E46 was in comparison but his E93 is a weekender so it doesn't bother him too much.

He was very fond of his E46 but I don't think he ever regrets the change and he loves the enhanced noise from the V8 with the roof down and I think it sounds great with the roof off too.

DVandrews

1,380 posts

309 months

Sunday 6th July 2014
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I looked at going from E39 M5 to E93 M3 and after seeing a few dog eared examples at high prices I finally decided on a 335i DCT, it is about to be fitted with an LSD and with a remap it won't be far short of an M 3but with better economy and generally lower running costs. The sound isn't quite the same nor, ultimately is the suspension and transmission, but with the top down the engine still has a favourable note.

Dave

eliotrw

309 posts

195 months

Sunday 6th July 2014
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Just know that in terms of pace is not really an uograde. Theres very little to seperate a E46 Coupe and a E93 in terms of outright performance. The extra weight due to the convertible nature of a e93 is never really hidden to be honest. I have driven both extensively by the way so this isnt just an armchair comment

eliotrw

309 posts

195 months

Sunday 6th July 2014
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Oh sorry i didnt see the E46 was a soft top. Should be fine then

NORTS

633 posts

246 months

Sunday 6th July 2014
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eliotrw said:
Just know that in terms of pace is not really an uograde. Theres very little to seperate a E46 Coupe and a E93 in terms of outright performance. The extra weight due to the convertible nature of a e93 is never really hidden to be honest. I have driven both extensively by the way so this isnt just an armchair comment
Have driven both and own the E92. Disagree with you comments, performance is a noticeable improvement, stats tell the story... E46 M3 0-100mph in 11.2secs vs. E92 M3 0-100 in 9.4secs.

The convertibles of each generation will be equally slower than the coupes.

The thing for the OP is to test drive it and see how you get on, two very different engines e46 to the V8 e92.

cerb4.5lee

42,607 posts

206 months

Sunday 6th July 2014
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NORTS said:
The thing for the OP is to test drive it and see how you get on, two very different engines e46 to the V8 e92.
I personally think the S54 and S65 are fairly similar and I have owned a Z4M and E92 M3 and both are about high revs and I actually think the S54 is slightly more peppy low down in comparison to the S65 but I would say the V8 has the edge on the top end for sure but both engines can feel flat if not worked hard from my experience.

Both great powerplants though and the engine awards for both engines speak for themselves.

JapFreak786

1,788 posts

183 months

Monday 7th July 2014
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I did E46 M3 coupe to E93 M3, part ex'd the E46 for E93. Biggest "issue" for me with the E93 is it's weight otherwise it was fine. No leaks from the roof, 08 model sounded lovely and a great experience to own that car! DCT & EDC too with the 19" wheels, spec'd very nicely!

You won't regret it

eliotrw

309 posts

195 months

Tuesday 8th July 2014
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NORTS said:
Have driven both and own the E92. Disagree with you comments, performance is a noticeable improvement, stats tell the story... E46 M3 0-100mph in 11.2secs vs. E92 M3 0-100 in 9.4secs.

The convertibles of each generation will be equally slower than the coupes.

The thing for the OP is to test drive it and see how you get on, two very different engines e46 to the V8 e92.
yeah i thought he was going from coupe to e93. In which case the upgrade is negligible. Coupe to coupe theres no doubt theres a difference.

TorqueVR

Original Poster:

1,943 posts

225 months

Sunday 13th July 2014
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Major Dilemma!!!

Putting aside the fact the that advert said 1 owner but it's had 5 (WTF!), I've been to see and drive one and dynamically it's all could ever want (just not that particular car), but I've a serious conundrum. The point of having the second car was that it has to be a convertible (roof down, sun and wind and all that) but I hadn't realised that the folding roof fills the boot. I'll want to use the car for work at times, but I cannot get my telescopic ladder or tool kit in the boot. So either I have a 'vert and only use it weekends only or weekday use without the work kit. No doubt PHers will have some opinions.

So I either
1. keep the E46
2. buy an E93 convertible and accept the lack of practicality
3. buy a coupe or saloon

So what would you do?