Discussion
I've posted some of these pics elsewhere so apologies if this isn't the 1st time seeing a handful of them. Figured it be good to post in its own thread as I've now got almost everything in order, just the Parrot head unit to install this weekend and plate transfer next week.
I used to own a 2003 318Ci Sport for 5 years. It was fit for purpose and provided ample handling performance combined with a quiet and comfortable cruise on long journeys. The N42 was low on power but it was very rev happy and the power was certainly acceptable for day to day usage and managing nice twisty country roads. but a change of job a couple years back meant I no longer needed to commute by car and so began the search.
I was set on a 330Ci Sport with a manual box but finding one in the same condition or better as my 318Ci was murderous. My car got compliments everywhere, even garage mechanics commented on how they look forward to working on it when an MOT or service interval comes round. It was very rare to see another E46 on the road that was visibly in the same state of condition as mine. My next car had to be in as good condition or show potential to get there.
Having failed to find a suitable 330Ci I looked at M3s as I'd always longed for one but previously the insurance and running costs bothered me. Now though this isn't an issue. I have a very good indy (£550 for an Insp 2?!!) and can source all parts through owners clubs discounts or ECP and simply get the indy to fit or DIY for small stuff.
I spent maybe 12 months casually looking, seeing what was out there and shortly before Christmas last year one popped up 63 miles away. I went to see it and put the deposit down shortly after.
on the dealer's doorstep it wasn't in what I'd call great condition but most other people would call it good condition. I knew though it had potential and I could take it back to my kind of condition. The paint needed a full correction, the exhaust tips were corroded so those needed to be swapped, the steering wheel needed a re-trim as with 99% of cars of this age among other cosmetic items.
In total I spent around £1000 post purchase and that is inclusive of the new head unit which accounts for £360 of it.
The car is 2005 Carbon Black with 64k on the clock and fsh, the last service was an Insp 2 done at Nick Johnson M3/CSL specialist 500miles prior to the sale. Had a 6 month MOT remaining, fully refurbed wheels in American Chrome (I love this finish over re-cut Shadow Chrome), a set of new PSS on the rear at 265 section and 235 PS2 on the front.
The head unit installed interior shot will come at the end of the week but for now I hope these will suffice
Before:
After:
It's a very different beast to what I've driven before. I've driven cars from the NSX to 410BHP Cadilacs as well as tuned 300BHP FWD cars (Focus ST) among various others. The way the E46 M3 feels and sounds is very mechanical and involving. I love how the power band is there throughout the rev range but climb past 3500 and it turns into an animal to redline. I love how the exhaust note can be sedated around town and you can quietly shift gears below 3krpm with only the burble of a straight 6 but if you want a wee grin then just shift a shade higher.
The car came with a hardtop but I sold it as the whole point in having the softtop was to make use of every top down opportunity, which I have had a number of times now. Also the sound proofing is very good, way better than I expected. Only during standstill with the engine off can I hear the outside world more clearly than in the coupe. In motion the sounds outside are minutely different to the coupe but what I do hear better in this is the exhaust note from in the cabin.
No further mods planned. I do not want to change the exhaust as I really like the stock sound.I have the BMcable and software package so will tweak a few coding bits I desire soon. I also took it to the indy for a quick check and adding to their system, the guy is an ex BMW mechanic (they closed up shop and he started this place shortly after), said it was one of the nicest M3s they've had in and they see a lot of questionable ones.
I cannot see myself getting rid of this car. I will likely just add an electric car in the future that fits the daily needs then. The M3 will always remain my "me time" toy. It will always be nice to have an example of an E46 in the best condition that many will see on the road once again and that will only get stronger as the years pile on.
I love the fact that fuel has dropped considerably in price now and a full tank of Vpower is costing me a lot less than it used to in the 318 with normal unleaded.
My first ///M could be my last ///M, and I don't mind the thought of that one single bit!
I used to own a 2003 318Ci Sport for 5 years. It was fit for purpose and provided ample handling performance combined with a quiet and comfortable cruise on long journeys. The N42 was low on power but it was very rev happy and the power was certainly acceptable for day to day usage and managing nice twisty country roads. but a change of job a couple years back meant I no longer needed to commute by car and so began the search.
I was set on a 330Ci Sport with a manual box but finding one in the same condition or better as my 318Ci was murderous. My car got compliments everywhere, even garage mechanics commented on how they look forward to working on it when an MOT or service interval comes round. It was very rare to see another E46 on the road that was visibly in the same state of condition as mine. My next car had to be in as good condition or show potential to get there.
Having failed to find a suitable 330Ci I looked at M3s as I'd always longed for one but previously the insurance and running costs bothered me. Now though this isn't an issue. I have a very good indy (£550 for an Insp 2?!!) and can source all parts through owners clubs discounts or ECP and simply get the indy to fit or DIY for small stuff.
I spent maybe 12 months casually looking, seeing what was out there and shortly before Christmas last year one popped up 63 miles away. I went to see it and put the deposit down shortly after.
on the dealer's doorstep it wasn't in what I'd call great condition but most other people would call it good condition. I knew though it had potential and I could take it back to my kind of condition. The paint needed a full correction, the exhaust tips were corroded so those needed to be swapped, the steering wheel needed a re-trim as with 99% of cars of this age among other cosmetic items.
In total I spent around £1000 post purchase and that is inclusive of the new head unit which accounts for £360 of it.
The car is 2005 Carbon Black with 64k on the clock and fsh, the last service was an Insp 2 done at Nick Johnson M3/CSL specialist 500miles prior to the sale. Had a 6 month MOT remaining, fully refurbed wheels in American Chrome (I love this finish over re-cut Shadow Chrome), a set of new PSS on the rear at 265 section and 235 PS2 on the front.
The head unit installed interior shot will come at the end of the week but for now I hope these will suffice
Before:
After:
It's a very different beast to what I've driven before. I've driven cars from the NSX to 410BHP Cadilacs as well as tuned 300BHP FWD cars (Focus ST) among various others. The way the E46 M3 feels and sounds is very mechanical and involving. I love how the power band is there throughout the rev range but climb past 3500 and it turns into an animal to redline. I love how the exhaust note can be sedated around town and you can quietly shift gears below 3krpm with only the burble of a straight 6 but if you want a wee grin then just shift a shade higher.
The car came with a hardtop but I sold it as the whole point in having the softtop was to make use of every top down opportunity, which I have had a number of times now. Also the sound proofing is very good, way better than I expected. Only during standstill with the engine off can I hear the outside world more clearly than in the coupe. In motion the sounds outside are minutely different to the coupe but what I do hear better in this is the exhaust note from in the cabin.
No further mods planned. I do not want to change the exhaust as I really like the stock sound.I have the BMcable and software package so will tweak a few coding bits I desire soon. I also took it to the indy for a quick check and adding to their system, the guy is an ex BMW mechanic (they closed up shop and he started this place shortly after), said it was one of the nicest M3s they've had in and they see a lot of questionable ones.
I cannot see myself getting rid of this car. I will likely just add an electric car in the future that fits the daily needs then. The M3 will always remain my "me time" toy. It will always be nice to have an example of an E46 in the best condition that many will see on the road once again and that will only get stronger as the years pile on.
I love the fact that fuel has dropped considerably in price now and a full tank of Vpower is costing me a lot less than it used to in the 318 with normal unleaded.
My first ///M could be my last ///M, and I don't mind the thought of that one single bit!
Love it.
I had one a few years back mine was Carbon Black with Kiwi leather and absolutely loved the thing. It drove so well when going slow and an animal when pressing on with often surprising fuel economy from what I was used to.
I can't seem to find any better pictures of my ones interior but it looks like your one has a shorter shifter on it plus the steering wheel looks a lot nicer with the m stitching colours.
Bet you can't wait for the warmer weather.
I had one a few years back mine was Carbon Black with Kiwi leather and absolutely loved the thing. It drove so well when going slow and an animal when pressing on with often surprising fuel economy from what I was used to.
I can't seem to find any better pictures of my ones interior but it looks like your one has a shorter shifter on it plus the steering wheel looks a lot nicer with the m stitching colours.
Bet you can't wait for the warmer weather.
Very nice !
I bought my 1st M car 3 weeks ago too, also an E46 M3, also carbon black, and the same colour leather, but I did go for a coupe. Mine has an afternarket back box, and 8 pot front calipers, and I love it to bits !!
Your photos are great, but they've got to be seconds after a wash, the carbon black is so hard to keep clean, hence why I've got none yet.
I bought my 1st M car 3 weeks ago too, also an E46 M3, also carbon black, and the same colour leather, but I did go for a coupe. Mine has an afternarket back box, and 8 pot front calipers, and I love it to bits !!
Your photos are great, but they've got to be seconds after a wash, the carbon black is so hard to keep clean, hence why I've got none yet.
Ah cool, yeah it is hard to keep clean if you regularly drive Carbon Black lol. I don't drive too often and never for work so maybe 3 times a week so it doesn't get too dirty thankfully but if I drive in the salty/gritty roads right now the sides will become white
The photos were taken a day or two after the first big wash.
The photos were taken a day or two after the first big wash.
Yup Royal will do the re-trim no problem
Today I fitted the Parrot Asteroid Smart:
Impressed with the features, I have rooted it so have a few custom apps on there but I won't be messing with it much. I wanted Bluetooth internet, music and Firefox for web browsing during breaks as well as internet radio and for this it's great.
oh and navigation, Waze is working great
Today I fitted the Parrot Asteroid Smart:
Impressed with the features, I have rooted it so have a few custom apps on there but I won't be messing with it much. I wanted Bluetooth internet, music and Firefox for web browsing during breaks as well as internet radio and for this it's great.
oh and navigation, Waze is working great
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