E46 M3 CS end of term report
Discussion
Exactly a year ago I picked up a 55 plate M3 CS SMG in Interlagos Blue, the fastest colour BMW do!
The moment I drove the car I knew I wanted it, one reason....well that SMG gearbox made me drive like a learner. During my test drive I bunny-hopped, couldn't change gear smoothly and made myself look a right t
t! To me that was a challenge, here is a car that I really have to learn to drive well. The other reason, that engine! The engine is a masterpiece and just begs to get into the higher part of the rev range and that exhaust rasp is addictive.
The car mechanically has been faultless apart from a dead battery for which BMW (Mondial) were there within 20 minutes of me calling and replaced it free of charge under warranty.
IMO where the CS comes into it's own is on twisy A/B roads. With the shorter steering rack the steering is pin point accurate and you can feel the surface of the road, going into corners the SMG delightfully blips the throttle, the larger than standard brakes bite strongly and then lifting off the car is very easy to balance before getting the power on. Coming out of a corner the M diff does it's magic and the car just plants it's power down and goes.
To be honest the car has so much in reserve that I don't think I've really pushed it anywhere near it's limits and I'm happy to admit my talent (and bravery) runs out way before it's does.
Yes it's cost me a bit with an Inspection 2 and brake service within the last two months and a diet of V Power only but it's been worth every penny.
I'm very sad that the CS will be going and I will be regularly looking at old photos with a tear in my eye like you would a lost loved one.
The moment I drove the car I knew I wanted it, one reason....well that SMG gearbox made me drive like a learner. During my test drive I bunny-hopped, couldn't change gear smoothly and made myself look a right t
t! To me that was a challenge, here is a car that I really have to learn to drive well. The other reason, that engine! The engine is a masterpiece and just begs to get into the higher part of the rev range and that exhaust rasp is addictive.The car mechanically has been faultless apart from a dead battery for which BMW (Mondial) were there within 20 minutes of me calling and replaced it free of charge under warranty.
IMO where the CS comes into it's own is on twisy A/B roads. With the shorter steering rack the steering is pin point accurate and you can feel the surface of the road, going into corners the SMG delightfully blips the throttle, the larger than standard brakes bite strongly and then lifting off the car is very easy to balance before getting the power on. Coming out of a corner the M diff does it's magic and the car just plants it's power down and goes.
To be honest the car has so much in reserve that I don't think I've really pushed it anywhere near it's limits and I'm happy to admit my talent (and bravery) runs out way before it's does.
Yes it's cost me a bit with an Inspection 2 and brake service within the last two months and a diet of V Power only but it's been worth every penny.
I'm very sad that the CS will be going and I will be regularly looking at old photos with a tear in my eye like you would a lost loved one.
and the wheels, IMO the CS is probably the best of the 3 e46 M3's in terms of being a mix of the best bits of the other 2!I wanted a CS in that colour but couldn't stretch the budget at the time.
I usually go through cars quite quickly, but am holding onto my E46 M3 as like you say, its ability massively exceeds most normal drivers capabilities, at least on public roads.
Out of interest, what are you replacing it with? This is one of my biggest stumbling blocks, for the money, there isn't much out there I'm really interested in without going for something older.
I usually go through cars quite quickly, but am holding onto my E46 M3 as like you say, its ability massively exceeds most normal drivers capabilities, at least on public roads.
Out of interest, what are you replacing it with? This is one of my biggest stumbling blocks, for the money, there isn't much out there I'm really interested in without going for something older.
I'm looking to replace it with an e92 M3. To be honest I'm really doing it grudgingly but with business and personal factors it actually makes sense for me to lease an e92 for the next few years rather than owning my own car.
I'm sure I'll enjoy the e92 but will always have a soft spot for the CS.
I'm sure I'll enjoy the e92 but will always have a soft spot for the CS.
That looks a stunning car so looks like someone will get a very nice new toy. I've made the same transition, although standard E46 SMG to E92 DCT competition pack, and you will not be disappointed by the E92 in terms of sound and the new gearbox. The new car is awesome, but as you rightly say the E46 takes some beating. Luckily, mine hasn't sold yet, so still get to enjoy both. It will be a sad day when it goes.
PeteB said:
That looks a stunning car so looks like someone will get a very nice new toy. I've made the same transition, although standard E46 SMG to E92 DCT competition pack, and you will not be disappointed by the E92 in terms of sound and the new gearbox. The new car is awesome, but as you rightly say the E46 takes some beating. Luckily, mine hasn't sold yet, so still get to enjoy both. It will be a sad day when it goes.
I am glad i am not the only one, was starting to feel like i was missing something. The M5 is awesome and will pretty much wipe the floor with anything other than a super car. It is comfortable and well put together but.... i still miss my E46 M3. Dont get me wrong i dont think i could go back but as an overall package it is really hard to beat especially at current prices and nothing touches it in that price bracketm3mjw said:
i still miss my E46 M3. Dont get me wrong i dont think i could go back but as an overall package it is really hard to beat especially at current prices and nothing touches it in that price bracket
Indeed and, at the risk of annoying CSL owners everywhere, as a road car the I think the CS was the best of the E46 M3 breed; I had mine as a daily driver for over 4 years and 60k miles and the only regret I have is selling it! Unfortunately I'm now looking at an annual mileage of around 20k and therefore I don't think an E92 M3 is quite the right car for me at the moment; a 335i probably provides a better compromise between performance and running costs for that mileage but I'd like to think I'll be back in an M3 one day!Thanks for the comments guys. I haven't even put it on the market yet because a couple of people have asked me to give them the heads up if I decide to sell so have alerted them and see what happens. I'm always happier selling a car to someone I know is going to look after it and enjoy it.
It's difficult to describe but I do think the e92s may be just too accomplished, too good at everything. The e46 is a bit rougher around the edges which can make it more of an event to drive on a daily basis. Saying that I am looking forward to e92 ownership when I find a suitable car.
It's difficult to describe but I do think the e92s may be just too accomplished, too good at everything. The e46 is a bit rougher around the edges which can make it more of an event to drive on a daily basis. Saying that I am looking forward to e92 ownership when I find a suitable car.
Big E 118 said:
Exactly a year ago I picked up a 55 plate M3 CS SMG in Interlagos Blue, the fastest colour BMW do!
The moment I drove the car I knew I wanted it, one reason....well that SMG gearbox made me drive like a learner. During my test drive I bunny-hopped, couldn't change gear smoothly and made myself look a right tt! To me that was a challenge, here is a car that I really have to learn to drive well. The other reason, that engine! The engine is a masterpiece and just begs to get into the higher part of the rev range and that exhaust rasp is addictive.
The car mechanically has been faultless apart from a dead battery for which BMW (Mondial) were there within 20 minutes of me calling and replaced it free of charge under warranty.
IMO where the CS comes into it's own is on twisy A/B roads. With the shorter steering rack the steering is pin point accurate and you can feel the surface of the road, going into corners the SMG delightfully blips the throttle, the larger than standard brakes bite strongly and then lifting off the car is very easy to balance before getting the power on. Coming out of a corner the M diff does it's magic and the car just plants it's power down and goes.
To be honest the car has so much in reserve that I don't think I've really pushed it anywhere near it's limits and I'm happy to admit my talent (and bravery) runs out way before it's does.
Yes it's cost me a bit with an Inspection 2 and brake service within the last two months and a diet of V Power only but it's been worth every penny.
I'm very sad that the CS will be going and I will be regularly looking at old photos with a tear in my eye like you would a lost loved one.
Sad to hear you moving on - lovely car pics look fantastic. went for an early morning drive in mine today on a local renowned road, sunroof open windows down, heated seats on, cold sunny and dry. Motoring Nirvana to me the car was fantastic, I was grinning ear to ear.The moment I drove the car I knew I wanted it, one reason....well that SMG gearbox made me drive like a learner. During my test drive I bunny-hopped, couldn't change gear smoothly and made myself look a right t
t! To me that was a challenge, here is a car that I really have to learn to drive well. The other reason, that engine! The engine is a masterpiece and just begs to get into the higher part of the rev range and that exhaust rasp is addictive.The car mechanically has been faultless apart from a dead battery for which BMW (Mondial) were there within 20 minutes of me calling and replaced it free of charge under warranty.
IMO where the CS comes into it's own is on twisy A/B roads. With the shorter steering rack the steering is pin point accurate and you can feel the surface of the road, going into corners the SMG delightfully blips the throttle, the larger than standard brakes bite strongly and then lifting off the car is very easy to balance before getting the power on. Coming out of a corner the M diff does it's magic and the car just plants it's power down and goes.
To be honest the car has so much in reserve that I don't think I've really pushed it anywhere near it's limits and I'm happy to admit my talent (and bravery) runs out way before it's does.
Yes it's cost me a bit with an Inspection 2 and brake service within the last two months and a diet of V Power only but it's been worth every penny.
I'm very sad that the CS will be going and I will be regularly looking at old photos with a tear in my eye like you would a lost loved one.
Your description of driving the car made me smile... absolutely spot on.
Interested to see how the e92 compares
leeson660 said:
Sad to hear you moving on - lovely car pics look fantastic. went for an early morning drive in mine today on a local renowned road, sunroof open windows down, heated seats on, cold sunny and dry. Motoring Nirvana to me the car was fantastic, I was grinning ear to ear.
Your description of driving the car made me smile... absolutely spot on.
Interested to see how the e92 compares
Aren't those early morning drives the best!Your description of driving the car made me smile... absolutely spot on.
Interested to see how the e92 compares
Well I dropped off the CS to the agent that's selling it yesterday and must admit I'm very sad to see it go. First impressions of the E92 is it is so much more civilised (with comfort settings) and less of a loud, brash hooligan the CS was. I guess it's a grown up E46!
OP
What happened to ur M3 CS did it not sell when the next owner moved it on ?
Btw would be very interested to hear ur driving / ownership experience of E46 M3 CS V E92 M3 ?
Also I think the newer E92 M3 LE has better steering than the early E92 M3 which was critiqued for the steering such as Autocar (which gave the steering 6/10 and brakes 6/10). I think Harris criticises the steering on E92. But latest Autocar review says BMW improved the steering in successive years and is much better though steering wheel is too far and ride is high up (a little like the E46)
Love to hear ur review at some point :-)
Merry Xmas :-)
What happened to ur M3 CS did it not sell when the next owner moved it on ?
Btw would be very interested to hear ur driving / ownership experience of E46 M3 CS V E92 M3 ?
Also I think the newer E92 M3 LE has better steering than the early E92 M3 which was critiqued for the steering such as Autocar (which gave the steering 6/10 and brakes 6/10). I think Harris criticises the steering on E92. But latest Autocar review says BMW improved the steering in successive years and is much better though steering wheel is too far and ride is high up (a little like the E46)
Love to hear ur review at some point :-)
Merry Xmas :-)
Big E 118 said:
Exactly a year ago I picked up a 55 plate M3 CS SMG in Interlagos Blue, the fastest colour BMW do!
The car mechanically has been faultless apart from a dead battery for which BMW (Mondial) were there within 20 minutes of me calling and replaced it free of charge under warranty.
OP was your warranty by BMW Insured Warranty that replaced the dead battery :-) ?The car mechanically has been faultless apart from a dead battery for which BMW (Mondial) were there within 20 minutes of me calling and replaced it free of charge under warranty.
I have BMW Insured Warranty (Comprehensive) and was told they don't replace batteries. How did you manage to get yours for free :-) ?
161BMW said:
OP was your warranty by BMW Insured Warranty that replaced the dead battery :-) ?
I have BMW Insured Warranty (Comprehensive) and was told they don't replace batteries. How did you manage to get yours for free :-) ?
Mine was an Approved Used Car with a 2 year warranty, not an aftermarket BMW warranty if that makes a difference. The breakdown guy just replaced it, looked on his computer and said that it was all covered. I didn't argue!I have BMW Insured Warranty (Comprehensive) and was told they don't replace batteries. How did you manage to get yours for free :-) ?
I think the car was just over 5 years old and he did say that you're lucky if they last any longer than that.
cerb4.5lee said:
Lovely e46 you have great colour, but i am sure you will enjoy the later V8.
I have drove both but they were manuals & i loved them & i have a secret hankering for a E92 M3 awesome motors.
Happy days ahead for you, but can also see why you will miss the e46.
Cheers for the update.
I certainly had a secret hankering for a E92 M3 as I bought one virtually a year later from my post & I have to say its great fun especially if you thrash the living day lights out of it! I have drove both but they were manuals & i loved them & i have a secret hankering for a E92 M3 awesome motors.
Happy days ahead for you, but can also see why you will miss the e46.
Cheers for the update.
OP I hope you are enjoying yours.
cerb4.5lee said:
I certainly had a secret hankering for a E92 M3 as I bought one virtually a year later from my post & I have to say its great fun especially if you thrash the living day lights out of it!
OP I hope you are enjoying yours.
I'm on my second E92 since I had the CS!OP I hope you are enjoying yours.
Definitely enjoying it and have just got back from 10 days in Europe where I cruised the motorways in comfort and had a lot of fun in the Alps (apart from a blowout on the Stelvio Pass
). Couldn't help thinking the CS would have been more chuck-able on some of those tight Alpine passes though. I've seen a lot of your posts Lee in regards to the split personality the E92 has and must admit I agree completely, certainly not such easily accessible fun as the E46's.
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