BMW E46 M3, what is it to you, iconic, overrated, epic etc.?
Discussion
The hot topic e46 m3 or e9x m3, e46 m3 vs e9x m3 especialy now as the prices are similar.
Both amazing cars.
The e46 m3 a tad more raw, e9x so smooth especially the engine so it piles on speed effortlessly without feeling quick sometimes.
I have a manual e46, test drove a e93, e90 that were all dct and to me felt not as engaging.
I have yet to test drive a e92 with a manual box and edc suspension.
Both stock, fit them with ps4s / cup2 tyres and i doubt there is much in it in cornering and braking, and on straights its just a few car lengths.
I like both, but prefer the e46 as it is the purer car, a bit rough just how motorsport was back then ;-)
We need a test, "best motoring style" for these two daily sports cars, that have exotic engines in them.
Both amazing cars.
The e46 m3 a tad more raw, e9x so smooth especially the engine so it piles on speed effortlessly without feeling quick sometimes.
I have a manual e46, test drove a e93, e90 that were all dct and to me felt not as engaging.
I have yet to test drive a e92 with a manual box and edc suspension.
Both stock, fit them with ps4s / cup2 tyres and i doubt there is much in it in cornering and braking, and on straights its just a few car lengths.
I like both, but prefer the e46 as it is the purer car, a bit rough just how motorsport was back then ;-)
We need a test, "best motoring style" for these two daily sports cars, that have exotic engines in them.
thegermancarguy said:
That’s e46 looks great!
I suppose it you were to keep a while and decided to have subframe reinforcement, rod bearings as a preventative and then at some point done the vanos you’d be talking a few £k. Lower miles cars (<50k) shouldn’t need the above if treated well.
As I mentioned above you don't have to do any of the above, it's just general internet scaremongering. Sure, you can buy piece of mind, but that doesn't mean your car was definitely about to have any of those issues....I suppose it you were to keep a while and decided to have subframe reinforcement, rod bearings as a preventative and then at some point done the vanos you’d be talking a few £k. Lower miles cars (<50k) shouldn’t need the above if treated well.
gizlaroc said:
Why would you do that?
Black leather is the only colour I really hate, many are the same.
I couldn't agree more - who wants a black car with the inevitable black "M" headlining and black seats? Black leather is the only colour I really hate, many are the same.
Might as well get in a coffin now!
Having other options for interior colours was for me one of the bonuses of BMW ownership.
And this is the sports car option BTW - Z4M Coupe!
Jonstar said:
I really don't think many a couple hundred pounds difference in road tax would stop many people buying an M3, much bigger issues to worry about.
To own I would have the e46 anyway, the e92 is a bit of a pudding in comparison, although much like the V10's it's worth experiencing just for the engine.
Haha - I have to agree the E92 does feel a bit 'pudding-like' compared to a lightened E46. To own I would have the e46 anyway, the e92 is a bit of a pudding in comparison, although much like the V10's it's worth experiencing just for the engine.
gizlaroc said:
Why would you do that?
Black leather is the only colour I really hate, many are the same.
I concur I really like low mileage / lightly used light colour interiors, but for example Silverstone leather doesn't look great after many miles even with quite a bit of care. Black comes back to life quickly with some dye, matching light grey isn't as easy.Black leather is the only colour I really hate, many are the same.
Yeah not all cars will suffer with all the issues but given the age they will have to 1-2 of them problems. Given the choice between 2 cars- one without jobs done and one with them- obviously you’d take the latter.
E9x is a quicker car and more refined- it feels more GT like than it’s older sibling.
E9x is a quicker car and more refined- it feels more GT like than it’s older sibling.
thegermancarguy said:
Yeah not all cars will suffer with all the issues but given the age they will have to 1-2 of them problems. Given the choice between 2 cars- one without jobs done and one with them- obviously you’d take the latter.
E9x is a quicker car and more refined- it feels more GT like than it’s older sibling.
Given enough age and mileage any car will have a problem. But when that happens is anyones guess, could be 200k miles. You're repeating the internet rhetoric that all E46 M3's have all of these problems like it's fact, when it's not. If two cars are the same spec, miles and price then of course you'll choose a car that's had more work done - but of course it's not going to be the same price, so I'd rather save myself the cash and choose a car that doesn't have issues and just look after it.E9x is a quicker car and more refined- it feels more GT like than it’s older sibling.
Gouki said:
I concur I really like low mileage / lightly used light colour interiors, but for example Silverstone leather doesn't look great after many miles even with quite a bit of care. Black comes back to life quickly with some dye, matching light grey isn't as easy.
I find it the opposite, I find black tends to look older far quicker. Also, if you are going to dye the leather it doesn't really matter.
I have done a few now, mainly beiges, oysters, Mercedes pebble grey etc.
All I was saying is, I much prefer non black interiors, I don't let the condition put me off, they can all be made to look like new for £50 and a day on them.
Okay, I should've been a little more descriptive in my reply. I can lazily touch up a black leather interior and seats in the car. Silverstone grey leather requires a full interior out job and some making to bring it back to former glory, the dye costing exactly €50.42.
I'm also partial to a red interior as I owned a Fiat Coupe LE which should've never been sold - but did get some abuse/banter from close friends on a semi regular basis! It was probably the red seatbelts that made it a little too OTT.
I'm also partial to a red interior as I owned a Fiat Coupe LE which should've never been sold - but did get some abuse/banter from close friends on a semi regular basis! It was probably the red seatbelts that made it a little too OTT.
Had this from new ....... Absolutely adore it . The steering , the size , the shape , ergonomics, but that engine in such a small car is something to behold. I can't really see what I can realistically afford to better it such is the level of performance and driver satisfaction. Weight 1410kg - power 527hp. ( Last Dyno a few years ago now )
Edited by Beedub on Tuesday 26th October 09:09
Max Maxasson said:
Had 2 E46 M3s and 2 two E92 M3s....wouldn't have another E46 but definitely have another E92 M3.
Right up there as one of the most fun cars I've owned.
Loved my E46 and wanted to love the E92, but didn't gel with it on test drives. Went for the bonkers V10 E60 M5 instead. If only that had been a manual or DCT, I'd take it over an E46 or E92 just to have that engine back in my life. Back in the real world, I'd happily have another manual E46; such an engaging car.Right up there as one of the most fun cars I've owned.
Skrambles said:
Loved my E46 and wanted to love the E92, but didn't gel with it on test drives. Went for the bonkers V10 E60 M5 instead. If only that had been a manual or DCT, I'd take it over an E46 or E92 just to have that engine back in my life. Back in the real world, I'd happily have another manual E46; such an engaging car.
Yeah I don't know why but the E46 M3 just didn't excite me...strange, as its such a well thought of car, so it was probably just me.My E92 M3s though...especially the second one was just a hoot. I think I had it set up perfectly with the correct diff oil (no extra slip agent), great tyres and the geo spot on. Weirdly my F90 M5 reminds me of it..which was totally unexpected.
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