E46 M3 Convertible good family car (1 kid + light gear)?

E46 M3 Convertible good family car (1 kid + light gear)?

Author
Discussion

theog87

Original Poster:

147 posts

73 months

Sunday 16th September 2018
quotequote all
Afternoon all,

I'm still figuring out how the site works and can't seem to find search functionality for specific sections of the forum, so sorry if this has been repeated thousands of times.

I currently have a Z4 and love it to pieces, but I have a little boy making an entrance any time soon so I'm thinking something with more than 2 seats might be advantageous.

My wife is off for a year and she has a Mitsubishi Colt which we can use to hurl some gear around in quantity, but I'm thinking a weekend car (~3k miles a year) might be nice to do short trips (~45mins max) for weekend outings. Also when I've been a 'good boy' then I can join my bro (S2000) to rip it through the weald (kent). Also, justification aside, the e46 M3 is one sweet ride so would love to have ownership before it becomes completely impractical (2 kids).

This therefore makes me think that I could have the e46 m3 for say a couple of years before trading it for a touring of some kind. If I've been a really good boy then I may keep it, but ideally I'm looking for something which I can buy for not too much, and then have no issue reselling at a later date with all good servicing etc to prove an easy exchange.

I just have some questions if anyone could help out, then that would be greatly appreciated.

- With the convertible, would this have enough space for say a pram and a few items (perhaps stored on the other rear passenger seat) for a day outing with wife + kid. I'm hardly a domestic goddess (some maybe surprised) so I have little to no idea what's ahead of me, so any practical advice would be great.

- I know many would probably cringe hard, but if we were to do a slightly bigger voyage, then a luggage rack could be interesting. I'm thinking maybe one which has suckers, so can be removed easily (without permanent damage / changes). I could then take it off on arrival and then store luggage at my hotel / aribnb etc. Any experience with this would be interesting.

- This might sound crazy, but I know the e46 has isofix fittings on the back two seats. Could I put a car seat in one, and then have some 'special' isofix storage unit on the other e.g. a container that clips into it which then secures storage to ensure it doesn't fall onto the baby. Maybe I'm over thinking things? Or alternatively if the wife is in the back, some storage options for front seat? As you can tell by now, I'm not that bothered about my appearance. Heckling from strangers is an everyday occurrence for me.

- Any tips for cars around the ~£9k to £13k ish which would be a really nice car, but also hold it's value potentially more than others. Strictly manual, not interested in smg or likes of. I'm not too fussed about styling, but light interior of kinds (cream / grey) is a must. If I were to choose a colour it would be estoril blue, and silver is least favourite, but still love the look regardless of colour. My current thinking is getting something <90k so that when I sell it it's going to be a chunk below 100k so makes it easier to sell. Would this be correct in saying?

- Once again sorry for ignorance, but I like the idea of buying a car from an established forum member, probably realistcally interested in buy (if all goes well) in Jan 2019 or perhaps Dec 2018. If interested, I'm selling the Zed if they fancy that for a change. A simply superb car (N52 3L, manual, high mileages 140k, convertible, very rare blue exterior with cream interior which is in high demand). But I will give priority to selling on z4-forum.com as those guys are ledgends. Not up for grabs yet, but it will be if all turns out ok with m3. I'm based just outside of Maidstone, Kent but I'm game for a road trip once I'm let out of the house.

- List of common problems with e46's seem pretty good in general, but I'm by no means a technical person. People say listen for sounds for for vanos issues, but does anyone know of a back to back video of a good vanos vs vanos of the virgin variety?


Any other points would be greatly appreciated, as this could be a pipe dream.... could be angelangelangel match made in heaven angelangelangel

Best

Theog

Cactussed

5,292 posts

212 months

Monday 17th September 2018
quotequote all
We have an SUV and I have an E46 as my car with 2 kids (3 and 5). the convertible loses too much boot space but the coupe fits a buggy and other bits (depending on what buggy you have obvs - they vary in size a lot).

they don't all have ISOFIX I think?) so worth checking that. Mine does in the back (although I no longer need it). Getting a baby seat into the back is not going to be easy however (eg cabriofix and base) but not impossible. You'd need to slide the passenger seat forward to get it to fit through, plus you wont be able to put the seat all the way back with the baby seat in situ. Your wife wont be doing it, especially once the kid is bigger as they get heavy and its an awkward angle. Ask me how I know.

You can get BMW racks for the coupe which then takes a roof box no problems (again, speaking from experience) which makes it a perfectly decent weekend away type car.

Smuler

2,286 posts

138 months

Monday 17th September 2018
quotequote all
You mentions forums, there's a guy on M3 cutters based in Kent, selling an Estoril blue manual coupe now. If you would go coupe, maybe you could ask to see his and if you're pending little guy's seat is already bought, see if it fits?

I think you'd need to be at the higher end of your budget to get a decent one without increasing costs anyway in sorting it out. And still be prepared for higher servicing / maintenance costs than a non M.

Rust and subframe issues are the top concerns I was aware of when I got mine.

Think if it were me though, I'd look a fast hatch/suv as the one stop shop ; much easier for in and out / lugging sprog - gear.




theog87

Original Poster:

147 posts

73 months

Monday 17th September 2018
quotequote all
Ok interesting thanks guys.

I love the look of the coupe, but I'm pretty dam set on the convertible. I don't want to be wasting anyone's time.

Any obvious checks for rust. Is it that bubbling of the paint?

Cactussed

5,292 posts

212 months

Tuesday 18th September 2018
quotequote all
I doubt you'll get a baby seat in the back of a convertible. I could be wrong however.

E34

41 posts

172 months

Tuesday 18th September 2018
quotequote all
I have a e46 coupe as a daily car in addition to a family SUV. Im not sure how it works with the convertible but the coupe is surprisingly practical. The seats split-fold so it has much more versatility than a saloon BMW, i've brought home an Ikea bookcase in it!

I did a bit of research on car seats and can highly recommend the Recaro Zero1. I run it rear facing but it can swivel 360 degrees which makes loading the child very easy in the coupe.

Cactussed

5,292 posts

212 months

Tuesday 18th September 2018
quotequote all
That recaro looks handy. We had a full travel system so had to lug the whole seat etc in and out each time and clip it into the buggy. I doubt that would work daily without being a royal faff

RossOCD

67 posts

173 months

Thursday 20th September 2018
quotequote all
Hi

I have an E46 M3 Convertible, they are pretty small in the back and the boots are not very tall. I think you may really struggle, being a father of 3 now I can tell you you will be amazed how much sh*t you have to carry around with a new born baby. They are particularly tricky to get in and out the back of to get the child in and out of too.

Oh and I have an old Merc E Class estate as a family car just in case you were wondering how I make do. With 3 children it becomes a bonus that they DONT all fit in the M3...

WIL35

525 posts

209 months

Thursday 20th September 2018
quotequote all
E34 said:
i've brought home an Ikea bookcase in it!
I was pleased I was able to bring home an Ikea double bed frame in mine. The passenger seat was tilted forward (luckily I went on my own) but it fitted! So very practical. cool

theog87

Original Poster:

147 posts

73 months

Saturday 22nd September 2018
quotequote all
RossOCD said:
Hi

I have an E46 M3 Convertible, they are pretty small in the back and the boots are not very tall. I think you may really struggle, being a father of 3 now I can tell you you will be amazed how much sh*t you have to carry around with a new born baby. They are particularly tricky to get in and out the back of to get the child in and out of too.

Oh and I have an old Merc E Class estate as a family car just in case you were wondering how I make do. With 3 children it becomes a bonus that they DONT all fit in the M3...
Thanks for contributions everyone I have been watching this thread avidly.

@RossOCD - would you say it would be at all possible having the convertible for 20min drives with 1 kid for day trips etc. Anything which will require a significant time for stop over would be in the in my wife's car (Mitsubishi colt).

For instance, can you fit a baby walker thing (not sure of the exact name but the thing they have once born) in the back? Or is that pushing it? If so, then a coupe might have to be the way forward. Will miss not having the hood down though.

Just out of interest, in terms of depreciation, do you think the coupes will be more 'future proof' than the convertible. As I suppose I could get a coupe then a convertible down the line!?

RossOCD

67 posts

173 months

Monday 24th September 2018
quotequote all
Hi

Yeah I think it would be fine for the odd day out etc. We use it for days out with two 8 year olds in the back, obviously no buggy though.

Convertibles are a fair bit cheaper than coupes at the moment, with the roof down the noise and driving experience is fantastic. Nothing else sounds like an E46 M3 screaming up through the rpms. great fun cars for the money.

if your anywhere near Essex your more than welcome to come and try it for size with baby equipment etc!

Thanks



Cactussed

5,292 posts

212 months

Tuesday 25th September 2018
quotequote all
And therein lies the problem. For two 8 year olds, its fine. For 4 adults its fine.
Its the baby, with the baby seat and buggy and all the other stuff that's problematic in my view.

theog87

Original Poster:

147 posts

73 months

Tuesday 25th September 2018
quotequote all
RossOCD said:
Hi

Yeah I think it would be fine for the odd day out etc. We use it for days out with two 8 year olds in the back, obviously no buggy though.

Convertibles are a fair bit cheaper than coupes at the moment, with the roof down the noise and driving experience is fantastic. Nothing else sounds like an E46 M3 screaming up through the rpms. great fun cars for the money.

if your anywhere near Essex your more than welcome to come and try it for size with baby equipment etc!

Thanks
Ah cheers for the offer. The due date is today so we will probably staying fairly near to home (maidstone area) for the next few days / weeks to be on the safe side.

I think I need to get all our current gear in front of me to get an idea of what is needed space wise.

theog87

Original Poster:

147 posts

73 months

Tuesday 25th September 2018
quotequote all
Cactussed said:
And therein lies the problem. For two 8 year olds, its fine. For 4 adults its fine.
Its the baby, with the baby seat and buggy and all the other stuff that's problematic in my view.
I'm worried also about the baby seat and taking it in between cars. I guess I could get a really fancy one as some have suggested but I'm worried this is going to cost a small fortune, and only last for the first x months of them being born, so would really only see a few journeys.

RossOCD

67 posts

173 months

Wednesday 26th September 2018
quotequote all
I think to answer your Title question...

Its a rubbish family car lol

I mainly use mine to escape from the family laughlaughlaughlaughlaugh

p.s - good luck with the new addition

theog87

Original Poster:

147 posts

73 months

Thursday 27th September 2018
quotequote all
RossOCD said:
I think to answer your Title question...

Its a rubbish family car lol

I mainly use mine to escape from the family laughlaughlaughlaughlaugh

p.s - good luck with the new addition
Hahahah yes I think you are right... I'm sure I will find a way of justifying it though lols

What colours yours btw? Got a pic?

Mr Whippy

28,944 posts

240 months

Thursday 27th September 2018
quotequote all
Have you driven an M3 yet?

I did after my Z4 and wasn’t massively impressed given the money to buy and then run it!

A nice car, but not a 4 seat Z4 by a long long long way.


Convertible is pushing it. Coupe would work ‘ok’


Also don’t think fsh and stuff will make it a joy to resell later.

And forum cars are rare and not always good.
I’ve been watching M3 cutters a year and most stuff has been modded a lot (lowered etc), no pics on many adverts, or is imo no better than half the random stuff on AT.
Let’s put it this way, I wouldn’t buy one from there thinking it’ll save me money, be better, or be easier to sell.
The odd gems will be £££. They’re too old now to find genuinely great cars at sensible money imo.


I’d still love one maybe, the right one.

But frankly you’d be easier buying an E90 M3 which is where I ended up thinking.
Family friendly, 2 kids+, good prices, sensible market, good condition ones still flowing around without daft premiums.

Get a nice one now and it’s ‘job done’ for years...
And in total cost terms prob no more than running an E46.

theog87

Original Poster:

147 posts

73 months

Sunday 7th October 2018
quotequote all
Ok very interesting stand point mr whippy. Maybe I will look into them as they are newer and i guess less rust prone!

pje1210

161 posts

171 months

Monday 15th October 2018
quotequote all
Hi,

I can hopefully put some prospective on this, I have recently (a month ago) just bought an E46 M3 Vert, ive always wanted one and thought now was the time to get in.

Firstly I looked at 6 over the course of around 4 months, travelled quite a few miles and can report there are a huge amount of dogs out there, the price bracket you are in is where I was at, the £10/11k cars needed 3k spending on them, the £13k cars I looked at were not much better!

I have one child (2 and half) and traded my X5 in for the M3, the mrs has a Kuga, now is the mrs didn’t have the family wagon life would be made a living hell, all I get told is the M3 is the most impractical car going, which i would slightly disagree with on the basis I pick up my daughter once a week from my mothers, I strap the car seat in and take it out after, I did leave it in for a couple of weeks but it started to crease the leather so I took it out and just strap it in when needed.

To answer your question, the car will collect a child easily, would it haul around what is needed for a baby with you, the mrs and child in tow, no it wouldn’t.

Would I change it back for the X5, no, but only because I reckon I’ll keep it, the X5 is such a good all rounder and I wouldn’t hesitate to have another for a family wagon, E70 pre LCI I had, great car.

I currently use the M3 every day but will be looking to get a smart car to do the station run in shortly, keep the miles off the M during the winter months.

Edited by pje1210 on Monday 15th October 17:06

theog87

Original Poster:

147 posts

73 months

Monday 15th October 2018
quotequote all
pje1210 said:
Firstly I looked at 6 over the course of around 4 months, travelled quite a few miles and can report there are a huge amount of dogs out there, the price bracket you are in is where I was at, the £10/11k cars needed 3k spending on them, the £13k cars I looked at were not much better!
Edited by pje1210 on Monday 15th October 17:06
Interesting findings.

I went to see one not too long ago which was at the £9k mark and it was pretty rough e.g. interior scratches everywhere and the likes of. I was surprised the box bit at the back (where the hood goes down into) neatly folds up which allows you to store quite a bit in the back! I managed to get my buggy thing in the back quite easily which was a surprise. That and a few bits on the side, I guess is enough for a day trip. To be honest, it probably has on average about the same amount of froom as my wifes Mitsubishi Colt.

Room in the back isn't great, but not the end of the world. The 3 doors makes it less appealing generally though. But then again it won't be used all the time for everyday usage so to speak.

I suppose I could raise the bar to ~£15k to get a nicer one. And similar to you I'm thinking of getting a Mitsubishi Mirage / electric car or something for DD or the likes of.

When you say the ones you saw were dogs, are you referring to general condition internally / externally or mechanically also?