e46 M3 & CS owners; what did you get next?
Discussion
Hi All,
I've had my manual M3 CS for 18months now, it's just been serviced and is due for 2 new rears so I was thinking if I'm going to change...now would be a good time.
It's a fantastic car and I love the engine, sound, stability and rear drive thrills but I sort of envy the guys who experience loads of different cars because they change every X number of months religiously.
Ultimately I want 911 (997 C2S) but I'm 26 at the mo so it's not in my price range yet. V8 M3s don't massively appeal to me at the moment as they're a little too grown up but I am going to try a get a drive in a 1M this week when I get to the dealer.
I've had a few ideas:
hardcore thrills: Lotus exige S s2 and a cheap run around
long game player: Cheap run around and just save for the 911
I might die tomorrow: Finance myself up to the eyes and get a 911
Lower expectations: Get a 911 996 C4S (still quite fancy these)
Enjoy what I've got: Keep the M3 CS
I'll update once I driven the 1M but at the moment I don't think it would swing me from the idea of a financed 977 C2S plus I have a feeling a 1m CS/CSL/GTS will appear in 18 months.
So, as the title says, what did you guys get next?...how did it work out compared to the M3?
Cheers,
LN7
I've had my manual M3 CS for 18months now, it's just been serviced and is due for 2 new rears so I was thinking if I'm going to change...now would be a good time.
It's a fantastic car and I love the engine, sound, stability and rear drive thrills but I sort of envy the guys who experience loads of different cars because they change every X number of months religiously.
Ultimately I want 911 (997 C2S) but I'm 26 at the mo so it's not in my price range yet. V8 M3s don't massively appeal to me at the moment as they're a little too grown up but I am going to try a get a drive in a 1M this week when I get to the dealer.
I've had a few ideas:
hardcore thrills: Lotus exige S s2 and a cheap run around
long game player: Cheap run around and just save for the 911
I might die tomorrow: Finance myself up to the eyes and get a 911
Lower expectations: Get a 911 996 C4S (still quite fancy these)
Enjoy what I've got: Keep the M3 CS
I'll update once I driven the 1M but at the moment I don't think it would swing me from the idea of a financed 977 C2S plus I have a feeling a 1m CS/CSL/GTS will appear in 18 months.
So, as the title says, what did you guys get next?...how did it work out compared to the M3?
Cheers,
LN7
I had my CS for a similar amount of time at a similar age. I then sold since I was entering a business venture, so I decided to reduce my personal outgoings, and running an E46, though not horrific, is still not to be done on a tight budget as I'm sure you'll agree (£1200 for new rubber all round anyone 
). I'd also got somewhat bored with it - while a great car, it's not one I miss for some reason.
I went back to my old car (which I hadn't sold) for a a couple of months - a Peugeot 306 GTi-6, before buying a Mini Cooper S convertible for summer topless shenanigans! It's a totally different prospect, of that there's no doubt, but I still really enjoy pootling around in it.
Personally, I'm not sure this is the time to buy a 997, since the new (is it 991?) shape is due out pretty soon, which will push prices down. The C4S is, for me, the prettiest of the 996s. It's just so 'right' if you know what I mean. And with the PSE, it sound so
Looks like you have some tasty options, let us know what you decide.
). I'd also got somewhat bored with it - while a great car, it's not one I miss for some reason.I went back to my old car (which I hadn't sold) for a a couple of months - a Peugeot 306 GTi-6, before buying a Mini Cooper S convertible for summer topless shenanigans! It's a totally different prospect, of that there's no doubt, but I still really enjoy pootling around in it.
Personally, I'm not sure this is the time to buy a 997, since the new (is it 991?) shape is due out pretty soon, which will push prices down. The C4S is, for me, the prettiest of the 996s. It's just so 'right' if you know what I mean. And with the PSE, it sound so
Looks like you have some tasty options, let us know what you decide.
I know exactly where you're at!
I've had my CS about 6 months and I usually change my car every 8 months or so.
I was thinking E92 M3 but I've driven them on road and track and although they are a great bit of kit they don't feel as much of an event to drive as the CS, maybe a bit grown up for me for now.
So I've been thinking what I fancy next and I'm a bit stumped. I haven't driven one yet but quite like the idea of a Maserati GranSport as it's got a V8 and a bit of a Ferrari pedigree. I'd like to try the 1M as well as reviews say it's a bit raw, a bit like the E46 M3's. Thought about a E60 M5 but maybe a bit big...
Maybe I'll just stick with the CS for a while, it's got a full AUC warranty until July 2012 so I might hold onto it and just wait and see what car really gets me excited in the future.
Will be interesting to see what you move onto and how it compares to CS ownership.
I've had my CS about 6 months and I usually change my car every 8 months or so.
I was thinking E92 M3 but I've driven them on road and track and although they are a great bit of kit they don't feel as much of an event to drive as the CS, maybe a bit grown up for me for now.
So I've been thinking what I fancy next and I'm a bit stumped. I haven't driven one yet but quite like the idea of a Maserati GranSport as it's got a V8 and a bit of a Ferrari pedigree. I'd like to try the 1M as well as reviews say it's a bit raw, a bit like the E46 M3's. Thought about a E60 M5 but maybe a bit big...
Maybe I'll just stick with the CS for a while, it's got a full AUC warranty until July 2012 so I might hold onto it and just wait and see what car really gets me excited in the future.
Will be interesting to see what you move onto and how it compares to CS ownership.
Has to be a CSL.
Its in a totally different league to a E46 M3, the induction/handling its a animal.
I had my E46 M3 for 3 years and CSL for 1 week and Ive never smiled so much after taking the CSL for a blast.
Have a look on CSL Register as some well cared for examples pop up often.
If you want raw noise get Supersprint cats, centre section and lightweight back box, she then blips and farts and the
neighbours can here you a mile up the road.
Billy
Its in a totally different league to a E46 M3, the induction/handling its a animal.
I had my E46 M3 for 3 years and CSL for 1 week and Ive never smiled so much after taking the CSL for a blast.
Have a look on CSL Register as some well cared for examples pop up often.
If you want raw noise get Supersprint cats, centre section and lightweight back box, she then blips and farts and the
neighbours can here you a mile up the road.
Billy
I went from a E46 M3 to a ZM Coupe. No regrets it's used a second car and works well considering the mileage I do now. Without a doubt it's a sharper tool and more focused than the M3.
However last night I went for a run and drove past the local dealer and saw a cracking Alpine White M3 last nite, reckon it was a limited edition model. Anyone?
Can't beleive folk a parting with 28k for that MINI 4 wheel drive things. Are they mad!!
However last night I went for a run and drove past the local dealer and saw a cracking Alpine White M3 last nite, reckon it was a limited edition model. Anyone?
Can't beleive folk a parting with 28k for that MINI 4 wheel drive things. Are they mad!!
Edited by KENZ on Friday 3rd June 12:01
I went from elise to s2000 to csl to exige to honda elise to trophy to another csl to another elise to z4c 3.0 to another trophy. I needed two CSLs to discover I can't get on with the gearbox but love the rest of the car. I needed two trophys to discover that it's the ultimate compromise between light weight, fun and affordability. Will probably get another exige or elise (hopefully a v6 exige) if I get a garage.
Back in late 2008 I chopped in my CS and the other car I had at the time for a brand new MINI JCW (the factory version) in an attempt to become a single car owner. The CS just wasn't being used enough to justify the money tied up in it and the insurance costs etc.
It didn't work out. The MINI was fun, in a bonkers sort of way, but not a keeper - kept it for about 6 months and chopped it in for a Z4MC.
I think the CS is a very hard act to follow. It's one of the few cars I wish I hadn't sold. Stunning looks (in Interlagos), very comfortable, stonkingly quick, surprisingly economical on a run, a big practical boot etc etc. I drove mine down to Spain on summer hols back in 2008 - it was the perfect car for it - drove back from the Pyrannees to London in a day at speed and in great comfort.
It didn't work out. The MINI was fun, in a bonkers sort of way, but not a keeper - kept it for about 6 months and chopped it in for a Z4MC.
I think the CS is a very hard act to follow. It's one of the few cars I wish I hadn't sold. Stunning looks (in Interlagos), very comfortable, stonkingly quick, surprisingly economical on a run, a big practical boot etc etc. I drove mine down to Spain on summer hols back in 2008 - it was the perfect car for it - drove back from the Pyrannees to London in a day at speed and in great comfort.
LuckyNumber7 said:
Hi All,
I've had my manual M3 CS for 18months now, it's just been serviced and is due for 2 new rears so I was thinking if I'm going to change...now would be a good time.
It's a fantastic car and I love the engine, sound, stability and rear drive thrills but I sort of envy the guys who experience loads of different cars because they change every X number of months religiously.
Ultimately I want 911 (997 C2S) but I'm 26 at the mo so it's not in my price range yet. V8 M3s don't massively appeal to me at the moment as they're a little too grown up but I am going to try a get a drive in a 1M this week when I get to the dealer.
I've had a few ideas:
hardcore thrills: Lotus exige S s2 and a cheap run around
long game player: Cheap run around and just save for the 911
I might die tomorrow: Finance myself up to the eyes and get a 911
Lower expectations: Get a 911 996 C4S (still quite fancy these)
Enjoy what I've got: Keep the M3 CS
I'll update once I driven the 1M but at the moment I don't think it would swing me from the idea of a financed 977 C2S plus I have a feeling a 1m CS/CSL/GTS will appear in 18 months.
So, as the title says, what did you guys get next?...how did it work out compared to the M3?
Cheers,
LN7
I had exactly the same intention as you when I sold my E46 M3, marched into an OPC and requested a test drive in a 997 C2S - liked it but it felt a little more "GT-esque" than I was expecting, I then did an extended 2hr test drive in a Cayman S with Richard Attwood (former Le Mans winner for Porsche), in the end I bought a Cayman S Sport and have absolutely loved it, it's night and day the difference between it and the M3. I'm know looking to get into trackdays (possibly MX5 racing next year) so am on the hunt for an E39 M5 daily smoker and a track-prepp'd MX5 or Caterham for this summer. I've had my manual M3 CS for 18months now, it's just been serviced and is due for 2 new rears so I was thinking if I'm going to change...now would be a good time.
It's a fantastic car and I love the engine, sound, stability and rear drive thrills but I sort of envy the guys who experience loads of different cars because they change every X number of months religiously.
Ultimately I want 911 (997 C2S) but I'm 26 at the mo so it's not in my price range yet. V8 M3s don't massively appeal to me at the moment as they're a little too grown up but I am going to try a get a drive in a 1M this week when I get to the dealer.
I've had a few ideas:
hardcore thrills: Lotus exige S s2 and a cheap run around
long game player: Cheap run around and just save for the 911
I might die tomorrow: Finance myself up to the eyes and get a 911
Lower expectations: Get a 911 996 C4S (still quite fancy these)
Enjoy what I've got: Keep the M3 CS
I'll update once I driven the 1M but at the moment I don't think it would swing me from the idea of a financed 977 C2S plus I have a feeling a 1m CS/CSL/GTS will appear in 18 months.
So, as the title says, what did you guys get next?...how did it work out compared to the M3?
Cheers,
LN7
Good luck with your decision.
KENZ said:
Can't beleive folk a parting with 28k for that MINI 4 wheel drive things. Are they mad!!
I know, i was behind one this morning, it seems BMW are taking back BL colour scheme of shoite brown!!! its a hideous travesty of design and spoils the good brand that MINI has created with the good normal cars like.Edited by KENZ on Friday 3rd June 12:01
It smacks of Audi-ism with a car for every possible marketing avenue!
Its why i keep looking at new MINI cooper at 23K for about £300 a month for 3 years, or a 996 C2 or an E46 M3 for about £260 a month for 4 years and i would own it....is there actually a choice here!
Oh and regarding OP, i wouold say keep the CS, its a cracking cvar and it puts a smile on youre face!
I've still not found something to replace my CS
Tempted by a 996T but not practical enough for driving to france filling with wine and coming back.
Can't afford the gas mileage on an M5/M6 - especially with petrol prices as they are..
Looking at a Lexus IS-F this weekend.
V8 M3 is interesting but the spec i'd want is still north of 40k so not really financially possible (without selling my soul to the finance guys).
Tempted by a 996T but not practical enough for driving to france filling with wine and coming back.
Can't afford the gas mileage on an M5/M6 - especially with petrol prices as they are..
Looking at a Lexus IS-F this weekend.
V8 M3 is interesting but the spec i'd want is still north of 40k so not really financially possible (without selling my soul to the finance guys).
E46M3CS to 997GT3 for me..., and what a drive.. 
It's all about what budget you have, that is what dictates your direction..
I can't recommend striping yourself up on finance to get into something else.. consider your living expenses and see if you have anything left over for fuel or you wont be going anywhere in it, and that's no fun at all.. the CS is a great fun car had mine for 2 years, superb fun on the track too with a bit of development punches way above its weight..!
I'm running about in a 996C4S now, and it's magic for road work, it's not a track car, great on the 'B' roads, it's easy to drive in town, stop start traffic, averages 24mpg, and did over 30mpg on the motorway yesterday (250-300) a tank.. goes well when you tread on it, revs well, sounds nice with PSE, handles very well for a road car and for £25K they are superb value, try one for a year or 2, save another £5K in the meantime and you can have a turbo next.. these won't lose much money now, unlike a lot of other cars will..! I'm going to roll in mine for 12 months and then go 7-4S or 6 turbo / turbo 'S'... keep sight of resale residuals when you make your decision.
For you I'm sure the 6-4S Porsche is the way to go..
Forget 92 M3's and 1M's.. they will lose £6-10K a year in depeciation..
It's all about what budget you have, that is what dictates your direction..
I can't recommend striping yourself up on finance to get into something else.. consider your living expenses and see if you have anything left over for fuel or you wont be going anywhere in it, and that's no fun at all.. the CS is a great fun car had mine for 2 years, superb fun on the track too with a bit of development punches way above its weight..!
I'm running about in a 996C4S now, and it's magic for road work, it's not a track car, great on the 'B' roads, it's easy to drive in town, stop start traffic, averages 24mpg, and did over 30mpg on the motorway yesterday (250-300) a tank.. goes well when you tread on it, revs well, sounds nice with PSE, handles very well for a road car and for £25K they are superb value, try one for a year or 2, save another £5K in the meantime and you can have a turbo next.. these won't lose much money now, unlike a lot of other cars will..! I'm going to roll in mine for 12 months and then go 7-4S or 6 turbo / turbo 'S'... keep sight of resale residuals when you make your decision.
For you I'm sure the 6-4S Porsche is the way to go..
Forget 92 M3's and 1M's.. they will lose £6-10K a year in depeciation..
Edited by RatBoy M3CSL on Sunday 5th June 09:57
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