M£ E46 wanted... SMG or Manual???? any Advise?????

[T5AMX]

Hi just in the process of searching to buy an M3.. got about 12k to speand...what should i buy and any good advise where from.
Do i go for SMG or Manual
What do I need to look out for??
Im located in Northants..

Thanks
Sam

[nottyash]

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=8
this is a good site, explains a lot about them, also some for sale i bought mine there.
Check service history, 1200 mile running in service. rear springs, subframe issues, early cars pre 2003 had a recall for bearings (I think).
Your budget should put you in a decent facelift 04 plate onwards car. Shop around, and haggle hard.
I was offered a manual 55000 miles Mystic blue 04 plate coupe for £10000. Needed rear tyres, and a rear silencer as the baffles were rattling. Thats an idea of what they can go for.
Manual or SMG??? You decide.
Personally i dont like semi auto, and there has been a few failures so check it properly before buying, but many owners on here are pleased with them.

[andye30m3]

I didn't think I'd like SMG having never owned anything but manual cars before the CSL but the system in the E46 is pretty good, I definitely try one before discounting it.

Things to look, running in service, rear springs snap, check the condition of all consumables as tyres and discs are quite expensive, also worth looking at when the next inspection 2 is due as this is the most expensive off the routine services.

[izz4mc]

I've driven both and I prefer the smg. I generally prefer a good manual but I found the manual box to have quite a long throw which didn't feel particularly good. The smg is obviously not as quick or smooth as a dsg in a e92 but it's still quite nice and snappy to use once you get the hang of it with a nice blip on downshift. In traffic the smg could be a bit of pain though.