M-Sport v Old Age

[cologne2792]

Assuming your a fan of the E46 coupe or saloon and you like the better finished look of the M-Sport and find the seats more supportive and comfortable but don't like the ride - is there any reason why you couldn't fit the springs and dampers from am ES / SE ? If so. has anybody actually done this ?

[aspirated]

There were no M Sport's at the time of the E46, only Sport's, and I can't see why your idea wouldn't work

[Snowboy]

If you are buying new it might be easier to get a standard car with a few interior and bodywork upgrades.

I'd guess that changing the suspension components might play havoc with all the handling assists in the m-sport.

[kambites]

Should be fine. As far as I know the only difference is springs, dampers and possibly anti-roll bar stiffness.

[aspirated]

There were no M Sport's at the time of the E46, only Sport's, and I can't see why your idea wouldn't work

[cologne2792]

I'm guessing that the sport anti-roll bars may be thicker and Is there an 18" wheel option on the ES / SE ?

[cologne2792]

aspirated said:

There were no M Sport's at the time of the E46, only Sport's, and I can't see why your idea wouldn't work

I see a load of E46 M Sport for sale - are they mis-identified by their owners or did the M Sport only appear 2005- with the E90 ?

[*Al*]

cologne2792 said:

aspirated said:

There were no M Sport's at the time of the E46, only Sport's, and I can't see why your idea wouldn't work

I see a load of E46 M Sport for sale - are they mis-identified by their owners or did the M Sport only appear 2005- with the E90 ?

He's being picky, they were 'sports' with the M goodies (kit/trim), later they were officially called 'M Sports'

[David87]

cologne2792 said:

I see a load of E46 M Sport for sale - are they mis-identified by their owners or did the M Sport only appear 2005- with the E90 ?

Yes, they are officially called 'Sport' - the M Sport didn't come along until after the E46 went out of production and owners referring to their E46 using the later term are getting confused!

Ironically, the true Sport models died with the loss of the LSD offered as part of the Sport package on the E36 328i.

[andy43]

Snowboy said:

If you are buying new it might be easier to get a standard car with a few interior and bodywork upgrades.

I'd guess that changing the suspension components might play havoc with all the handling assists in the m-sport.

It's an E46 so other than a bit of traction control and abs there's no electronic silliness.
Halfway house would be Alpina suspension - sportier than the SE but it rides better than the Sport. Not cheap though.
SE springs and shocks would do it cheaply but I think the Sport has thicker roll bars and maybe different wishbones?
Ask on the 1-5 barge thread for better BM-beardage

[gaz1234]

*Al* said:

He's being picky, they were 'sports' with the M goodies (kit/trim), later they were officially called 'M Sports'

yes mine had M badges on, just like the m135i

[Pablo16v]

gaz1234 said:

*Al* said:

He's being picky, they were 'sports' with the M goodies (kit/trim), later they were officially called 'M Sports'

yes mine had M badges on, just like the m135i

Considering how many little badges my 2003 E46 325i Touring had inside it and on the wheels, it should’ve been called the Mmmmmmm-sport version.

[Mave]

I think there's a difference in front wishbones - I remember being glad on my SE that they were about half the price of the sport ones! You can certainly fit 18's on an SE - I had the staggered 18" setup on mine.

[aspirated]

Pablo16v said:

Mmmmmmm-sport .

[LC23]

David87 said:

Yes, they are officially called 'Sport' - the M Sport didn't come along until after the E46 went out of production and owners referring to their E46 using the later term are getting confused!

Ironically, the true Sport models died with the loss of the LSD offered as part of the Sport package on the E36 328i.

The last of the e46 were called m sport. No change to the spec vs sport but the name did change.

[BrownBottle]

No reason why it shouldn't work, it's a good idea but I think you will be in a halfway house between the SE and Sport ride quality due to the wheels.

[pilchardthecat]

I had an e46 330 SE on 18" wheels (factory fit).

Always regretted not getting the "Sport" - the steering rack is/was different, there were a lot more turns lock-to-lock, and a great deal less feel

[LeeBash]

When ordering new, I've got a feeling you can delete the m sport suspension.

[cologne2792]

BrownBottle said:

No reason why it shouldn't work, it's a good idea but I think you will be in a halfway house between the SE and Sport ride quality due to the wheels.

A good point. Is the E46 pre-run flats ?

[V8RX7]

I have an E46 Sport 04 Cab.

I thought it wasn't a bad ride really.

I did then swap the heavy 18s for some lightweight 17" BBS which improved it slightly
(albeit I was surprised by how little as they make a huge difference on an MX5)

The wishbones ARE different on the sport so I'm unsure if SE shocks will swap over.