E46 M3 SMG - Considering dipping my toe in the water...
Discussion
Hi all.
I'm a stranger to the BMW forum and looking for advice...
Previously always been on the Audi and Porsche forums, and now considering getting an M3.
I've had 911s and Audi S4 Avants until recently.
However a good friend with whom I grew up, when we were learning to drive eventually got a Honda Civic VTi. At the same time my choice was a Golf GTi. So he had manic high revving fun, and I had muscley grunt and better all weather handling. Later we progressed and he got a BMW E46 328i SE, and then a 330i. I had Porsche 911s (admittedly second hand). Now he is on his second E46 M3 - both have been manual, and I'm on my second Audi S4 Avant. The first was the 2.7 V6 Bi-turbo and now I'm on the 4.2 V8.
Sorry for dragging on, but my point is that he gets his new model M3 in two months, always raves on about BMW - I can't get him to see sense and get a quattro, and only now am I considering getting an M3.
The dealership I work for has taken as a trade in an M3 Coupe SMG on a 2002 52 plate, 34k on the clock, fbmwsh, last done 1000 miles ago. One owner from new. Lovely condition.
I've taken it for a drive and like the gearbox. Yes in auto mode it's not smooth, however it's NOT an automatic is it? It's a manual with an electromagnetic clutch. It's fantastic when your in manual mode, using the paddles and actually DRIVING it...
What do you think of the SMG, and more importantly what do you think I will think of the M3 after the Audis, as I get the feeling the M3 engine is not as reliable, or the gearbox!
Advice on the back of a Pistonheads postcard please!
I'm a stranger to the BMW forum and looking for advice...
Previously always been on the Audi and Porsche forums, and now considering getting an M3.
I've had 911s and Audi S4 Avants until recently.
However a good friend with whom I grew up, when we were learning to drive eventually got a Honda Civic VTi. At the same time my choice was a Golf GTi. So he had manic high revving fun, and I had muscley grunt and better all weather handling. Later we progressed and he got a BMW E46 328i SE, and then a 330i. I had Porsche 911s (admittedly second hand). Now he is on his second E46 M3 - both have been manual, and I'm on my second Audi S4 Avant. The first was the 2.7 V6 Bi-turbo and now I'm on the 4.2 V8.
Sorry for dragging on, but my point is that he gets his new model M3 in two months, always raves on about BMW - I can't get him to see sense and get a quattro, and only now am I considering getting an M3.
The dealership I work for has taken as a trade in an M3 Coupe SMG on a 2002 52 plate, 34k on the clock, fbmwsh, last done 1000 miles ago. One owner from new. Lovely condition.
I've taken it for a drive and like the gearbox. Yes in auto mode it's not smooth, however it's NOT an automatic is it? It's a manual with an electromagnetic clutch. It's fantastic when your in manual mode, using the paddles and actually DRIVING it...
What do you think of the SMG, and more importantly what do you think I will think of the M3 after the Audis, as I get the feeling the M3 engine is not as reliable, or the gearbox!
Advice on the back of a Pistonheads postcard please!
Vixpy1 said:
I love mine
So genuine advice here guys.My mate with the manual M3 says SMG not so good.
A business contact who is on his 3rd E46 M3 (two were manuals and now his third in SMG)(previously had Alpina B3 switchtronic)says SMG not so good.
I LIKED it...
Am I wrong?
Will it go wrong and cost me £5000?
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