E46 M3 CONVERTIBLE SCUTTLE SHAKE
E46 M3 CONVERTIBLE SCUTTLE SHAKE
Author
Discussion

TIMSTURLA

Original Poster:

47 posts

186 months

Tuesday 11th January 2011
quotequote all
Hi,

I'm looking at an E46 M3 convertible, but I'm concerned about shake. (I have previous experience of an early 996/911 convertible, and the shake was very poor).

Since the roof will spend much of it's time up I'd like to know how "squeeky" it can get.

Additionally, is this affected particularly by the use of the 19" wheel option

Thanks,

Tim

Nedz

2,439 posts

198 months

Tuesday 11th January 2011
quotequote all
They dont really 'squeak' much to be honest with the canvas roof up or down.I have the hardtop fitted to mine at the moment and this can squeak and creak abit although smearing a bit of grease along the rubber seals seems to help alot.

They are obviously not as stiff as the coupe so the handling is not quite as direct as the coupe and if you drive over a bump or rough ground they do feel a bit shakey and you can feel the flex in the chassis.

They are pretty well made cars though,mine is a 2004 car and still feels pretty solid and doesn't really suffer from any annoying squeaks and rattles that some convertibles do,although as i said above,you do tend to 'feel' that it is a car with no roof rather than hear it.

dave-the-diver

276 posts

210 months

Wednesday 12th January 2011
quotequote all
No squeaks or rattles on mine.

Occasionally on an unmade road you might sense a bit of scuttle heave, but it's rare.

Bought mine on 19s, and didn't enjoy the handling, all seemed a bit sudden at breakaway. Much nicer on 18s and a bit more compliance probably suits the vert.

Really very happy with mine.

David

john_p

7,073 posts

274 months

Wednesday 12th January 2011
quotequote all
Yeah rides nicer on 18s for sure

You feel it flex a little more compared to the coupe, but IMO it's not bad. Mine didn't rattle as badly as the Z4M that followed it.

Silicone lubricant on the window / roof seals cuts out a lot of the noise.


TIMSTURLA

Original Poster:

47 posts

186 months

Wednesday 12th January 2011
quotequote all
Thanks for your help guys - much appreciated - I feel more confident now.