Okay, i've been an e46 owner since 2002 basically and to say the e46 m3 is sluggish means you probably aren't driving it like it was meant to be. I drive a 342awhp evo9 now which compared to most of you is still slow. The m3 would've never reached that without a think wallet. Stock for stock i would pull on evo 8/9 and sti's. I used to be a huge BMW fanatic and in my heart i still am but the evo is an awesome vehicle which i never thought i would own. To the OP it really depends on what you're wanting from the car. As mentioned if you DIY i was able to do oil changes/filters for about $80 keep in mind the castrol oil that BMW uses goes for 15k miles. every 30k there is an inspection done that's anywhere from $700-1500 depending on where you get it done. Tires were a lot more expensive for the m3 but then again i was running 245/35/19 and 275/35/19 michelin ps2's which were about $750 a set. Ebay headers on the m3 are producing power which are cheap and basically a ss knock off. There's an ebay exhaust as well that they do produce power but the real saving is in the weight of it. I drove my m3 in the snow several times with ps2's and i did just fine. None of the e46's that i've owned have ever left me stranded or really caused any problems. The service at a BMW dealership is worlds different than going to the Mitsubishi dealership. Watch out for subframe damage but bmw na is currently in a law suit over and that's really the only biggie. It was a lot nicer not having cops and hormonal teenagers always eyeing me. I used to track my m3 and it was a perfect compromise of everything where the evo has no luxury what so ever.











Modded













http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...t=MVI_0027.flv
http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...t=MVI_0026.flv

*** getting new tires after a track session****



^ After a track session[/QUOTE]

I would look into a bmw 135i with a jb3 chip and a lsd those are very fun cars vs the e46 m3 and HPF is coming out with mods for the N54 that won't break the bank. (get rid of the eyelids if you do get it)

 

Dont do it man, the m3 is too expensive to maintian/modify..

 

i had a 2003 m3 competition model. 6speed man. i dumped mad money in it to only hit 325rwhp. top end though an evo would lose unless heavily modded. unless you have bank roll, and can get hfp kit then do it.

 

***** migrates to an M3. I don't care how much more fun an evo might be it will never get you a threesome.

 

A friend of mine sold his E46 M3 and bought my Evo 8 (intake, exhaust, ebc and a tune). After a month he said he's never ever going to buy a BMW again.


And now he's buying a IX. Nuff said.

 

I've never read so many ridiculous posts. Usually asking a question like this is completely worthless because everyone here is biased and a fanboy of Evo's but the majority of the time real car enthusiasts would acknowledge each car for what they are.

In this case a bunch of people with no experience with M3's are telling you:

-It's sluggish

It's not, like all M cars it's equipped with Individual Throttle Bodies, low RPM puttering around is much more enjoyable than an Evo

-It's a Pig

200LBS heavier than a IX and slightly lighter than an X some how warrants the title pig, alright

-Is expensive to maintain

Another BMW associated stigma, it's suggested to get a valve adjustment done every 30K but depending on driving habits/conditions many who take their cars in for that end up having nothing adjusted. Also it's not difficult to do yourself or have done else where for considerably less. Other than the Inspec. I/II which the biggie is valve adjustments the car won't really have any problems. You have the LSD and Motor oil to change and you're set. Even the rear subframe problem which plagued possibly 2% of cars the dealer will take care of

-Crappy performance

Yes, 90% of Evo owners purchases their car because of it's power potential but the motors of an Evo and M3 are complete opposites. I'd compare an M3 to a S2K, low displacement high revving, the car doesn't start moving until you go north of 5K RPM. I think people here are putting a little too much emphasis on either cars modding potential, if I were given the option of either car from factory to drive daily a M3 would take the pick without a doubt. They aren't THAT slow, low 13's high 12's @ 104-107 for a car available in 2000 is not bad.

Anyway I think people here need to actually read and understand what someones intentions would be switching to a Luxury Sports car like an M3. Everyone throws up the modding flag as it's biggest crutch but who gives a ****, that's not the point.

I still can't understand how anyone here who "claims" to have driven one before could walk away unimpressed. They are awesome cars and always will be. Next to an E39 M5 a E46 M3 is a classic DD.

If you want something more hardcore find yourself a 2006 M Coupe. Anyone who dislikes those is either a delusional fanboy or completely ignorant. I think there are only 2500'ish in the US from 06-08.

 

They are two totally different cars, the choice will come down to personal preference and what you plan to do with the cars. I daily drive a 2004 e46 m3 and I absolutely love the car. I kept it stock power wise but I've done a lot of suspension mods (D/A coilovers, all bushings upgraded, etc..), brake upgrade (Brembo BBK), and some minor aesthetic mods. It's a blast to drive on the street and doesn't attract the "wrong" type of attention (police, people trying to constantly race you, etc..).

I do have my eye set on an Evo 9 for weekend fun/track use though. My plan is to build a fast 700whp+ Evo and keep the e46 m3 for daily driving






-Dan

 

Dont do it!!!!!!

 

I really don't think you can have more fun driving an Evo unless you want to spend six figures. Keep the Evo! If you do decide to get M3 get and E30 not an E46.

 

Both very nice cars...i would stick with the evo though...

 

i love both cars, driven both, as well as modded versions of both, and even got to track them both. i prefer the e46, but i need an awd daily for wisconsin roads so the evo gets my vote

 

I saw this thread and was about to call you crazy for doing it especially after looking at your car. Then I looked at the m3 and wooow. That thing is sick, I think youll be happy either way there both great.

 

I drove my buddies M3 the other day and i couldnt stand it, its just not as **** as the evo, an when ge drove my car he wanted to buy it off me and he is a BMW mechanic go figure right

 

i work for bmw and look at me i drive a mitsu..don't do it, there is recall after recall on them for programing. Your going to pay a crap load of $$$$ for maintenence. They are slugish. Also be ready for oil leaks.

 

good choice!!! Cant go wrong with keep that sexy beast