Anyone have or have owned/driven a E46 M3? How did you like it, not like it? I'm looking into the 02-04 year ranges. Are there any differences? How is the manual tran.? And anything else you can think of, Thanks.

 

I loved driving the E46 M3 that I test drove. I think it was an 02. The only major difference I know of is they introduced the LED tails on the 03+ models. Beyond that I don't of any differences.

I'm personally waiting on an 08 135i, but if price point is too high I'll get an E46 M3.

 

The 135 on a suspension setup will lap a M3.

That twin turbo 6 is going to have a nice aftermarket!

 

08 E92 M3 will have V8 motor in

 

Probably means the E46 on down. I personally love the E30 and E36's M3's though.
The E92 looks amazing though, plus it has a high revving V8.

 

E30 is hard to find and they cost over 15 grand.. ugh.. it almost same price as E36.. but i think E36 is better beacuse E30 is 4 inline and E36 is 6 inline. same along E46 6 inline then E92 is V8... woot. but i like E42 looks and E30 for autocross attack or lapping

 

Love the E46, pure sex on wheels...two things i hate, 1: the exhaust note, sounds like BB's in a can...2: DONT get the SMG, be a man and get the 6spd

 

Owned a 99 E36 for 30k miles...02 E46 for 25k miles. Both are amazing cars especially when you drive it on HWY. Reason changing E46 for an MR, tires are freaking too expensive to maintain.

If you getting the E46 make sure you get the late 03 model as the earlier one have engine problems, but BMW provide a longer warranty on those, but whats the point if you know there's an improvement made and there's been a defect.

Compare to MR, E46 M3 are so much better on HWY better mpg better gear ratio for above 80mph driving. Gear ratio is the biggest different between the MR and M3. But once you're on the track or autox, the MR is really ..really...really....really...so addictive........sick car, a beast compare to M3.

 

I can only buy cars with manual. Ive heard the 03.5+ has the better Nav unit.

 

I drove my friends 05 M3 w/ SMG package. I was unimpressed. The inside is above average, but nothing spectacular to me. The biggest letdown for me was the SMG; it's like you just stare at the rpm gauge (which builds slowly) and pull the lever. So disconnected from shifting I didn't like it.
Once he put exhaust on it though; it sounded sooo loud and awesome!

Beware the early 02 models; there's a recall that needs done.

 

I recently sold my E46 M3. It was an amazing car for sure. I had an 04 with Bilstien coilovers, Eisenmann Race exhaust, and SSR GT3 wheels. It was obviously in a higher class than the Evo. You can relax in it, and take girls out to nice places. It is better for highway driving too. Plus RWD is inherently more fun(for me at least) than AWD. Not to mention the M3 looks so damn good. I don't regret buying an Evo 9, its a great car as well, but the M3 was something special.

I suggest you look for a 2003.5 and up. They fixed a lot of problems when they introduced the LED lights. Also 6 spd is the only way to go. I drove SMG a bunch of times and I hated it.

Good luck in your search!

Here's a pic of my car to motivate you.

 

v8 in the 08's :X then a turbo and your set.

 

Acutally 128i and 135i 08 Model with 6 inline Twin turbo!

but 128i start about 27 grand and 135i add 7 to 8 grands more..

i think they cheaper..


On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque, the 128i Coupe will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium construction—core elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics. The powerful 135i Coupe features BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased output

http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/futur...e=NEW1FVTOPNAV