Can someone that has owned a E46 M3 describe or compare to a Evo IX that has owned both cars. Not just the typical apples to oranges statement. Has recently caught my eye more than before. Too much snow here to go look at test driving one anytime soon.

Yes, I know about German car maintenance prices. Does the car feel heavy and not nimble?

 

The car is nimble as ****. My Supra was pretty heavy feeling, but this car feels like a go-kart with a roof and air conditioning.

 

I am really considering an E46 M3 with prices myself. Been looking at them for the past 6 months. Wouldn't mind snagging a 05-06 competition package one in the 30-35k range.

Handling wise they are pretty close to a stock evo. Their steering is not quite as quick/nimble as a stock evo but its still very good. The competition package feels quite similiar and has the traction control off the CSL. Powerwise well they can cost $$$. They put down about 285whp stock but with an exhaust, drop-in, and Conforti/TMS tune put down about 300-310whp...with headers about 325whp. Stg one mods are about $1500-2000 though depending on mods.

Maintentance really is no more than an evo. Brakes are expensive and the oil is. If you are DIY then its not bad. They have an Inspection 1 and Inspection 2 they will rape you on at the dealer. Most of it is common maintenance you can do yourself. They require getting the valves adjusted once which is about $500. Only other thing is to replace the screen in the Vanos system so it doesn't clog up and cost $3-4k to repair. Other than that they are really rock solid. Some have experienced rear subframe damage but most they are heavily tracked cars or a few of the earlier 01-02 models they fixed things one. At current pricing I would look at 03's and on.

Hope this is not too apples to oranges. I have driven a few. Stock for stock I would say about 9/10ths of evo handling and power and about 20x the build quality imo.

 

well an evo 8 and a E46 M3 SMG....If performance is a major concern the evo 8 wins especially when you start modding...if wow factor and luxury are of concern then the M3 wins. Honestly, I cant see how someone could be looking at both the same time. They are just different. VERY different.


Both feel sporty...the M3 has an exhaust note to kill for though...if you put an aftermarket exhaust it will sound like an exotic car, maybe better. The exhaust note in stock form is sexy enough.

Its a mentality thing...I am married with a kid and I dont care if the car looks or sounds sexy any more...I want pure rush...Hence I owned the M3 when I was single and bought the Evo when married...Although I sold the Evo...I would jump back in an Evo anyday before the M3.

Again...really different...you want pure GO>>>EVO...or Allot of show and some go>>>M3.

 

Thanks for replying. The M3 would be the 'other' car besides a IX. Not the main mode of transportation.

 

For DD, IMHO, the M3 is nicer / more comfortable (no dah) than the Evo...In terms of performance and fun factor, I prefer my modified 9...

 

Holy god are you correct. I have the Dinan catback on mine, every time i go under a tunnel i rip it open and proceed to have an orgasm.

 

Stay away from SMG's trannies they are known for having problems.

All E46 BMW's have sub frame issues some more than others. When you go with suspension mods that's when the real sub frame issues kick in.

Also to many electronics pop up like CEL and other crap. Which means u have to visit the dealer.

Prepare to run stock like times with N/A aftermarket mods. Also prepare to run 12s with a $10,000 supercharger.

 

That can swing either way. I have seen bolt on M3's run mid 12's with good tires. There are also supercharged ones that run well into the 11's and then their are your "average" BMW drivers that run 13's with a supercharger

Remember their are evo drivers that can barely break 13's in a stock evo. I have also seen GT30/35 owners struggle to get 12's.

Obviously they aren't the fastest car but have proven to easily run low 13's and even high 12's stock with a competent driver. True that bolt on's add very little but it isn't uncommon to see 25whp with the right mods. I don't think this matters much to the OP but would just throw in what I have found. It really is a step into exotic territory considering that the typical bolt on muffler costs more than a full Titanium exhaust for the evo but only nets about 5whp.

 

I'm use to have a E36 M3 and then sold it to get my first Evo and now I am thinking of also getting a E46 M3... I just lover BMW's to much so I want the M for DD for most of the year and Evo for fun and the something else for winter next year..

 

M3's are worthless for drags.