Thread: Thoughts on e46 m3's?

I bought an E46 M3 last fall and I would say, just like everyone else, that every time I drive the car it puts a smile on my face. Mine is an 02 SMG convertible. It's not an exotic car at all but it does have somewhat of a special feel to it. People in the car with you and on the road in general seem to share in your joy of driving it. The car itself hasn't had any issues for me aside from the suspension crapping out which I am about to replace. Otherwise I have an extended warranty to any VANOS issues or SMG issues I wont be worrying about. The car is just fast enough and hasn't left me wanting more. My experience is only on the highway and I can say passing cars is absolutely effortless even in 6th gear. Speaking of gears the SMG is amazing but if you get an SMG car make sure the clutch isn't slipping. SMG shifting at WOT sends a jolt through the car that took getting used to. At first I thought something was wrong but when I found out that it was normal you realize you're just feeling the rawness of that super-fast shift.

Yep, amazing car. I love mine to death and I never see myself selling it, I'll just add to the stable.
Creature comforts are awesome, styling is so aggressive yet classy, its set up perfect for being a true drivers car. Its just a fun car...Everyone who's anyone loves the 46 M's, and I think they will be an iconic car in the BMW timeline.
Have a PPI done to make sure the car is sound (as you should with anything), then have some fun.

Originally Posted by [Petrolsexual]

I have to agree. The purity of the ///M cars decreases with each iteration. No offense to those here that enjoy their e46 cars. Drive an e30 and an e46 back-to-back, and then decide which one is the more pure car.

Looks like you got a pretty thorough response OP! Just to add to what everyone else seems to be saying the E46 M3 is the most raw car out there for what it is. I have a non-m 2003 330ci and will literally be keeping it forever. The M3 drives even better. In the past few years with the E9X M3's out, the E46 style M3's have dropped in price drastically. If you can, try and get at least a 2003.5 or newer, I would look for an 05. Obviously get a manual. Good luck!

You can also keep this in mind to confuse you in this process even more. When it comes to power, a stock 335i will be pretty even with an E46 M3. Put a $500 JB3 tuning chip in there and it can pull on E9X M3s. If you can go to Bimmerfest this year and you'll be hooked!

Thanks to everyone who chimed in on this thread. Been searching around, but not many in my area with low miles. Tomorrow afternoon I think im going to look at a few I found local and see if I can get a feel for them. Once again, thanks everyone.

I highly recommend the car. I have had mine for almost a year now and enjoy it everyday. Definitely look into an SMG, really fun if you know how to drive it. Classic looking car that doesn't look dated. Only issue is I wish it was faster at times

I have owned nothing but BMWs for the past 4 years, and they are simply the best cars to drive. E46 dont have many issues, BESIDES the cooling system, rear subframe(covered under warranty), and the SMG trannys are SHIT. Bmw straight 6 engines are fucken bulletproof, if you blow one, you should not be allowed near a car. I have 160k on my e36 M3 and runs and drives better than most new cars. I highly recommend buying one, tehy are pretty comfy for what they are, a 2door sports coupe. People who dont think they are fine to daily drive, also call mercedes sports cars. Take one for a testdrive, preferably one with an exhaust and come coilovers...... you will fall in LOVE.

The E46 M3 is a incredible car! It may not be a gut busting accelerating force but there are not many cars for the pricepoint that car handle that well. If you want to make them fast it is not very hard. The E46 M3 is almost a gold standard for what a nice sporty coupe should look like. I would totally recommend one to drive as a daily or a weekend car.

I had an e46 M3 in 2003

6spd car.. no SMG

Put about 50K miles on it and beat the living snot out of it daily

Never let me down

Just make sure the bearing recalls are done on the early cars.. rear control arms can go too

Car was a pisser to own