Thread: Thoughts on e46 m3's?

Ok, so ive been tossing around the idea of selling my Audi for a while now, and think Ive finally separated myself from it enough to actually let it go. Anyway, Im thinking about going with an E46 M3. Thought about going e9x, but dont want to pay that much since im only 23. So does anyone have any experience with E46's? Ive heard a lot of good about them, but also have heard stories about them being unreliable. Im going to go test drive a few locally, but anything in particular I should look out for? And like any used car, I will be buying an extended warranty with it, but if I hear too many bad stories, Im not even going to bother.

Alright first off I'd like to say my personal experience with the E46 is very limited. However, I was looking around at getting one about a year and a half a ago. From what I learned and what I would look for if I were to get one now would the be competition model. The brakes are supposedly much better, quicker steering (I believe it is the steering from the CSL), and a better suspension. Overall its just a little bit more exclusive and is a little closer to the almighty CSL. There is a slight premium for them but still less than the e9x's.



Heres a little info on the Competition.

2005 BMW M3 Competition Package - Road Test & First Test - Motor Trend

Hello Jim.
I have tons of experience with a lot of BMWs. Now it depends on what your looking for here. Are you looking for low maintenance costs? sporty feeling? luxury feeling? speed? handling?.
Because first off the E46 M3 is not entirely a comfortable car to me what so ever. Definitely more comfortable than say an Audi S4 that's for DAMN sure. But it is a bumpy sporty ride. And by no means is the E46 M3 very fast either. It's mostly a stylish looking car with EXTREMELY good handling. I mean I think the only cars that could either have the same handling or out handle it would be a noble, porsche or lotus.

I've driven the E46 M3 enough times to say this. I've never driven another car like it. Driving quality of the E46 M3 vs things to me such as. Ferrari Modena, Lotus, Audi S4, Audi R8 etc to name the least. The E46 M3 felt better to me. There's just something about it and something no other car make can duplicate. BMW has definitely made there mark in the sport/luxury map and the E46 M3 is one of the best BMWs ever made.

I say you test drive it or rent one for a few days. You'll want to buy it in no time.

If you get one I suggest a 6 spd. Make sure oil was changed often and there are no Vanos issues. It is a great car and I am sure you will like it.

I think Malibu hit on a lot of good points, I could go either way on the transmission as the SMG is pretty amazing as well; lots of power to play with and huge potential to modify. I would spend some time on E46 Fanatics for further thoughts

Hands down an awesome fvckin' vehicle...Karter01 can tell you all about it, he switched from an Audi over to an E46. Head over to the m3 forum's, there's members there with 200k+ miles on theirs, awesome cars.

Im not looking for a fast car really. I could always fix that. Comfort would be a plus, but then again, I dont go on many long trips so Im not sitting it for too long, but I do spend a lot of time in my car driving around running errands and whatnot. Handling is something Im really going after as well. Which how do they handle in bad weather? Thats probably the main reason ive kept my Audi, for the AWD so switching to RWD is something im a little iffy with. Thanks for your helped.

And yes, it will be 6 speed. I dont want to go back to auto anytime soon.

Originally Posted by Audi_Jim

Im not looking for a fast car really. I could always fix that. Comfort would be a plus, but then again, I dont go on many long trips so Im not sitting it for too long, but I do spend a lot of time in my car driving around running errands and whatnot. Handling is something Im really going after as well. Which how do they handle in bad weather? Thats probably the main reason ive kept my Audi, for the AWD so switching to RWD is something im a little iffy with. Thanks for your helped.

And yes, it will be 6 speed. I dont want to go back to auto anytime soon.

Well RWD aint no picnic in snow and ice LOL. Your Audi for traction is by far much better than the E46 M3 in snow/ice etc. But I can guarantee that the E46 M3 will with no effort out handle your Audi. I do think the E46 M3 is more comfortable than a standard A4/S4. So you will get more comfort with it. Maintenance costs are a bit expensive if you don't do the work yourself. Maintenance on any M is expensive other than I'd say a E36 M3.

Like I said go rent one or if you have a friend ask if you can drive there's for a day. The moment you drive it you'll never want to drive your Audi again.

you want a car that can handle, buy a porsche 944 turbo, update the suspension for 5g and call it done for 12g.

e46 m3's great handler, i never really thought that the ride was too stiff. power, while it's plentiful at 330hp and 270tq, it does after a period of time leave you wanting more.

make sure maintance has been done, try to find em with the dealer extended warrenty(though i think 2012 would be the last yr). make sure thte vanos system is good if not great. ooo another thing, the valves need adjustments every 30k, going based on factory manuals(i think its a vanos thing). don't believe when someone says a color is rare, its not.

ZHP package is a great add on, better brakes, suspension and steering feel. a good one will probably run 30g still, and i've already seen e9x m3's that low.

I just sold my 05M3 yesterday.. SMG tranny.. Had it for 2 years.

I loved every drive i had in it, simply loved it. It seems these cars are hit or miss in terms of reliability. Mine was hit. Totally reliable, never had any sort of light in the 2 years of ownership.

Of course there are the SMG horror stories, and now recently VANOS bolts coming undone and causing the s54 to blow up...

Go on m3forum.net for more info..