Pros and Cons of E46 M3?
#31
12-11-2010, 02:18 PM
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Age: 40
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It's great if you need the ultimate DD.
Costs a lot less to maintain than a 996TT or something of similar calibre.
Probably the best bang for buck.
Easy to drive at the limit.
Don't get an SMG or a Cabrio.
-Chris
Costs a lot less to maintain than a 996TT or something of similar calibre.
Probably the best bang for buck.
Easy to drive at the limit.
Don't get an SMG or a Cabrio.
-Chris
#34
12-11-2010, 06:07 PM
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Cabrio weighs an extra 400 lbs + there's less torsional stability.
SMG is more debatable but the trans definitely won't outlast a 6mt under performance use, or sometimes even daily use and the repair costs can be huge.
Lots also complain smg is too jerky, etc
Everything comes down to personal prefs but there is a reason why 6mt coupes will outsell cabs and smg's. The market doesn't lie.
Chris
SMG is more debatable but the trans definitely won't outlast a 6mt under performance use, or sometimes even daily use and the repair costs can be huge.
Lots also complain smg is too jerky, etc
Everything comes down to personal prefs but there is a reason why 6mt coupes will outsell cabs and smg's. The market doesn't lie.
Chris
#35
12-12-2010, 02:54 PM
I had an `06 with competition and SMG.
The car was great as a DD but on the track it was just too soft with too much body roll and understeer. The lack of torque down low was the final straw for me and that's why I sold it and got something with turbos.
as an overall package it's very good, but I was after something that was more track oriented.
The car was great as a DD but on the track it was just too soft with too much body roll and understeer. The lack of torque down low was the final straw for me and that's why I sold it and got something with turbos.
as an overall package it's very good, but I was after something that was more track oriented.
#36
12-12-2010, 03:47 PM
Uhm yes the e46 is 10 years old, but how old is that porsche? My dad had that body style when i was in the 5th grade.. lol juss saying..
And why do you care who's driving the car? All I see down here in are old geezers driving Porsches with their suits on going 15- the speed limit. That won't stop me from buying a 997 turbo..
sharkbite, you've probably never even driven one. But by the looks of your username, you probably have an s2k? And dumped a million dollars into the motor, so you can talk **** about cars that are "better" than yours.
Yes, better.
And why do you care who's driving the car? All I see down here in are old geezers driving Porsches with their suits on going 15- the speed limit. That won't stop me from buying a 997 turbo..
sharkbite, you've probably never even driven one. But by the looks of your username, you probably have an s2k? And dumped a million dollars into the motor, so you can talk **** about cars that are "better" than yours.
Yes, better.
#39
12-13-2010, 10:59 AM
Wow, I've never heard anyone complain about the seats. I have a worn out surgically challenged back and the seats in my M3 are the best I've ever had for highway driving. Did you have the fully adjustable sport seats? I sold my 996 and bought the M3 because i needed a back seat and a trunk for trips. I love the car, and in some ways it is better than the 996, but it's not a 911 and I find myself wishing I had the 996 back. but,As a sporty DD with enough room to carry golf clubs and luggage I don't think you can go wrong. I went with a 6 speed because I had heard so many bad things about the SMG, but have since learned more about it and believe the SMG would be better as a DD if you have to do a lot of rush hour traffic driving. It is a pain staying on the clutch on rainy days in bumper to bumper traffic. The M3 is a little harder to drive fast than the 911 but keeping the revs up for long periods of time is amazingly satisfying. The engine is remarkable for a street car. The 335 is great, and maybe a better choice as a DD, but I can't see myself ever buying a car with no dipstick!
neither have I, poster must be BIG guy not to enjoy them, they are comfy
m3 is a great car, i do not DD mine, it is just another toy but find myself driving it more than my turbo or other cars.
can't beat them for the current pricing and they are a timeless design
SMG is rubbish, go for 6speed or buy a real automatic
#40
12-13-2010, 03:12 PM
I had an '04 w/ SMG. On the street is was an excellent car, except for the SMG (just my opinion). The times I had it on the track it always felt too heavy and numb for me, but other people love them for this purpose. Overall, it is a great car, and if I had the cash/space I might consider using one as a DD.
#42
12-19-2010, 07:22 AM
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Posts: 32
Rep Power: 16 Uhm yes the e46 is 10 years old, but how old is that porsche? My dad had that body style when i was in the 5th grade.. lol juss saying..
And why do you care who's driving the car? All I see down here in are old geezers driving Porsches with their suits on going 15- the speed limit. That won't stop me from buying a 997 turbo..
sharkbite, you've probably never even driven one. But by the looks of your username, you probably have an s2k? And dumped a million dollars into the motor, so you can talk **** about cars that are "better" than yours.
Yes, better.
And why do you care who's driving the car? All I see down here in are old geezers driving Porsches with their suits on going 15- the speed limit. That won't stop me from buying a 997 turbo..
sharkbite, you've probably never even driven one. But by the looks of your username, you probably have an s2k? And dumped a million dollars into the motor, so you can talk **** about cars that are "better" than yours.
Yes, better.
P.S. Ohhh ya I can't forget my baby 1990 Jetta 16V turbo
#43
12-19-2010, 07:39 AM
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Posts: 32
Rep Power: 16 
#45
12-20-2010, 01:49 PM
I have an 02 6MT that just ticked over 80k. Purchased from a friend/business associate who dumped a ton of money in mods and maintenance to make it perfect. It is well maintained and moderately modified and makes a fantastic DD. My only issue is the height (coilovers set rather low) but that only means warning my wife or the valet; for myself personally, no issue and I could change this all in a morning.
As others mentioned, I picked this up because I have always wanted one. To have the timeless design, great handling/braking/acceleration at this price is hard to beat. I, too, drove a 335i, but it didn't do it for me. This video sums it up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZGwpifULe4
Here's mine:
As others mentioned, I picked this up because I have always wanted one. To have the timeless design, great handling/braking/acceleration at this price is hard to beat. I, too, drove a 335i, but it didn't do it for me. This video sums it up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZGwpifULe4
Here's mine: