I have been seriously considering...

yizhao · 06-25-2008, 02:43 PM

...buying an e46 m3. it's always been my dream car and i want to make it happen!

i want to start doing some research before i make a decision.

i want a manual transmission e46.
what year would you recommend and why? what is the difference between the years? are there different classes of m3s like some other cars (350z has touring, racing, etc. g35 has sports and non-sport).

any help to get me started is greatly appreciated!

White08M3 · 06-25-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yizhao

...buying an e46 m3. it's always been my dream car and i want to make it happen!

i want to start doing some research before i make a decision.

i want a manual transmission e46.
what year would you recommend and why? what is the difference between the years? are there different classes of m3s like some other cars (350z has touring, racing, etc. g35 has sports and non-sport).

any help to get me started is greatly appreciated!

i would go with an 05 or 06 e46 with the competition package. My friend just picked one up...mint with 13k on it, its beautiful.

yizhao · 06-25-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White08M3

i would go with an 05 or 06 e46 with the competition package. My friend just picked one up...mint with 13k on it, its beautiful.

so what r the different packages?

jckk · 06-25-2008, 05:14 PM

Between 02 to 04 m3's there are not any different packages, the only significant difference you can find is the transmission, SMG or Manual.

In 2005 and 2006 version was available a M3 CS or competition package this one has some minor upgrades that makes the car better handling than before but not more HP. This upgrades included bigger brakes, different suspension, special 19" wheels, alcantara steering wheel, m track mode (a less intrusive traction control) and a bigger steering rack that allows you better handling.

I recommend the same that white08m3 did.

Look for a 05 / 06 m3 cs zcp (competition package).
I prefer manual transmision too.

I have one 05 cs black with red interior and its awesome, my best friend has a 02 dark grey with red interior smg trasnission and I drove it, you can really feel the difference in handling.

TK-421 · 06-25-2008, 10:40 PM

id deff go for the zcp (competition package) m3. it really is worth it imo

reinaldo335 · 06-25-2008, 10:49 PM

get a 2005 or 2006 e46 m3 with 6 speed, navigation, and competition pakage, its the best m3 ever built. jet black and interlagos looks great on it.

yizhao · 06-26-2008, 04:29 PM

newbie question: how come some m3's come with the more popular 20 spoke wheels and some with the sport-mesh style wheels, no matter whether they are competition package or not? is it just a user choice?

jckk · 06-26-2008, 06:14 PM

The 20 spoke wheel was the standard wheels for m3 when it came out.

The other style is based on the only-european model M3 CSLwheels and it was only available with the zcp package.

apjq · 07-19-2009, 09:55 PM

Hi - am also seriously considering an E46, 2005 model.

Question is - how can you tell if this 'competition package' is in place that's been mentioned?

Thanks, not sure if the one I saw in the ad has it or not.

06-25-2008, 02:43 PM	#1
yizhao New Member Drives: Toyota Camery Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Md Posts: 6 iTrader: (0)	I have been seriously considering... ...buying an e46 m3. it's always been my dream car and i want to make it happen! i want to start doing some research before i make a decision. i want a manual transmission e46. what year would you recommend and why? what is the difference between the years? are there different classes of m3s like some other cars (350z has touring, racing, etc. g35 has sports and non-sport). any help to get me started is greatly appreciated! __________________ 1996 Toyota Camery \| wood trim \| leather seats \| chrome hub caps \|
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06-25-2008, 05:14 PM	#4
jckk New Member Drives: None Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: None Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	Between 02 to 04 m3's there are not any different packages, the only significant difference you can find is the transmission, SMG or Manual. In 2005 and 2006 version was available a M3 CS or competition package this one has some minor upgrades that makes the car better handling than before but not more HP. This upgrades included bigger brakes, different suspension, special 19" wheels, alcantara steering wheel, m track mode (a less intrusive traction control) and a bigger steering rack that allows you better handling. I recommend the same that white08m3 did. Look for a 05 / 06 m3 cs zcp (competition package). I prefer manual transmision too. I have one 05 cs black with red interior and its awesome, my best friend has a 02 dark grey with red interior smg trasnission and I drove it, you can really feel the difference in handling. Attached Images Last edited by jckk; 06-26-2008 at 03:58 PM.

06-25-2008, 10:40 PM	#5
TK-421 Registered Sex Offender Drives: E30 \| E46 M3 \| S13 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 4,687 iTrader: (0)	id deff go for the zcp (competition package) m3. it really is worth it imo __________________ Stop putting stuff like painted reflectors and premium package in your signature. You're embarrassing.

06-26-2008, 04:29 PM	#7
yizhao New Member Drives: Toyota Camery Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Md Posts: 6 iTrader: (0)	newbie question: how come some m3's come with the more popular 20 spoke wheels and some with the sport-mesh style wheels, no matter whether they are competition package or not? is it just a user choice? __________________ 1996 Toyota Camery \| wood trim \| leather seats \| chrome hub caps \|

06-26-2008, 06:14 PM	#8
jckk New Member Drives: None Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: None Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	The 20 spoke wheel was the standard wheels for m3 when it came out. The other style is based on the only-european model M3 CSLwheels and it was only available with the zcp package. Attached Images

06-25-2008, 10:49 PM	#6
reinaldo335 First Lieutenant Drives: m3 ZCP 6MT, on order 09 m3 6MT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: puerto rico Posts: 351 iTrader: (0)	get a 2005 or 2006 e46 m3 with 6 speed, navigation, and competition pakage, its the best m3 ever built. jet black and interlagos looks great on it.

07-19-2009, 09:55 PM	#9
apjq Registered Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: HK Posts: 3 iTrader: (0)	Hi - am also seriously considering an E46, 2005 model. Question is - how can you tell if this 'competition package' is in place that's been mentioned? Thanks, not sure if the one I saw in the ad has it or not.

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