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      10-20-2011, 10:22 AM   #23
nv6425
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I was contemplating a similar decision; I sold my 2004 E46 M3 in 2007 and have missed it ever since. I have looked and looked, but all of the low mileage, well maintained E46 ZCPs are overpriced. I just can't see paying $35K for a car that is close to 6 years old and one generation behind (soon to be two) even though I love the raw power of the I6 and the body of the E46.

Good luck in your search - E46 or E9x, you can't go wrong!!
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      10-20-2011, 10:23 AM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by checkmate View Post
Yes-aesthetically the E46 M3 is a classic. However if you want something that delivers the 'rawness' of an ///M then get the Z4M Coupe.
Actually I 100% agree with this. Though most of us, I imagine, have difficulty sacrificing the utility of the larger M3. I need a back seat, personally. For the dog, obviously. I've always said, though, that the Z4MC is the most insane mainstream M car ever made. Driving it is genuinely scary/exhilarating.

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Originally Posted by checkmate View Post
However the E46 M3 was only slightly better than the E36 M3 in terms of hp-321(Eurospec E36) vs 343 (Eurospec E46). The current M3 makes 420hp (Eurospec) which is a much bigger HP leap.
Bigger hp leap.. yes. But... much more weight and size. I just got out of an E46 M3 and I can tell you that with a few mods on the E46, the E9x doesn't feel that much faster.
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      10-20-2011, 10:34 AM   #25
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      10-20-2011, 10:42 AM   #26
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Originally Posted by checkmate View Post
[*]Leaky rearview mirror
how do you get a leaky rear view mirror?
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      10-20-2011, 11:22 AM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by checkmate View Post
From someone who transitioned from the E46 to the E9X-here's my thought:

If you're ready to deal with the following issues-then go for it:
  • VANOS Hubs/Bolts (High probability to break)
  • Rear Subframe Failure
  • Peeling door panels
  • Cracking quarter window seals
  • Leaky rearview mirror
.....and many others. I'm not saying I experienced all of this but I did go through at least 3 of these problems. These are common problems experienced by E46 M3 owners. Preventative maintenance is ridiculous on that car simply because BMW or its vendors F'd up at the factory.

2001-2003 models were plagued by rod bearing failures (these were addressed by BMW during warranty/TSB recall)
2004-2006 models had a high frequency of VANOS related failures and rear subframe issues.

In terms of design-its timeless. The engine is epic (provided it doesn't blow up). Keep in mind the S54 engine will never sound as good as the S65. However compared to the any other 6 cylinder engines in its time-S54 is the one to have. Its an exercise in excellent 'engine'ering..where BMW screwed up was in the small details such as the nuts/bolts that keep the whole thing moving.

My suggestion is to stick with the E9X models partly because I'm biased but mostly because from all accounts thus far-its a better built model.
You learned all that on the forums, didnt you?
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      10-20-2011, 01:29 PM   #28
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i think the E46 will make a hell of a good and relatively inexpensive track car. you want something you can beat the ever loving crap out of. trust me you will love the freedom! The E46 M3 is one of the more popular cars ran in the endurance race series here at the ring. It also has its own spec series in holland. The car can be made to be under 3000 lbs easily and goes like stink. I race them in a modified class with a 130i. we are a good 1 minute behind their average times in the VLN and our 130i is no slouch. I have been offered a spot driving an E46 M3 next year and looking forward to trying it out. subframe needs to be reinforced, but honestly all M3's need that done. E92 will also need this done for heavy long term tracking. just watch and see as it ages a bit.
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      10-20-2011, 01:32 PM   #29
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I had the pleasure of driving an e46 for about a week or so. From a power perspective, the e92 nails it. The e92 just feels soo much faster and alert which is obvious granted the 8 cylinder and upped horsepower. Howevever, I did find the e46 to be more "functional" throughout the gears as opposed to the e92 where if you won't be going anywhere if you are in 5th or 6th at about 2.5k rpm's

I felt the handling on the e46 was superior to the e92. It just felt more bolted and connected to the road. The e92 does provide a more comfortable and refined ride that the e46 however.

Looks is tough. I am biased as I own the e92. However, the e46 definitely has an effect on me in which it captures my attention pretty well. The shape, design, and lines are timeless indeed. In a perfect world...I would own both (along with many other cars lol).

Overall, I was really surprised at how much I liked the e46 which the exception of the power feel of the e92. Its a great balanced car and if you can find one with 1 or 2 owners, low mileage, mint condition: I would think its a worthwhile alternative to the e92.


-Vin
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      10-20-2011, 01:34 PM   #30
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Just today I got a super clean in brand new condition 2005 m3 which is identical to my 2009 m3. Same color interior and exterior. It has some nice mods as well. I was thinking the same that it is a timeless design as it now sits next to my alpina and e92 m3.
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      10-20-2011, 01:53 PM   #31
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I have both cars!

I have both a pristine E46 M3 and a brand new E92 M3.

I just got back in my E46 for the first time since taking delivery of the E92 and I'm sad to say that the car now seems very slow and way less responsive than the E92. It was a bummer, because I NEVER felt that way before.

If you go backwards, I'm guessing you will start modding the hell out of the E46 ($$$), trying to recapture the punch and handling you are missing from the E92.

You wont like going backwards...but I agree, the E46 looks way better than the E92.
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      10-20-2011, 01:59 PM   #32
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My E46 (for sale!)

http://s1209.photobucket.com/albums/...age/M3%20PIcs/

its listed on Auto Trader right now......
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      10-20-2011, 04:18 PM   #33
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Get whatever you think will make you happy. If it's an E46, then get one of those, if its another E92, then get that.

If you ask 10 different people you'll get 10 different answers.

Personally I love both the E46 and E92 Ms. I'd have both if I could afford them. Can't really go wrong either way. If you do go E46 then get one without nav. They look really outdated.

Hope you feel better after that wreck though. You took quite the hit. (Side note: E92 is probably a safer car than E46 if that means anything to you...)
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      10-20-2011, 05:03 PM   #34
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E92 and dont look back
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      10-20-2011, 05:49 PM   #35
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I've got an E90 M3 on its way and have pondered keeping my '06 M3. Those thoughts of having two M3's, however, are nothing but fantasy in the end. I've grown somewhat tired of the E46 as a daily driver and expect that I'll much appreciate the additional refinement that the E90 offers. I'll be quite happy to sell the E46 in a few weeks in preparation for the arrival of my new toy.

I think that thoughts of an E46 M3 as a replacement for an E9X M3 generally arise more from nostalgia than anything else. The OP should go test drive an E46 to refresh himself with what that car's all about.
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      10-20-2011, 06:28 PM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rantarM3 View Post
I've got an E90 M3 on its way and have pondered keeping my '06 M3. Those thoughts of having two M3's, however, are nothing but fantasy in the end. I've grown somewhat tired of the E46 as a daily driver and expect that I'll much appreciate the additional refinement that the E90 offers. I'll be quite happy to sell the E46 in a few weeks in preparation for the arrival of my new toy.

I think that thoughts of an E46 M3 as a replacement for an E9X M3 generally arise more from nostalgia than anything else. The OP should go test drive an E46 to refresh himself with what that car's all about.
excellent post. As someone who came from an e46 m3 to my e90, I totally agree.

The e9x m3 is a superior car, especially for a dd. Though I still love the e46
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      10-20-2011, 07:37 PM   #37
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Why not a used E92 M3?
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      10-20-2011, 08:03 PM   #38
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if you're trying to save some money get a 08 E90 M3
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      10-20-2011, 08:19 PM   #39
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deff go with a 2012 M3 or possibly a 1M if you can get your hands on one.
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      10-20-2011, 08:26 PM   #40
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save your money and wait for the new m3 coming out soon
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      10-20-2011, 08:38 PM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kmarei View Post
Why not a used E92 M3?
I haven't ruled that out at all. I only had my M for 9 months I bought it has a CPO on Feb 1st this year. I just wanted to hear some input because while owning my e92 I always thought I may have made a mistake and should have got an e46 ZCP. As I said I know it is my decision but there is no hurt in discussing my topic among fellow enthusiast. Know what I mean? I am not rushing into anything because to be honest I am all over the place with ideas about my next car. I'm thinking about everything C63, E63, e46 ZCP, e92/e93 M3, 550i, Golf R, 997 C2/4S, possibly X5M or Cayenne plus its about to be winter so I will take this time to think and test drive and get something in the spring. Having a clean slate to shop from opens up any option I can afford making it very easy. As I don't have to worry about waiting for my car to sell or dealing with shopping around for the best offer if I was trade it in.
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      10-20-2011, 08:45 PM   #42
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I absolutely adored my E46 M3 and hope to pick one up again some day in the near future to hold on to very long term. Having said that, I wouldn't sacrfice a beater for a DD and have an E46 to drive on "sunny days" and "weekends". I say this from very very recent experience. I bought an '11 Grand Sport Vette and drove it maybe one day a week to work and then on the weekends and drove my '04 4Runner as my DD. While the 4Runner is quite nice (Ltd AWD with leather, Nav, etc.) it got boring as hell after about 7 months as my DD. I bought the truck to serve as a bad weather vehicle, dog hauler and a Home Depot/Lowes 3rd vehicle for my wife and I. Needless to say I sold the Grand Sport a month ago and bought the E92M3 which I drive everyday now. The 4Runner is now being used as it was originally intended. I couldn't be happier with the decision. It is without a doubt THE BEST DD out there...bar NONE.

Get back in an E92 M3
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      10-20-2011, 10:24 PM   #43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GreasyGinzo View Post
I haven't ruled that out at all. I only had my M for 9 months I bought it has a CPO on Feb 1st this year. I just wanted to hear some input because while owning my e92 I always thought I may have made a mistake and should have got an e46 ZCP. As I said I know it is my decision but there is no hurt in discussing my topic among fellow enthusiast. Know what I mean? I am not rushing into anything because to be honest I am all over the place with ideas about my next car. I'm thinking about everything C63, E63, e46 ZCP, e92/e93 M3, 550i, Golf R, 997 C2/4S, possibly X5M or Cayenne plus its about to be winter so I will take this time to think and test drive and get something in the spring. Having a clean slate to shop from opens up any option I can afford making it very easy. As I don't have to worry about waiting for my car to sell or dealing with shopping around for the best offer if I was trade it in.
Only valid options you listed are the e46 (too old with potential for issues)
E92 (I've had mine for 3 years, and still puts a smile on my face)
All the rest are too big/heavy and you'll then miss the E92

I liked my E92 so much I'm selling my 08 with 37K miles for $40K
And I ordered a Le Mans Blue E92 M3
I never ever would have guessed I'd buy the same car twice
And I've always told people it's a bad idea
But I can't find anything out there that even comes close
And does so many things so well
Actually the only negative is the fuel consumption
But I think of the gas money as an entertainment tax
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      10-20-2011, 11:16 PM   #44
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I haven't read any of the prior posts, but I'll say this:

Not only will you be taking a step back, which I'm sure will be much more noticeable to you after having driven an e9x M3, but the money that you pocket on going to an e46 will soon be squandered on repair and upkeep costs. Is the e46 a great car? Yes. But it's you settling. My advice: Lease an e9x M3 (or better yet assume a used M3 lease), pocket the money you'd otherwise be spending on the monthly loan payments, and when the time comes, pick up the next gen M3/M4 , in part, with the money you've "saved."

If you're anything like me, you'll just never TRULY be satisfied by taking a step backwards, as much as you might try to convince yourself otherwise.

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