E46 or e92 m3

[Dave07997S]

I have had both, I had a 2001 and 2004 E46 M3 as well as a 2011 and now a 2013 M3. I definitely prefer the E92, the V8 is on such a different level. The weight difference is not that great for the amount of horsepower difference, yes the E92 cars are larger but they don't feel like it on the road.

However, I do miss my 2004 E46 M3..



Car made 302rwhp with SuperSprint headers and 100 cpi metallic cats and with no software.

[JackieChiles]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

I have had both, I had a 2001 and 2004 E46 M3 as well as a 2011 and now a 2013 M3. I definitely prefer the E92, the V8 is on such a different level. The weight difference is not that great for the amount of horsepower difference, yes the E92 cars are larger but they don't feel like it on the road.

However, I do miss my 2004 E46 M3..



Car made 302rwhp with SuperSprint headers and 100 cpi metallic cats and with no software.

Damn that car looks phenomenal. I love imola red

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by JackieChiles

Damn that car looks phenomenal. I love imola red

Yes, I do miss that car.

[Mpow-wow]

Sold my 2003 330i ZHP (I know not an m3), but a great car, fun to drive. But was longing for an e92 M3 since they came out, and now I was able to afford one. Allllll smiles!

[e46IX]

I have both, but have more of a history with E46's. The E9X is much more refined and composed and faster stock for stock. The E46 just feels right. Also cost of consumables (brakes, oil, parts) is considerably more expensive on the E9X. The E46M felt like a Honda by comparison!

[Silp3]

definitely a tough call. All things equal, my personal opinion is an e46 M. There is an unmistakable feeling the e46 m hadthat I can only describe as raw and focused. I’m at a similar crossroad myself. A few cars back I had a high higher mileage e46 M that was beginning to cost more in dollars than the smiles. After relocating to Florida, I had a 2015 Silverado for work and a family owned e90 330xi. I recently moved on from the Chevy and now daily my 330. I have this constant and daily itch for another M: either the e90 or the e46. The e90, as most of you know, checks many of the boxes especially in modern times. However, if I am patient enough and find a great e46 example, I would lean that way. Unfortunately, those examples are few and far between. In a perfect world, one of each. I recently found on Craigslist in my hometown an Oxford Green e46 with cinnamon interior with a clutch for $30k @ 116,000 miles. Question is, what’s it worth to me (or you) and what’s your approach on a car. Here is the link: https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ct...920874888.html A note on the e90: it is nearly impossible to measure the satisfaction and unreal joy of listening to that high revving V8 and the way each component communicates with each other. Either transmission option has its own pleasures and the aesthetics, comforts and overall package is really tough to beat especially at their current price points.

[pbonsalb]

$30k for a 116k mile 2004 E46M3 is nearly twice what I would pay. You could buy a very nice lower E9xM3 with much lower miles for that. Way more car for the money.

[Silp3]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

$30k for a 116k mile 2004 E46M3 is nearly twice what I would pay. You could buy a very nice lower E9xM3 with much lower miles for that. Way more car for the money.

I totally agree, which is why i pose the question “what’s it worth to you”. Besides the fact, the color combination is great and indeed rare. Many of the e46m for sale are convertibles or SMG. Nothing wrong with SMG in good standing, but would still wait for a manual to come along.

In any case, still a few months away financially to be able to purchase outright... unless I give up the girl and the dog

[SAMM3Y]

Originally Posted by Silp3

I totally agree, which is why i pose the question “what’s it worth to you”. Besides the fact, the color combination is great and indeed rare. Many of the e46m for sale are convertibles or SMG. Nothing wrong with SMG in good standing, but would still wait for a manual to come along.

In any case, still a few months away financially to be able to purchase outright... unless I give up the girl and the dog

That cars worth $30k to no one... that's insane.

Paying that much a premium for rare color/interior combos goes out the window with that kind of mileage. The seller is dreaming...

[Silp3]

Originally Posted by SAMM3Y

That cars worth $30k to no one... that's insane.

Paying that much a premium for rare color/interior combos goes out the window with that kind of mileage. The seller is dreaming...

KBB private sale puts it around $11k. Considering the variables including mileage, color, transmission and service records, I would comfortably pay $16-18K max. what are your thoughts?

[SAMM3Y]

Originally Posted by Silp3

KBB private sale puts it around $11k. Considering the variables including mileage, color, transmission and service records, I would comfortably pay $16-18K max. what are your thoughts?

That was a $14k car 4 years ago... since the e46 m market has gone mad. I'm sure there's someone out there that will pay low 20's depending on number of owners and accident history but it wouldn't be me. $30k is e92 LCI $ with half that mileage.

[14_deltaM3]

Just a few thoughts for perspective.

The e46 is the darling car of our time. And it is indeed very good, and “raw” relative to the much more refined modern Ms (m135, m2, m4, etc..). It is also a bit more raw feeling than the e92, but in my personal experience not a huge difference. The reason being is that any e46 I drove was right after my euro spec e36 m3, which was lighter, far more raw and had only slightly less power.

The e46 has a tremendous balance of character, but it always felt bigger and more refined than my e36 and not really any faster. Plus the e36 has such an incredible look, if you’re into 90s cars.

For OP - if you’re in the US, it’s almost time you can import a euro spec into the US. It’s more raw and connected feeling than the e46 and prices aren’t crazy yet.

There’s a bunch in Canada (not just the ultra rare versions sold in 94 - plenty have been imported from Japan and Germany since Canadian import laws are more favourable than US). Think about it before you pull the trigger on an e46. E46 is still an awesome car that you will enjoy owning.

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by 14_deltaM3

Just a few thoughts for perspective.

The e46 is the darling car of our time. And it is indeed very good, and “raw” relative to the much more refined modern Ms (m135, m2, m4, etc..). It is also a bit more raw feeling than the e92, but in my personal experience not a huge difference. The reason being is that any e46 I drove was right after my euro spec e36 m3, which was lighter, far more raw and had only slightly less power.

The e46 has a tremendous balance of character, but it always felt bigger and more refined than my e36 and not really any faster. Plus the e36 has such an incredible look, if you’re into 90s cars.

For OP - if you’re in the US, it’s almost time you can import a euro spec into the US. It’s more raw and connected feeling than the e46 and prices aren’t crazy yet.

There’s a bunch in Canada (not just the ultra rare versions sold in 94 - plenty have been imported from Japan and Germany since Canadian import laws are more favourable than US). Think about it before you pull the trigger on an e46. E46 is still an awesome car that you will enjoy owning.

I think you're confusing higher quality interior materials of the e46 with less rawness. Comparing the e46 M3 to the e36 m3 (stock vs stock), the e46...
-ride rougher
-makes more funny noises (e.g. M clunk)
-tramlines more
-can't hold a steady idle (whereas any of the e36 M3's engines can)
-lots of drive train noise

e36 to e46 was the smallest weight gain of any generation (until e9X to f8X) and smallest size gain of any generation (effectively just wider via fender flares).

The e36 essentially only feels more raw because it has the shittiest interior materials of all M3 generations. I actually think overall it's probably the second cushiest M3 generation (the cushiest being e9X).

Whereas the e9X was the most comfortable (least raw) of all the generations of M3, and the second largest weight gain of any generation (largest weight gain being e30 to e36).

My history: Owned 3 e36 M3s, including an s50b32 (second gen euro engine) and 3 e46 m3s.

[Sconley]

After a while of talking to people e92 seems a little to problematic for me. In every way the e9 shines but after I get in car I wana stay in the car not another 335. So what are some specs I should be looking for on a 46?? I'm thinking. Any paint (I'll wrap it if Anything) as long as it's clean. Not black leather again, god no, maybe gray. Idk about miles... I'm hoping 60-80k 6mt and stock. 04 and newer. any thoughts? (I was looking for dct e92 red interior). This car will be for daily and weekend car shows/ hopefully track

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by Sconley

After a while of talking to people e92 seems a little to problematic for me. In every way the e9 shines but after I get in car I wana stay in the car not another 335. So what are some specs I should be looking for on a 46?? I'm thinking. Any paint (I'll wrap it if Anything) as long as it's clean. Not black leather again, god no, maybe gray. Idk about miles... I'm hoping 60-80k 6mt and stock. 04 and newer. any thoughts? (I was looking for dct e92 red interior). This car will be for daily and weekend car shows/ hopefully track

If you like the grey interior, you're in luck (and in the minority)-- grey interior cars are worth a couple thousand less than color interior cars (imola/cin).

You should buy a car that either has the subframe and vanos locked down, or pay someone to do it (it's not overly hard/expensive to do, but failing to do so before failure can result in some huge bills). "inspection" of either just means that they haven't yet failed-- not that you're good to go.

2003 and later has better ABS, which is hugely beneficial if you're going to track the car. If you're going to track it, I wouldn't get an 01 or 02.

SMG vs 6mt, I'm sure you know what you want there. SMG can be converted to 6mt relatively easily these days-- it's the same trans underneath, so it's basically remove the robot and add a lever. There's a good DIY thread for it on M3F. If you're handy, it's a good way to save a couple thousand on your M3 purchase, as SMG cars are worth much less than 6mt cars.

Sunroof vs no sunroof. Again, I'm sure you know what you want. If you're tall and going to track it, no sunroof gives a critical extra amount of headroom for a helmet.

Rod bearings as oil analysis dictates they should be done. They don't suffer lottery failure like the s65, but they do wear out with high RPM use. Happily it's 100% measurable via oil analysis. My first set was due at 125,000 miles, including ~15,000 track miles.

And, generally, any BMW needs the cooling system and bushings/bearings/ball joints replaced at ~100,000 mile intervals, so if it hasn't already been done... it'll need that if you're above that mileage.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by M_Chronos

e46 M3 daily driver for many years; just replaced with e92 M3. You will likely find a better e46 for that money. No doubt the e92 is just a better car; the e46 is the one you remember. At that price range I would go e46. Also lots of years left to find used e92s to switch up to. You need to experience life with an e46.

I agree with this sentiment. I've owned three E9X ///M3's and don't miss any of them. Conversely, of the two E46 ///M3's that I've owned, I think about my '05 Interlagos Blue ZCP with Speed Cloth, CSL armrest, and TEIN suspension all of the time. I wouldn't give up my F82 for one, but I would love to have one as an additional car.