e92 Totaled...Thinking about e46 Comp Package

[GreasyGinzo]

I am sure most of you saw my accident post "Another 1 Down!". The insurance adjuster was out to look at my car yesterday and totaled it which was the obvious outcome of this situation. So I am really thinking about getting an 05-06 e46 M Comp package. Does anybody think I am crazy for looking/buying an e46 M3? I know it is my decision blah blah but just looking to discuss and get some other peoples input. I have never owned an e46 but I have driven a few over the years. I had always liked the car a lot but the biggest thing holding me back was the dated technology in the e46's. However if I end up with an e46 M I will be buying a "beater" DD and the M will sit more than be driven.

[checkmate]

Originally Posted by GreasyGinzo

I am sure most of you saw my accident post "Another 1 Down!". The insurance adjuster was out to look at my car yesterday and totaled it which was the obvious outcome of this situation. So I am really thinking about getting an 05-06 e46 M Comp package. Does anybody think I am crazy for looking/buying an e46 M3? I know it is my decision blah blah but just looking to discuss and get some other peoples input. I have never owned an e46 but I have driven a few over the years. I had always liked the car a lot but the biggest thing holding me back was the dated technology in the e46's. However if I end up with an e46 M I will be buying a "beater" DD and the M will sit more than be driven.

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.

[Nelrock]

Loved the E46 M. Would never say anything bad about it. I did part with it however, a few months after getting my E92 M. The E92 is such a fun beast...I just knew I wasn't ever going to give the E46 the time it deserved. So, it was just sitting in the garage. Some days I wish I'd of kept it, but if I was forced to make a choice, I'd still stick with the E92.

[AMPowerJ]

Why would you go backwards? Trying to pocket some money?

[Poofyo101]

e46 M3 is a timeless car. I owned two and never had any serious maintenance problems other than what is scheduled such as Inspection I II, bushings etc.

[GreasyGinzo]

Originally Posted by AMPowerJ

Why would you go backwards? Trying to pocket some money?

Yea partly because they are cheaper but I just really like the i6 and like has been said before the e46 M3 is a great looking car. I haven't made up my mind on anything yet. I am going to take my time and look at everything. It is nice to have a clean slate so to speak to work from. I don't have to worry about selling/trading in a car so it makes it a lot easier.

[AMPowerJ]

I think going back will make the E46 feel outdated and slower. I think you would regret that decision even with some cash in your pocket.

[GreasyGinzo]

Anybody who has maybe had both an e92 and e46 ZCP on the track comment on the handling? How does the e46 ZCP handle compared to an e92 with EDC and stock 18's with stock PS2's?

[xrayos]

get an e90, similar stance to the e46

[48Laws]

I recently saw a lowered interlagos blue ZCP E46 on the road. I was jelly.

[checkmate]

Originally Posted by xrayos

get an e90, similar stance to the e46

I concur which is why I bought the E90.

[F82_SID]

Originally Posted by AMPowerJ

I think going back will make the E46 feel outdated and slower. I think you would regret that decision even with some cash in your pocket.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by AMPowerJ

I think going back will make the E46 feel outdated and slower. I think you would regret that decision even with some cash in your pocket.

This ^^^ 100% agree, I had the e46 for 7 years it was a great car, however, I would not go back. If I would I would dearly regret it in short order.

[Grail05]

if you do no doubt you will regret it.

[stefan]

Am I the only one that would rather have a very low mileage mint E46 M3 comp over an E92 M3? The competition package back then actually had some tangible changes (unlike current one.. don't get me started). And they are still really great cars. The E92 M3 isn't that much of a better performer overall particularly when price is considered. The E46 M3 is still a more "pure" M car as far as pure goes. Inline engine design, orange gauges, heavy steering, simple suspension layout, etc.

Problem is, those mint cars are far and few between. If it isn't mint, well, see above posts for the host of problems and failures. However I certainly would not call the problems "high frequency" by any means. High frequency in forum fear mongering maybe. Remember, too, that if the recall was done, you're probably good to go. 2006 E46 M3 Competition is the one to have. Manual transmission, of course. And M-Cloth seats if you can too!

So yeah, overall the E9x is a better car. HOWEVER, if you are considering an E46 M3, particularly a mint, well taken care of 2006 Comp package, then I think you're making a good choice still. Make sure they did their oil changes at sane intervals though... not every 20,000. And make sure of course that the recall was done. And, as always, get a PPI by a certified mechanic.

[MDyDinanM]

Originally Posted by GreasyGinzo

Anybody who has maybe had both an e92 and e46 ZCP on the track comment on the handling? How does the e46 ZCP handle compared to an e92 with EDC and stock 18's with stock PS2's?

e46 is more raw, and feels lighter

e92 is heavier, but the V8 makes up for its weight.

[Erhan]

Originally Posted by stefan

So yeah, overall the E9x is a better car. HOWEVER, if you are considering an E46 M3, particularly a mint, well taken care of 2006 Comp package, then I think you're making a good choice still. Make sure they did their oil changes at sane intervals though... not every 20,000. And make sure of course that the recall was done. And, as always, get a PPI by a certified mechanic.

+1. E46 is a great car, and I think it looks better than E9x.

[jrlee53]

Oddly enough, there was a flyer by the bathroom at NJMP for someone selling their E46. I don't remember how much it was exactly, but it seemed pretty reasonable. Maybe the guy will see your post here and can contact you if you're really interested. Sorry about the accident on Monday again. Hope your doing better.

[checkmate]

Originally Posted by stefan

Am I the only one that would rather have a very low mileage mint E46 M3 comp over an E92 M3? The competition package back then actually had some tangible changes (unlike current one.. don't get me started). And they are still really great cars. The E92 M3 isn't that much of a better performer overall particularly when price is considered. The E46 M3 is still a more "pure" M car as far as pure goes. Inline engine design, orange gauges, heavy steering, simple suspension layout, etc.

Problem is, those mint cars are far and few between. If it isn't mint, well, see above posts for the host of problems and failures. However I certainly would not call the problems "high frequency" by any means. High frequency in forum fear mongering maybe. Remember, too, that if the recall was done, you're probably good to go. 2006 E46 M3 Competition is the one to have. Manual transmission, of course. And M-Cloth seats if you can too!

So yeah, overall the E9x is a better car. HOWEVER, if you are considering an E46 M3, particularly a mint, well taken care of 2006 Comp package, then I think you're making a good choice still. Make sure they did their oil changes at sane intervals though... not every 20,000. And make sure of course that the recall was done. And, as always, get a PPI by a certified mechanic.

Originally Posted by erhanh

+1. E46 is a great car, and I think it looks better than E9x.

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. It has the S54 engine (same as the E46) but an even better steering and power to weight ratio over the M3 . The E46 M3 is more of a practical proposition however and I think that's what you are leaning towards. The E9X is a much car in that it has better quality materials inside than the E46 and yes-is more refined. The current M3 has a stiffer suspension and a better turn in compared to my old E46. Its better as a daily driver as well and sounds much better.

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.

If I had some disposable $$$ left around-I'd get the E36 and throw a GTR body kit and upgrade it mechanically. The steering feel on that car is super!

[GreasyGinzo]

Originally Posted by JDy80

Oddly enough, there was a flyer by the bathroom at NJMP for someone selling their E46. I don't remember how much it was exactly, but it seemed pretty reasonable. Maybe the guy will see your post here and can contact you if you're really interested. Sorry about the accident on Monday again. Hope your doing better.

Thanks, I am starting to feel a little better today finally but still very sore as expected. Do you remember if it was a comp pack? If I was to get an e46 it would have to be comp pack with fairly low miles and very good condition. I was looking for one before I got my e92 so I know how hard it is to find what I would want.

[e46e92love]

Wow, e46 comp is just a FANTASTIC car. To get an '06 comp ///M3 and a cheap daily driver like a civic will leave you still with cash in your pocket, lower gas bills, and a GREAT weekend car that is still a great time at the track.

But that is just my .02.......and this coming from an e92 '11 ///M3!!!



Cheers,
e46e92

[Erhan]

Originally Posted by checkmate

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. It has the S54 engine (same as the E46) but an even better steering and power to weight ratio over the M3 .

+1 on the Z4 M Coupe. Brilliant car from BMW. Also their last sports car.

Ps: If you're into modding your cars, you won't find too much stuff for the Z4 M. There isn't a large enough market...