any e46 M3 experts?

Boksic

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If you want a m3 yet don’t get one, all it will do is niggle at you. It’s one of the things to get out of your system, if even for one summer.

This is true.. I went through a few decent cars, all the while the E46 M3 prices were going up, just cost me more money to get into one in the end. And then didn't particularly gel with it 😂
Definitely drive a couple before pulling the trigger!
 

Peter T2

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excellent advice.
i am no expert myself, i do drive a manual E46 convertible and a E46 M3 coupe SMG, don't be put of with people telling you not to buy SMG because there this and there that ....etc
with the Csl firmware up grade 2004 BMW E46 M3 Estoril Individual they drive excellent (might take you 20mins to learn the ins and outs ) but otherwise vgood.
convertible = small amount of shuttle shake, and it does tram line and wander at speeds on motorway 80mph +. Do buy it with SMG, suits the vert perfect. ( wish i had )
A vert for sale here BMW 3 SERIES 3.2 M3 2DR For Sale in Wigan - SJ Specialist Cars
 

Stebo

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Stebo
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excellent advice.
i am no expert myself, i do drive a manual E46 convertible and a E46 M3 coupe SMG, don't be put of with people telling you not to buy SMG because there this and there that ....etc
with the Csl firmware up grade 2004 BMW E46 M3 Estoril Individual they drive excellent (might take you 20mins to learn the ins and outs ) but otherwise vgood.
convertible = small amount of shuttle shake, and it does tram line and wander at speeds on motorway 80mph +. Do buy it with SMG, suits the vert perfect. ( wish i had )
A vert for sale here BMW 3 SERIES 3.2 M3 2DR For Sale in Wigan - SJ Specialist Cars
Thanks - I've been looking at that one, looks like it could be a possibility
 

TSPORT

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The Principality of Lisburn
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///M3
Seen that one on autotrader, didn't realise it was an RMS car. Thinking of going trade rather than so I can trade in my A7 - not sure I can arsed with the hassle of selling it.

The pistonheads ad goes into a little more detail. If you want to try smg feel free to come see the car imo it’s the best gearbox for the e46.

 

Burt2000

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Type RA Ltd
The manual in them is a bit agricultural, doesn’t really like start stop traffic. As said they need an open road and the revs to get the best from them
 

Gaz

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Had zero issues with my estoril coupe when I had it save for RTABs which weren’t hard to sort. The engine is a gem and whilst I appreciate a good 335i with a map can pull like a train also, there’s something about the zingy, revvy n/a M3 engine which feels that bit more special and helps contribute towards its //M status. I think they’ve aged fantastically well and are still a great looking car, a decent one will hold its money relatively well also.

The RS4 of that era was also available in vert form if you were looking for any other alternatives. Roof down and V8 are the big selling points; I’ve driven a saloon extensively but not the vert however so can’t comment on how they steer
10B65817-B9DA-45E2-B5BB-0752BA50E757.jpeg
 

Lyons

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Had zero issues with my estoril coupe when I had it save for RTABs which weren’t hard to sort. The engine is a gem and whilst I appreciate a good 335i with a map can pull like a train also, there’s something about the zingy, revvy n/a M3 engine which feels that bit more special and helps contribute towards its //M status. I think they’ve aged fantastically well and are still a great looking car, a decent one will hold its money relatively well also.

The RS4 of that era was also available in vert form if you were looking for any other alternatives. Roof down and V8 are the big selling points; I’ve driven a saloon extensively but not the vert however so can’t comment on how they steer
View attachment 235619

Good shout. I know they are less desirable than the avant and saloon, but I see you can get them for around £15k with sub 70k miles.
 

trev 1515

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Never got on with my e46, they are great when your on it but a pain in the ass the rest of the time. Never gave any problems in the time I had it though. Rs4 would be a good shout, nicer place to be when not hammering on and can’t go wrong with a v8!
 

mayweather

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M3 Evolution
Never got on with my e46, they are great when your on it but a pain in the ass the rest of the time. Never gave any problems in the time I had it though. Rs4 would be a good shout, nicer place to be when not hammering on and can’t go wrong with a v8!

The e36 m3 isn’t like that at all, can sit in 6th gear at 35mph and will sit side by side with an e46 m3 on full chat.
 

trev 1515

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E39 M5 Evo ix
The e36 m3 isn’t like that at all, can sit in 6th gear at 35mph and will sit side by side with an e46 m3 on full chat.

Yip, loved my E36. The 46 was better when pushing on but the 36 was the better package. Sounds better too
 

Stebo

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Stebo
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So despite hunting for an e46 M3, I've ended up with this....



After seeing a few dogs I came across this at Performance Cars NI. Stefan organised to get it dropped up to Pete and PMG for a once over before I picked it up on Friday evening.

I'll maybe end up with an e46 at some stage, but for now I'm thoroughly enjoying this singing V8.
 

Jason

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So despite hunting for an e46 M3, I've ended up with this....



After seeing a few dogs I came across this at Performance Cars NI. Stefan organised to get it dropped up to Pete and PMG for a once over before I picked it up on Friday evening.

I'll maybe end up with an e46 at some stage, but for now I'm thoroughly enjoying this singing V8.
Great choice, e92 is 10x the car imo
 

Stebo

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Stebo
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Unfortunately that didn't last long! I picked up the M3 on the Friday and was hit by a lorry on Monday. Insurance have just confirmed it's being written off :worried:

Gutted.

On the lookout for a replacement now. If anybody knows of a nice clean e92 M3 or similar let me know! Also considering a 911 or focus RS as a few left-field options.
 
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