E46 M3 owners chime in...daily driving reports.

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AgentUnknown

AgentUnknown

Golden Member
Apr 10, 2003
1,527
5
81
I have a Tiag e46 M3. Fun car, but let me tell you the stock suspension is not great for daily driving. Oil changes are not fun.
 
Don Vito Corleone

Don Vito Corleone

Elite
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
67
91
I have used my 2002 M3 as a daily driver since buying it in May. Works fine for me. It is not what I'd call a cushy car, but it's not brutal. Mine is not riding on a stock suspension so I can't comment on that. Fortunately I have the 18" wheels which provide a bit more compliance than the 19s. Other than the ride it's surprisingly usable - the interior room actually seems more generous than my E90, and the trunk is giant. The interior is a little dated in its amenities, and because my car is an earlier model, it's more limited in the ability to install electronics like AUX IN and bluetooth than later cars.

Obviously you have the ability to drive like a nut at any time - the hoon factor on the car is there whenever you want it. I love the S54, which is a great combo of reasonable low-end torque, great midrange power and an 8K redline. I have really enjoyed the car on the track - I have Schroth Quick-Fit harnesses to plug for extra stability.
 
SpatiallyAware

SpatiallyAware

Lifer
Sep 7, 2009
12,960
3
0
Daily driver as in your only vehicle?


I have a z4 m, and while I drive it almost every day I wouldn't want it as my only car.
 
SpatiallyAware

SpatiallyAware

Lifer
Sep 7, 2009
12,960
3
0
FuzzyDunlop said:
agreed. I still dont understand the point of this thread.
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To talk about having an m3 as a daily driver. I'm pretty sure we need one of these every 6 months, along with 'is an e46 a reliable DD?' thread


Alky.. The most important thing about a used BMW is knowing someone who can work on it. I'd find a good indy shop before even considering on looking for an m3.
 
alkemyst

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
SpatiallyAware said:
To talk about having an m3 as a daily driver. I'm pretty sure we need one of these every 6 months, along with 'is an e46 a reliable DD?' thread


Alky.. The most important thing about a used BMW is knowing someone who can work on it. I'd find a good indy shop before even considering on looking for an m3.
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Was there that many threads on this here? Sounds like you are an over-dramatic princess there buddy.

I can do my own work...or just pay to have it done as well...just don't want a car always needing something done.

Anyway it's clear that the model is now owned by mostly knuckleheads. The stereotype is becoming more and more correct each day.
 
SpatiallyAware

SpatiallyAware

Lifer
Sep 7, 2009
12,960
3
0
alkemyst said:
Was there that many threads on this here? Sounds like you are an over-dramatic princess there buddy.

I can do my own work...or just pay to have it done as well...just don't want a car always needing something done.

Anyway it's clear that the model is now owned by mostly knuckleheads. The stereotype is becoming more and more correct each day.
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The e46 m3 stereotype; but you fit it so perfectly it seems almost like a match made in heaven. e46 m3, charger, or 1999 CL. All perfect cars for you imo

I'm not ragging on you for making the thread. It is, imo, fairly valid. As time goes on it's possible for 'high mileage' issues to start cropping up.

Doing your own work can be difficult with the s54. Fluid changes and etc are fine, but if you have some bizarre module go bad it can be tough to track down. Valve adjustments are a huge pain the ass. Just because you CAN do the work doesn't mean you WANT to do the work (that's the boat I'm in)... so you end up paying exorbitant labor rates to get anything done.
 
alkemyst

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
SpatiallyAware said:
The e46 m3 stereotype; but you fit it so perfectly it seems almost like a match made in heaven. e46 m3, charger, or 1999 CL. All perfect cars for you imo

I'm not ragging on you for making the thread. It is, imo, fairly valid. As time goes on it's possible for 'high mileage' issues to start cropping up.

Doing your own work can be difficult with the s54. Fluid changes and etc are fine, but if you have some bizarre module go bad it can be tough to track down. Valve adjustments are a huge pain the ass. Just because you CAN do the work doesn't mean you WANT to do the work (that's the boat I'm in)... so you end up paying exorbitant labor rates to get anything done.
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I'd be buying one with under 30k on it. I really don't care on the costs of the maintenance/repairs as long as they aren't constant.

I don't know why you keep throwing up a 1999 CL, sounds like some personal issue you have. I'd never drive a CL.

BTW keep on trolling me in Garage with insults and I will have you slapped.

Do you even own an M3? If not and anyone that doesn't should just skip this thread.
 
alkemyst

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Not so worried about 'harsh' more worried about rattles, vibrations...constant repairs, etc.

I drive around currently in a car with all solid suspension mounts pretty much :)
 
SpatiallyAware

SpatiallyAware

Lifer
Sep 7, 2009
12,960
3
0
alkemyst said:
I'd be buying one with under 30k on it. I really don't care on the costs of the maintenance/repairs as long as they aren't constant.

I don't know why you keep throwing up a 1999 CL, sounds like some personal issue you have. I'd never drive a CL.

BTW keep on trolling me in Garage with insults and I will have you slapped.

Do you even own an M3? If not and anyone that doesn't should just skip this thread.
Click to expand...


I'm only poking at you alky, don't get your feelings hurt. If anything you're the one who is dragging your own thread off topic. And have me slapped.. Wow lol... :D


In all seriousness, my car has the same engine and similar electronics (I believe). I've had some quirky issues.. Radio amplifier has gone bad, it's $700 from the dealer. The electronics in the car are difficult to diagnose yourself, of course there's tons of forum support so it's not hard to figure out but meanwhile your DD is down and you might end up having to take it to a shop anyway.

Valve adjustment is every 25k miles or so, it's not impossible to do yourself but is one of those things that I personally would rather find a good shop to do. Most need rear tires about that time as well. I dunno about the m3, but my car won't go over parking curbs which is a PITA sometimes. I rarely drive it in the rain but it handles fine.

The ride is stiff, it's fun to drive 90% of the time but it's really nice to have something else for that other 10%. Mine rattles a good bit, although they're all common places (cupholders, trunk shade) that I just need to track down and tape seams.
 
SpatiallyAware

SpatiallyAware

Lifer
Sep 7, 2009
12,960
3
0
...but all of that is why you should make sure there's a good independent shop near you before you even buy one.

Also the build quality is fantastic.. When you close the door you can really feel the weight and sturdiness, panels are thicker, buttons/switches higher quality.. It's worth dealing with the BS but there is definitely more of it
 
JulesMaximus

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,580
982
126
alkemyst said:
Was there that many threads on this here? Sounds like you are an over-dramatic princess there buddy.

I can do my own work...or just pay to have it done as well...just don't want a car always needing something done.

Anyway it's clear that the model is now owned by mostly knuckleheads. The stereotype is becoming more and more correct each day.
Click to expand...

So, it's the perfect car for you then? :awe:

On a more serious note, I seem to remember BMW replacing engines in those early e46 M3s. I'm sure all those were fixed/updated under the service bulletin by now though.

It is a solid car but as the age and mileage pile on so will your maintenance/repair bills.
 
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