School me on the E46 M3

[Stratk1ng]

After reading the "Buying new car in the $25k range" I noticed a few folks recommending this car. I'll be in the market for a new car in about a year and starting to do some research. Being a fan of BMW I would love to get one of these but always thought that the M series would be way above the $25k mark.
Anyone have info on this car? Pros/Cons, upkeep prices, etc...

 

[iamwiz82]

Maintenance is key to the S54 engine, and it's pricey. Early M3s came with the engine of Damocles and as a result I believe all 01-03 models have/had a 6 year/100,000 mile warranty. With any you look at, get a print out from the dealership showing that all maintenance has been done.

 

[Arkaign]

Outstanding car. By the time a year passes, you might want to change your outlook however. The E46 M3 in another year's time will be getting pretty long in the tooth. The 335i performs pretty equally to the E46 M3, and has the advantage of being a bit newer, and on a superior platform/gen. I'd imagine that in a year or so, if you save a good bit for a nice down payment, you could take the jump into one of those, and rest a little easier (CPO, warranty, etc).

M3/M5, both are going to be a lot more expensive to maintain than ordinary 3 and 5 series. Brakes, in particular, cost a bit more, as the rotors, pads, and calipers are all unique.

 

[Kabob]

Yeah, I read the same article (Motor Trend I think...or was it Car & Driver?). I've often thought about an E46 M3 as my next vehicle but I have a bit of hesitation.

As mentioned, repairs are pricy. M parts in particular. They mentioned springs were like $1200/each and a carb was $1500 and the car has two. Take that into account.

Also, I didn't know this but (apparently) M brakes are notorious for fading rapidly when ridden hard. Now, to the average person that probably doesn't matter, but if you take it to a track with alot of high speed braking it might.

If you're looking into a "sporty" car you can get a C5 Corvette Z06 for under $25K. You can get an Impreza WRX STi, Infinity G35/Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxter. You've got alot of choices (they can't test everything in that one article).

 

[RichUK]

- Seek one with near immaculate service history. The car is only as good as its service history.
- The newer the better, but make sure you try and get one that is at least a m/y 2004 onwards
- Maintenance isn?t cheap.
- Obviously try and get one with as many optional extras as it helps resale value.

I plan to keep mine until the insurance runs out, then I?ll be looking for something around a year old and use the car as a deposit.

 

[Arkaign]

A good read :

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel....il.home.photopanel..1.*

In about a year, you will probably see decent 335i CPO for around the $30k mark. They are faster than E46 M3, and have better handling numbers as well.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: kabob983

Also, I didn't know this but (apparently) M brakes are notorious for fading rapidly when ridden hard. Now, to the average person that probably doesn't matter, but if you take it to a track with alot of high speed braking it might.

Brake fade is more a result of DSC being left on. DSC uses brake and throttle to keep the front end forward, seeing the DSC light a ton means your brakes are being modulated, generating heat.

Someone on the Z boards ran laps with and without it and didn't experience any face with DSC off, and tons with DSC on. Keep in mind that Z4Ms have CSL brake components, however.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
A good read :

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel....il.home.photopanel..1.*

In about a year, you will probably see decent 335i CPO for around the $30k mark. They are faster than E46 M3, and have better handling numbers as well.

But I think the E46 looks 10000000x better. That's just me though.

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
A good read :

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel....il.home.photopanel..1.*

In about a year, you will probably see decent 335i CPO for around the $30k mark. They are faster than E46 M3, and have better handling numbers as well.

You mention the 335i prices coming down, you should check out the E92 M3s :Q. I?ve been keeping my eye on them for a while, and you can find quite a few on a 2008 plate with all the options going for around £38-40k ? bargain, considering how much they are/were brand new (circa £55k).

Not sure what it?s like over there, but it?s certainly a buyer's market over here, and it?s only going to get better in this current climate.

Thing is, the Porsche 997?s are dropping a lot as well.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: RichUK

Originally posted by: Arkaign
A good read :

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel....il.home.photopanel..1.*

In about a year, you will probably see decent 335i CPO for around the $30k mark. They are faster than E46 M3, and have better handling numbers as well.

You mention the 335i prices coming down, you should check out the E92 M3s :Q. I?ve been keeping my eye on them for a while, and you can find quite a few on a 2008 plate with all the options going for around £38-40k ? bargain, considering how much they are/were brand new (circa £55k).

Not sure what it?s like over there, but it?s certainly a buyer's market over here, and it?s only going to get better in this current climate.

Thing is, the Porsche 997?s are dropping a lot as well.

^^ Good points, and awesome cars!

Still, I think the OP may not be able to afford an E92 M3 for a while yet over here, and between a CPO 335i and an older E46 M3, the 335i probably makes more sense. Love the E46 M3 regardless though.

 

[Cobalt]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
A good read :

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel....il.home.photopanel..1.*

In about a year, you will probably see decent 335i CPO for around the $30k mark. They are faster than E46 M3, and have better handling numbers as well.

They are pretty much equal straight line with the E46 edging out at high speeds. But a better handler the 335i is not... The M3 is so much more fun and engaging to drive.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Service history is a MUST. Points to look for:

- Run in service @1200. If it's not in the book, run away.
- Big end bearing recall. If it should have had it, then there should be an entry in the service book or manual to state it was done. You can get a list of applied TSB's (service bulletins) on your car from BMW dealers.

Yeah, they CAN be expensive to maintain, I had to do all my pads and discs in one go not so long ago, and yeah, not cheap, but to go cheap on these cars is just selling yourself short. Don't let anyone tell you you're being elitist or a snob, just pony up the cash then drive it hard and then you'll know why you spent the extra $100(+++, heh). I just spent £475 on two rear tires and full four wheel alignment (castor/camber) and the car is handling so sweet it's not even funny.

Drive one. The sound alone, if you like it, some don't, is intoxicating. The RPM's, the luxury, the bling wheels, the looks from kids, scared grannies, tail wagging DSC off inducing heart pounding OMG I love cars so much I might shit fun is why you buy one.

Then again you might prefer Mustangs.

 

[BW86]

Originally posted by: kabob983
As mentioned, repairs are pricy. M parts in particular. They mentioned springs were like $1200/each and a carb was $1500 and the car has two. Take that into account.

$4800 for springs? I don't think so. Maybe the springs + shocks + labor but that still seems extremely pricey.

$3000 for carbs? The M3 doesn't use a carb - it's fuel injected.

 

[Kadarin]

My opinion:

The e46 M3 is a very nice looking car. I've never driven one, so can't comment there.

The e92 335i is an excellent all around coupe. The e90 sedan is ugly as hell, though, IMO. Very good power, and pretty mod-friendly if you're into that.

The e92 M3 is beautiful, and incredibly fun to drive.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: cobalt

Originally posted by: Arkaign
A good read :

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel....il.home.photopanel..1.*

In about a year, you will probably see decent 335i CPO for around the $30k mark. They are faster than E46 M3, and have better handling numbers as well.

They are pretty much equal straight line with the E46 edging out at high speeds. But a better handler the 335i is not... The M3 is so much more fun and engaging to drive.

^^ As far as fun/engaging maybe, but the truth is in the time :

"The new E90 3 Series is synonymous with great handling, and it slashed through the slalom cones 0.6 mph quicker than the M3, a testament to BMW's unmatched ability to tune a chassis for both comfort and performance. Here's a car that's utterly soft relative to the M3 and yet still manages to slither between the cones with slightly more speed. Nevertheless, the little 135i did so even faster yet at 72.4 mph."

It looks like the braking is still better on the E46 M3 though, as a total track time shows the M3 as the fastest :

"Its 1:25.88 lap is only 0.13 second behind the M3"

EDIT : The M3 is slower than the 135/335 :

"the 335i is 0.2 second behind the 135i to 60 mph (5.0 seconds vs. 5.2 seconds) ? a gap that holds to the end of the quarter-mile, where the 135i finishes its run in 13.3 seconds at 104 mph vs. the 335i's performance of 13.5 seconds at 103.7 mph. The M3 is the slowest of this group, running to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and finishing the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 103.3 mph."

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: BW86

Originally posted by: kabob983
As mentioned, repairs are pricy. M parts in particular. They mentioned springs were like $1200/each and a carb was $1500 and the car has two. Take that into account.

$4800 for springs? I don't think so. Maybe the springs + shocks + labor but that still seems extremely pricey.

$3000 for carbs? The M3 doesn't use a carb - it's fuel injected.

H&R springs (1" front, .6" rear drop) for the e92 M3 go for a suggested retail of $489 for the kit. Coilovers will cost more, however.

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: BW86

Originally posted by: kabob983
As mentioned, repairs are pricy. M parts in particular. They mentioned springs were like $1200/each and a carb was $1500 and the car has two. Take that into account.

$4800 for springs? I don't think so. Maybe the springs + shocks + labor but that still seems extremely pricey.

$3000 for carbs? The M3 doesn't use a carb - it's fuel injected.

Maybe it was catalytic converters...don't remember.

I'd have to go look at the article again.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: cobalt

Originally posted by: Arkaign
A good read :

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel....il.home.photopanel..1.*

In about a year, you will probably see decent 335i CPO for around the $30k mark. They are faster than E46 M3, and have better handling numbers as well.

They are pretty much equal straight line with the E46 edging out at high speeds. But a better handler the 335i is not... The M3 is so much more fun and engaging to drive.

^^ As far as fun/engaging maybe, but the truth is in the time :

"The new E90 3 Series is synonymous with great handling, and it slashed through the slalom cones 0.6 mph quicker than the M3, a testament to BMW's unmatched ability to tune a chassis for both comfort and performance. Here's a car that's utterly soft relative to the M3 and yet still manages to slither between the cones with slightly more speed. Nevertheless, the little 135i did so even faster yet at 72.4 mph."

It looks like the braking is still better on the E46 M3 though, as a total track time shows the M3 as the fastest :

"Its 1:25.88 lap is only 0.13 second behind the M3"

EDIT : The M3 is slower than the 135/335 :

"the 335i is 0.2 second behind the 135i to 60 mph (5.0 seconds vs. 5.2 seconds) ? a gap that holds to the end of the quarter-mile, where the 135i finishes its run in 13.3 seconds at 104 mph vs. the 335i's performance of 13.5 seconds at 103.7 mph. The M3 is the slowest of this group, running to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and finishing the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 103.3 mph."

Yes, but that was the original suspension after 6 years and 50,000 miles. The only thing Edmunds has replaced is the control bushings. Even the quarter mile/0-60 seem awfully slow on the M3.

 

[Q]

GTO FTW

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Quintox
GTO FTW

Did they make a special GTO edition of the M3 that I don't know about?

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: zerocool84

Originally posted by: Quintox
GTO FTW

Did they make a special GTO edition of the M3 that I don't know about?

lol, somewhere in this great land, I'm sure someone with a sub-100 IQ has slapped a //M badge on their GTO.

I still see Cadavaliers with Mercedes Emblems once in a while.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: zerocool84

Originally posted by: Quintox
GTO FTW

Did they make a special GTO edition of the M3 that I don't know about?

lol, somewhere in this great land, I'm sure someone with a sub-100 IQ has slapped a //M badge on their GTO.

I still see Cadavaliers with Mercedes Emblems once in a while.

There is an 80s era S-10 with an escalade front end whose owner works across from my company. The truck is on bags, but I don't think they work as the back end is perpetually dragging. It's funny seeing him try to go down the driveway.

 

[SoulAssassin]

I seriously looked at the M3 before deciding on an E64. Granted it's a lot more but I didn't like that the M3 was at the end of it's line and up for a refresh. The new one is bad as hell.