Just drove an E46...extremely dissapointed

[m3f_JonathanA71]

So I took my dad out and we drove an 02 M3. Here is what I noticed...



-Handled the same...didn't notice a bit of handling difference.

-Rode shitty...my 99 M3 rides a hella lot better than that...it was bumpy on a normal road although smooth on the highway (still not what an e36 is)

-Shitty gears...although they claim it is a short shifter, the clutch was softer and the gears were crunchy.

-A bit faster





So all in all, with a 42k price tag (this one had no sunroof or power seats or anything), that car is way overrated. I would take my car in a heartbeat over it...and I know with HIDs, clears all around, and intake/exhaust, my car will be a heck of a lot more nice than that.

[m3f_custom_6b7ab27928]

I drove an '02 droptop. With the top down it is definitely fun. I don't think it handled much better but I didn't mind the ride at all. I personally don't like the steering wheel, seemed small. I did like all the control on the wheel and the fact that the mirrors face down when you put it in reverse(didn't know they did that on sticks). I did really like the engine(great sound) and the styling ain't bad either. If I had the money I would buy one, no doubt.

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

Originally posted by JonathanA71

-Rode shitty...my 99 M3 rides a hella lot better than that...it was bumpy on a normal road although smooth on the highway (still not what an e36 is)





my response to that is the bigger wheel size.. if it had 19s i can imagine it should be fairly rough.. but also stiff..

[m3f_imports4ever858]

in my opinion e46 is made more for show off and for people that buy it that just have a lot of money and want a bmw and want to be even more of a prick so they get the m3, e36 is straight for modding handling and performance, auto x, etc.. not big ass wheels and tvs and crazy sound systems and people that just bought it to show off.. what i noticed is that a lot of people that drive e46s dont really know how to drive, they put more cosmetic mods rather than performance, and they act like they own the world.. and u are right the car for the price is way way overrated, even though it looks sweet.. but i rather have my e36 supercharge it, put a few extra grand in handling and seats, etc.. and use the car for what its made.. i still hear from friends that have e46s that they dont handle as well as e36 and the steering is not as balanced.. but for sure it is faster.. not $20 30k faster..

[m3f_Fishey]

that car is 2 years old and could have been abused... Its hard to tell the diffrence go drive a 04 and see if the results are the same.

[m3f_MrWingnut]

awwwwwwww MAN that porche is SWEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!! they are both nice, but that 993 is BEEEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! damn i want one of those sooo bad. you wouldnt give that away for the price of a 97 m3 would you? :thumbsup: :???:

[m3f_MWhip]

U know what ppl........Allllllll the M's are nice no matter what year or model. But if you talk to the E30 ppl they will tell you they don't like the E36's and if you talk to the E36 ppl they will say they don't like the E46's.......

[m3f_jerrygee]

I had two E30 M3’s twoE36 M3’s ,one a coupe and the other a cabriolet and now a coupe E46 M3 with SMG. I liked them all but I did have too many rattles in the cabriolet. The E30 was the closest to a street legal “race car” in both looks and handling though the four cylinder engine was buzzy and rendered the inside rear view mirror useless for spotting cops and doesn’t hold a candle to the 333 hp of the E46 M3 in the acceleration and smoothness department. I never got over the fact with the E36 M3 that the Europeans got had such an increase in hp and performance, I always felt like the red headed step child and never felt that the E36 M3 with automatic and four doors was a “real” M car. The E46 is more luxury then race car but with its 333 hp, great handling and brakes it will keep up with most anything on the road today. For the amount of performance on tap, the features, available options and overall quality it is not out of line in the price department either. Anyone that knocks an E46 M3 only does so out of envy for not having the dough to buy one. Is the E36 M3 a nice car? Definitely. Would I trade my E46 M3 for one? Never! And my bet is the next generation M 3 & 4 will be even better.

[m3f_MWhip]

Very well put :thumbsup:

[m3f_jyuenman]

I agree... the E46 M3 is a very balance mechine. I have $6 M3 and also had a E36 M3. The E36 M3 for me was way too touchy on the steering compare to the E46.

[m3f_Mazdaratti]

I can hardly wait till the next M3 has a V8 and then can compete

even with such cars as the Z06.

[m3f_imports4ever858]

i much rather drive a 89 318i than a Z06