Lets see your e46 m3 thread

[Gt4]

I think you might have a problem. First step is admitting it. Second step is getting help. You've come to the right place for help, but have you accomplished step 1 yet?

I know I have a problem… I need to find more storage space so I can buy more ///M cars!! haha

[AvusM5]

2002 Carbon Black over black

[MTiz]

A significant thing! Impressions so far?

I have a few impressions, good and bad.

I'll start with the bad:

- The stock exhaust is hilariously quiet. Windows down you can't hear the engine, it's straight induction noise.

- stock suspension it's a straight up sail boat compared to my M3 on coils. Still haven't figured out if I like the EDC yet. It makes the car handle much tighter but it oddly feels artificial? Need more seat time.

- iDrive sucks, will be ripping it out.

- Stock bmw shift knobs are bad. This isn't a specific knock on this car, but my M3 came with a weighted ZHP knob and an ASK short shifter so I'm spoiled.

- Lastly, the gas mileage is also comically bad even just cruising. I reckon the e46 will get at least 100 miles more on a tank which is kind of pathetic lol.

Now on to the good:

- Holy fuck this thing is fast. I don't care what anyone says 500hp is still fast af and this thing roasts tires casually.

- One of the most comfortable cars I've ever been in. The seats (I have the base seats not the sport seats) feel like sitting on a fluffy cloud, there's almost zero road noise (my M3 feels extra loud now), and you overall get that big baller executive driving experience.

- This interior is a very nice place to be. I have full red leather and it feels very premium.

- The transmission is buttery smooth. Still typical BMW notchiness but still very easy to drive. Honestly much easier to drive than an E46 M3. My best friend has an E63 M6 with the SMG and having driven both manual all day except for in heavy traffic.

- The design. I think the E60 M5 in LCI form is one of the most gorgeous BMW's ever. I really wanted an Interlagos Blue and was very iffy on the Space Grey. It's grown on me and looks amazing in direct sunlight.

Overall this thing is fucking nice. Very fast, very easy to drive, big body boat. I'm getting a bit nervous about the rod bearing situation being just under 80k miles, and I spent a lot of money buying this thing. It's a twice a week toy for now until I can build my funds back up to dump money into it. But I'm in love with it and will try to keep it for a long time financials permitting.

[Thoglan]

Bought a 3rd E46 M3… this time it’s Alpine white/M-Texture slicktop 6mt

Wicked spec. Always loved AW on these.

[SWRT_M3]

Went from the track rims to the street rims. Same style, same spec, just different colors

specs pls, wheels look great

[JaredU]

Bought a 3rd E46 M3… this time it’s Alpine white/M-Texture slicktop 6mt

I was eyeing that car too! I keep bouncing between another e46 m3 to daily, e90 m3, or e60 m5. Great snag!

[Tbonem3]

How old are you?

[JaredU]

How old are you?

Who are you asking?

[Tbonem3]

Obviously you

Under 30, get E46 M3. Over 30, get E90 M3. Over 40, get E60 m5.

[Albino09]

Bought some black EC-7 for track/autocross. 18x9.5 ET35 with 15mm spacers out back, 265/35/18 tires squared. Suspension is Dinan springs on Koni yellows with fixed Dinan camber plates.

[JaredU]

Obviously you

Under 30, get E46 M3. Over 30, get E90 M3. Over 40, get E60 m5.

I’m 37, I get what you’re saying, but there’s just something about that v10 that I need in my life!

My e46 m3 vert now will stay with me forever. It is my second one, after regrettably selling my first one.

I’ve had a few BMW’s among other cars…2 e46 m3’s, 2 e46 325’s, 1 e46 330, 1 e39 530, 2 e39 540’s, an e38 740iL, e53 4.6is, e70 4.8i, e34 530, e30 325is, and probably a handful of others, and the e46 M has been my favorite. Best car I’ve ever owned. Other than the mods and cost of preventative maintenance, my cost in actual mechanical failures is a coil pack, a muffler hangar, and a coolant temp sensor o-ring.

But part of me still wants to play with fire and try the v8 and v10!

[Tbonem3]

You can get a 2006-2007 smg3 e60 m5 for like $15-20k, but you'll spend $15k fixing it. Or by a 2009-2010 if you can, but still have reserves ready. it's a lot of car for the money, but lots of issues. Same with M6. Cool cars no doubt, and we'll never see these engines again. I opted for e90 out of practicality and reliability. Having an E46 m3 is stressful enough for my life now lol

[Deen HK]

Put on some new coilovers and wheels (18x9.5 ET22 TE37SL w/12mm spacer in the rear), and drove it 6 hours to OBX this past weekend. I cheaped out and didn't buy new tires and wish I did. The 255/40/18's rub on sharp turns up front, so some 265/35/18's are now added to the never ending list of things I need.

[DoubleSidedTape]

Obviously you

Under 30, get E46 M3. Over 30, get E90 M3. Over 40, get E60 m5.

So e39 m5 if you’re over 50?

[JaredU]

So e39 m5 if you’re over 50?

That was on my list too, I’m bot sure what prices are like in the US, but I’m in Canada and the prices for e39 m5 are just silly.

Would love one, I’d say my e39 540’s with M pack were my second favorite car. Just a really good car