5 things you like and 5 things you dislike about your m3

[EthanolTurbo]

My B5 S4 had a much nicer interior than my E46 M3 (I don't have extended leather). But, the M3 is far better to drive and work on. But---if I'd only had done the RS4 turbos, etc....

Meh. The B5 S4 is a nightmare to work on and the driving dynamics are just OK. You're not missing out on much. I used to have a 450 whp B5 S4 6MT. It pales in comparison to an E46 M3 or E39 M5.

[Syfon]

Idk why everyone is saying "lack of tourque". For what it is, and especially the fact it's an undersquare motor, it has a great amount of torque.

Besides, it's a 3.2L i6; what do you expect? You're not going to have he same torque as a turbocharged or larger displacement motor!

[cobra]

Like:
-How easy it is to work on and how everything is documented on the forum
-Styling
-Sound
-Perfect blend of tech and simplicity
-Driving feel

Dislike:
-The rising price of replacement parts
-2nd gear can be kinda notchy in city driving especially when cold
-Fuel mileage
-The delicate rubberized interior trim and softness of the aluminum interior trim
-The night terrors about vanos and rod bearings spontaneously self destructing (despite being bulletproofed)

[Icecream]

My '04 Audi Allroad sits outside year round (this is garage kept under a factory cover), and the Audi has worn better.

maw

True, the leather doesn't wear well but that doesn't mean it's bad really. It has a really nice hand (and smell) from the factory, I'll take that over most of the well wearing but artificial feeling leather of many other cars, ymmv.
And, if you still think the interior is poor, try one of the F chassis cars, it will make you appreciate the e46 so much.

[maw1124]

My B5 S4 had a much nicer interior than my E46 M3 (I don't have extended leather). But, the M3 is far better to drive and work on. But---if I'd only had done the RS4 turbos, etc....

There's an S4 Avant 4.2 on BaT right now demonstrating this very trouble... poor chap did chain guides and all ... I can relate because I've done them on the Allroad... no bueno... this car is a cakewalk in comparison.

maw

[Wernd]

Power, induction noise, handling, looks, lap times
Lack of torque, engine noise (outside of the induction noise), 6th gear ratio (wish 80 wasn't 3k rpms), steering ratio (too slow), only made in Coupe, front turn signals turn down not up like an lci e46

Took me a bit to come up with dislikes but then I came up with 6

[PSUEng]

You're joking right?

There was an Extended Leather option, similar to the E39M Heritage. Most colors are NLA but ECS tuning still has some in stock. Of course, it's the same leather QUALITY as the rest of the interior, which at those prices doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But it's available. Some here have done it.


My '04 Audi Allroad sits outside year round (this is garage kept under a factory cover), and the Audi has worn better.

maw

My B5 S4 had a much nicer interior than my E46 M3 (I don't have extended leather). But, the M3 is far better to drive and work on. But---if I'd only had done the RS4 turbos, etc....

[maw1124]

Fighting words… that feces brown interior with extended effluent dashboard is not for me.

😂🤣😂Yeah, the Imola isn't much better. Just too much. The Kiwi looks better and I'm sure the LSB does too. In the end, I decided to pass, though I may just double back to extended leather Black where Black was from the factory.

maw

[02_lsb]

Fighting words… that feces brown interior with extended effluent dashboard is not for me.

[maw1124]

Actually, I think the Audi of the era might edge it in material, if not design. But yes, the e46 is not bad by any means. It also certainly could have been better. Shame there was no extended leather option.

You're joking right?

There was an Extended Leather option, similar to the E39M Heritage. Most colors are NLA but ECS tuning still has some in stock. Of course, it's the same leather QUALITY as the rest of the interior, which at those prices doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But it's available. Some here have done it.


My '04 Audi Allroad sits outside year round (this is garage kept under a factory cover), and the Audi has worn better.

maw

[01SG]

Actually, I think the Audi of the era might edge it in material, if not design. But yes, the e46 is not bad by any means. It also certainly could have been better. Shame there was no extended leather option.

[maw1124]

Surprised you put down the interior. I am curious what you compare it to that you think was better at that price point. I think the e46/39 interior is fantastic. Both BMW and Audi interiors in that era were far superior to the soulless modern designs, in my opinion. Hard to find fault with it unless compared to full leather. There is the sticky stuff, but Ferrari, Maserati, and others used the same thing.

Nothing at that price point, to be fair (Benzes and Audi's of that period and before). I've made that point before -- it's a 3-series. If this was as good as the E39M, interior wouldn't have been listed. It's fine. I'm just comparing it to higher price point cars.

maw

[01SG]

Likes: Everything except Dislikes.
Dislikes: Lack of lower rpm torque; quality of interior materials.

maw

Surprised you put down the interior. I am curious what you compare it to that you think was better at that price point. I think the e46/39 interior is fantastic. Both BMW and Audi interiors in that era were far superior to the soulless modern designs, in my opinion. Hard to find fault with it unless compared to full leather. There is the sticky stuff, but Ferrari, Maserati, and others used the same thing.

[Lagunaseca_Blau]

I dislike that it’s so perfect and makes me insecure

[maw1124]

Likes: Everything except Dislikes.
Dislikes: Lack of lower rpm torque; quality of interior materials.

maw