To Sell or Mod?

[LukesM]

I’m not sure they scratch the same itch TBH. The e92 feels more refined, comfortable, faster and is the DCT so easier to have a phone call or drink something while driving where the e46 is more raw and engaging. Both fun to drive but the e92 sounds amazing with a catless borla mid pipe and evolve valved exhaust. It’s also in really good shape and only has 55K on it. I’m wondering if modding the e46 will make it as exciting or more than the e92 or if I’m going to end up spending a bunch of time and money (which I won’t get back) modding/maintaining the e46 only to be disappointed and end up selling.

[terra]

I appreciate your replies guys. Leaning more towards selling the e46.

Does adding headers and CSL air box completely transform the car though? Has anyone driven an e46 with headers and CSL box as well as an e92 will full exhaust?

I installed my e92 219M wheels on the e46 yesterday and it looks much better than the stock 67 style wheels.

Ha funny you ask. I have pretty much a full bolt on E46 (CSL box, headers, cams). My neighbor has an E92 w/ deleted primary cats and some sort of muffler - we had swapped cars for a couple days. We both walked away with shit eating grins. Ultimately I still prefer my E46, but the engine on that E92 with an unrestricted exhaust is glorious. The airbox and cams help keep the power going to redline giving the S54 some of that S65 feeling, but at the end of the day the S65 is more powerful no matter what.

If BMW sold the S65 in the 1-series chassis... I'd be extremely tempted to get one of those.

[Norocehcap]

The E92 being DCT changes everything for me. Not having a manual takes a lot of the excitement out of the car for me. I'm also not looking for comfort in my weekend car either that's what the daily is for. I say sell the E92 and mod the E46 and upgrade the daily. If selling the E92 is off the table I would probably sell the E46 and see if I wanted another one once the kids are older and you have more free time.

[heinzboehmer]

The E92 being DCT changes everything for me. Not having a manual takes a lot of the excitement out of the car for me. I'm also not looking for comfort in my weekend car either that's what the daily is for.

Agreed. I don't think I want to be able to take a phone call or drink something in my fun weekend car. To me, that takes away the whole point of having a car that's completely reserved for fun.

[MrClutch55]

but sounds like the OP likes the comfort and E92 way more than the E46.

Plus if u concern about modding the e46 and if it gives the same performance of the S65, i think you have already found the answer few posts above.

Moreover, not only the mods on the e46 you have to think, you should be more concerned about the big 3 like you stated in the very first place. Also, the money you put into the e46 (mods and maintenance wise), don't think you can get it back when you decide to sell the car.

So all in all, u know u like the e92 more at the moment, you have concerns on the e46 and is just sitting rotting away. Don't have to doubt yourself, should just sell the e46.

[MrClutch55]

on top of that, if u want to have a blast to drive, why would u uninstall the headers in the very first place. that's one of the biggest improvements for the S54.

[terra]

on top of that, if u want to have a blast to drive, why would u uninstall the headers in the very first place. that's one of the biggest improvements for the S54.

I think by uninstalled he meant never installed.

[bassel_sy]

Why would you sell the Michael Jordan of cars ?

[MrClutch55]

By the way, the goat 2x episodes this week is awesome

[LukesM]

Agreed. I don't think I want to be able to take a phone call or drink something in my fun weekend car. To me, that takes away the whole point of having a car that's completely reserved for fun.

I do drove both of these cars to work. The weekend is usually reserved for family things and it’s difficult to get out alone. Maybe once a weekend. I want to drive these cars more than once a week.

[LukesM]

[HDdave]

Honestly I would keep both.. I was absolutely torn when I bought my car between e46 or e90.. I wanted newer, 4 doors, ect.. But did not want the price tag associated with one (although I have sunk an equal amount into the e46).. I wound up choosing the e46 for the style.. and it was much cheaper.

I plan to pick up an e90 once I finish building my e46 here rather shortly... Luckily was planning to build a garage in the back anyways so I should be okay.

[bassel_sy]

By the way, the goat 2x episodes this week is awesome

for real though lovin this during quarantine

[Sharocks]

If you haven't started sinking cash into the money pit, I'd get out now. Sell your parts and buy a car you and your family can enjoy. You'll still have an E92 M3 so it's not like you're losing an M3. Just a different one. I'd get an M5 instead of a SRT8 Jeep, unless you're looking at a newer (2014ish) one.

[Altaran]

If you are thinking about selling, don't think about modding. That's time and money you are never getting back.

If you are sure you are keeping it, modding is very rewarding regardless of the cost.

I don't think I can comment whether you should sell. They are both great cars and each has their advantages, so it is mostly an emotional decision...

Maybe combine and swap the S65 into the E46? 🤣