I pretty much know the answer to this already from this forum- but I wanted to float the idea. I bought my e46 back in 2018- smg, TIAG on black, 155k. Spent a butt load of $ on it and enjoyed every second of it. Its got the 6 speed conversion, vanos done, subframe done, and blackstone reports are perfect albeit last record of rod bearings was the factory at 18k miles. Its got the 996 brembo conversion, rs2's, csl style intake, had the seats and door panels redone with M texture, ect.. I have the kit sitting here to do the bearings.. I just happened to also buy a decrepid e90 in the process (factory 6mt).. At this point im 20k into the e90 i bought for 15k lol.. It will be the same deal, rs2's bbk..
I also when the handschaulter was released (i am a huge manual transmission guy), happened to inquire with my dealer about it... I was first to ask, so first on the list. So currently have a black sapphire/ red standard brakes/ gold wheels allocation coming to me.. So that leaves me with the question of do I dump the e46? While yes, I bought every factory part and did the 6 speed conversion right, I will be honest it does not shift that smooth.. A syncro or two (2nd and 3rd) have seen better days. The e90 on the other hand shifts like butter, and personally I think it rides and handles better. Granted I am not a track guy- only because i have no tracks really near me. But I really prefer the e90 in almost every way. I dont really want to keep all 3, I mean i do but I dont.. All roads are leading me towards unloading the e46, with plans to get a lower milage, factory 6 speed one day.
I have not driven any g80 manuals, or really any MT car newer than 08... But the auto, rwd g80 i spent some time in was very impressive. I absolutely hated the dct f80 i drove, but i think that was mainly the transmission- be an auto or a manual, in between is just annoying to me. I was worried about the g80 steering being electronic, but it felt just as good as the e90. Pretty torn here- watching your car get built through BMW's site is a pretty cool process. I dont have any $ into it though and can walk away from it, and still have a paid off e46 and e90. Lmk what yall think
I also when the handschaulter was released (i am a huge manual transmission guy), happened to inquire with my dealer about it... I was first to ask, so first on the list. So currently have a black sapphire/ red standard brakes/ gold wheels allocation coming to me.. So that leaves me with the question of do I dump the e46? While yes, I bought every factory part and did the 6 speed conversion right, I will be honest it does not shift that smooth.. A syncro or two (2nd and 3rd) have seen better days. The e90 on the other hand shifts like butter, and personally I think it rides and handles better. Granted I am not a track guy- only because i have no tracks really near me. But I really prefer the e90 in almost every way. I dont really want to keep all 3, I mean i do but I dont.. All roads are leading me towards unloading the e46, with plans to get a lower milage, factory 6 speed one day.
I have not driven any g80 manuals, or really any MT car newer than 08... But the auto, rwd g80 i spent some time in was very impressive. I absolutely hated the dct f80 i drove, but i think that was mainly the transmission- be an auto or a manual, in between is just annoying to me. I was worried about the g80 steering being electronic, but it felt just as good as the e90. Pretty torn here- watching your car get built through BMW's site is a pretty cool process. I dont have any $ into it though and can walk away from it, and still have a paid off e46 and e90. Lmk what yall think