If you ever had to replace your e46 M3

[Icecream]

To me the closest match performance to price, utilitarian option would be a 996 turbo. Last I checked those were going for around $40k which is just a screaming deal.t.

Pretty sure you're not gonna find a clean one for that at the moment. A high milage sh!t box with triptronic, sure. But honestly, since the new 911's came out, I have zero interest in a 996 turbo anymore and I think the market will follow once those hit the used market, they are just so much more car compared to the 996 and in this case, both are turbo and the playing field is level unless you really want the cursive "Turbo" written on the back.

[Flat-Six]

I use my M3 the same way I do my air-cooled 911, so for me, I could live with either. The M3 is a bit heavier then my 911, not as quick, or as fun, but it's darn close, 90% there for me. I like both engines equally, and that's a big deal for me. If had to dump both of those, don't think I could find anything to replace them for what they do for me.

[Obioban]

911 turbo doesn’t do it for me at all. I understand they’re fast, but the sound and powerband is so... boring. I’d rather get an “s” 911 than a turbo... though really it’s only the GT cars that appeal to me.

[BlAikenstein]

To me the closest match performance to price, utilitarian option would be a 996 turbo. Last I checked those were going for around $40k which is just a screaming deal. It’s uglier inside and out than the 997’s but you can dd, track and road trip it so it fits my use perfectly. I’ve started using my M as more of a pleasure vehicle but the awd on the turbo would be clutch if I wanted to go skiing when it’s storming in the mountains.

From a purely drivers car I’d like to get into a gt4 but the sacrifices in utility ramp up sharply and they are significantly more expensive than the 996tt.

[eljay]

Cayman GT4, M2 CS (manual)

I was about to type this same response! Haha.

My realistic (i.e. close in cost) replacement would be a Cayman GTS though.

[ViN]

Cayman GT4, M2 CS (manual)

[MTiz]

I don't think I could straight-up "replace" my M3. I love it too much and nothing else quite ticks every single box like the E46. It's a true "jack of all trades". However, I would like to add an E60 M5 6-Speed (in Alpine White of course ) and either a 991.2 Turbo S or Manual GT3 one day. The E60 M5 is by far my favorite M5 and was the first fast car I've ever ridden in. The 991.2 Turbo S is probably the most beautiful Porsche ever made, and a manual GT3 probably offers the best driving experience short of a Carrera GT. I believe this is obtainable in my 30's if I keep grinding the next 10-15 years.

[poss]

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[poss]

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[maw1124]

100%

when i was searching for my E46 M3, i was searching nationally for a vert. ive always wanted this car specifically as a vert. i have taken it to the track a few times though (but just messing around). nothin better than driving that car with the top down up in the SoCal canyons hearing that engine scream....ugh, just amazing.

... or through the Georgia pines... jeez... top down, radio off... “let’s have a little fun; shall we?”

maw

[m3_dylan]

I've owned mine for 6 years and I got it for a steal.$15k @ 60k miles. It's also the second car I've ever owned and the first car I paid for so it's very sentimental to me. I don't plan on selling it ever especially since I have a fun daily too. If I had to though, probably a GT3 or more reasonably an E92 M3 - 6 speed - carbon roof. Something special about M3s, I'd have to trade it for another M car it's only right.

[TexaZ3]

I wish the Porsche 718 spyder wasn't so expensive. 400 NA HP, manual, open roof. It ticks a lot of boxes for me but it is on the expensive side. I've read the gearing is a little weird but I'd probably get the PDK if that is the case (I think they released that version now).

Right, but not being the same format I meant 2+2 Coupe. 718 spyder fails on both counts 2 seaters have way less versatility.

[oceansize]

Yup, I concur.

About the only car I'd replace E46 M3 with would be an R33 GT-R. The rest are way more $$ or just not the same format.

I wish the Porsche 718 spyder wasn't so expensive. 400 NA HP, manual, open roof. It ticks a lot of boxes for me but it is on the expensive side. I've read the gearing is a little weird but I'd probably get the PDK if that is the case (I think they released that version now).

[oceansize]

I definitely agree, I do appreciate that people here are welcoming about the convertibles, gives that extra sense of community. Agreed on not having it any other way and the characteristics. Track wise, it does really well. Also, I've met so many cool people because of it that I wouldn't have if I had gone with something else.

I'm in a convertible and on the old forum I noticed in some of the early years (I wasn't a member then) there was definitely a group of dummies who just couldn't help but chime in at every opportunity (see like poster just above who just had to throw in I would only buy vert to part it out, ugh, ok thanks). It seems most everyone on this forum is an actual adult who can have civil conversation and disagreements. Plus the reality is that many of us own, or have access to, multiple sports cars, so it isn't as if we don't know what we have. I love the coupe and convertible body styles and they share an overwhelming number of mechanical parts so at this juncture we all know the rigidity, weight, and therefore handling differences but if it bothered us we wouldn't have bought a vert.

I've said it many times but this forum is special. This is a community where the guys who run it aren't simply looking to make a buck and we are all lucky to have each other to bounce ideas off of. Everyone here has something to offer and that is a cool thing.

[TexaZ3]

I have had an LMB e39 M5 for the last ~decade... and it’s no where near the driving experience of the e46 M3. 600 lbs heavier, worse steering (though not EPS bad), less rewarding engine, sloppy handling (way more comfort oriented). It’s really good at what it is, but in no way is it an M3 replacement.

... it is a nice M3 complement 😜

Yup, I concur.

About the only car I'd replace E46 M3 with would be an R33 GT-R. The rest are way more $$ or just not the same format.