If you ever had to replace your e46 M3

[heinzboehmer]

Plus I really did purchase my M3 as a project car and I think I actually enjoy the projects more than I do anything else.

This is exactly why I would just go out and buy another E46 M3 if anything ever happened to mine. The only (realistic) car I'd replace it with is a GT3. But I don't think I would be out in the garage messing with it as much as I do with the M3, which is half of the fun.

[Icecream]

I think the real issue with the Italian type cars, for this conversation, is that you can’t drive them any significant amount of miles without... TONS of money.

Not only that but id feel pretty bad about loading 100k miles on those, even GT3 is something I'd weekend only. Not crazy about doing that to a vantage or gt350 but more reasonable. This thread reminds me why it took so long to liat my car. Maybe I should up the price .

[JudahJD904]

I would replace it with another
e46 m3...barring those are unattainable, a f80,e90, e36 or e30 m3. I pledged allegiance to M3 for life a long time ago.

[Arith2]

A match made in heaven.... If you got the funds, do it and don't look back. This one is sitting at 11k miles so maybe find one with more miles to bring the price under $300k. The E46 and the 997 are literally the best driving cars in my opinion. The E46 needs some upgrades to be good, the Porsche is great stock. I would definitely advise getting a 997 if you get the opportunity.

[Obioban]

When I sit in a vet, I can either, reach the peddles or, I can see over the dash. Can’t do both.

........ I’m only 5’2

At least that means you can fit into an NSX/Miata/Elise/etc. At 6’4, I really can’t (well, Elise is fine once I’m in... but the getting in is rough). With the roof on, I can’t fit in an s2000, any gen Miata, or NSX 😔

That is one of the reasons I’m so excited about the T.43. Gordon Murray is 6’4, so I have legit hope I’ll fit in it!

[BMWE46M3]

I like the idea of replacing my M3 for a different car and it’s something I’ve contemplated for a long time and I don’t think I’ll ever sell my car but if I had to I would buy a Foxbody Mustang again. I had a ‘91 GT and it was such a great car that I’ve been itching to buy another one. It had a cam, heads, full exhaust, upper and lower intake, you name it. It was such a raw driving experience, no abs or traction control and shifting was notchy but felt satisfying.

I too had one but mine was a 1987. I freaking loved it, well expect going over bumps in the rain on an exit ramp and the solid rear-end would cause you to poot.

[yhp2009]

I mean if we are talking F430 level cars here then I wouldn't kick a Gallardo off the list but I though we were trying to be civil. Safe to say I would take an F430 over a GT3 much less the M3 lol. Fuck it, if skies the limit add the LF-A. Ford GT and a McLaren to the list.

HAHA fair enough but you can also take that as a testimony of my love for the e46m3. Its simply a sweet spot that is hard to replace. Having a super car like the f430 is a compromise no matter how you see it. We love the e46 exactly for that reason and there realistically isnt many options to replace it

[Rkymtnrider]

It's probably just me, but ever time I sit in a Vet, I feel like I'm reclined back in a lawn chair.

When I sit in a vet, I can either, reach the peddles or, I can see over the dash. Can’t do both.

........ I’m only 5’2

[Sharocks]

I think the real issue with the Italian type cars, for this conversation, is that you can’t drive them any significant amount of miles without... TONS of money.

GT3's ain't cheap to operate either. However much cheaper than the Italian counterparts.

[Obioban]

I mean if we are talking F430 level cars here then I wouldn't kick a Gallardo off the list but I though we were trying to be civil. Safe to say I would take an F430 over a GT3 much less the M3 lol. Fuck it, if skies the limit add the LF-A. Ford GT and a McLaren to the list.

I think the real issue with the Italian type cars, for this conversation, is that you can’t drive them any significant amount of miles without... TONS of money.

[Jimbo's M]

I've been eyeing C6 Z06s.

It's probably just me, but ever time I sit in a Vet, I feel like I'm reclined back in a lawn chair.

[oceansize]

I mean if we are talking F430 level cars here then I wouldn't kick a Gallardo off the list but I though we were trying to be civil. Safe to say I would take an F430 over a GT3 much less the M3 lol. Fuck it, if skies the limit add the LF-A. Ford GT and a McLaren to the list.

Money really is the issue. Everything I view as a massive improvement, whether we are talking aesthetics or performance, is not something I can realistically afford (with a few exceptions like a C8 corvette but at heart I'm just not a corvette guy as I always think of jorts and white new balance sneakers) plus I really do love the design of our generation M3s whether coupe or convertible. I sit in the garage and stare at it from time to time for crying out loud. I don't go to the track which leaves day to day driving and at a certain point how much more power can I realistically enjoy on the street? I'm supercharged and I can barely push what I've got. I've got a modified last gen Focus ST (SSK, tune, larger intercooler, exhaust, coilovers, slightly stiffer motor mounts, recaros, better steering wheel, etc. etc.) and the dumb little car is stupid fun and I can actually push it a bit more on the plentiful backroads around where I live. I have access to a couple of relatively high end sports cars and they satisfy certain itches I have from time to time.

So now anything stupid expensive is really just me flexing and spending money I shouldn't. I've driven almost everything under a 100k I consider worthwhile and I always come back to what am I going to do with it? Maybe where I'm going to turn 50 I just have too much sense, I don't know. I've driven so many cool cars and then I can't pull the trigger as I know it really isn't going to do much for me enjoyment wise. Plus I really did purchase my M3 as a project car and I think I actually enjoy the projects more than I do anything else. I knew nothing about BMWs when I bought my M3 (I lurked the old forum for a good while) and I've enjoyed it all because I'm never in a hurry since it isn't my daily. When I'm done I drop the tools where I'm at and do something else. In the end I think what I really want is a coupe M3 to go with my convertible but the right one hasn't come along as I've come to the conclusion I can't buy a car I can't drive (and put on a lift) and I'm not driving more than a 50 or 60 miles to pick it up. So I'm patient and meanwhile I've got a rear wheel driving high revving suns out tops down noise maker that I enjoy.

[Sharocks]

I have an M5 already but it doesn't do it.

997.1 GT3 RS, 718 GT4, CTSV Wagon with a lot of mods.

[Maxima SE]

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 😜

Op merely asked about "replacement". That doesn't necessarily mean it has to drive the same. The E39 M is the closest thing... similar exterior body language, very similar interiors and drop dead gorgeous in LMB. I don't even care how it drives. I just want one in my garage as an ornament. I'll take a clean title sub 50k 03 LMB on caramel or M texture over any E46 M3 in existence today.

[newton22]

I also just acquired an E39 M5 to complement my E46. It's more enjoyable on the highway and around city streets perhaps but the E46 is more rewarding to drive hard. The E39 does of course destroys it in exhaust note dept.

I've been eyeing C6 Z06s. I don't think it'll replace the E46 but they're my favorite Vettes.