If you ever had to replace your e46 M3

[01SG]

Yeah I don't know that the transmission can be that bad. I also have a hunch that the problem is with the sensitive throttle and somewhat vague clutch rather than the transmissions themselves. Their issues are both described the same way.

I'm not sure of the regulations for convertibles on the track, but I want it primarily for the street anyway. The interior is not as pleasantly laid out as the e46, but it comes with better options, like carbon leather trim on the dash. There is also the full leather that covers the door panels, windshield trim, sun visors, and roll hoops. The center display was an option many do not have.

The long hood would take getting used to. I think a lot of people bust up the nose because of it. But the car is in actuality over a foot shorter in length than the e46. It is significantly smaller and lighter.

[Slideways]

Is the ZF really that bad? From what I read it is only the same first to second issues the 420g has a reputation for.

I don't mind the sound and want a convertible. I love that it is like a classic British-or BMW-roadster. I will still have the other M3 for the occasional HPDE anyway.

Not to mention the coupe is a good 25% higher in price and less fun on a nice day.

I'm not sure what his experience is, but that ZF unit is known to be nicer to operate than the 420G. I'd certainly take it over the Getrag unit. And the Z4M has a different exhaust configuration which leads to less rasp/metallic sound. All stock, they sound better for those that don't particularly like the tinny sound of the M3.

[PSUEng]

I have been contemplating letting go of an M3-cannot
decide between the 36 or 46-for a Z4 M Roadster. A very low mileage example is the same cost as a fairly high mileage m3. It is perhaps not as beautiful but just as interesting and cool looking. Stiffer chassis, less weight, all the late model m3 updates to differential, brakes, etc. Super rare with only 5,000 worldwide. That is lower production than the Ferrari 360, among other things. Practicality and track use aside, I like the idea. It strikes me as much more interesting than any Boxster short of the top of the line Spyder.

I have read the conflicting reports, but people who actually own them seem to be thrilled.

Friend of mine has one, drives differently, maybe quicker due to lower weight; shifter feels different? I think that the interior shows it's age more than the E46, what with the center info display being archaic and Bangle-ness of it all; E46 has no display, so no problem there. Roadsters appear to be worth somewhat less than the coupes; more room in the engine bay to work; I don't care for the long hood. Could be a good track toy?

[PSUEng]

I've thought about this and I determined it would probably be a BRZ/FRS/GT86/GR86

Watch out for the torque dip...

[01SG]

Is the ZF really that bad? From what I read it is only the same first to second issues the 420g has a reputation for.

I don't mind the sound and want a convertible. I love that it is like a classic British-or BMW-roadster. I will still have the other M3 for the occasional HPDE anyway.

Not to mention the coupe is a good 25% higher in price and less fun on a nice day.

[Sharocks]

I have been contemplating letting go of an M3-cannot
decide between the 36 or 46-for a Z4 M Roadster. A very low mileage example is the same cost as a fairly high mileage m3. It is perhaps not as beautiful but just as interesting and cool looking. Stiffer chassis, less weight, all the late model m3 updates to differential, brakes, etc. Super rare with only 5,000 worldwide. That is lower production than the Ferrari 360, among other things. Practicality and track use aside, I like the idea. It strikes me as much more interesting than any Boxster short of the top of the line Spyder.

I have read the conflicting reports, but people who actually own them seem to be thrilled.

That ZF trans sucks and it's still an S54 so every time you put the top down, you have to hear it even more.

Get a coupe and 420G swap it.

[CrisSilberGrau]

Already did- E90 M3

CrisSilberGrau

Good.

Tell us more.

[01SG]

I have been contemplating letting go of an M3-cannot
decide between the 36 or 46-for a Z4 M Roadster. A very low mileage example is the same cost as a fairly high mileage m3. It is perhaps not as beautiful but just as interesting and cool looking. Stiffer chassis, less weight, all the late model m3 updates to differential, brakes, etc. Super rare with only 5,000 worldwide. That is lower production than the Ferrari 360, among other things. Practicality and track use aside, I like the idea. It strikes me as much more interesting than any Boxster short of the top of the line Spyder.

I have read the conflicting reports, but people who actually own them seem to be thrilled.

[Tbonem3]

Already did- E90 M3

CrisSilberGrau

[zzyzx85]

I've thought about this and I determined it would probably be a BRZ/FRS/GT86/GR86

[Interlagos]

At the crazy prices - the gap to an M2 isn't much. Tempting. I like the gen 1 M2, sounds better than the m3 motor.

I bought a 2016 M2 6MT a few years back right after my ‘03.5 M3 got totaled — ended up selling the M2 within 6 months. Loved the way the car looked, but couldn’t stand how it drove and sounded. The sounds they make in sport mode and during cold starts were honestly embarrassing. Not to mention the automatic rev matching on downshifts in a 6MT car… very clear who BMW is marketing newer M cars to.

[bigjae46]

996s, 986s, 997s, and 987s have an issue with engines popping at the track. The DI engine upgrade didn't do much to 991s, 718s, and 981s have auto trans issues. 992s are too new to know truly yet. I've seen a few 991 GT3s get engines due to the DLC coating on the cams. It's a real coating, not like is advertised for our cams. The brakes will be twice as expensive, BeCaUsE pOrScHe, and go just as fast, if not faster. You probably don't need to upgrade the brakes which may balance out cost. Stock BMW brakes suck in general compared to Porsche. You can't do internal work yourself or you need thousands of dollars in special tools alone. Porsche Workshop Manual is not as reliable or as available as BMWs Repair Instructions.

My point is you will be investing significantly more money into a less reliable platform with less flexibility. If you think it's worth it and have the money, then go for it. I can almost guarantee a better track experience in almost a Porsche sports car. This is just my experience to give you another data point in helping you decide.

BMW have their own problems. No car will be perfect but over the last 15 years Porsche’s seem to have far fewer issues.

Porsche’s and BMW M cars are the few cars that requires minimal or no mods to make a relatively reliable track car, at least used to be. I haven’t really been keeping up wit the newer cars, far less interesting to me.

I got to ride in the newest GT3, a 992? It practically turns itself. Why even bother with the driver at this point?

Back to reality - I’ll keep my E46 until it’s crashed or burned down. At that point, I’ll just stick to playing ice hockey as my hobby.

[simon_c]

997.2 GTS or Lotus Evora 400 for me

[Arith2]

My car has a rollcage so it gets trailered. It is pretty light and a lot of fun but sometimes I really question whether its worth the effort.

My next track car will either be a new 911 or E9X M3. Something I can drive to/from the track. I lean towards a new 911 because how many 911s do you see actually have an issue at the track? I honestly can't think of one that I've seen.

The one thing that keeps me holding onto the E46 is running costs. It is really low cost to run. I get about 6-7 mpg, tires last 4-5 weekends and brakes up to 10-12 weekends.

996s, 986s, 997s, and 987s have an issue with engines popping at the track. The DI engine upgrade didn't do much to 991s, 718s, and 981s have auto trans issues. 992s are too new to know truly yet. I've seen a few 991 GT3s get engines due to the DLC coating on the cams. It's a real coating, not like is advertised for our cams. The brakes will be twice as expensive, BeCaUsE pOrScHe, and go just as fast, if not faster. You probably don't need to upgrade the brakes which may balance out cost. Stock BMW brakes suck in general compared to Porsche. You can't do internal work yourself or you need thousands of dollars in special tools alone. Porsche Workshop Manual is not as reliable or as available as BMWs Repair Instructions.

My point is you will be investing significantly more money into a less reliable platform with less flexibility. If you think it's worth it and have the money, then go for it. I can almost guarantee a better track experience in almost an Porsche sports car. This is just my experience to give you another data point in helping you decide.

[bigjae46]

My car has a rollcage so it gets trailered. It is pretty light and a lot of fun but sometimes I really question whether its worth the effort.

My next track car will either be a new 911 or E9X M3. Something I can drive to/from the track. I lean towards a new 911 because how many 911s do you see actually have an issue at the track? I honestly can't think of one that I've seen.

The one thing that keeps me holding onto the E46 is running costs. It is really low cost to run. I get about 6-7 mpg, tires last 4-5 weekends and brakes up to 10-12 weekends.