If you ever had to replace your e46 M3

[Icecream]

I tried to replace my previous m3 with a GT350. Worse decision ever. 6months later end up trading the GT350 for my current M3.

So, you're gonna have to elaborate on that one. I can't find a good GT350 to drive out here so some input would be nice. Another member on the old forum didn't care for the GT350 either and I just can't wrap my head around how it could be a bad car.

[COVID-19]

I tried to replace my previous m3 with a GT350. Worse decision ever. 6months later end up trading the GT350 for my current M3.

[Obioban]

Torque is the primary reason I find the e39 M5 boring to drive compared to the M3s. No involvement to get the power, just mat the throttle any time. Similar to EVs, turbos, and automatics 😴

[Albertan]

I have just sold my 4th M3, I am in touch with all new owners. They are keeping them. I have not heard of anyone looking at a 135i. About the same size but turbo engine gives torque so you are not having to rev the car like crazy just driving on the street. I have kept 2 cars and won't sell them. A 97 318i with 418ci LS swap. Makes any other car seem really slow. As well I have my 2006 Cadillac CTSV. I was used to driving that when I got my first M3. Took a long time to realize you need to drive the M3 at over 3500 rpm to get any performance. The V has torque all over, carries luggage and 4 people in comfort yet by today's standards is pretty slow. 400hp today is nothing! I still enjoy it. As well I do have a 2016 ATSV manual coupe rarest car I own. It is OK but I just can't get excited about it.

[Mr.wReckless]

I was referring to the 997.2 turbo. I know they kept the Mezger in the GTn cars, but I thought they used the new engine in the .2 Turbo for some reason.

You're right.
997.1 Carreras had the early old school IMS engine,
997.2 Carreras went to DFI, although there are stories of bore scoring on these.

The Turbo's: 997.1 had the earlier Mezger engine,
997.2 Turbo got a new engine.
Though there is apparently a "holy grail" in-between of a late 997.1 Turbo with the Mezger engine but with the facelifted .2 interior and PCM.

The more I keep window-shopping for new cars and driving my own the more I find newer cars to be completely soulless. Engineered to please everyone and ace all markets they end up as a jack of all trades, master of none, with soulless sound and interiors due to cost saving and legislation killing any valid variations which would make cars fun (with a few notable exceptions).

For me I think I'd regress and go back in time to an older car, either air-cooled Porsche or some fun old car and accept that life isn't about 0-60 times rather than the fun getting there, rowing gears and listening to a fantastic induction and exhaust sound. Let the car's soul make me smile, not the acceleration, all manufacturers now seem to find all sorts of intricate ways to make the new model faster than the previous but I no longer want to play the numbers game.

My .02 cents
Regards

[M3glaubiger]

At the same price point, I don't think there is a great replacement option.
997.2 GT3, 981 GT4, 718 GTS...would still miss the E46M3 though

[Chas3n]

Cayman S 987, or another E46 M3. Or both.

[Rickyrosh]

Original NSX! Such fantastic design and an engineering masterpiece. But would keep the M3 for the 4 seat practicality (kids) and induction noise (have a eventuri)
Any one share their perspective on e46 M3 vs NA1 or NA2 NSX?


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[Flat-Six]

[*]I have 4.3 Vantage, which is now worth less than a sorted 46 M3. This car is absolutely fantastic to drive, in part because it is not very fast, but is so loud and engaging to drive it feels much faster than it is. Easy to maintain and lots of support on the forums - I really think the best buy right now in older sport cars.[/LIST]

A lot of the English cars depreciate so much they become a no-brainer. I had a 97 XJS 4.0 with the AJ16 years ago. One of the most reliable and all around enjoyable (Highway) cars to drive that I've owned. I think between my wife and I, we put around 50K miles on it and all I did was oil/filters/plugs. Been looking at the AM's for my wife. Interesting engine with the Dry Sump, and all of the AM in house mods.

[eXpensiveGears]

Another E46 M3 for sure. Agreed on all comments about <$100K cars, not much to be excited about honestly.

My perfect garage (right now) would be:

ND2 Miata RF
E46M3
997 GT3 (Preferably .1RS with .2RS R&P gearing and a 3.9/4.1 Sharkwerks Built Motor)

If I have more funds:
McLaren 675LT
00/01 Lamborghini Diablo VT6.0

[Flat-Six]

997.2 GT3 still runs the Mezger, but the non-GT 997.2 runs the newer DI motor.

I was referring to the 997.2 turbo. I know they kept the Mezger in the GTn cars, but I thought they used the new engine in the .2 Turbo for some reason.

[Icecream]

[*]I have 4.3 Vantage, which is now worth less than a sorted 46 M3. This car is absolutely fantastic to drive, in part because it is not very fast, but is so loud and engaging to drive it feels much faster than it is. Easy to maintain and lots of support on the forums - I really think the best buy right now in older sport cars.[/LIST]

Quiet you. I'm sweating over here waiting for the price to surge before i get my hands on one.

[Altaran]

I don’t follow the water cooled stuff to much but I don’t think the 997.2 has the Mezger. I think they went with a newer engine but I could be wrong. (Regarding the turbo engine)

Correct. The 997.2 turbo has the defi block. The 997.1 still had the Mezger Motor with dry sump.
If you want a 997 turbo, the .1 is the way to go.

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[bmw]

I don't think there is a "replacement" for the E46 M3. Unique cars which will continue to go up in value.
I have or currently own a few others being discussed here, just a few thoughts

• The E46 M3 is very fun to drive in part because of the imbalance (in my opinion, at least) between the engine and the rest of the car. The car is overpowered, and this makes it feel a bit mental. Especially with SMG in S5/S6, near redline the thing just hammers in the shifts which feels like a bolt to the back of your head, just unhinged enough to make it so fun to drive.
• I have a 6MT 997.1 S, this car is so well balanced between engine and chassis that is relatively boring to drive in comparison to the M3. With E46 M3s now hitting 50-60K, an equivalent 60K 997 might be more fun to own (they do look cool) but won't be more fun to drive.
• I have 4.3 Vantage, which is now worth less than a sorted 46 M3. This car is absolutely fantastic to drive, in part because it is not very fast, but is so loud and engaging to drive it feels much faster than it is. Easy to maintain and lots of support on the forums - I really think the best buy right now in older sport cars.

[Jickel180]

I don’t follow the water cooled stuff to much but I don’t think the 997.2 has the Mezger. I think they went with a newer engine but I could be wrong.

997.2 GT3 still runs the Mezger, but the non-GT 997.2 runs the newer DI motor.