If you ever had to replace your e46 M3

[Icecream]

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.

[Nihilation]

91 NSX in Formula Red. Yes I’m aware of the snap ring situation

This. I had a 91 red on ivory that I bought for $24k with 76k I the odometer. I tracked it for a year'ish and sold it. Regret it every day.

If I couldn't swing a 996 or 997 GT3, or 6MT F360 or 430, I'd get an ND2 Miata. Rented an ND1 Club in San Jose and it was one of the best driving experiences of my life. It left such an impression that I bought an auto ND1 for my wife to daily.

So that's a short list of 6. The Miata would fall last, but the rest may as well be a roll of the dice.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[Obioban]

a low mileage 03 LMB, preferably on caramel interior.

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 😜

[James31]

Looking to list my e46 m3 on BAT. Would replace with a Audi R8. If anyone is interested in a jet black 2005 m3 with 50k kms manual transmission, pm me for details.

[maw1124]

a low mileage 03 LMB, preferably on caramel interior.

My buddy has an ‘03 E39M, carbon black over cinnamon with extended leather that he’s had for almost 15 years... great car but I’ll take the drop top.

maw

[oceansize]

Porsche 718 Spyder, 718 Cayman GT4, or some flavor of C8 corvette.

[02_lsb]

91 NSX in Formula Red. Yes I’m aware of the snap ring situation

[Maxima SE]

a low mileage 03 LMB, preferably on caramel interior.

[yhp2009]

Ferrari F430. But not without some caveats. I could drive my e46 m3 without a hint of hesitation on any given day or purpose. The F430 however would require some hesitation much hesitation. Too much of everything imo to simply enjoy a car

[Kcalhoun27]

I quite enjoyed the M2C when I drove it at the BMW performance center. Fun car and not bad looking at all either IMO. I wouldn’t say no to one down the line, but realistically I probably have my last “forever” ICE vehicles (the Miata, E46 and E39 M5)

Plenty of guys on Rennlist using an M2 as their daily with great things to say about it as well.

That car just doesnt do much for me. Its ok, but if im spending $60K, i am gonna need more than ok. Everytime i see my M in the garage, i am struck by how good looking it is. The M2 doenst even come close to that.

[repoman89]

It would have to be a porsche. Nothing bmw makes is worth bothering with, nevermind being awful looking. Pricewise, they arent really in the same boat, but the porsches seem to have the reliability down. Hopefully i have many more years to go before i have to figure this out

I quite enjoyed the M2C when I drove it at the BMW performance center. Fun car and not bad looking at all either IMO. I wouldn’t say no to one down the line, but realistically I probably have my last “forever” ICE vehicles (the Miata, E46 and E39 M5)

Plenty of guys on Rennlist using an M2 as their daily with great things to say about it as well.

[Kcalhoun27]

It would have to be a porsche. Nothing bmw makes is worth bothering with, nevermind being awful looking. Pricewise, they arent really in the same boat, but the porsches seem to have the reliability down. Hopefully i have many more years to go before i have to figure this out

[repoman89]

ND2 Miata or S2000 maybe. I rented a NC1 Miata for a week one time on vacation and even though that’s the real bastard child apparently, the driving experience on public roads was more fun than the E46. Super lightweight, not too much power, excellent pedals, gearbox and steering, and top down driving was better than I expected it to be (first convertible experience for me)

I never forgot that and actually just bought a 2021 Miata soft top that I have yet to pick up from the dealer The M3 isn’t going anywhere though, it’s too special in other ways and a different experience.

[antknee]

993 911, UR Quattro coupe, f355 or Lancia Integrale

[Icecream]

I feel like the GT350 is good for a couple drives.... but over time the hugeness and weight of it would annoy me on backroads, the useless back seat and trunk would mean I drove it less often and had to trailer to/from the track, and the general crappiness of the interior would grate on me.

... but the engine is spectacular. I've been thinking about building a Factory 5 Type 63 R, and using that motor, recently.

I feel like you are right and I am concerned about those things too tbh but I can always sell it hopefully without a big loss since prices look fairly stable atm. Like you said, the engine is spectacular but I have heard its chassis is about as good. And yes, dropping the voodoo into something like that would be epic!