If you ever had to replace your e46 M3

[gatc]

I've always wanted a 911 at some point, but more than that, it has to be relatively affordable and practical. Porsche, affordable? Porsche, practical? Bit of a funny thought.

Mom's brother had a 996 C2 which I was able to drive for a bit, and I considered getting, but the interior wasn't as modern as I'd like and my back hurt after sitting in traffic for an hour (I'm 6'2 btw) so that idea is out the door. I do prefer the body shape of the 996 over the 997 though and would opt to get a 996 GT3 over a 997 turbo if I had to pick between the two at the $100k price tag.

The replacement car to the E46 has to have a more modern looking interior, so I'm pretty set on finding a base 997.1 C2 or C2S (being that I want a Pcar) in manual in the low to mid 30s, but am also keen to get into a 997.2 C2 base with PDK as it would be my daily driver, fun car, and track car (ish) for a little more in the low to mid 40s. (sub 100k mileage, maybe 75k miles at the lowest for the prices I'm mentioning)

I'm pretty confident to say that the E46 M3 is one of (if not the best) handling car under $20k --a high mileage example relative to my budget-- that you can get and punches above its weight class in terms of handling against cars that are double/triple/quadruple it's price. I've done a fair bit to the two E46 M3s i've owned: KW V3s, TCKline 2-ways, CAE short shifter, 200tw tires, poly bushings, basic cooling mods, recaro buckets, etc.

They were my only cars (1 car solution), so I've daily driven both M3s to and from work, taken on 500 mile+ roadtrips, moved cities with it, and drive it hard on the canyon/track. It is pretty much my do-it-all car, so a 997 C2S would have a pretty high benchmark to beat in terms of daily drivability, practicality, affordability, and fun.

On top of that, the E46 M3 was the first car I've owned that I've really "wrenched on" from installing the coilovers myself, doing oil changes myself, and other basic bolt-on mods. I think it's a fairly straightforward car to work (with the help of youtube and a few tools) on the basics for someone who isn't mechanically sound with cars and is looking for a performance car that is relatively affordable to maintain and provides a true driver's car driving experience.

I hope the next car I own will give me the same, if not better, all around ownership experience than the E46 M3.

[repoman89]

Posted in here already I think but the current answer is an 80s Carrera 3.2 coupe. I can’t get too excited about modern cool fast stuff for whatever reason.

If I was still doing track/HPDE stuff though, modern “practicality” would win and it’d be a new Miata soft top.

Currently enjoying owning only one car for the first time in a decade though, my E39 M5. It’s an easier life lol.

[sbay]

If money wasn’t a factor, a Lexus LFA. Acoustics somewhat matter to me and that car just sounds heavenly.

[oceansize]

I had two VW GTIs back in the VR6 days and I think I might be due a Golf R plus I have a weakness for hatchbacks, but the BMW stays. Either that or a manual Supra.

[Obioban]

How’s the reliability on these things? Tbh I’m contemplating either a GR86 or MX-5 RF as a very simple track day car. I’m a fan of “slow car fast.” Not thinking about replacing my e46 with one of these, not now at least, just curious how it is to own one.

The GR86 engine is not reliable at all when tracked.

[davidinnyc]

The only car(s) I'd replace it with is a 1997 993 turbo S -OR- a 2023 Audi R8 (the last year of production).

[Baris - Carphonics]

If I had any other colour, I might of considered selling it for something else. But I love Imola red. In uk it’s very rare and special looking.

As most pointed out, Porsche is the next best thing. But it’s a huge commitment in finance and maintenance.

I like the e90 v8, but they are rare to find. Too many e92 coupes for sale. Plus, I don’t actually like the look of the e9x’s.

The turbo cars are not roar enough. You can’t put your foot down and enjoy it, without the torque going crazy. Everything is 3 litre turbo. No character left.

I recently bought an f10 m5, as the family car, previously having an e60 m5 and e39 m5. Now it’s winter, I can’t enjoy it as much. Just spins without me even trying
The 4.4 v8 turbo doesn’t feel as nice as NA.

The best car I’ve ever had, is the e39 M5. Only just beats the e46 m3, on the v8 sound, and the feel of the engine. This is based on road only. It’s a boat on track, in stock form.

[Nate047]

The ONLY thing the GR86 has on the 46 is lightness, nothing else. If you're close to 6ft enjoy some scoliosis on the house. Gen2 for the slightly better engine. I drove one for a month in Toronto winter weather, completely unremarkable. And it was one of the new cars on sale that excited me paired with he Emira. Surprisingly, the Elantra N is fuking insane good and amazing fun. Hooligan 4 banger turbo with the correct amount of broccoli head bangs and pops, and lift off oversteer. OH and the best OEM buckets I've ever sat in full stop. .... Albert did well on this one.

How’s the reliability on these things? Tbh I’m contemplating either a GR86 or MX-5 RF as a very simple track day car. I’m a fan of “slow car fast.” Not thinking about replacing my e46 with one of these, not now at least, just curious how it is to own one.

[eXpensiveGears]

Another E46 M3. The only other car I keep coming back to for a "similar" drive is a 997 era GT3, .1, .2. Non-RS, RS, 4Litre, pick your poison.

Modern: ND Miata + HKS Supercharger, Suspension and Tyres. 250-300hp (pending on mods/fueling) and <2,500 lbs. LOTS OF SMILES per Hour.

[BTB]

Seems like a strong trend in responses ...

Obioban hit the nail on the head. E46 M is special in ways that aren't even that obvious at first. It's the right age to be easy to work on, relatively light/cheap to run but 'modern' levels of performance, especially modified. All the performance you'd really need on the street, anyhow, and very practical. I never can understand how Ford and GM get such poor trunk space out of their pony cars.

Not looking to replace the E46, but I am thinking that the most logical step from here would be a wicked fast DCT car, for street and occasional track work. Something like 991.1 GT3, AMG GT S (or R ... I can dream), or even a C8. Feel like this would be a good pair as E46 maintains the manual, analog experience. I'm not close to being in a position to buy at the moment, but it's fun to dream The question is whether or not it will make sense to have a fun daily car before something more exotic is feasible. Civic Type R, Elantra N, or even a Fiat 500 Abarth (they are so cool, so fun, and so cheap ..).

[fattycharged]

I've always wanted a 997.2. This is a great answer, dude.

My answer is: I refuse to replace it. I told my wife I'll be buried in this car. That being said, it's not my DD anymore anyway, so I'm thankful that I'm lucky enough to get to keep it. I did recently add to the stable, though. 991.1 Targa GTS. Not as powerful/fast as the GT3, but I've always had a long love affair with the targa and its history (Porsche was the first car company to make a car like that), I get the best of both worlds, and it's the last N/A 911 that isn't a GT3/GT3RS/etc. I LOVE this 3.8 flat 6 engine, it's a dream.

Love the Targa


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[PSUEng]

I wont' be replacing it. When it's time to sell, it's gone, and I'll just drive my truck, notwithstanding a significant change in my finances that provide me sports car options I would consider.

[LeopardM3]

997.2 GT3.

But that's not without tradeoff-- suddenly I need a trailer to go to/from the track, and the back seat is useful for a very short window of time for the kid.

Realistically, I wouldn't replace it. It's everything I want in a car. Reasonable weight (especially mine), amazing instant response high revving engine, reliable, easy to work on, good steering feel, good chassis balance fun at non suicidal speeds, kid fits in the back, or 4 track tires fit in the back, small enough to play within your lane on a back road, spectacular sound (CSL airbox), reasonably cheap to run, manual trans, RWD with an LSD. There's nothing that checks all my boxes nearly as well.

With a decade of FCP use, it basically just costs tires and gas to run... and it's not even that hard on gas or tires.

I've always wanted a 997.2. This is a great answer, dude.

My answer is: I refuse to replace it. I told my wife I'll be buried in this car. That being said, it's not my DD anymore anyway, so I'm thankful that I'm lucky enough to get to keep it. I did recently add to the stable, though. 991.1 Targa GTS. Not as powerful/fast as the GT3, but I've always had a long love affair with the targa and its history (Porsche was the first car company to make a car like that), I get the best of both worlds, and it's the last N/A 911 that isn't a GT3/GT3RS/etc. I LOVE this 3.8 flat 6 engine, it's a dream.

[MTiz]

I was wondering if we ever had to replace our e46 M3 what would you choose !

ps: I am looking to sale or replace my e46 M3 . I am just wondering

The short answer is nothing. My emotional attachment to it at this point defies all logic and reasoning. I have other cars but when I think about "my car", that's always the first one that comes to mind.

With that in mind the end goal is still some sort of GT3 generation. 991.1 being the cheapest & most obtainable it will probably be that one, but the dream spec is either a PTS Signal Green 991 3RS or a Guards Red 997.2 GT3 w/ buckets, CCB's, and E88's.

But even with the Porsche my E46 stays forever. I wanna pass it down to my future kids and grandkids if possible

[CrisSilberGrau]

Maybe I already answered. Dont care.

Dream garage:
1. CSL
2. F355 - Challenge mod inspired
3. NSX NA2 Type R
4. Porsche - 993 GT2/RS 3.8 - 996.2 GT3 RS Manthey

Out of the above the one I want the most, is the 355. Probably the most audibly pleasing V8 note of any car. Full Capristo header to tip exhaust. Having never driven one, I hope it can be made to be as nice to drive as the 46. Looks are on par with everything in that list, tied with the GT2 for top.