E46 M3 owners chime in...daily driving reports.

[FuzzyDunlop]

What's this thread about? I don't own an M3

ya, I dont own an M3 either and am totally confused.

 

[Sluggo]

Don't own an M3, but am seriously considering an M4 which by my math is 33% better.

What sayeth you guys?

 

[FuzzyDunlop]

Don't own an M3, but am seriously considering an M4 which by my math is 33% better.

What sayeth you guys?

:awe:

 

[BUTCH1]

What's this thread about? I don't own an M3

Me either, is an M3 like the M5 computer in Star Trek?, you know, the one that went nuts and started attacking everything??.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Me either, is an M3 like the M5 computer in Star Trek?, you know, the one that went nuts and started attacking everything??.

Dude, don't alkemyst up this thread man.

 

[BUTCH1]

Dude, don't alkemyst up this thread man.

Sorry, your right, I, I, I, just couldn't resist..

 

[PhoKingGuy]

My JB4 335i is faster than an E46 M3, does that count?

 

[ponyo]

Is it July yet? Or was it June? Or May? I forget.

 

[Corn]

Or maybe join an M3 forum...:awe:

That would be the smart thing to do, therefore Alky starts a thread here.

 

[AdamK47]

I'm posting.

 

[alkemyst]

That would be the smart thing to do, therefore Alky starts a thread here.

Hmmm all garage posts then would have better results elsewhere in your opinion.

However, just to help you out...posting "Is this car reliable/good/etc?" on a forum dedicated to that car usually gets you heavily biased replies.

Anyways...it's obvious too many think Garage is now OT.

 

[Doppel]

Bump for OP to get more responses.

 

[ayabe]

My C55 pulls the same 'ring time as an E46 but I walk 'em in a drag.

So as a DD I would say it sucks.

 

[halik]

Data point for maintenance - just spent ~1300 for valve adjustment, vanos bolts, engine/trans/diff fluid, brake flush with CDV delete and rear diff cover/drive shaft seal. Essentially inspection 2 with extra stuff on top of it.

 

[PricklyPete]

I love, love, love my E46 M3 (2002). That being said:

1) The ride is far from "comfortable" to me. I fully realize the compromises you have to make for the handling you get from this car, but I feel the newer E92 has a much more compliant ride for daily driving. That being said, it is perfectly livable and adds to the "raw" experience this car gives. Note: I have OEM Sachs dampers and they need to be replaced.

2) My car needs the first 5 minutes to "wake up". Clutch is annoying when cold...only exacerbated by the f'n Clutch Delay Valve (which admittedly I could get rid of). Once the clutch is warm, things get much smoother.

3) Shifting from 1->2 is a bit crunchy at times...especially if done fast at lower RPM's. Slower shifts or higher RPM's seem to cure this problem. Seems very common among M3 owners. This Getrag unit is definitely not the "smooth" ZF transmission I've gotten used to in other BMW's.

4) There is definitely a rear end "clunk" that many people have in the forums. Apparently replacing the differential bolts greatly reduces this issue. I plan on doing that shortly once it cools a bit around here (the heat/humidity kills any desire of me to work on my car).

5) Parts are expensive. It is worth it, but as the car ages, you will want to take this cost of ownership into account. BMW parts are expensive enough...M specific parts even more so.

The biggest plus of this car is the engine. it is smooth as butter, has instant throttle response (throttle valve for each cylinder is big M positive), and screams beautifully. If you do not like the way this engine behaves (whether you dislike the sound or the torque delivery)...you will likely get tired of the rest of the car quickly. If you love the engine the way I do, you'll likely get over any other issues you'll have.

 

[alkemyst]

I am looking for a more or less less revvy car now. I am willing to even go clutchless manual (more or less).

 

[EightySix Four]

My JB4 335i is faster than an E46 M3, does that count?

:thumbsup:

 

[AMCRambler]

Does it need to have room for the dogs? I remember that being a criteria in the last thread. I'm thinking an M3 is going to be a bit tight.

What happened to the Charger anyway? I thought you were looking for four doors too? I guess you'll have to pardon the confusion. You keep changing your mind on what you want. You're like the rain man of cars and we can't keep up with you.

"Four doors, definitely four doors. Gotta have room for the dogs. The dogs. Room for them. M3 is nice though, definitely nice though...needs more scalloping though, yeah I like scallops..."

 

[alkemyst]

Does it need to have room for the dogs? I remember that being a criteria in the last thread. I'm thinking an M3 is going to be a bit tight.

What happened to the Charger anyway? I thought you were looking for four doors too? I guess you'll have to pardon the confusion. You keep changing your mind on what you want. You're like the rain man of cars and we can't keep up with you.

"Four doors, definitely four doors. Gotta have room for the dogs. The dogs. Room for them. M3 is nice though, definitely nice though...needs more scalloping though, yeah I like scallops..."

You keep bringing this up and are just a jealous whiney fool.

I told you once before the dogs sit in the passenger seat. I don't have to have four doors, but I need four seats at least.

Go back to waiting for your welfare check to come and enjoy your food stamps.

 

[AMCRambler]

You keep bringing this up and are just a jealous whiney fool.

I told you once before the dogs sit in the passenger seat. I don't have to have four doors, but I need four seats at least.

Go back to waiting for your welfare check to come and enjoy your food stamps.

But what about the scallops? What kind of sea food does the M3 come with? I bet lobster. I mean that's a classy car. Maybe some caviar?

 

[Doppel]

You keep bringing this up and are just a jealous whiney fool.

I told you once before the dogs sit in the passenger seat. I don't have to have four doors, but I need four seats at least.

Go back to waiting for your welfare check to come and enjoy your food stamps.

FYI before you posted this response I sent this PM:

My prediction on his [alkemyst] response, which I had to PM so as not to muddy the results is one of or a combination of:

1) Attack on you, possibly calling into question your manhood but more likely your financial situation [DING DING winnar!]
2) Excessively detailed response explaining the delay and how it pertains to his work schedule (probably including certifications). This response must contain far more irrelevant details than one would possibly care about to qualify.

Bonus points are awarded if you are called emo, brah, or son.

alkemyst's trolling responses = predictable par excellence because he has the self-esteem of a domestic abuse victim

 

[IcePickFreak]

Guys that don't own an m3, please avoid commentary.

Anyways...it's obvious too many think Garage is now OT.

You mean we can't post about our financial portfolio here?

 

[alkemyst]

FYI before you posted this response I sent this PM:



alkemyst's trolling responses = predictable par excellence because he has the self-esteem of a domestic abuse victim

excellent troll, sis.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I am looking for a more or less less revvy car now. I am willing to even go clutchless manual (more or less).

Could you be a little more vague? Possibly?

 

[alkemyst]

Could you be a little more vague? Possibly?

Less vague? The M3 needs to in the high(er) RPM range to really work it's magic.

You are not a E46 M3 owner though, so as a result clueless; but I am sure you probably were in one with 9 others up and down some mountain road.