another ex-M3 owner here.
I had an '06 white on red competition package w/ SMG
went from that to my moded GT2. what killed the bimmer for me was the lack of torque (I had turbo cars before and missed it).
The M3 is a much better daily driver (especially since I have GT3 bucket seats, roll bar and coilovers in the GT2) but on the track it is simply amazing.
Also, the way the front end turns is something I was blown away by (but again, my car is RWD, and has a lot of work done to the suspension).
all in all, I don't miss the M3 at all
As for finding one - there are many 10-20k miles cars around. a lot better than the M3's
I'm 6'2 and fit comfortably in the GT3 seats even with a helmet (no sunroof though)

 

Fair enough. I chose to live and work in a place, that even in heavy traffic still is only a 25 minute drive to work. Even when I lived in Jersey, I never had to drive more than 10 miles to work. Forget driving fast - it's just easier to commute/merge with traffic when you have the power to drive like you want - all of the time.

I think what I meant by 'waste' is - why spend all of this money on a the car that you've wanted, only to drive it on select occasions? Why not be thrilled every time you get in the car every day? Basically - getting a return on your expense.

 

Thanks Alex. Yes, I agree the M3's are lacking in the torque department. I too am from a history of turbo charged vehicles, a 300hp-->450-->700hp RX-7, a 500hp EVO VIII, two supercharged M3's, and a 335i. I favored the trill of the 450hp RX-7 the most, it was responsive and insanely quick with sub 3000lbs.

If I do anything to suspension it will probably be light (Bilstein PSS9 or PSS10), which I don't mind the bump sport ride, I actually prefer it.

 

Just my two cents. Porsche is by far one of the best performing fun to drive cars I have ever had and I seriously have had a lot of cars. Better than some of my exotics I have and had...

 

came from a modded 135, haven't regretted it for a moment. DO IT!

 

Had two M3s; one supercharged making 416 rwhp and a stock one. You won't miss them at all.

Good luck.

 

Sorry man that's not "two cents",what you wrote is a "big quarter"

Porsche there is not substitute

 

I went from a 2003 M3 SMG to an 04 996TT Tip. I chose the Tip because of traffic and I'm happy with the choice.

It is my daily driver. Year around. In Iowa. I put snow tires on it and run through everything in the winter.

Very comfortable. No issues with it as a DD. Mine is an X50.

My only complaint is turbo lag. It is substantial. Perhaps I'm spoiled by our supercharged E55 which launches like a bat out of he$$.


I haven't done any mods as I'm fine with it stock. I have 75K miles and my only repair (I bought at 54K) is an alternator.

I love the 996TT but I do miss the E46. One of these days I'll pick one up.

 

Have both and have owned for multiple years, you really cant compare the two of them to be honest, they both do different things and they do them well. E46 m3 for a better DD as it has way more usable space (depending on your spacial needs) and the stock suspension (i know, who keeps it stock) on the m3 is more forgiving.

 

First I've heard about the lag being significant. I suppose it's relative to your definition of lag. My RX-7 with a 1.8L engine and a GT42R had some lag, but virtually no lag with a GT35R. I believe this issue was addressed with VTG's in the 997's. However, with a 3.6L engine should provide enough power low end until the turbos spool up. I'll need some seat time to see for myself. Thanks!

 

I kept my first e46 stock for nearly two years, then on came the mods. I was upset that I didn't do suspension earlier, made a huge improvement. I didn't think the stock m3 suspension was that bad, very forgiving though as you mentioned.

Usable space is nice, but 90% of the stuff I carry in my car is not work related so I think I'll be good there.

 

I live in LA and drive mine every day (PCH, 105, 405) with a GT2 clutch setup...stop being a woman and buy the damn car.

 

LOL at the comment that the E46 m3 is a tour bus....

IMHO and experience the E46 M3 is a much funner car to drive then the 996tt especially as a DD. Sure stock vs stock the 996tt is way faster but a supercharged E46 M3 evens it up a bit and quite frankly it is the funner car to drive around. This is quite impressive considering the price difference between the 2 cars.

Also a stock suspension 996tt is just horrible, car just floats around and hates little bumps.

 

+1 well said

 

FTR- car has been purchased, White on black from a 6speed member. finalizing w/ Penfed as I type.

In my defense, I commute from Brentwood to Long Beach everyday and once a week to SD. I'd prefer to put the miles on my company DD beater. Only saving grace is going w/ traffic but it can still be a biatch of a commute. Who knows, once I get some seat time...my mind set could change.