E46 M3 impression
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Greg,
But, BMW did step up to the plate, right? My '02 M3 is going in tomorrow to have the bearings replaced, no charge, a free loaner, and extended warranty. Now, what's wrong with that? Granted, many of those who had this problem early on didn't get treated this well, but then, Porsche on the other hand has known of their problems with the 3.4L in both Boxsters and 996's and unless their in warranty, you're on your own. This is even though they replaced the motors under warranty having known of the problem. Sounds to me like they should've been sued and required to replace all of them. At least BMW did the right thing -- eventually. More than Porsche.
But, BMW did step up to the plate, right? My '02 M3 is going in tomorrow to have the bearings replaced, no charge, a free loaner, and extended warranty. Now, what's wrong with that? Granted, many of those who had this problem early on didn't get treated this well, but then, Porsche on the other hand has known of their problems with the 3.4L in both Boxsters and 996's and unless their in warranty, you're on your own. This is even though they replaced the motors under warranty having known of the problem. Sounds to me like they should've been sued and required to replace all of them. At least BMW did the right thing -- eventually. More than Porsche.
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gonz996,
There's really no problem w/it, but you shouldn't paint Porsche or the quality of their cars w/such a broad stroke. Every manufacturer has problems. BMW doesn't even make cars that can truly compete w/Porsche's GT cars on the street.
Greg A
There's really no problem w/it, but you shouldn't paint Porsche or the quality of their cars w/such a broad stroke. Every manufacturer has problems. BMW doesn't even make cars that can truly compete w/Porsche's GT cars on the street.
Greg A
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Yeah, I suppose you're right. I'm still bitter as sh*t over my (former) 996 and how the factory treated it. I read others' posts in the past about this and thought too they were full of it, but hey, it happened to me too. In any case, I chose the M3 and am digging it. I couldn't resist the opportunity to chime in on this one.
But as far as I am concerned I'd advise anyone against the early 996's -- Boxsters? Well, they're just under-powered and many had the same problems. AS I understand it, GT2s, GT3s, and Turbos didn't have this problem. Go figure.
But as far as I am concerned I'd advise anyone against the early 996's -- Boxsters? Well, they're just under-powered and many had the same problems. AS I understand it, GT2s, GT3s, and Turbos didn't have this problem. Go figure.
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Originally posted by gonz996
Yeah, I suppose you're right. I'm still bitter as sh*t over my (former) 996 and how the factory treated it. I read others' posts in the past about this and thought too they were full of it, but hey, it happened to me too. In any case, I chose the M3 and am digging it. I couldn't resist the opportunity to chime in on this one.
But as far as I am concerned I'd advise anyone against the early 996's -- Boxsters? Well, they're just under-powered and many had the same problems. AS I understand it, GT2s, GT3s, and Turbos didn't have this problem. Go figure.
Yeah, I suppose you're right. I'm still bitter as sh*t over my (former) 996 and how the factory treated it. I read others' posts in the past about this and thought too they were full of it, but hey, it happened to me too. In any case, I chose the M3 and am digging it. I couldn't resist the opportunity to chime in on this one.
But as far as I am concerned I'd advise anyone against the early 996's -- Boxsters? Well, they're just under-powered and many had the same problems. AS I understand it, GT2s, GT3s, and Turbos didn't have this problem. Go figure.
the reason bmw stepped up to the plate was because the engine's GRENADED, not just a simple leak. the GRENADED engines posed a serious safety issue that could result in death, yes death (just like the bridgestone tire recall). imagine the car spilling its guts and oil out on the front and rear tires :O. bmw had to man-up and fix the problem, they could not face the negative publicity it would create! don't you think if the 996 exploded like the m3s porsche wouldn't recall them too? i just wish porsche's RMS "fix" actually fixes the leak. they're on their 3rd (or is it 4th) version and supposedly it works.
don't let me go on about my 996 and the m3 at the track again
.dude, i'm not stalking you (i like m3s so i went onto this board) but had to "chime in" on your "chime in". i know you are pissed but just chalk up your 996 experience to bad luck. there are many 996s out there with good stories to tell too
.out of curiosity, does the m3 stir the soul?
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Originally posted by Marc996Miami
... my 996's look cheap as **** inside and a 80k car with a plastic dash is an insult...
... my 996's look cheap as **** inside and a 80k car with a plastic dash is an insult...
hell, i'd be insulted if there was plastic inside the cabin of a 47K car.
Last edited by karlooz; Jun 18, 2005 at 02:18 AM.
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Carlos,
I've told you before that I don't have a problem with you and in fact I was following your mod list on my '99 as well. You car was I suppose I could say the model that I wanted. But let's get one thing straight, say what you will about GRANADED BMW motors, I recall several posts on Renn regarding the same with 996s, only difference was it was in the rear. With respect to performance, as you may know, the cab weighs a little more than the coupe, I drove both and the coupe was light weight with no sun roof or power seats. Without a doubt in my mind the coupe would totally DESTROY a 996 on the track or street. Granted, your 996 has some modifications, but all things being equal it outperforms it. I went back to the start of this thread and I have to laugh at some of the comparisons. The plastic, etc. Man, the 996 interior is so cheap, I mean check out the center console -- mierda! Anyway, that was my second Porsche and the first was air cooled and from a quality perspect far better. By the way, I'd say my cab weighing a little more is right on par/even on performance and in my opinion a superior machine. "Stir the soul"? Well, let's just say Porsche says "There is no substitute", BS! I've found "The Ultimate Driving Machine"! Thanks dude!
I've told you before that I don't have a problem with you and in fact I was following your mod list on my '99 as well. You car was I suppose I could say the model that I wanted. But let's get one thing straight, say what you will about GRANADED BMW motors, I recall several posts on Renn regarding the same with 996s, only difference was it was in the rear. With respect to performance, as you may know, the cab weighs a little more than the coupe, I drove both and the coupe was light weight with no sun roof or power seats. Without a doubt in my mind the coupe would totally DESTROY a 996 on the track or street. Granted, your 996 has some modifications, but all things being equal it outperforms it. I went back to the start of this thread and I have to laugh at some of the comparisons. The plastic, etc. Man, the 996 interior is so cheap, I mean check out the center console -- mierda! Anyway, that was my second Porsche and the first was air cooled and from a quality perspect far better. By the way, I'd say my cab weighing a little more is right on par/even on performance and in my opinion a superior machine. "Stir the soul"? Well, let's just say Porsche says "There is no substitute", BS! I've found "The Ultimate Driving Machine"! Thanks dude!
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Originally posted by gonz996
Carlos,
Just wondering, have you checked you expansion tank lately? Also wondering how many miles you have on your car? Mine had slightly over 40k when it happened.
Carlos,
Just wondering, have you checked you expansion tank lately? Also wondering how many miles you have on your car? Mine had slightly over 40k when it happened.
. never had an RMS leak and have a clear coolant tank (knock wood). i wish there was a formal posting of expired engines for 996s just like the one for the M3 so i can get a good grasp of the true # of failed engines. it appears that a lot of the 996 failures posted on forums are rumour and innuendo. at least the roadfly m3 engine failure thread is fixed with
have you checked out e46fanatics.com. great BMW site. there's lots of bling AND lots of tech so there's something for everyone
.dude, let's see some pics of your new ride!
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Well, not brown-nosing or anything but I'm not surprised you're car hasn't had any of these problems. I can say if mine hadn't I probably wouldn't be driving an M3, but on the other hand I have no regrets. You do have a trick ride though.
I have actually been on e46fanatics as well as M3forum, not to mention several others. Quite frankly I did a considerable amount of research on the car (forums and otherwise) before buying the car. I should've done the same with my former 996. In any case, I called BMW and provided them with the serial number and they told me about the service bulletins. I had mine updated and I think I'm good to go with it. I've tried posting pics and will do that soon. It seems that I'm somewhat challenged in that department since when I've tried posting I get a message that the file exceeds the limit, although it's a jpeg. Anyway, I will soon enough. However, much like my 996, I like to have some individuality to it since it looks like all the other Titanium Silver M3 cabs, black top, 18" factory wheels, 6 speed ROCKET! LOL. I would like to have it's introduction with the 19" wheels and a few other mods.
Thanks for your feedback and hope I've not slammed the marquee too much (LOL). Still love the P-cars.
Gerard
I have actually been on e46fanatics as well as M3forum, not to mention several others. Quite frankly I did a considerable amount of research on the car (forums and otherwise) before buying the car. I should've done the same with my former 996. In any case, I called BMW and provided them with the serial number and they told me about the service bulletins. I had mine updated and I think I'm good to go with it. I've tried posting pics and will do that soon. It seems that I'm somewhat challenged in that department since when I've tried posting I get a message that the file exceeds the limit, although it's a jpeg. Anyway, I will soon enough. However, much like my 996, I like to have some individuality to it since it looks like all the other Titanium Silver M3 cabs, black top, 18" factory wheels, 6 speed ROCKET! LOL. I would like to have it's introduction with the 19" wheels and a few other mods.
Thanks for your feedback and hope I've not slammed the marquee too much (LOL). Still love the P-cars.
Gerard
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Originally posted by gonz996
Well, not brown-nosing or anything but I'm not surprised you're car hasn't had any of these problems. I can say if mine hadn't I probably wouldn't be driving an M3, but on the other hand I have no regrets. You do have a trick ride though.
I have actually been on e46fanatics as well as M3forum, not to mention several others. Quite frankly I did a considerable amount of research on the car (forums and otherwise) before buying the car. I should've done the same with my former 996. In any case, I called BMW and provided them with the serial number and they told me about the service bulletins. I had mine updated and I think I'm good to go with it. I've tried posting pics and will do that soon. It seems that I'm somewhat challenged in that department since when I've tried posting I get a message that the file exceeds the limit, although it's a jpeg. Anyway, I will soon enough. However, much like my 996, I like to have some individuality to it since it looks like all the other Titanium Silver M3 cabs, black top, 18" factory wheels, 6 speed ROCKET! LOL. I would like to have it's introduction with the 19" wheels and a few other mods.
Thanks for your feedback and hope I've not slammed the marquee too much (LOL). Still love the P-cars.
Gerard
Well, not brown-nosing or anything but I'm not surprised you're car hasn't had any of these problems. I can say if mine hadn't I probably wouldn't be driving an M3, but on the other hand I have no regrets. You do have a trick ride though.
I have actually been on e46fanatics as well as M3forum, not to mention several others. Quite frankly I did a considerable amount of research on the car (forums and otherwise) before buying the car. I should've done the same with my former 996. In any case, I called BMW and provided them with the serial number and they told me about the service bulletins. I had mine updated and I think I'm good to go with it. I've tried posting pics and will do that soon. It seems that I'm somewhat challenged in that department since when I've tried posting I get a message that the file exceeds the limit, although it's a jpeg. Anyway, I will soon enough. However, much like my 996, I like to have some individuality to it since it looks like all the other Titanium Silver M3 cabs, black top, 18" factory wheels, 6 speed ROCKET! LOL. I would like to have it's introduction with the 19" wheels and a few other mods.
Thanks for your feedback and hope I've not slammed the marquee too much (LOL). Still love the P-cars.
Gerard
i hear ya about posting pics when you think it's worthy. i waited a few months before i posted pics of mine cause it had the 17" wheels
. aero mods are ordered and on their way to me so i will be posting more pics. i love the 19" ///M wheels!you need to resize your pictures using photoshop or some other photo editing software.
naw, you didn't slam it. people still know the truth
.
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Originally posted by gonz996
Carlos,
Without a doubt in my mind the coupe would totally DESTROY a 996 on the track or street. Granted, your 996 has some modifications, but all things being equal it outperforms it. I went back to the start of this thread and I have to laugh at some of the comparisons. The plastic, etc. Man, the 996 interior is so cheap, I mean check out the center console -- mierda! Anyway, that was my second Porsche and the first was air cooled and from a quality perspect far better. By the way, I'd say my cab weighing a little more is right on par/even on performance and in my opinion a superior machine. "Stir the soul"? Well, let's just say Porsche says "There is no substitute", BS! I've found "The Ultimate Driving Machine"! Thanks dude!
Carlos,
Without a doubt in my mind the coupe would totally DESTROY a 996 on the track or street. Granted, your 996 has some modifications, but all things being equal it outperforms it. I went back to the start of this thread and I have to laugh at some of the comparisons. The plastic, etc. Man, the 996 interior is so cheap, I mean check out the center console -- mierda! Anyway, that was my second Porsche and the first was air cooled and from a quality perspect far better. By the way, I'd say my cab weighing a little more is right on par/even on performance and in my opinion a superior machine. "Stir the soul"? Well, let's just say Porsche says "There is no substitute", BS! I've found "The Ultimate Driving Machine"! Thanks dude!
- that's funny I've never lost to an M3 on the street... the look of the M3 driver in the rear view mirror is priceless... - I'm stock.as for the track... check out the lap times of hockenheim and the "ring" for both cars 1999 996 and E46 M3:
www.track-challenge.com - you'll be surprised.
The other tell tale sign is all the M3 owners who have upgraded to the 996... it really sucks to hear the problems you've had with the 996 and Porsche didn't step up to the table... this is something they still need to respond to.
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Pete,
I think my use of "destroy" is over the top, but all things being equal I think the M3 does edge it out, at least in my experience with the 3.4L. The number of people who you claim would switch to the 996 from the M3 could probably be sain in reverse, I'm one. I didn't have to buy an M3, could've purchased a 996 but I was so impressed with the car that I bought it. In fact, as I have said before, I could've had a new motor in the 996 but was sick of the issue. On the other hand and for what it's worth, in the next year or two I will most likely purchase a 997S (used).
Thanks for the response.
I think my use of "destroy" is over the top, but all things being equal I think the M3 does edge it out, at least in my experience with the 3.4L. The number of people who you claim would switch to the 996 from the M3 could probably be sain in reverse, I'm one. I didn't have to buy an M3, could've purchased a 996 but I was so impressed with the car that I bought it. In fact, as I have said before, I could've had a new motor in the 996 but was sick of the issue. On the other hand and for what it's worth, in the next year or two I will most likely purchase a 997S (used).
Thanks for the response.
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I would have looked away from Porsche had I had so many issues with the car... don't blame you on that one... the M3 is a great "value" ... but as you see on track-challenge.com the 996 squeezes it out by a fair margin...
the M3 feels "fast" but the 996 much more planted and secure possibly giving the feeling its slower... the nod goes to the 996 but that still makes the M3 one hell of a buy and like I said I would have gone that rought as well with 996 engine failure (especially for the $$$)
cheers
Peter
the M3 feels "fast" but the 996 much more planted and secure possibly giving the feeling its slower... the nod goes to the 996 but that still makes the M3 one hell of a buy and like I said I would have gone that rought as well with 996 engine failure (especially for the $$$)
cheers
Peter
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