So, I have been here on 6 speed for quite some time now. 5 years to be exact and have been through a lot of changes. I came to 6 speed back in 2006 researching about 944's and E36 M3's. At the time I was 19, jobless, and had fell in love with a 944 I was given to drive for a short amount of time.

Fast forward to today, 5 or 6 cars later and I am currently driving an 06 E46 M3. Hands down the best car I have ever driven and owned. Nothing compares. I fell in love with the E46 M3 back in 2006 but the prices were still too steep so I went and bought a 350Z. Sold that and bought a 370Z. Then I deployed and arrived at my current M3 6 years later.

Now that I own my M3, I want more. I want to keep the level of fun high, but just want more power. I have a lot of options available but can use your assistance. Currently on the car I have intake, shark tune, and udp and the car can easily hold its own on the road. But, thinking of going with more power or buying a new car in the next few years. I have the option of doing a NA stroker build for 400hp, HPF Turbo kit, or just buying a new car. However, all the calculations I have done all come out to be nearly the same in costs. That's the dilema.

I know there are many E46 M3 owners here. Assist me in what should I look into next? My M3 makes me really happy. Incredibly happy. But how about this list of cars? I'm looking for the same amount of fun but just more power. Probably around 400-450 hp with capabilities of producing more.

M6, E92 M3, 996TT, 996 GT3, F360 (not for 4 years at least), 997 GT3.

How would these cars compare? I've driven an 08 Carrera 4S and I am certain it's quicker than my M3, but the "seat of the pants" butt dyno suggests otherwise, E92 335, excellent car. Definitely a nice smooth comfortable car, 09 650 convertible, awesome car, very potent and makes me want to drive the M6, a couple of Cayman S' which did not compare to the fun of my E46 M3, a Nismo 370Z, which was fun, but not comfortable, and too small for me any more, and a handful of other cars not on the above list. Help me out, give me some pointers and ideas.

 

It seems the 997 GT3 is more suited for you...I also came from an e46 m3, and the GT3 to me is the only next car

 

Thanks for that. I think you are right.

 

Here are some options:

2012 BMW M3 Coupe for Sale in Springfield, IL 62701

2002 Ferrari 360 Modena for Sale in Plainview, NY 11803

2003 Porsche 911 Turbo for Sale in Colorado Springs, CO 80906

1999 Ferrari 360 Modena for Sale in North Olmsted, OH 44070

2007 BMW M6 Coupe for Sale in Scottsdale, AZ 85257

 

I am on the website daily. I need to be able to drive a long list of cars before I am ready to purchase.

 

Germans, Italians....how about Japanese? I have 09 DCT E90 M3 and am considering F10 M5 in a yr or so VS '12 GT-R...never driven either one. Although GT3 may be more exclusive. Fun choices you may want to consider...cheers!

 

This!

Get the 997.2 if you can.

 

I love the GTR for what it can do. I love the looks of the GTR. However, I do not believe I would fall in love with another Nissan after driving the Germans and Italians. Like I said though, I still have a long list of cars to drive before I can make a decision.

The 997.2 is still quite a few years away as far as my budget is concerned. My budget is in the 60k range and the 997.2's are still selling anywhere from 90-115k. Maybe in 5 years they will drop but I see the 996 GT3 bottoming out here very shortly in the 50k range which will stop the 997.1's in the upper 50's and 60's range as they seem much more desirable.

 

On the same page as you, I've owned a z4mc for three years now.

Aside from ESS supercharging for ~8k$ for a decent 400rwhp, 997.2 gt3 has my heart until i can afford it.

 

I will take the route of adding more performance until the price for them come down. Appreciate every one's assistance.

 

What a beautiful color, Santorini Blue !!!

2012 BMW M3 Coupe for Sale in Springfield, IL 62701

 

You may want to check out the VF Engineering Supercharger kits (LINK) as well. They are well thought out, easy to work with kits, that make great power.

 

I was in the same boat as you last year. I've had my e46 M3 for almost 5 year and although I don't drive it much, I came to the decision point where I was either going to sell it and get something else or increase the power. The car just wasn't as much fun anymore and the fact that so many cars now come stock with more HP than the e46 M3, it made it difficult not to start looking.

This was the answer for me. I ordered the VF570 kit and it has revived the car significantly - it's fun to drive again.

 

For the money, you can't get better than a 996 Turbo. You can get solid examples in the mid $40k's and great examples in the low $50k's. With just a few small upgrades you can really make them handle much better and still be well below your $60k budget.

 

I agree, LeMans Blue also looks very nice - 2011 BMW M3 Competition for Sale in West Chicago, IL 60185