What should I look out for? I know there were engine troubles in the first year of production.

How i the SMG? Good system? I've narrowed down my next car choices to an used e46 M3, used S4 Avant, or a G35C. But I'd like the BMW. Purchase will come in the next few months and i'm hoping prices drop soon (may be wishfull thinking)


Also, would I be a total *** to get a vert?



As far as color goes, i'd probably go w/ a white coupe on black painted stock 19" wheels and suspension work and that's it. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

SMG is pretty cool- if you are going to be the only driver for it i would say go with the 6speed tho, but SMG is a pretty nifty system- go try one out!

 

You wouldnt be a *** for getting a "vert" but you would be for calling it that!!!!

 

the wife would also need to drive it on occasion, i'm still trying to teach her the whole clutch thing, it's tough cause we don't have a manual in the household right now though.


We'll see, gonna go drive one this weekend

 

I'd stay away from a M3 cab due to the excess weight.

The SMG is nice but if you are used to 6 spd, you'll probly want to stay with that. SMG is between a 6 spd and auto. The only reason to get SMG is if you drive an auto or if you are tired of the clutch (traffic, hills). You'll get more lurching in SMG than 6 spd.

 

i've never driven a manual as a daily driver, so i'm not really sure how I would react to it. I think the SMG may be perfect for me. but a part of me wants the 6 speed bad.

 

Agreed, I've tried the SMG several times and I don't like it, HOWEVER, it's something that just takes time to get down...most SMG owners I talk to say it takes about a month to learn to drive smooth. So don't get disgruntled with your first run in a SMG car.

I would agree that E46 M3 prices will continue to drop...when I was looking I was told to stay away from 11/02 and under build dates, as there was some type of major problem that was corrected from 12/02 on.

 

6speed coupe is the way to buy the car..try to buy an 03 or newer.

 

Here's THE link to the E46 M3 engine failures. Happy reading.

http://members.roadfly.com/jason/m3engines.htm

 

Get the 6 speed. Believe me, it's the only way to go in this car.


It's like buying a tiptronic in a 911tt. You just shouldn't do it (I'm giving my Dad a hard time).

 

He is right 6 speed only it is one of the best gearboxes out there...

 

I have an 05 available! Simply Mint!!!!!!!!!!

Here are the details.

Color: White exterior with Cinnamon Leather. This is a beautiful
color combination, like none other that I have seen. Car is perfect
in everyway, as it should be.
7.6K miles
-SMG
-NAV
-Cold Weather Pkg.
-Premium Pkg.
-Xenon
-H/K
-19" Alloys
Sticker was $60,370.00

Add-ons:
-SIRRUS Radio (LOVE IT!!!
-H&R Coilover System
-Front (14") and Rear (13") Brembo Brake Upgrade
-Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
-Carbon Fiber Gauge inlet
Extras worth over $8,000.00

Everything else is stock.

Not one scratch on it, has been babied or has been sitting in my garage.
No need for it now.

Price: $49,990.00

 

I had an e46 m3 and I know alot of people with them as well. The common theme for the SMG owners is that they often get bored with it and end up wanting a 6-speed. I'm tempted to say that this happens 70% of the time. The SMG is nice, but it takes away from the driver/car feel makes the car a little more boring to drive and is rather violent in race modes. That being said, I loved my 6 speed and still do to this day. It's a fun car. Get the 6 speed, you won't regret it.

Here's a pic of my old baby.....

 

Good Lord does that sound gorgeous, Cinnamon has to be the most gorgeous interior color...drool. Do you have any pix of it?

 

that is a great price on that M3