[Dylanize]

So I'm just wondering if anyone has done this switch, and what is your feedback? I've always loved the E46 M3 and I think they are one of the most beautiful sports cars ever made. I love my e92 but something inside me still likes the e46 better. My e92 is an 07 with 71,xxx on the clock. What do you Guys think about going to an e46 with similar or less miles? I'm really not sure if its worth it. Thanks guys, much love.

[///M3NACE]

You can never go wrong with the e46 m3. A M3 is never comparable

[pgaplayerless]

Be prepared for lot more $pecialty maintenance. Also would budget few grand for sub-frame repair if it hasnt been reinforced previously.

I personally would only get one at this point at weekend car only or if you don't drive that much a year.

[canusaybimmy]

I'd be careful with the purchase. Being an older BMW I'm sure it's been used in some 'spirited driving' lol. An m3 is an m3 though...its just a different experience.

[Dylanize]

Originally Posted by canusaybimmy

I'd be careful with the purchase. Being an older BMW I'm sure it's been used in some 'spirited driving' lol. An m3 is an m3 though...its just a different experience.

Yeah for sure, ive been looking for bone-stock ones preferably owned by some ones grandpa.

[iBoost]

Originally Posted by canusaybimmy

I'd be careful with the purchase. Being an older BMW I'm sure it's been used in some 'spirited driving' lol. An m3 is an m3 though...its just a different experience.

This. I wouldn't buy one unless it's been owned by a woman or a really old man (no offense to the older crowd, just saying this because young folks do some really stupid stuff.) and it must have all the service records with it. I love the e46 m.

[KwlAznKid]

I went the other way around, biggest regret of my life, I hope that answers your question

[Dylanize]

Originally Posted by KwlAznKid

I went the other way around, biggest regret of my life, I hope that answers your question

Oh wow, interesting to hear! Compared to your e92 how was maintenance and repairs? Is it a substantial difference? Also any buying advice?

[KwlAznKid]

Originally Posted by Dylanize

Oh wow, interesting to hear! Compared to your e92 how was maintenance and repairs? Is it a substantial difference? Also any buying advice?

I like to diy and I have a lot of friends who know more than me about cars who are willing to help me out (and forum people who are amazing) so it really wasn't too bad for me, I did have to spend a few weekends working hard to keep her running good but I can't honestly say if it's because of the engine or just because it's simply an older car than my e92, both my e92s ran well and required very few repairs, the e46 required a bit more but then again I also owned that car a lot longer! so it really is hard to say haha, in terms of costs I would say the M parts probably cost just a bit more but nothing crazy.

as far as buying advice goes, check for leaks, and subframe cracks, of course make sure all recalls are done. the s54 leaks a lot, oil, power steering fluid etc.. some leaks are not deal killers but they are always good to know about prior to purchasing. other things are common e46 problems like loose window trim and mostly cosmetic stuff so that should be easy to catch

if you want to know if the e46 m3 is really the right car for u, take one for a test drive, speed up on a straight towards a curve, slam on the brakes, downshift and jam the accelerator down as your going through the curve, I promise you many miles of smiles

[Dylanize]

Originally Posted by KwlAznKid

I like to diy and I have a lot of friends who know more than me about cars who are willing to help me out (and forum people who are amazing) so it really wasn't too bad for me, I did have to spend a few weekends working hard to keep her running good but I can't honestly say if it's because of the engine or just because it's simply an older car than my e92, both my e92s ran well and required very few repairs, the e46 required a bit more but then again I also owned that car a lot longer! so it really is hard to say haha, in terms of costs I would say the M parts probably cost just a bit more but nothing crazy.

as far as buying advice goes, check for leaks, and subframe cracks, of course make sure all recalls are done. the s54 leaks a lot, oil, power steering fluid etc.. some leaks are not deal killers but they are always good to know about prior to purchasing. other things are common e46 problems like loose window trim and mostly cosmetic stuff so that should be easy to catch

if you want to know if the e46 m3 is really the right car for u, take one for a test drive, speed up on a straight towards a curve, slam on the brakes, downshift and jam the accelerator down as your going through the curve, I promise you many miles of smiles

Thanks for the input man! This really helps a lot! I do enjoy DIY-ing, so thats good to know. Haha that's awesome, i will remember that when test driving!

[cookiesncream]

If you care about speed and performance over reliability get the M3.

[Myrder]

I would get the manual as I hear the SMG is a time-bomb of expensive repairs.

[CruzS4e92]

my buddy just let his grey e46 m3 go because he was quoted i believe somewhere around $3k to have the subframe reinforcements welded in. this is a MAJOR issue with those cars

[Dylanize]

Originally Posted by CruzS4e92

my buddy just let his grey e46 m3 go because he was quoted i believe somewhere around $3k to have the subframe reinforcements welded in. this is a MAJOR issue with those cars

That's sad to hear, especially since BMW offered to repair that for free a while back.