Anyone owned an e46 M3?

[JimBob78]

Thinking I could do with a bit more practicality but don't want to go full estate just yet...! It probably won't be for another year but just wondering if anyone's owned an e46 M3 and how it compares to the 3.0si performance and running cost wise? If they're a total nightmare then I'll avoid...!
Cheers

 

[Johnbmwz4]

Never had one but they do look great. They Have a major cracking subframe problem which will cost around £2k to fix. You tube have some great vids showing you what to look out for. Also there are some bad reports on the SMG gearbox

 

[85genius]

My mate recently took his in for a service and some minor niggles looking at and the bill came to about £4K don't know exactly what he had done for that though

 

[hopz121]

I have made the move from a 3.0i to an M3 what do you want to know?

They suffer with the potential S54 engine issues (similar to Z4m), Bottom end bearings, Headgaskets and Vanos etc (not very common but can happen)

Sub frames will crack at some point if they have not been fixed already prices start at £700 for a repair right up to £4000+

An inspection 2 is around £600-£700 at an indy / £900+ at BMW

Parts like disc's and other bits do cost a fair bit more than a 3.0si too (M Tax)

The engine is a peach and if you drive one you'll see what all the fuss is about with the S54!

Tax is the same as the 3.0si, MPG is worse but not horrific I average around 24 MPG on a mixed commute in my 3.0i I used to get 29-32 MPG

Tyres are similar prices if not a little bit more

Steering is hydraulically assisted and feels a lot better than the Z4 electric steering.

Hope that helps a bit

Ash

 

[ChrisN53]

Out and out performance - S54 M3 vs. N52 3.0Si - what's the real world difference? Perhaps from someone who has owned both.

Would be interested on your thoughts of S54 M3 vs. M54 3.0i too hopz.

 

[nightyard]

I've had both.

I love the practicality and noise of the e46 m3.
Gotta say though, I was side by side against my friend who has a 3.0 si roadster and I didn't make any ground on him going in a straight line :x Very surprised by that

My z4 coupe felt a lot more nimble and I could really throw that around.

I loved how easy and high the M3 revs compared to an n52 3.0 z4 though.

I'm now looking to get into a 645 convertible.

 

[hopz121]

Honestly the M3 is quicker but it's not night and day faster and I think on a sprinted drive you would struggle to make any serious ground on a 3.0si

One thing which i do like is the fact that the S54 engine redlines at 8000 rpm so that makes it feel slightly special and a little faster and it's pulls hard all the way to the top of that as well.

It's far less twitchy on the limit compared to my z4 though and and you get get better feedback from the hydraulic PAS too.

Ash

 

[JimBob78]

OK some of those bill figures quoted are enough to put me off, cars aren't my only habit!
But thanks for all the info, very helpful!
Cheers

 

[TameRacingDriver]

I also looked into getting an E46 M3 while I was thinking about getting the Coupe. I did a lot of research, but in the end, it was the extra servicing / parts cost that swung it. I also got told the Z4 feels special at all times, whereas the M3 just feels like another 3-series when you aren't on it.

I don't regret my decision for going for the Z4. I am not particularly surprised to read there's not much in it in a straight line, my coupe if anything feels quicker than my old 350Z and a lot quicker than my previous car a Civic Type-R.

Plus, the M3 is very common around here compared to the Z4 (at least in Coupe form).