e46 experience?

Amirsm3 · 07-17-2014, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The HACK

The E9X would be corollas since they are far more common than the E46es.

Oh I totally went the wrong direction with that one. I went off size haha.

Amirsm3 · 07-17-2014, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmk08

E46 M is/was a fine car but usually when I see them now they are all riced out. Thats where my Civic comment comes from. I'm sure E9x will be just as bad soon. I mean we already have a dude with glowing brakes.

Denk · 07-17-2014, 08:18 PM

I love the e46 shape too, it was my first and fifth M3 (I'm currently on #6). Overall, I think the e9x is on another level. I personally I wouldn't trade an e9x for an e46. If you can swing having both, that would be very cool.

beats · 07-17-2014, 09:55 PM

I miss aspects of my E46 M as well. SMG was a timebomb tho, and most cars for sale these days are SMG verts. If you pick up a SMG car, just carry a spare SMG relay. I went through 3 in the 3 years of ownership. Often they went on really hot days...

The only other problem I have heard of that others haven't mentioned was the rearview mirror would leak corrosive liquid all over the center console. You can replace with a refurb unit for pretty cheap tho.

As others have mentioned, the E92 is a more comfortable, technologically advanced car, but the E46 does feel more fun perhaps. On a track, I still prefer the E92. And the motor is far better IMO.

wildwestm3 · 07-18-2014, 07:24 AM

Thanks for all the info! Just for clarification, I'm keeping the e93. I went to a BMWCC meeting and found out that I can't track the car at any of their events b/c it is a vert. I thought this wouldn't be an issue with the hardtop (pretty irritated about it actually). Anyways, that just confirms my thoughts of getting an e46 coupe to track here and there and generally enjoy driving around. My wife loves the e93, so having two will get her more seat time, which she's all for (happy wife, happy life).

I checked out Enthusiast Auto and they seem to be 10+K higher then the cars are worth. I will definitely get one, but I am in no real hurry. I'll wait and watch for the right one at the right price. I may go to Enthusiast to drive one though. Met one of the owners at the BMWCC meeting and he told me to come down. Seems like a good guy, just has his cars priced at a premium. Hey, if he can get it, good on him right...

W/// · 07-18-2014, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwestm3

Thanks for all the info! Just for clarification, I'm keeping the e93. I went to a BMWCC meeting and found out that I can't track the car at any of their events b/c it is a vert. I thought this wouldn't be an issue with the hardtop (pretty irritated about it actually). Anyways, that just confirms my thoughts of getting an e46 coupe to track here and there and generally enjoy driving around. My wife loves the e93, so having two will get her more seat time, which she's all for (happy wife, happy life).

I checked out Enthusiast Auto and they seem to be 10+K higher then the cars are worth. I will definitely get one, but I am in no real hurry. I'll wait and watch for the right one at the right price. I may go to Enthusiast to drive one though. Met one of the owners at the BMWCC meeting and he told me to come down. Seems like a good guy, just has his cars priced at a premium. Hey, if he can get it, good on him right...

As I said Dave, are you comfortable wrenching on it if you get one? If the answer is no, it'll get real expensive real quick. If you are absolutely dead set on getting one, I'd probably look for one that has already had subframe reinforcement and VANOS overhaul done.

Btw, from talking with my coworker, BMW CCA is about the only one that is strict about verts not allowed. There are other groups that allow you to take verts to the track, just FYI

wildwestm3 · 07-18-2014, 08:28 AM

I am comfortable working on and modifying cars myself. As far as other clubs to track the car, I will probably just tag along with club events at the tracks. Like I said, I'm in no hurry. I'm having fun with the e93, just can't help but Jones over every damn e46 M3 I see...

Tra08R · 07-18-2014, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmk08

I think of E46s as Civics.

That's not very nice. You can't appreciate the car's engineering? It's such a shame you think that way.

IB M · 07-20-2014, 09:07 AM

E46 is a beautiful car. Driving the car is fun and it is a crowd pleaser. Worth buying one and keeping it for the long term IMO.

omegaSMP300 · 07-23-2014, 04:52 PM

They are great cars and have aged well (aesthetically). I miss both of the ones I had and at times wish I had not sold them. Some of the technology in them was a bit dated and the interior materials could show a lot of wear but overall the car is still great fun to drive. I may seek out another in the future.

rjd598 · 07-24-2014, 02:26 PM

to pretty much everyone on this thread...who made you sell the e46? lol i would assume in most cases you didn't HAVE to sell your e46 and my comment isn't directed at those who had circumstances that actually forced them to sell

LBM3 · 11-04-2014, 08:35 AM

I've had guys with M6's, E9x M3's, and various other cars tell me how much they miss their E46 M3's and what a great car it is. I've had mine (01) for almost 6 years now and although when things go wrong it could be quite a headache, I still love the car and don't ever plan on getting rid of it

1MOREMOD · 11-04-2014, 09:20 AM

Make nice track car also.

Malloy · 11-27-2014, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rngrjag

6. Bad glue (across E46 range) on headliner trim, looked terrible if it fell

This one is often missed, but it really does piss off detail oriented people like me. Esp since the headliners are grossly expensive. The C pillars are cheap so I quickly replaced them, but my door panels are starting to lift which really pisses me off. I looked forever to get this cloth interior and now the door panels are starting to lift...

While I feel the E46M is more failure prone than the E9X, I like it a LOT more so that is where my $$$ went.

Obioban · 12-01-2014, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malloy

This one is often missed, but it really does piss off detail oriented people like me. Esp since the headliners are grossly expensive. The C pillars are cheap so I quickly replaced them, but my door panels are starting to lift which really pisses me off. I looked forever to get this cloth interior and now the door panels are starting to lift...

While I feel the E46M is more failure prone than the E9X, I like it a LOT more so that is where my $$$ went.

Wrapped mine in alcantara, never had to deal with it, never will, looks better

1MOREMOD · 12-01-2014, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malloy

This one is often missed, but it really does piss off detail oriented people like me. Esp since the headliners are grossly expensive. The C pillars are cheap so I quickly replaced them, but my door panels are starting to lift which really pisses me off. I looked forever to get this cloth interior and now the door panels are starting to lift...

While I feel the E46M is more failure prone than the E9X, I like it a LOT more so that is where my $$$ went.

Mines just removed. Have headliner if you need and sunroof.

Obioban · 12-01-2014, 05:29 PM

Actuallllly...

I'm putting in a CF roof panel this winter, which means no sunroof, which means a non sunroof headliner. So, I'll have an alcantara wrapped one for sale, local to you!

Malloy · 12-04-2014, 01:01 PM

Ah, I have a sunroof delete car. The headliner is just barely lifting in 1 small spot right now so I will ride it out....but good tip on alcantara. If it really starts to look like crap I will probably get a new unit as I have a 'thing' for mint 100% stock interiors.

I recently ordered a new seat cover as my outer driver's bolster shows a little wear. (was like that when I bought the car) The existing seat is 100% perfect otherwise...

thetastelingers · 12-04-2014, 01:34 PM

I've had two E46 M3s. Great cars IMO

W/// · 12-05-2014, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thetastelingers

I've had two E46 M3s. Great cars IMO

What made you switch to an E92?

thetastelingers · 12-10-2014, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W///

What made you switch to an E92?

Not being able to find any low mileage E46s in a good price range.

Merlin_83 · 12-10-2014, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrevorM3

I still think the e46M looks awesome in certain colors. white, red, Lsb..

I had an SMG for 2 years and 10k miles. Beat on it like it owed me money. I had not one day of warranty. Car never let me down..

It's up in NY now where i'm sure it will or has died..

never heard that before 'like it owed me money' - actually did lol
Have to use that sometime during a conversation.

07-17-2014, 08:18 PM	#25
Denk Brigadier General 1006 Rep 3,341 Posts Drives: 2021 X5M Join Date: May 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (2)	I love the e46 shape too, it was my first and fifth M3 (I'm currently on #6). Overall, I think the e9x is on another level. I personally I wouldn't trade an e9x for an e46. If you can swing having both, that would be very cool.
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07-17-2014, 09:55 PM	#26
beats Lieutenant 225 Rep 599 Posts Drives: 2015 911 GTS Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I miss aspects of my E46 M as well. SMG was a timebomb tho, and most cars for sale these days are SMG verts. If you pick up a SMG car, just carry a spare SMG relay. I went through 3 in the 3 years of ownership. Often they went on really hot days... The only other problem I have heard of that others haven't mentioned was the rearview mirror would leak corrosive liquid all over the center console. You can replace with a refurb unit for pretty cheap tho. As others have mentioned, the E92 is a more comfortable, technologically advanced car, but the E46 does feel more fun perhaps. On a track, I still prefer the E92. And the motor is far better IMO.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-18-2014, 07:24 AM	#27
wildwestm3 Captain 215 Rep 692 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Convertible Join Date: May 2014 Location: Springboro OH iTrader: (2)	Thanks for all the info! Just for clarification, I'm keeping the e93. I went to a BMWCC meeting and found out that I can't track the car at any of their events b/c it is a vert. I thought this wouldn't be an issue with the hardtop (pretty irritated about it actually). Anyways, that just confirms my thoughts of getting an e46 coupe to track here and there and generally enjoy driving around. My wife loves the e93, so having two will get her more seat time, which she's all for (happy wife, happy life). I checked out Enthusiast Auto and they seem to be 10+K higher then the cars are worth. I will definitely get one, but I am in no real hurry. I'll wait and watch for the right one at the right price. I may go to Enthusiast to drive one though. Met one of the owners at the BMWCC meeting and he told me to come down. Seems like a good guy, just has his cars priced at a premium. Hey, if he can get it, good on him right... __________________ Thanks, Dave [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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07-18-2014, 08:28 AM	#29
wildwestm3 Captain 215 Rep 692 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Convertible Join Date: May 2014 Location: Springboro OH iTrader: (2)	I am comfortable working on and modifying cars myself. As far as other clubs to track the car, I will probably just tag along with club events at the tracks. Like I said, I'm in no hurry. I'm having fun with the e93, just can't help but Jones over every damn e46 M3 I see... __________________ Thanks, Dave [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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07-20-2014, 09:07 AM	#31
IB M Brigadier General 2773 Rep 4,244 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 MG/SO ZCP DCT Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 [8.50] 2013 BMW M3 [10.00]	E46 is a beautiful car. Driving the car is fun and it is a crowd pleaser. Worth buying one and keeping it for the long term IMO.
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07-23-2014, 04:52 PM	#32
omegaSMP300 Lieutenant 65 Rep 520 Posts Drives: Macan S, Boxster GTS, R8 V10+ Join Date: May 2012 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	They are great cars and have aged well (aesthetically). I miss both of the ones I had and at times wish I had not sold them. Some of the technology in them was a bit dated and the interior materials could show a lot of wear but overall the car is still great fun to drive. I may seek out another in the future. __________________ 2017 R8 V10 Plus, 2016 Boxster GTS, 2015 Macan S, 2015 V12 Vantage S - Pending Sale, 2013 911 C4S - Sold, 2012 V8 Vantage S - Sold, 2013 DB9 - Sold, 2011 997.2 Targa 4s - Sold, 2011 E90 335i M-Sport - Sold, 2013 981 Boxster S - Sold, 2006 E46 M3 - Sold, 2010 E60 M5 - Sold, 2006 E46 M3 - Sold, 2011.5 E90 M3 - Sold, 2006 325i - Sold, 2004 Mazda6 - Sold
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07-24-2014, 02:26 PM	#33
rjd598 Banned 1770 Rep 6,696 Posts Drives: F30 340i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego,CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 BMW 340i [0.00]	to pretty much everyone on this thread...who made you sell the e46? lol i would assume in most cases you didn't HAVE to sell your e46 and my comment isn't directed at those who had circumstances that actually forced them to sell
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11-04-2014, 08:35 AM	#34
LBM3 New Member 12 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2001 BMW M3 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Long Beach iTrader: (0)	I've had guys with M6's, E9x M3's, and various other cars tell me how much they miss their E46 M3's and what a great car it is. I've had mine (01) for almost 6 years now and although when things go wrong it could be quite a headache, I still love the car and don't ever plan on getting rid of it
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11-04-2014, 09:20 AM	#35
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	Make nice track car also.
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12-01-2014, 05:29 PM	#39
Obioban Emperor 1613 Rep 2,753 Posts Drives: M3, M3, M5, M5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: West Chester, PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M5 [0.00] 2017 BMW i3 [0.00] 2005 BMW M3 Coupe [0.00] 2001 BMW M5 [0.00]	Actuallllly... I'm putting in a CF roof panel this winter, which means no sunroof, which means a non sunroof headliner. So, I'll have an alcantara wrapped one for sale, local to you! __________________ 2005 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Wagon, 2001 M5 Sedan, 2008 M5 6MT Sedan, 2012 128i M sport
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12-04-2014, 01:01 PM	#40
Malloy Lieutenant 955 Rep 437 Posts Drives: '05 M3 \| 6MT \| Slicktop Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Philadelphia, PA iTrader: (0)	Ah, I have a sunroof delete car. The headliner is just barely lifting in 1 small spot right now so I will ride it out....but good tip on alcantara. If it really starts to look like crap I will probably get a new unit as I have a 'thing' for mint 100% stock interiors. I recently ordered a new seat cover as my outer driver's bolster shows a little wear. (was like that when I bought the car) The existing seat is 100% perfect otherwise... __________________ 2022 BRG G80 xDrive 2005 SGM M3
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12-04-2014, 01:34 PM	#41
thetastelingers Master Baiter 4169 Rep 626 Posts Drives: 18 M2 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Soddy Daisy iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 SOLD [10.00] 2018 BMW M2 [9.67]	I've had two E46 M3s. Great cars IMO
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