E46 M3 buying advice.

Post by **pete** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:08 pm

Thanks to Mike's "let's try and convince everyone to buy a new car" thread I want an M3.

That is to say, I wanted one before but now I'm actually thinking I might be able to afford one.

So anyone know anything about them? Is it a stupid idea to want one?
Will buying something like a '03 plate 70k E46 M3 as a daily driver spell early bankruptcy?

(I'll keep the Elise errm cos I'm awful at selling cars and I quite like it.)

Failing that if you've got something interesting cluttering up your drive that you suspect would make me happy then let me know.

tut · Post by **tut** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:14 pm

He never ceases to surprise.........

tut

rossybee · Post by **rossybee** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:23 pm

Don't buy one on eBay whilst drunk.

Mike Scib · Post by **Mike Scib** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:27 pm

Oh man! I will not be contributing to this thread as lynda has already told me that she will not be running a M3 CS as a daily!

Post by **pete** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:29 pm

At this point I'm starting to worry about my reputation...

I called to go and see a CS in Prestwick this afternoon. He did have another M3 "but you won't like it" he said.
"Oh god it's not that one with the wing is it?"
"Different market mate. It's not for you."

Stu160 · Post by **Stu160** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:34 pm

I had an 03 plate one for over a year, didnt cost me a penny, sold it for what I paid for it, and loved driving it, felt special. Fantastic cars. I was told to avoid auto ones, and make sure its first service was done on or before 1000 miles. Also, that the shells have been replaced under warranty. There was a problem with them.

Stu

rossybee · Post by **rossybee** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:55 pm

That CS in Prestwick seems keenly priced!

Am I right in saying the CS was the run-out model with some goodies thrown in?

Post by **pete** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:59 pm

rossybee wrote:That CS in Prestwick seems keenly priced!

Am I right in saying the CS was the run-out model with some goodies thrown in?

Sold

Standard car with some csl bits. Only a 2500 option but now command way more than that (form minimal research).

BiggestNizzy · Post by **BiggestNizzy** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 10:00 pm

Post by **pete** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 10:17 pm

Stu160 wrote:I had an 03 plate one for over a year, didnt cost me a penny, sold it for what I paid for it, and loved driving it, felt special. Fantastic cars. I was told to avoid auto ones, and make sure its first service was done on or before 1000 miles. Also, that the shells have been replaced under warranty. There was a problem with them.

Stu

You see that's useful. Thanks Stu.

renmure · Post by **renmure** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 10:22 pm

also.

rossybee · Post by **rossybee** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 10:36 pm

pete wrote:
rossybee wrote:That CS in Prestwick seems keenly priced!

Am I right in saying the CS was the run-out model with some goodies thrown in?
Sold

Standard car with some csl bits. Only a 2500 option but now command way more than that (form minimal research).

In fact - that dealer has a fair assortment of shady-looking interesting stuff - the Bentley Conti GT and M6 both look RAF

steviej · Post by **steviej** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 11:11 pm

Ran one of these for a couple of years too, did a fair bit of research before buying as it was £20k ish at the time, history inc first service was very important due to the engine bearing fault but it was only on pre 03 cars, when there was a subtle facelift too, the CS had suede non multi function steering wheel and cup wheels from CSL also and possibly more significantly the quicker steering rack, which is where the std car lacks in steering feel, as for Smg gearbox, well it's really down to preference but here's a thought .. When I was looking, a friend who had sold a few let me drive both then asked me .. Why did they only make a CSL in Smg? Anyway I bought an SMg as it was great fun and a bit different and interesting to drive and didn't regret it, as a daily driver you have to be prepared to treat it with the respect it deserves, let it warm up correctly etc, its not a shopping car especially with SMG , it does' nt work when cold but its a hoot when working and used properly.
Just my 222p

rossybee · Post by **rossybee** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 11:26 pm

The SMG box got bad press because the first design as fitted to the E36 was woeful.

The "SMGII" as fitted to the E46 is supposedly much improved but is still saddled with the shoite rep of its predecessor...

steviej · Post by **steviej** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 11:38 pm

The SMG fitted to the E36 was indeed woeful Ross, the SMG 2 in the E46 was improved but is very clever and very receptive to throttle and brake pedal inputs, basically you can't f@@k about you have to take it by the neck .. Ie if you want it to change up , nail it , if u want it to change down be on the brake pedal, SMG 2 also has drive logic which changes the speed of change , at setting 1 it will change at 4000rpm very smoothly, in setting 5 it will not change until red line and kick u in the back on flat shift for good measure

Scottish Elises