BMW M3 question

[AnthonyF]

Well, im tired of my car breaking (if u say something about Ford, ur sh*t is getting deleted for being stupid) and I need a reliable car. I have thought of a few cars but the E46 M3 has caught my eye the most. A lil expensive for me but ya never know. Anyways, how are the reviews on this car? Whats the quarter mile time(s), etc... Just any facts about the car would be great. Im really looking into a White E46 Vert 6spd. I want a car I cant easily modify. lol.

-Ant.

[DieselNuts]

I want a car I cant easily modify. lol.
lol, well I think you picked the right one. The aftermarket is huge for these cars, but everything is so expensive. It makes parts for my G seem honda cheap....seriously. Im pretty sure they run mid-low 13s stock and can be had for mid 20's with decent milage I think. Maintainence will be expensive im pretty sure. My brake rotors are $600ea. from the stealership. I cant imagine what they are for an M3...

[Sammich]

i dont know the times on these bad boys...but i can definitely say, 'things' swell in my pants everytime i see one

[AnthonyF]

lol, well I think you picked the right one. The aftermarket is huge for these cars, but everything is so expensive. It makes parts for my G seem honda cheap....seriously. Im pretty sure they run mid-low 13s stock and can be had for mid 20's with decent milage I think. Maintainence will be expensive im pretty sure. My brake rotors are $600ea. from the stealership. I cant imagine what they are for an M3...

well for 50k miles i've seen around 35k....

but i work at a shop, no stealership here. No labor fees and parts at wholesale. and I drive my cars easy. 80+k miles on my clutch and brakes. Still both are perfect.

[DieselNuts]

well, if you think you can afford it, I say go for it. They are sweet cars. I thought about getting one before I got my G, but 2 years ago, the price was too much for me. You know how you will search and search and search for a car, find a good deal, make the purchase, then find a KILLER deal like a week later? Well, that happened to me. I bought my car for $28K w/12k miles, then found a silver E46 M3 Vert 6sp with removable hardtop and aftermarket wheels (forget what kind, but really sexy) w/around 45K miles for the same effing price. I was furious...

[AnthonyF]

lol yup. thats ALWAYS the way

[Sammich]

well, if you think you can afford it, I say go for it. They are sweet cars. I thought about getting one before I got my G, but 2 years ago, the price was too much for me. You know how you will search and search and search for a car, find a good deal, make the purchase, then find a KILLER deal like a week later? Well, that happened to me. I bought my car for $28K w/12k miles, then found a silver E46 M3 Vert 6sp with removable hardtop and aftermarket wheels (forget what kind, but really sexy) w/around 45K miles for the same effing price. I was furious...

:lmao::lmao: that almost happened to me. i almost bought a 528i...and i decided to wait like two weeks...then found the maxima i always wanted...so i left the 528 on the lot lol. and i know it killed the salesman, cuz i even sent the invoice to the bank..so the bank was like when u are ready we will issue u a check:D

[DieselNuts]

Wow, these are more expensive than I thought, but here is a decent deal...

E46 M3 Vert 6sp (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=238671553&dealer_id=61998155&car_year=2002&num_records=&model=M3&systime=&make2=&start_year=2001&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=1&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&first_record=26&make=BMW&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&body_style=CONVERT&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=30039&advanced=y&end_year=2004&pager.offset=25&transmission=Manual&doors=&max_price=&cardist=20)

[Sammich]

holds their value pretty good..thats nice

[AnthonyF]

WOW thats one of the BETTER deals. most are 50k miles for almost 40k. but have LED tail lights and the 19's. Im stuck on the white, unless i find a Leguna Seca blue for cheap.

[DieselNuts]

Laguna seca blue = teh secks.

I think the LED tails came in 03, so the decent deals are prolly still in the mid $30ks

They hold their value quiet nicely.

[AnthonyF]

we'll see. no gurantees. gotta sell mine first. yuck..imma miss that car

[1000cckiller]

well for 50k miles i've seen around 35k....

but i work at a shop, no stealership here. No labor fees and parts at wholesale. and I drive my cars easy. 80+k miles on my clutch and brakes. Still both are perfect.I have seen them for low 20's, remember the first came out in 2000. So you can find some deals.

[AnthonyF]

^ o rly? i've been searching from 01-08

[Sammich]

time to search from 00-08

[DieselNuts]

first year of the E46 M3 was 2001

[AnthonyF]

^pwnage

[DieselNuts]

^lol, this has some good info.

Wikipedia FTMFW (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M3)

[Sammich]

forget all yall knowledgeable bimmer geeks lol

[DieselNuts]

Yeah, well I was researching E36 M3s for almost 2 years and then when It came time to buy, my bank would only loan on it for 2.5years making my payment about $800/mo. Fuk that. Thats why I got the G.

[Nitro]

we'll see. no gurantees. gotta sell mine first. yuck..imma miss that car


:(

[1000cckiller]

Yeah, well I was researching E36 M3s for almost 2 years and then when It came time to buy, my bank would only loan on it for 2.5years making my payment about $800/mo. Fuk that. Thats why I got the G.What is with your bank and short loans. Also you can find e46 m3 in 2000, they came out in the late part of the year if I remember correctly they were probably labeled 01s

[DieselNuts]

What is with your bank and short loans. Also you can find e46 m3 in 2000, they came out in the late part of the year if I remember correctly they were probably labeled 01s
I dunno man. Its pretty frustrating, but they have been really good to me otherwise. Plus, their loan rates are better than any other bank I've talked to.

Well, all cars that are labeled a certian year come out a few months before that year actually starts.

Here you go:

E46 M3 Production #'s (http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=19#2)

[EJ25RUN]

I think the E92 3 series is a better choice. With the 335i with Twin Turbos and the M3,

power

335i 3.0 L 302 hp
M3.. 4.0 L 414 hp

335i - thanx Josh Green for pics.
http://images.eurotuner.com/features/160_0707_04_z+2007_bmw_335i_coupe+front_view.jpg
http://images.eurotuner.com/features/160_0707_01_z+2007_bmw_335i_coupe+rear_side_view.j pg

M3
http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/40606/2005978128931051217_rs.jpg
http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/40406/2001316880793430759_rs.jpg

[DieselNuts]

Well of course, but look at the price tag that comes along with it...

[EJ25RUN]

Well of course, but look at the price tag that comes along with it...

We are talking about TRYMY4.0.....he was :blah: yesterday how he drives vipers and such.

[DieselNuts]

Yeah, but those are his Dad's.

[EJ25RUN]

Yeah, but those are his Dad's.

Yeah i know, i was just making an evil jab on that one.

Ill still say, unless it's a CSL (Never sold in USA), im not all that excited about E46 bimmers. I can't get myself to say i dislike them, but they are probably 5th in line after the E92, E21, E30, E36.

[1000cckiller]

E30 is my first choice, I am looking for one once I close on my house.

[DieselNuts]

Yeah i know, i was just making an evil jab on that one.

Ill still say, unless it's a CSL (Never sold in USA), im not all that excited about E46 bimmers. I can't get myself to say i dislike them, but they are probably 5th in line after the E92, E21, E30, E36.
I hear ya on that. I would take an E36 over an E46, but thats just me.

[AnthonyF]

We are talking about TRYMY4.0.....he was :blah: yesterday how he drives vipers and such.umm ok. My father owns a viper and a panoz race car.....i never said I did you cocky fuk. I dont get why your trying to battle me. I've never once bragged about the price tag of any of MY cars....that I paid for...

[IndianStig]

m3 FTW ant.

some nice bolt on's on that car yeild nothing really. just get the m3 and spray the **** outta it. lol.

[IndianStig]

this is for you to get exciteded with

[BobbyFresco]

Do it...Pull the trigger and get the E46....but then again, I am kind of biased...
TRYMY4.0..Youce seen my car so you know what bimmers are capable of looking like...


I'm not going to lie to you though...everything for Bimmers is hella expensive...
The lip kit on my car was 4g's and the wheels, well we wont even talk about that. Supercharges and such are crazy expensive as well....BUT HorsePowerFreaks makes a turbo kit that puts out mad power on the stock
block reliably.....Just do it homie...:goodjob:

[AnthonyF]

^ive seen your car?

I've started considering another car....we'll keep that on the low low tho.

But appreciate it.

[Sammich]

jess is selling her car anthony...$8500...and i've seen a few others...PM me if interested in the V powuhz..

[AnthonyF]

who's Jess?

dad wants me to get a '69 Camaro....I would love one. but the car i just found and started to take interest in...would whoop its ass in some corners.

[BobbyFresco]

^ive seen your car?

I've started considering another car....we'll keep that on the low low tho.

But appreciate it.



Yea @ Nopi last year...

Black Z4 vert?

[AnthonyF]

Yea @ Nopi last year...

Black Z4 vert?....I mean I prob have, but I honestly dont remember. :'( so much bad sh*t has happened that my memory is clogged with garbage.

[Sammich]

who's Jess?

dad wants me to get a '69 Camaro....I would love one. but the car i just found and started to take interest in...would whoop its ass in some corners.

69 camaro ftw...get it and throw a LS6 in there:D

nvm jess..i thought she was selling...it was Lex, that was selling the max

here is 'Lex' :
http://www.importatlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149524
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=556900

and some other guy from FL on the max forums:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=549145

[umairejaz]

The vert adds quite a bit of weight to the car, so if you want straight out performance or track then get the coupe.

The e46 gets around nicely and has more then enough power to have “fun” in, but vetts and modded sti's kick its ass so don’t expect a monster.

The m3 is really an OVERALL great car that comprises slightly in the luxury category and in the go fast category but in return finds a VERY happy medium. Spending spring break in s. beach and with the weather, I’m absolutely loving this thing!!

[speedminded]

lol, well I think you picked the right one. The aftermarket is huge for these cars, but everything is so expensive. It makes parts for my G seem honda cheap....seriously. Im pretty sure they run mid-low 13s stock and can be had for mid 20's with decent milage I think. Maintainence will be expensive im pretty sure. My brake rotors are $600ea. from the stealership. I cant imagine what they are for an M3...Ever owned or modded a Honda/Acura? BMW aftermarket parts are very comparable to Hondas.

[DieselNuts]

Ever owned or modded a Honda/Acura? BMW aftermarket parts are very comparable to Honda vehicles.
WHAT?

Fixed

[speedminded]

WHAT?

FixedThe Tein Flex on my Integra was nearly $1,500...you can get comparable coil-overs for the same or less for E36's+ OR you can get COMPLETE race suspension setups for $1,500-2k NEW for BMW's including sway bars from Turner Motorsports.

Fenders, bumpers, cf hoods, all basically the same price.

Turbo's and turbo kits, the same price.

Wheels: A Rota for a Honda is just about the same price as a Rota for a BMW. A Volk or Work for a Honda isn't much differant than a BBS for a BMW.

You want a big brake kit on a Honda, guess what...it's the same price as it is for BMW's.

Motor mounts for swaps, same price.

The M52 that has 190+hp & 207 ft-lbs torque...freshly rebuilt long block for $1,800. You can barely even get a rebuilt GS-R that makes 170/130 for $2k!!!

Clutches and flywheels, all just about the same price.

The list goes on and on. Maintenance wise to aftermarket parts, they're all very similiar between BMW and Honda/Acuras.

[BobbyFresco]

Ever owned or modded a Honda/Acura? BMW aftermarket parts are very comparable to Hondas.


How so?
In terms of price or availability?
What specific BMW auto are you refering to?

[BobbyFresco]

The Tein Flex on my Integra was nearly $1,500...you can get comparable coil-overs for the same or less for E36's+ OR you can get COMPLETE race suspension setups for $1,500-2k NEW for BMW's including sway bars from Turner Motorsports.

Fenders, bumpers, cf hoods, all basically the same price.

Turbo's and turbo kits, the same price.

Wheels: A Rota for a Honda is just about the same price as a Rota for a BMW. A Volk or Work for a Honda isn't much differant than a BBS for a BMW.

You want a big brake kit on a Honda, guess what...it's the same price as it is for BMW's.

Motor mounts for swaps, same price.

The M52 that has 190+hp & 207 ft-lbs torque...freshly rebuilt long block for $1,800. You can barely even get a rebuilt GS-R that makes 170/130 for $2k!!!

Clutches and flywheels, all just about the same price.

The list goes on and on. Maintenance wise to aftermarket parts, they're all very similiar between BMW and Honda/Acuras.


I was :ninja: 'ed

He's looking at an E46, not a E36.....Quality parts are way more expensive for an E46 than for a E36.

[speedminded]

On to the Bimmer pRoN...

Geordies white E46 convertible:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=793436


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/BimmerDawg/M3%20D40X/DSC_0195.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/BimmerDawg/M3%20D40X/DSC_0107.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/BimmerDawg/M3%20D40X/DSC_0058.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/BimmerDawg/M3%20D40X/DSC_0021.jpg

[Sammich]

oh god

[speedminded]

I was :ninja: 'ed

He's looking at an E46, not a E36.....Quality parts are way more expensive for an E46 than for a E36.Then compare those E46 parts to an S2k. They're gonne be just about the same damn price...from engine sensors to transmissions to brakes to hardtops to LSD's to wheels to seats, oem or aftermarket.

[speedminded]

I was :ninja: 'ed

He's looking at an E46, not a E36.....Quality parts are way more expensive for an E46 than for a E36.oh really?

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=Moton%20Motorsport

Can't get much more quality than Moton when it comes to suspension...

2-way Adjust. - $5.997.00 vs $6,304.00
3-way Adjust. - $7,578.00 vs $8,223.00
4-way Adjust. - $10,345.00 vs $10,902.00

[DieselNuts]

you either know of a hook up on BMW parts, or shop at the wrong places for Honda parts

[speedminded]

you either know of a hook up on BMW parts, or shop at the wrong places for Honda partsMy Honda engine was a $9,000 long block when I got it 4 years ago. You can get a brand new ZO6 engine for $12,000!! How much do you think an S54 runs new?!

QUALITY PARTS are all about the same. If you want to look up sleeves and "coil-over" springs on eBay then sure you'll spend 4 times as much for a BMW then a Honda! You buy QUALITY parts: Brembo brakes, high end wheels, H&R coil-overs, etc. then it's all going to be about the same price.

[DieselNuts]

My Honda engine was a $9,000 long block when I got it 4 years ago. You can get a brand new ZO6 engine for $12,000!! How much do you think an S54 runs new?!
Thats the difference between import and domestic. My engine installed by the dealership will run around $16K. Thats why I say Fuk import, Im goin domestic.


QUALITY PARTS are all about the same. If you want to look up sleeves and "coil-over" springs on eBay then sure you'll spend 4 times as much for a BMW then a Honda! You buy QUALITY parts: Brembo brakes, high end wheels, H&R coil-overs, etc. then it's all going to be about the same price.
Now THIS is true. But when it comes time to buy parts like headlights, see how much a nice set of BMW lights cost compared to a nice set of Honda lights...

[BobbyFresco]

Thats the difference between import and domestic. My engine installed by the dealership will run around $16K. Thats why I say Fuk import, Im goin domestic.


Now THIS is true. But when it comes time to buy parts like headlights, see how much a nice set of BMW lights cost compared to a nice set of Honda lights...


Actually if you're comparing say new S2k headlights to M3 headlights, I'd venture to say that they run about the same...

[AnthonyF]

damn you speedminded! i was changing my mind about this car. but fawk......gotta sell my junk box

[tron]

QUALITY PARTS are all about the same. If you want to look up sleeves and "coil-over" springs on eBay then sure you'll spend 4 times as much for a BMW then a Honda! You buy QUALITY parts: Brembo brakes, high end wheels, H&R coil-overs, etc. then it's all going to be about the same price.

I'd have to agree:goodjob:

[DieselNuts]

Actually if you're comparing say new S2k headlights to M3 headlights, I'd venture to say that they run about the same...
well, the thing about that is you are comparing Hondas top of the line to BMWs bottom of the line. If thats the case, then I guess you are right.

[AnthonyF]

I get what your trying to say Diesel. Like a lip for a Prelude can run 120-200 bucks. Where has a lip for a bimmer is around 500-1000.

[DieselNuts]

I get what your trying to say Diesel. Like a lip for a Prelude can run 120-200 bucks. Where has a lip for a bimmer is around 500-1000.
exactly :goodjob:

[BobbyFresco]

I get what your trying to say Diesel. Like a lip for a Prelude can run 120-200 bucks. Where has a lip for a bimmer is around 500-1000.




:werd: :werd:

[BobbyFresco]

The Hamann "body kit" that's on my Z4, which is really a lip kit, cost almost 3k...and the wheels....I would have been better off getting some Iforged or HREs...

[speedminded]

The Hamann "body kit" that's on my Z4, which is really a lip kit, cost almost 3k...and the wheels....I would have been better off getting some Iforged or HREs...The oem "body kit" that was on my Integra was a $1,200 option but at one time you couldn't get the sideskirts for under $800 alone.

What would say is the japanese equivelent of Hamann? Veilside?

[AnthonyF]

^no Mr. Speedminded....your not like the rest of us. You buy dealer items or REAL OEM items. You dont like knock offs and you never substitute anything for less.

[speedminded]

^no Mr. Speedminded....your not like the rest of us. You buy dealer items or REAL OEM items. You dont like knock offs and you never substitute anything for less.lol, i just buy what has been proven to work the best, looks the best, and last the longest...while trying to not be like anyone else!

[Sammich]

which means ur rich? lol

[Frög]

Forever On Road Dead..

dont see you in a bimmer.. get a c5 vette.. same price range..

[speedminded]

which means ur rich? lolLOLOL yeah right! I'm just patient, very few people will ever find a better deal then on all the stuff I pick up....otherwise I won't get it! I simply shop around until my eyes bleed.

[Sammich]

lolz sounds like me...but you wont see me spending no more than $400 on suspension..where as you drop a few thousand lol

[speedminded]

lolz sounds like me...but you wont see me spending no more than $400 on suspension..where as you drop a few thousand lolPriorities my friend...I'll do suspension way before adding power, new wheels, or making the car look better. ;)

Tires and suspension are the two "number one" things that make a car quicker and safer.

[Sammich]

true indeed..true indeed. i was at least 2yrs from deciding to get ANY kind of speed...so thats why i never spent that much in it..i'm glad too..cuz when my car got stolen they covered nothing but the car...BS

[speedminded]

true indeed..true indeed. i was at least 2yrs from deciding to get ANY kind of speed...so thats why i never spent that much in it..i'm glad too..cuz when my car got stolen they covered nothing but the car...BSKeep all receipts and State Farm will cover it...other companies i'd file a civil suit against unless you signed and agreed to saying they won't cover it under any circumstances.

[Sammich]

statefarm is full of it. i provided numerous receipts. springs, radiator, wheel quote since the guy had the wheels for so long..they only cover if ur car has been vandalized, not stolen. state farm is for suckers

[BobbyFresco]

The oem "body kit" that was on my Integra was a $1,200 option but at one time you couldn't get the sideskirts for under $800 alone.

What would say is the japanese equivelent of Hamann? Veilside?




I would say Veilside or Doluck or something like that...

[Paree4g63]

all this talk about beamers... i really want one now. BEAMERS are probably the final step after street racing. LUXURY!!! If i had a beamer, i'm done for LIFE! The most i'd prob add is just suspension, wheels and exhaust. THE END Other then that, insurance is a B***, payments are a MootherF**..

M3's are thee LEGEND! They've been featured in so many magazines and are always talked about. They always maintain their position in the low numbers...either #1 or #2

one day.... ill get one:D

[DinanM3atl]

You can take it to a REAL track, one with turns ;)

It is a great car. I would recommend an e36 M3 with low miles and a turbo or supercharger over the e46 m3. Just my opinion.

Either would be great!

[ATK_Designs]

E46 M3s are really nice. But if you're going to drop $35K on a used M3, might as well get the new 135 series.

They're good cars, light (compare to the other series) as well as TT from factory. My friend has a 335i Convertible, weighed at 4000lbs (without him) and ran 12.7. His car is chipped (couple hundred ECU chip that's easily remove and reversible) + minor exhaust bolt ons. Imagine what you can do in the 135i Coupe that weights less than 3400lbs (3370 I think).

It also has Big Brake Kit on there, 6 Pistons front, 2 Pistons rear. That's another plus.

So overall, you're paying mid 30s for a NEW car, More Powerful, Better handling, braking, with BMW Full maintenance service. IMO, there's nothing else you want to ask for. And I'm sure the tuner market can make that car just as nice and classy as the E46 M3.

Don't get me wrong, I absolute LOVE the E46 M3, but at this age and date, unless you got some serious cash, the 135 is a better contender. I call it, the Baby M.

[AnthonyF]

Forever On Road Dead..

dont see you in a bimmer.. get a c5 vette.. same price range..i wouldnt be caught dead in a vette. sorry homie.

I really want to keep my car but once i get it running I am sticking it for sale and really gonna try getting an EVO X

[DinanM3atl]

How do you know the 135 handles and stops better than an e46 m3? And who the **** cares what is does in the 1/4 mile?

[sogood]

E46 M3s are really nice. But if you're going to drop $35K on a used M3, might as well get the new 135 series.

They're good cars, light (compare to the other series) as well as TT from factory. My friend has a 335i Convertible, weighed at 4000lbs (without him) and ran 12.7. His car is chipped (couple hundred ECU chip that's easily remove and reversible) + minor exhaust bolt ons. Imagine what you can do in the 135i Coupe that weights less than 3400lbs (3370 I think).

It also has Big Brake Kit on there, 6 Pistons front, 2 Pistons rear. That's another plus.

So overall, you're paying mid 30s for a NEW car, More Powerful, Better handling, braking, with BMW Full maintenance service. IMO, there's nothing else you want to ask for. And I'm sure the tuner market can make that car just as nice and classy as the E46 M3.

Don't get me wrong, I absolute LOVE the E46 M3, but at this age and date, unless you got some serious cash, the 135 is a better contender. I call it, the Baby M.

Pricing on a 135i coupe STARTS at $35k, by the time you price out a well optioned one, you're talking atleast $40k, if not closer to $45k or more. Absolutely rediculous for a bottom of the line BMW that, IMO, looks terrible anyways.

I'd take an E46 M3 or 335i coupe over the 135i anyday.

[DinanM3atl]

I would take an e36 M3 over both or all 3 of them ;)

I would drive a 335i though just to drive it.

[Frög]

i wouldnt be caught dead in a vette. sorry homie.

I really want to keep my car but once i get it running I am sticking it for sale and really gonna try getting an EVO X

yeah.. wouldn't see you in a domestic.. stick to imports.. oh wait thats a mustang you drive????

[ATK_Designs]

Pricing on a 135i coupe STARTS at $35k, by the time you price out a well optioned one, you're talking atleast $40k, if not closer to $45k or more. Absolutely rediculous for a bottom of the line BMW that, IMO, looks terrible anyways.

I'd take an E46 M3 or 335i coupe over the 135i anyday.

Friend went to check it out and test drove it. He's a very well oriented track driver. And he said the 135i is very tossable and pleasing.

The option they looked at was loaded with premium & sport package, priced at 40K. Mind you that's MRSP.

To compare apple to apple, a used 04-05 M3, fully loaded, at Retail price would be MORE than 40K.


But then of course, no one would pay MRSP right? ;)

Oh, let's not forget, the 4yrs maintenance cost for the used E46 M3 as well.

Unless it's your weekend/fun/social status car, I don't see the E46 M3 being the best car in overall category with the True Cost to Own taken into consideration compared to the 135i.

[ATK_Designs]

Don't get me wrong. I love the E46 M3 as well. But in this time and age, I just see that the 135i edged the E46 just a bit :)

the 135i may not win the beauty contest compared to the e46, but IMO, it doesn't look bad at all.

[CosmoLTW]

Amazing car but expensive to work on. But don't get the vert dude. They're really heavy and convertible E46 drivers have a reputation for being douche bags.

[CosmoLTW]

Just watch the heads in them because they had a recall in the early ones for I think burning up the valves. Parts are expensive but they're worth it. From a dig, they're not necessarily insane. Not really what it is built for. But, punch it in one of those from a roll even in stock form and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Just get it checked out because a lot of them get ragged out. I am looking at selling my car for an 05 M3 ZCP (Competition Package). Would love to have ya as part of the Bimmer family though! Once you do it, you'll never go back.

[CosmoLTW]

I have seen them for low 20's, remember the first came out in 2000. So you can find some deals.

Actually 2001 was the first year for the E46

[AnthonyF]

im not going for a pure race car. I just want a nice clean quick car. thats all. not looking for 1000hp or the lightest car.

[speedminded]

Actually 2001 was the first year for the E461999 was the first year for E46's (323 & 328) but the E46 M3 (and 325 & 330) didn't come out until 2001.

[CosmoLTW]

1999 was the first year for E46's (323 & 328) but the E46 M3 (and 325 & 330) didn't come out until 2001.
Well, we're talking about M3s....

[AnthonyF]

Speedminded......knows EVERYTHING

[speedminded]

Speedminded......knows EVERYTHINGThen why am I sitting here working for "the man"?

[1000cckiller]

Well, we're talking about M3s....e46 is more than just M3s

[speedminded]

e46 is more than just M3sApparently they were just talking about M3's and if I had read all their pointless & bickering posts I would have known that the quote, "Actually 2001 was the first year for the E46" was referring to not just any e46 but exclusively the M3 :tongue:

[OnURleft]

If you get one make sure you find one thats been well maintained. Ones that need valve adjustments, tires, brakes etc. can get expensive. (I know cost on rotors are around 230 a piece). Also one's typically can be way down on power that need this loving valve adjustment. Early models had an oil pump (I believe) re-call and that needs to be addressed right away if it hasn't been (most all have been). Vert's are slower but that would be my E46 of choice..just like Geordie's. So sexy... The Coupe's are phenominal out of the box road racing cars. You can throw on a set of pads and slicks and run low 1:40's on road A or run low 13's in the 1/4 mile (some have gotten into high 12's..I believe bokix did 13.0@107 stock). The aftermarket is huge..somet things are expensive and some arn't. A good set of headers, a proper intake and underdrive pullies plus a tune should yield you a good bump in power 270whp to 300+whp and up to 108-109 trap speeds. After that there's F.I. I'm sure you've seen the HPF kits makes bolt on 630whp on an all stock motor reliably...that shows how stout and strong the motors are and how long they will last in stock form. I.M.O a boosted vert would be sex.

[speedminded]

If you get one make sure you find one thats been well maintained. Ones that need valve adjustments, tires, brakes etc. can get expensive. (I know cost on rotors are around 230 a piece). Also one's typically can be way down on power that need this loving valve adjustment. Early models had an oil pump (I believe) re-call and that needs to be addressed right away if it hasn't been (most all have been). Vert's are slower but that would be my E46 of choice..just like Geordie's. So sexy... The Coupe's are phenominal out of the box road racing cars. You can throw on a set of pads and slicks and run low 1:40's on road A or run low 13's in the 1/4 mile (some have gotten into high 12's..I believe bokix did 13.0@107 stock). The aftermarket is huge..somet things are expensive and some arn't. A good set of headers, a proper intake and underdrive pullies plus a tune should yield you a good bump in power 270whp to 300+whp and up to 108-109 trap speeds. After that there's F.I. I'm sure you've seen the HPF kits makes bolt on 630whp on an all stock motor reliably...that shows how stout and strong the motors are and how long they will last in stock form. I.M.O a boosted vert would be sex.AutoFab got 320+ whp out of one recently with a euro catless exhaust, piggyback tune, on pump gas...100% stock they are normally like you said, 270-290+.

[AnthonyF]

Then why am I sitting here working for "the man"?bc the MAN is holding you down. But out of everyone on IA, you prob know the most about everything....or ur a good google searcher :ninja:

[OnURleft]

AutoFab got 320+ whp out of one recently with a euro catless exhaust, piggyback tune, on pump gas...100% stock they are normally like you said, 270-290+.

Yeah thats HiRide's car. Put down great numbers. I think Bokix is around 320whp tuned off spray..slightly less. He's headers/straight pipes only. I havn't had to many N/A E46 M3 number to look at other that ones at the track putting down 360-380 with cams. Most everyone advertising numbers is boosted but thats going to change as the years go by and companies like TRM get there hands on them for pure messing around with purposes.

[CosmoLTW]

e46 is more than just M3s

Yeah I'm aware. You see my sig? I know the chassis codes for the cars, it just seemed completely irrelevent to bring up any other E46 because he is interested in the M3 vert.

[speedminded]

Yeah thats HiRide's car. Put down great numbers. I think Bokix is around 320whp tuned off spray..slightly less. He's headers/straight pipes only. I havn't had to many N/A E46 M3 number to look at other that ones at the track putting down 360-380 with cams.I'm sure that's with race fuel too...with stock cams and tuned on 100+ octane I'm sure HiRide would be at 360+ whp.

[Lucky DAWG]

some sick looking cars, let me know if u find one bc i'll take a good deal if u back out!

[Blitanicle99]

Yeah I'm aware. You see my sig? I know the chassis codes for the cars, it just seemed completely irrelevent to bring up any other E46 because he is interested in the M3 vert.

Ill testify to this. If anyone knows M3s, its this guy. Ive never seen someone who is more obsessed with these cars. Thus, if I have a question about M3s or just BMW in general, I ask him.

[CosmoLTW]

Hah, thanks bud! That earns some of my all powerful like half a point rep. Haha

[CosmoLTW]

But, anyways any updates on the search for the Vert? Give us some details on the car you're interested in I'm curious. Thanks!

[HiRide]

AutoFab got 320+ whp out of one recently with a euro catless exhaust, piggyback tune, on pump gas...100% stock they are normally like you said, 270-290+.


321 Jason!!! Get it right!! :D (and we have some interesting plans to make even more NA power soon before I find a way to make more money and custom build manifolds for a turbo. I should just save up and do it all at once but I do want to see what I can get out of this NA without nitrous.)

stock should be around 280 or so depending on dyno.

yes its making some great power and is still running smooth!

also, just a note. the recall was not for the head or valve train but for spinning bearings. some company that BMW outsourced a batch of bearings to, f'd up and got the spec wrong which lead to alot of pre 10K mile thrown rods.

but at this point they have all had recalls done (01-02, maybe a few early 03's) and then received an extended 100K/6 year warranty which will is either 100k miles total, or 6 years from original sale date.

with M3 prices lately I would say look for a late model 03 with the LED tails or newer if you can afford it. The 03 and 02 models will be selling like hotcakes soon as they are at the 5 year old mark. To be perfectly honest there are some really crazy deals on M3's which I am not going to pay carfax to check just out of curiousity but if these cars have clean titles and no accidents, the prices are amazing.

you just have to find the car thats right for you and be patient. It took me 6 months of constant searching to find my M3 and I actually widened my search to include different body and interior colors, but I found what I wanted and I paid for it.

My theory when it comes to buying used, either dealership/cpo or someone with tons of paperwork. when I bought my M it came with a notebook of all the services as well as aftermarket parts added AND removed. I felt safe buying this car and 2 years later and after driving the piss out of it, its doing great!

Good Luck with your search!

[kylE36m3]

I just skipped to the last page but i totally agree w/hi ride... Just be patient in your search and find exactly what you want because its out there. I searched for over a year just for and e36 and it eventually came around.

[AnthonyF]

:locked:

-Ant.