E46 M3 or something else?

Gooner14

Gooner14

Gooner14

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Bit of Background. I currently have 2 cars, a '05 Clio Trophy, and a '99 Z3M Coupe (S50)

I'm looking to replace the Trophy. It's a great car, chuckale etc, but it's French, has poor build quality etc, and I'm 33 I really think I should have a more grown up car! The Coupe is currently Sorn, it's not a great winter car (although this Winter has been very mild) it also requires the Vanos replacing.

So I'd like a e46. Certainly a bit more grown up, and classy (ish!)

What do I need to look out for? What options are best? I presume running costs would be similar to that of the Z3 (Mine is a S50, rather than s54) similar fuel consumption, and similar cost for inspections. So that's not too much of an issue, I've been running that for

Looking to spend around 12kish. So if there is anything else out there of similar performace/cost let me know.
 
PraxxtorCruel said:
Mazda 6 2.2d Sport 185bhp!
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Did you post in the wrong thread?

OP can't really say much on this as I don't know much about the car in question, but I do notice people mention pretty high running costs. Few people on here own/have owned one.
 
At the risk of being laughed at what about an Impreza STI Spec D?

You get the goodies of the STIs but you don't get the questionable cosmetic bits. Leather (of a sort) and the low level spoiler gives it a more refined look. Running costs shouldn't be too different to the M3. If you are looking at E46 then the Spec D will be newer and for much less than your budget you could get one with very few miles on.

A spec D is in my "sort of want" bucket list.
 
Not really what I had in mind (the Mazda), I guess I should say I want something that with get to me to 60 in 6sec's or so. Sporty, some nice toys. I don't do much more than 10k in a year, and have 2 other cars I can use (Other half's Clio)
 
PraxxtorCruel said:
Mazda 6 2.2d Sport 185bhp!
Click to expand...

The only good thing to say about that is at least you didn't go Mondeo :)

OP are your really sure that 'appearing more grown up' is a good reason to buy a new car. Get a car because you want one not because of other peoples perceptions of you current one!

I'm guessing you'll put the Z3 back on the road in the summer if so I'd call a 12k M3 just for the winter a hell of a luxury but if you can afford it why not. You will find little to match it for raw performance etc but expect the occasional big bill as these ar getting on abit now and also shop very carefully to avoid one thats been thrashed FSH at either a main dealer or well regarded specialist would be an absolute must.
 
If "Grown up" is an issue, then how about an e39 M5?

Just a thought, I've always viewed M3 owners (rightly or wrongly) as the younger of the two....

The M5 would be my choice over an M3 but I'm 41 on sunday.... :o
 
Gooner14 said:
Not really what I had in mind (the Mazda), I guess I should say I want something that with get to me to 60 in 6sec's or so. Sporty, some nice toys. I don't do much more than 10k in a year, and have 2 other cars I can use (Other half's Clio)
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350/370Z as a random suggestion? Although I'm not sure how much 370Zs are these days and whether they would be in budget.
 
370Z is 2 seats, I rather have 4, there's not much point having 2 2 seater cars! Perhaps 'Grown up' is the wrong term, the Clio is a hot hatch, doing 80 on the motorway isn't the greatest of expereinces. I expect I'll put the z3 back on the road in the summer, I quite fancy it as my wedding car

Whilst I do like the e39 m5, can't some of the cost be stupidly huge? And a generation or so older than the e46?
 
If you want 0-60 in 6sec or so, but don't want the crazy running costs of an M3, perhaps try a 330ci? the manual ones hit 60 in 6.3(6.8 for auto), and won't cost an arm and a leg, and testicle if it goes wrong.
 
£12k is a great budget for the e46 M3. Wrt to the M5 - you will get a newer M3, but running costs v the M5 will be similar (unless you do a lot of miles - the e39 tends to consume a lot more fuel).

Going for a 330 after a Z3M would probably bore you unforuntately.

IMG_5860.jpg

IMG_58681.jpg


They definitely still have class if you do it right ;)
 
Gooner14 said:
Whilst I do like the e39 m5, can't some of the cost be stupidly huge? And a generation or so older than the e46?
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The costs can be stupidly huge, yes, but the same applies to the E46 M3. Scheduled servicing on the M3 is actually more expensive than the M5, but the M5 is more expensive when it goes wrong.

The E39 (1996 to 2004) and E46 (1998 to 2006) are of the same generation and as a result have similar interior styling, the same electrical systems, etc etc.

Same way that E60 and E90 are the same generation.

You've already got a Z3M Coupe which you dont wish to sell. I'd suggest your second car should be something that complements it rather than duplicates it like an M3 would go. I'm thinking an automatic barge or something, the ideal two car selection surely. Ultimate waft + Ultimate hooning.

Replacing a Z3M Coupe with an E46 M3? Good idea. Buying one to run alongside? Not sure I get it.
 
NickXX said:
They definitely still have class if you do it right ;)
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There are definatley two types of E46 M3 these days. Ones run by enthusiasts and kept in excellent condition, like Nicks example above. And ones run by knuckledraggers who bought it because its an EMM FREE INNIT and... are less nice.

You can usually spot the difference on the road by the condition of the car and the driving style of its occupant..
 
When I drew up my spec list, I had the following on it:

Must have/be:
Black or Silver Grey paint
16:9 Navigation
SMG gearbox
Red/Orange/Lime green/Cream leather interior
Harmon Kardon

Should have/be:
Sunroof if coupe
Facelift (LED rear lights)
19" alloys
Under 60,000 miles

Can be:
Coupe
Cabrio


My actual options were as follows:

- Silvergrey paint (CSL colour)
- Facelift 53 plate
- Imola red leather
- SMG II gearbox
- OEM 16:9 Satnav w/TV
- OEM Bluetooth
- Harmon Kardon stereo
- 19" Alloys
- AC Schnitzer exhaust
- Electric Folding mirrors
- Armrest (yes this isn't standard!)


With £12k, you should get a low mileage, facelift (late 2003 onward) model with a spec similar to the above. The only big decision you have to make is Manual or SMG2.

Some real stunners on PH atm for around your budget (although some have sold):
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3277227.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3528223.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3454533.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3431196.htm
 
Perhaps I've grown tired of the Z, but I don't think I'll ever sell, not only for the view of it from the rear, personally I don't think there are many better looking cars from that angle. However it owes me very little, I've had it for nearly 5 years, but I do understand it would be a bit odd to own both somewhat similar cars (the M3 would be somewhat more practical carrying my dog/luggage, although that's not too often)

What's the real world diference between Manual/SMGII?
 
Gooner14 said:
What's the real world diference between Manual/SMGII?
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Smaller bill when / if it goes wrong (although I would imagine a manual to be stronger & thus more reliable than an SMG) some like the SMG & its action, others prefer cog swapping by hand, personal preference....

Whilst I quite liked the SMG equipped M cars I've briefly sampled, I think I'd opt for a conventional manual were I choosing one.
 
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