Is the E46 M3 CS Worth the Premium?

[BigToe]

I want to buy an E46 M3 in three to four months time, and I've started looking now to get a good idea of the market. It seems that the £11k mark is a decent starting point for a nice example, but then I learnt of the CS version with better brakes, suspension, quicker steering rack and M-Track DSC (all borrowed from the CSL, according to Evo). I spotted a nice one around the £14k mark.

Considering the improved driving experience and potential future market values, are the CS models worth the premium? Can you see them depreciating any further? Unless I win the lottery, I'd be keeping either car for a long time, regardless. I love my E36 328i, but I've wanted an M3 since my first BMW and I don't think the E36 version is enough of an upgrade (in all areas; not just raw performance, which is fine) to warrant the prices they fetch these days. The E46 seems like a much better overall package, and the aesthetics make me drool. Maybe I'll feel differently further down the line, but currently my opinion is that it's better looking than the later generations.

I'm also really intrigued by the idea of SMG over manual, and would appreciate your input on that. I'll test-drive both if I can to see which I prefer. I've always chosen manual over automatics, but the fact that the SMG is actually the same 'box with an automated clutch and sequential shifter really appeals. I'm aware of the potential problems and would ensure that I get one with proof of work done.

So, I look forward to reading your opinions! Thanks.

 

[BigToe]

CS and CSL are holding value very well, even appreciating. A CS should be a safe buy and hold its value or lose very little over next couple of years.

The rack, brakes are nice features of the CS and Mtrack mode can be retrofitted to facelift cars very easily.

SMG you either love or hate, I love it but at first it can seem clunky and slow. But get on it go for a drive and the shifts are amazing and super fast.

Cheers for the quick reply, Gibbo. That's what I was hoping, due to the rarity in comparison to standard M3s. Indeed, I hadn't heard of the CS before.

As an added little bonus, insurance is £320 fully comp. for the year on the CS, compared to £530 for the standard model. I guess CS owners take greater care on the road

 

[BigToe]

Thanks for all the replies.

olv: your CS looks stunning.

mrk: thanks for the info. There's absolutely no way I would make any adjustments to the appearance, I'm really not interested in having anything other than the stock look. They got it just right, in my opinion. My E36 is also unmolested, down to the orange repeaters.

I think I'm sold on the CS. Yes, it's a greater outlay, but there are too many positives for me to ignore. I can't say I'm too bothered about the loss of cruise control; I'm lucky in that I only do around 3,000 miles a year. On a less CS-specific note, this means that the SMG is more of a curiosity than a necessity, too; with a ten-minute commute over country roads, I don't spend a lot of time in traffic.