[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Probably my favourite M3, when they were not too big, didn't have dual-clutch gearboxes, turbocharged engines and riding too hard... Enjoy the read!

[Analog Imports]

What a beaut. The E46 is timeless. I've been trying to find one to buy, but they're all 100k+ miles (which is expected this day and age). Does anyone have knowledge on the reliability of these cars with over 100k miles?

[swagon]

Originally Posted by Analog Imports

What a beaut. The E46 is timeless. I've been trying to find one to buy, but they're all 100k+ miles (which is expected this day and age). Does anyone have knowledge on the reliability of these cars with over 100k miles?

There are several sub-60k-mile E46's on eBay. Also try BMW forums.

[rjd598]

What's wrong with dct? Also I'm pretty sure the ride comfort has increased over the generations.

[BirdsEye]

I would give my left kidney to one of these.

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by rjd598

What's wrong with dct? Also I'm pretty sure the ride comfort has increased over the generations.

What's missing is the joy of manual shifting and heel and toeing (and arguably driver involvement) is lost. From my experience, the newer M3's have all become more and more firmer riding after the E46, probably because of weight increase and dealing with more power...

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

What's missing is the joy of manual shifting and heel and toeing (and arguably driver involvement) is lost. From my experience, the newer M3's have all become more and more firmer riding after the E46, probably because of weight increase and dealing with more power...

Okay so get a manual lol it's still offered unlike some competitors...

I would only disagree because my e36 was much harsher than my e90. E46 I've only ridden in a few times, but on a long road trip I would take my e90 before previous generations and if given the opportunity I would take the f80 over the e90.

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by rjd598

Okay so get a manual lol it's still offered unlike some competitors...

I would only disagree because my e36 was much harsher than my e90. E46 I've only ridden in a few times, but on a long road trip I would take my e90 before previous generations and if given the opportunity I would take the f80 over the e90.

I think my main gripe is how big and heavy the M3 has gotten over the years and the e46 is the just the right size IMO, and of course since I was raised with the love of BMW's N/A inline 6, the CS is the ultimate inline 6 BMW... There's also some nostalgia involved of course...

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

I think my main gripe is how big and heavy the M3 has gotten over the years and the e46 is the just the right size IMO, and of course since I was raised with the love of BMW's N/A inline 6, the CS is the ultimate inline 6 BMW... There's also some nostalgia involved of course...

Agreed on those points. Pretty much fact I would say by now.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

Probably my favourite M3, when they were not too big, didn't have dual-clutch gearboxes, turbocharged engines and riding too hard... Enjoy the read!

Hmmmm. How long have you been around? I ask because when the E46 came out, it WAS big (...often called a porker or pig), it WAS considered heavy and it WAS considered to be too stiff relative to the guys who had just come from E36 M3's. The SMGII gearbox was also met with criticism for throwing codes, going into limp mode, overheating, etc. I remember that moment in time with extreme clarity (...along with the S54's grenade-gate; I was one of the first groups of guys to have the motor go pop over DME/rode bearing issues). The complaints are always the same.......


.......until time passes by and hindsight becomes 20/20.