Think it's time for an M3

Zero4 · Post by **Zero4** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 4:47 am

I think 2017 is time for me to get an E46M

I've been looking for some time and I now really want one. I'd prefer one that has had some CSL style add one like the front end and boot lid already done and there's really only one colour for me which is the silver grey (unsure the name)

Strangely I'd actually like an SMGii as well but horror stories are a plenty. I just think it would be something different for me.

Anyhoo. Anyone had any experience going from Z to M3? I'm already spending too much time on M3cutters for good Info.

pHilli0 · Post by **pHilli0** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 9:37 am

Can you keep the Z and buy the E46M as an additional car?
Are you going to be running the E46M as a daily? If so you need deep pockets.

Z4M-2006 · Post by **Z4M-2006** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 9:47 am

It will be hard finding one that has done under 100k, in a decent colour combo that has got all its credentials in place..that isn't daft money

Make sure that it's had the rear subframe mounts strengthened or replaced..
Rust is horrible in E46's. Check all arches, boot lip and rear panel..front end is usually battered with chips too ..

I don't like the SMG but fixes are easily documented now, purely on cost I would prefer manual...

Try and make sure it's had recent brakes and front control arms too...

I looked at E46 M3's for years on and off but basically found they are overpriced scrap... the E92 is going the same way, once a bad owner or 2 has had them they can take £xxxx to get back right

Zero4 · Post by **Zero4** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 1:27 pm

I've kinda come to the conclusion that to get a really nice one in the colour I want with the csl bits on like boot, wheels etc already done and with all the issues sorted I'm gonna be paying through the nose for it.

There was recently my perfect spec one on cutters that's now sold. Asking £15k but it had new SMG pump, new subframe all powder coated arms etc, full alcantara, AP breaks, coils, and no stone chips with new paint.

Owner is well known apparently and definitely loves his cars. I would have stumped for it or there abouts to be honest. At that price and spec though it couldn't be a daily, it was too nice.

Chris_D · Post by **Chris_D** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 1:54 pm

Having owned an E46 M3, I woulld be loathed at the prospect of finding a decent one at a sensible price these days. Mine was a CAT D with panel damage but with some legacy issues (engine/gearbox main seal leak) and corrosion, as per above advice had started to creep in at the back of the wheelarches and sills. (maybe all that salty winter-driving).

There will be cherished, well looked after examples out there but they will be few and far between.
Your money should be going towards a newer but maybe higher mileage E92 M3 with the better auto box.

Z4M-2006 · Post by **Z4M-2006** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 1:55 pm

Would that have been Boba's car ?

Zero4 · Post by **Zero4** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 1:56 pm

I just don't think the newer M's are the same, I've drove a few and it was the e46 I liked the most. I just felt a little more machanical not to mention I prefer the looks of the e46 when it's had a few csl bits on it.

Zero4 · Post by **Zero4** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 2:00 pm

Z4M-2006 wrote:Would that have been Boba's car ?

That's the one... looks perfect to me.

Zero4 · Post by **Zero4** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 2:05 pm

Also this one, both look spot on

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=167705

Zero4 · Post by **Zero4** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 2:07 pm

There's a couple of really nice ones in Hollybrook too even the red one but damn they hike the prices up. Comes with full parts and labour warrenty though although often not worth the paper it's written on. Don't know much about hollybrook's

Z4M-2006 · Post by **Z4M-2006** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 2:09 pm

Both nice cars,

I actually like that one more than Boba's..

That said..... Its £15k ...lol..

Personally i would like to have £10k in a lower mile standard car....But the CSL reps always look pretty..

Zero4 · Post by **Zero4** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 2:15 pm

Haha I know. 15k is getting a little silly. If it was a 60k ish car maybe but it got snapped up quick regardless.

If I could find a well maintained and straight standard car in the spec I want I'd happily add the csl bits on myself but it's so hard to find a good one.

15k upwards and that's good Z4M prices, even coupes.

Z4M-2006 · Post by **Z4M-2006** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 3:02 pm

Agreed,

I know where there is a Z4M coupe now with less miles and less money than that CSL rep.. I know where i would like the money to go..lol.

An E46 M3 is a great car,but you need to buy the right car at the right point..

Zero4 · Post by **Zero4** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 4:02 pm

First world problems

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com