Discussion
Hi Guys
I'm new around here and i have a problem
I've been taken by the looks of the E46 M3 and the new current one
I cannot choose between the 2 they both look great
If i was to get the E46 i'd like a black one with red leather and SMG with as many options as possible do they exsist
If i went with the new one it would be in indivdual ruby black with red extended leather SMG and most of the options
So what would you do
Is the SMG a good gearbox
Stuart
I'm new around here and i have a problem
I've been taken by the looks of the E46 M3 and the new current one
I cannot choose between the 2 they both look great
If i was to get the E46 i'd like a black one with red leather and SMG with as many options as possible do they exsist
If i went with the new one it would be in indivdual ruby black with red extended leather SMG and most of the options
So what would you do
Is the SMG a good gearbox
Stuart
Plenty of E46 M3's about with carbon black exterior and imola red leather. Quite a popular combo from ones I've seen, so should be no problem getting one with good spec.
SMG-II is well regarded, but worth taking for a test drive to make sure you don't hate it. If budget allows, you should aim for a newer E46 with factory warranty for maximum peace of mind.
SMG-II is well regarded, but worth taking for a test drive to make sure you don't hate it. If budget allows, you should aim for a newer E46 with factory warranty for maximum peace of mind.
krallicious said:
Current E92 has DCT which, by all accounts, is a totally different kettle of fish.
Very true, I have an E46 SMG and love it, it's very responsive and very, very rewarding to drive.However I've just come back from BMW M Training in Austria where we drove the M3's with DCT and that setup is just amazing.
Fantastic handling cars as well so come highly recommended from me.
Between the 2, i would guess you need to firstly decide what budget you want to spend as in my opinion there is will be a large difference!
In addition to that, you should bare in mind depreciation as the E46 won't drop as much as the E92 will!
In addition to that, you should bare in mind depreciation as the E46 won't drop as much as the E92 will!
Edited by Burba on Wednesday 10th June 14:12
stuartph said:
Sorry my mistske being new to M3's
Is it true what BMW say DCT gives better MPG not that i'm worried
Stuart
If it does it'd be marginal over the manual. Either way mate - the new M3 is one thirsty beast, much more so than the old one, which isn't exactly economical itself!Is it true what BMW say DCT gives better MPG not that i'm worried
Stuart
To be fair though, on a 40k car that's gonna depreciate heavily & cost a shed load in servicing & consumables over the next few years - MPG is probably the least of your financial worries.
Interesting that you're chosing between an old one(which can be had for peanuts these days) or a new one (which are still realloy quite expensive)? Is it purely down to driving pleasure? Cos by the way, you can get in a 997 C2S for new M3 money......
That's where I'd put my money..... oh, hang on a minute.....
I'd always go newer by the way. Fresher looks, newer technology, possibly longer warranty, more powerful.
I loved SMG. It was maybe a bit clunky - but fantastic fun, a great toy.
DCT I found a bit too clinical. Clearly a technological masterpiece but lacking in soul. You don't really feel as connected as you do with SMG. That said, I'd still tick the box over a manual....
E46's are getting on a bit now too. You're really buying a car who's technology is not far off 10 years old now. If you can afford it, get the new one.
I loved SMG. It was maybe a bit clunky - but fantastic fun, a great toy.
DCT I found a bit too clinical. Clearly a technological masterpiece but lacking in soul. You don't really feel as connected as you do with SMG. That said, I'd still tick the box over a manual....
E46's are getting on a bit now too. You're really buying a car who's technology is not far off 10 years old now. If you can afford it, get the new one.
There's a big price difference between the two cars. Really down to what you want to spend.
I had a E46 M3 a few years ago and it truly was a fantastic car. I had a 911 straight after and it is really a tough choice which one I liked better. A good E46 M3 can be had for not very much money and I reckon that as a safe, reliable, very quick car they have to be about the best value for money out there at the moment. IMVHO the shape now looks dated however that's a small consideration compared to the drive.
Re the E92 M3 I've only driven one. They are truly a great car and the power difference compared to the E46 is obvious as soon as you explore the upper part of the rev range. They are however a much more expensive option when compared to the E46 M3. For me I liked the E92 M3 a lot. However when it came to it I decided I'd rather have a 2nd hand M6 than a new E92 M3 for the money.
Not sure if this helps you however my thoughts for what it's worth.
I had a E46 M3 a few years ago and it truly was a fantastic car. I had a 911 straight after and it is really a tough choice which one I liked better. A good E46 M3 can be had for not very much money and I reckon that as a safe, reliable, very quick car they have to be about the best value for money out there at the moment. IMVHO the shape now looks dated however that's a small consideration compared to the drive.
Re the E92 M3 I've only driven one. They are truly a great car and the power difference compared to the E46 is obvious as soon as you explore the upper part of the rev range. They are however a much more expensive option when compared to the E46 M3. For me I liked the E92 M3 a lot. However when it came to it I decided I'd rather have a 2nd hand M6 than a new E92 M3 for the money.
Not sure if this helps you however my thoughts for what it's worth.
stuartph said:
Hi Guys
I'm new around here and i have a problem
I've been taken by the looks of the E46 M3 and the new current one
I cannot choose between the 2 they both look great
If i was to get the E46 i'd like a black one with red leather and SMG with as many options as possible do they exsist
If i went with the new one it would be in indivdual ruby black with red extended leather SMG and most of the options
So what would you do
Is the SMG a good gearbox
Stuart
Bit of an odd comparison. e46 is maybe £20K tops for a nice one in that spec. e92 with all the toys is probably £40K if you can find that spec.I'm new around here and i have a problem
I've been taken by the looks of the E46 M3 and the new current one
I cannot choose between the 2 they both look great
If i was to get the E46 i'd like a black one with red leather and SMG with as many options as possible do they exsist
If i went with the new one it would be in indivdual ruby black with red extended leather SMG and most of the options
So what would you do
Is the SMG a good gearbox
Stuart
Most people buy based on budget?
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