[Dino355]

So finally after wanting one of these for like ever, I've finally got one.

I was actually going to start looking in November but after having a look around at the plethora of cars for sale last week one in particular stood out from the rest, keenly priced, a decent spec and my favourite colour! Arrangements were made to view, finances arranged (really should have been patient and sold the e90 first!!!) and after viewing it today in Milton Keynes I bought it and drove it back.

2003 53 reg
76k
MOT May 2013
Tax Nov 2012
5 owners
Imola Red
SMG II
19" Alloys in Anthracite
Xenon Headlights
LED rear lights
Sat Nav
Black Nappa Leather
Electric Memory Seats
Heated front seats
Electric Bolsters
Electric Lumbar Support
Bluetooth
Electric Power Folding Mirrors
Harmon Kardon HiFi
6 Disc CD Changer
15,000 miles remaining until Inspection II

Truth be told I would have preferred a manual but I wasn't averse to the idea of SMG and after a decent drive in it today it's actually quite good! OK it's not the masterpiece that the DCT box of the e90 M3s is but it's still good nonetheless.

The auto mode is a Godsend in traffic and the manual mode is great fun although some practice is needed with the throttle control when changing up through the box.

Unfortunately I don't have the space to keep it at home yet until the e90 sells so I won't be using it much yet.

Here are some pics I took soon after I bought it. On the way home we took a flying visit to Evolve where a friend was having one of their carbon airboxes fitted.

It's not perfect but it drives very well, with only a couple of light scratches on the sides that need sorting and the usual stonechips on the leading edges of each of the arches and the front end of course.

It could do with a proper clean and detail, something I'm sure I'll take satisfaction in doing!









Plans are to do a full service (all fluids, filters, plugs etc) regardless of what the service indicator says. Will also be fitting my BMW Performance 6 pot Brembos and some CSL brake discs. I'd also like to get rid of the Dunlop Sport front tyres and the Fullrun (!) rear ditch finders! Whilst all the tyres are quite new cars like this need and deserve premium boots. Oh and I will also fit my 10mm Eibach spaces to the front wheels. Needs an n/s rear light unit too as there is a crack in it (previous owner put some black tape over it as a temp fix!)

Feels good to be back in an M

[AWBimmer]

Great buy and looks the business!!

[Hotcoupe]

Great colour

[whateva411]

Makes me miss my m!

[IanS100]

Lovely looking car. It's amazing that at almost 10 years old that shape hasn't dated at all.

[Mani59]

Imola Red looks fab!

[dxb335d]

Fantastic Dino, love it!!!

[Danny.B.]

very nice!

evolved already then?

[Dino355]

Originally Posted by Danny.B.

very nice!

evolved already then?

No not yet! Just stopped off on the way to say hello to the guys there. I will get it mapped once it's had a proper service

[willhollin]

Nice car, i'd watch those two dodgy fellas behind the car in the second pic though.

[Dino355]

Originally Posted by willhollin

Nice car, i'd watch those two dodgy fellas behind the car in the second pic though.

I know they are proper dodgy those two

[xs2man]

Ditchfinder rears = Drift spec yo! Have fun until replaced.

[FRG]

Imola E46 M3. Good work

[Business edition]

Nicely done mate
Aww that just looks bloody awesome. I love that colour sooooo much.
I feel going out and buying one now haha.

Enjoy it mate.

[Cyprio]

Nice to see an Imola Red M3. Well done.

[Dino355]

Originally Posted by xs2man

Ditchfinder rears = Drift spec yo! Have fun until replaced.

They are bloody awful tyres and are VERY noisy too. I am selling the 19s and going back to the less popular 18s. I've driven cars with both and prefer how the 18s drive. Tyres are cheaper too!

[MattOz]

Nice one Dino. Welcome to the club.

I really wanted an Imola Red CS when I was looking, but there was nothing available at the time. Love it as a colour.