[reeltime]

E46M is timeless, do it.

i have that same picture as my phone background! Man does this topic really make me wanna buy this M.

A ton of good advice in this thread...but also a lot of BAD 46M information.

I'm a former e90 335is owner from 09-11. Fabulous DD car. Much easier for our family. Loved the torque. But the 335 doesn't give you goose-bumps hanging through a corner like a 46M (owned since Jan 08).

The 46M is a momentum car. The 335is is a flat out beast in a straight line. Two COMPLETELY different animals.

Amen. In 30 years, the high revving six will be looked upon fondly.

05-06 have the most VANOS failures. 01-02 have more subframe failures due to age, but this is easily rectified.

That is garbage. The 01-02's even with the bearing recall have lagged way behind the late model years in VANOS/engine failures. I have no clue why, but the results have been totaled. You pay up the yin-yang for an 05-06 ZCP....when the truth of the matter is you can flash the available options with any INPA/EDIABAs device.

01 is one of the most robust years. Sorry, that is false. Steering ratio is a waste in the ZCP. If you want to upgrade the steering rack, get one from a Z4M coupe. That will tighten up the steering much more than the weeny ZCP rack.

Plenty of S54's with well north of 100k still putting down 300whp SAE N/A. Be wary of the low mileage older cars. They have gremlins...and they are not worth the extra money.

Rod bearing source was changed in 03, not 02. LED tails added and a slightly different DSC module. Otherwise, very much the same.

Bolded for false information.
There is a fix. It's a chromoly hub. The source that makes this cannot stand the BMW forums and refuses to pay sponsorship dues so his threads get largely deleted.

There is also a cryo-treated hub available from Dr. Vanos. However, this will only delay the inevitable failure.

To reiterate, we owned both cars for several years and still own the 46M.

Just trying to give my objective opinion from owning both vehicles. If you have serious inquiries OP, feel free to PM me and we I'd be happy to chat on the phone with you regarding the two vehicles. It really comes down to your needs, wants, and desires.

Mike

p.s. If a close friend of mine asked me to help him find a 46M, I would tell him to look for 01-03 models with a 2" binder of receipts. There is a lot you can learn about the car by sitting down and having a cup of coffee, or a beer, with the previous owner. Avoid dealer trade-ins.

Mike, thanks for all the info. Definitely cleared a lot of stuff up especially since you have both the 335is as well as the E46M. Lots of stuff to think about, but im seriously leaning towards this M. Theres something about them, man. They are unbelievably sexy

I'll definitely be PMing you if i do have any questions thanks!

[itsmeek]

Go w/the e46 m3. I've owned 3 and dearly miss them. The only reason I got the 335 e90 was because I like the turbo's and the modification potential. I have a '12 GT-R coming in to replace my '09 GT-R, otherwise I would have gone w/another E46. Mike is RIGHT ON with his breakdown. I agree w/everything he stated 100%. Might I also suggest going w/the SMG? It takes a while to get used to, but much easier if you drive it as if you have a clutch (let off the gas while shifting during normal driving)

[Kolyan2k]

I had SMG and I liked it. The only thing that my M3 wasn't in for service is the SMG tranny......I had 46k miles on mine. But buying used without warranty, 6-speed would be a better choice I guess.

[ParisF3]

Get both!

[ZheHbKa]

M3!!!!

i would even say m3 over E90 335, not E92 though

[reeltime]

Go w/the e46 m3. I've owned 3 and dearly miss them. The only reason I got the 335 e90 was because I like the turbo's and the modification potential. I have a '12 GT-R coming in to replace my '09 GT-R, otherwise I would have gone w/another E46. Mike is RIGHT ON with his breakdown. I agree w/everything he stated 100%. Might I also suggest going w/the SMG? It takes a while to get used to, but much easier if you drive it as if you have a clutch (let off the gas while shifting during normal driving)

They're seriously such amazing cars, i drove one once and was completely blown away. I just can't decide what to do. GTR is a whole different category, must be fun driving that beast . I like the whole idea of the SMG but i'm not really into owning and driving one (if that makes sense lol). I can't trade in that feeling you get from doing a perfect heal-to-toe shift to just letting off the gas! I bought my e90 in a standard and will probably get the M in a standard as well. Plus, without warranty, SMG can be a headache and a half!

I had SMG and I liked it. The only thing that my M3 wasn't in for service is the SMG tranny......I had 46k miles on mine. But buying used without warranty, 6-speed would be a better choice I guess.

Yeah if i went ahead and bought one i would definitely be getting a 6speed unless i got an amazing deal on one with an SMG.

Get both!

Only if it was that simple! . Maybe if i can get an E46M for a good deal, i might keep my E90 as well!

M3!!!!

i would even say m3 over E90 335, not E92 though

Love the emphasis on the M haha! Yeah i would probably take an E92 335i over an E46M. I'm not gonna lie though, it all depends on my mood. Some days i tell myself i'm gonna get the M and others i just stare at my car and drool over it. Tough decision...but i'll decide soon...some day...

[MisterEm]

Originally Posted by e90driva

They're seriously such amazing cars, i drove one once and was completely blown away. I just can't decide what to do. GTR is a whole different category, must be fun driving that beast . I like the whole idea of the SMG but i'm not really into owning and driving one (if that makes sense lol). I can't trade in that feeling you get from doing a perfect heal-to-toe shift to just letting off the gas! I bought my e90 in a standard and will probably get the M in a standard as well. Plus, without warranty, SMG can be a headache and a half!

Yeah if i went ahead and bought one i would definitely be getting a 6speed unless i got an amazing deal on one with an SMG.

Don't ignore them until you try one out. The SMG car is a lot of fun, and I love three pedals. The SMG performs flawlessly when you wring the S54's neck. The rev matched downshifts are perfectly synchronized. The SMG is a manual car and you need to drive it like a manual. Truly.

Just as an FYI: If you ever have any issues with the hydraulic system with the SMG, the swap to a 6mt is about $4-500 in machine work and a recode. That is it.

The swap between the two is rather simple as well. Most shops charge from $1500-$2000 ish. Secondly, you can sell off the hydraulic gear for the SMG fan boys and make much of this back. If the pump is working, it will be a wash.

The transmissions are the same unlike the DCT/Manual in the E9X or the Slushbox/5MT in the E36 models.

Moral of the story, test drive an SMG car if you like the 46M. Second, don't ignore an SMG car even if you're a diehard manual guy. The swap is routine now.

Just remember which transmission system went into the CSL. There is a reason for it!

[ZZZZ]

Originally Posted by MisterEm

Don't ignore them until you try one out. The SMG car is a lot of fun, and I love three pedals. The SMG performs flawlessly when you wring the S54's neck. The rev matched downshifts are perfectly synchronized. The SMG is a manual car and you need to drive it like a manual. Truly.

Just as an FYI: If you ever have any issues with the hydraulic system with the SMG, the swap to a 6mt is about $4-500 in machine work and a recode. That is it.

The swap between the two is rather simple as well. Most shops charge from $1500-$2000 ish. Secondly, you can sell off the hydraulic gear for the SMG fan boys and make much of this back. If the pump is working, it will be a wash.

The transmissions are the same unlike the DCT/Manual in the E9X or the Slushbox/5MT in the E36 models.

Moral of the story, test drive an SMG car if you like the 46M. Second, don't ignore an SMG car even if you're a diehard manual guy. The swap is routine now.

Just remember which transmission system went into the CSL. There is a reason for it!

Agree 100%! Diehard 6MT here too, and would swap it for another SMG in a heartbeat!

[MisterEm]

You can get well maintained 46M's for very cheap. I would take a well maintained car over a low mileage car with unknown history ANY day.

FWIW: A friend and coworker just picked up a Silbergrau 6mt with 71k for $18,500. The interior is mint. Body and paint is 9/10.

The only thing the car "needed" was RTABs and an alignment. The car drives better than a lot of the $22-28k cars that folks are a bit too proud of.

Maintenance > mileage.

[DMafia46]

m3 = 335i - Both are completely different cars , each have something special or unique to them
But i love the M3 its has a slight edge in my mind.

335i>330i - Leaps and bounds above the 330i , 330i doesnt hold a candle to the 335i.

In conclusion E46m > 330i - Simple 330i shouldnt be even compared against the e46m. The best M3 was the E46 model, it was no sorry it is the Ultimate Driving Machine.

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by gary88

E46M is timeless, do it.

This. I wish i went with an E46/E92 M3

[anerbe]

When comparing the M3 I drove for 4 years vs. the 335 I currently have...

Daily Commute: 335 > M3 - For the extra technology (iDrive) as well as the improved comfort with the same acceleration, I enjoy the 335 on the commute more. It's 90% of the E46 M3's performance with about 50% more luxury.

Looks: M3 all the way - timeless.

Recreational / Weekend driving: M3 >> 335. Not the same experience.

You will be satisfied with either an M3 or 335. Both will provide more fun than your existing car.

[idrift4wd]

imo, the 330 is a great car no doubt, but the m3 is a LOVABLE car. Sometimes a regular e90 doesnt have that. i dont LOVE my 335i. But i LOVE my friends e46

[dlbrooks18]

E46 M3 without question over a 330..

Your car sounds nice tho so be comfortable with whatever decision you make. Let us know what you end up doing.

[BAL278]

Originally Posted by gary88

E46M is timeless, do it.

THIS ^^

[reeltime]

Don't ignore them until you try one out. The SMG car is a lot of fun, and I love three pedals. The SMG performs flawlessly when you wring the S54's neck. The rev matched downshifts are perfectly synchronized. The SMG is a manual car and you need to drive it like a manual. Truly.

Just as an FYI: If you ever have any issues with the hydraulic system with the SMG, the swap to a 6mt is about $4-500 in machine work and a recode. That is it.

The swap between the two is rather simple as well. Most shops charge from $1500-$2000 ish. Secondly, you can sell off the hydraulic gear for the SMG fan boys and make much of this back. If the pump is working, it will be a wash.

The transmissions are the same unlike the DCT/Manual in the E9X or the Slushbox/5MT in the E36 models.

Moral of the story, test drive an SMG car if you like the 46M. Second, don't ignore an SMG car even if you're a diehard manual guy. The swap is routine now.

Just remember which transmission system went into the CSL. There is a reason for it!

Very good point. Actually today i took out an 05 e46m SMG out for test drive...not gonna lie..i loved it haha. It's no full on manual..but damn is it close to it

Agree 100%! Diehard 6MT here too, and would swap it for another SMG in a heartbeat!

Drove the SMG..loved it!

You can get well maintained 46M's for very cheap. I would take a well maintained car over a low mileage car with unknown history ANY day.

FWIW: A friend and coworker just picked up a Silbergrau 6mt with 71k for $18,500. The interior is mint. Body and paint is 9/10.

The only thing the car "needed" was RTABs and an alignment. The car drives better than a lot of the $22-28k cars that folks are a bit too proud of.

Maintenance > mileage.

The guy i was talking to about the one with 23k miles washed out anyways...haven't heard back from him haha

Quote:

E46M is timeless, do it.


This. I wish i went with an E46/E92 M3

I can't quote the picture..but everytime i see that picture i just stare and stare... Can't help it

When comparing the M3 I drove for 4 years vs. the 335 I currently have...

Daily Commute: 335 > M3 - For the extra technology (iDrive) as well as the improved comfort with the same acceleration, I enjoy the 335 on the commute more. It's 90% of the E46 M3's performance with about 50% more luxury.

Looks: M3 all the way - timeless.

Recreational / Weekend driving: M3 >> 335. Not the same experience.

You will be satisfied with either an M3 or 335. Both will provide more fun than your existing car.

I agree with you. the E90/E92/E93 have a really comfortable ride but like you said the E46M is just a whole different experience.

imo, the 330 is a great car no doubt, but the m3 is a LOVABLE car. Sometimes a regular e90 doesnt have that. i dont LOVE my 335i. But i LOVE my friends e46

I don't know anyone that owns an e46 m3 but i seriously couldn't agree more with you!

THIS ^^

Again haha i don't know how to quote the picture, but man do i seriously love that picture.


I have an auction license so i always keep an eye out for nice Ms as well as 335I's..today i was at the auction and there was an Imola red 05 m3 (95k miles) with an SMG tranny and OEM navigation. Thing looked like it was in mint condition. Yesterday, I had spoken to the dealer selling it today and he said mint condition...no accidents or nothing...checked the carfax and it showed up with 3 accidents...The guy was looking for 20k for it...the auction went up to 16.7k i believe, and he didn't sell. I honestly wish i can see him again next week so i can show him the carfax and laugh in his face

[jkman510]

Originally Posted by MisterEm

A ton of good advice in this thread...but also a lot of BAD 46M information.

Bolded for false information.
There is a fix. It's a chromoly hub. The source that makes this cannot stand the BMW forums and refuses to pay sponsorship dues so his threads get largely deleted.

There is also a cryo-treated hub available from Dr. Vanos. However, this will only delay the inevitable failure.

So...who is this vendor? I haven't seen or heard of it before - probably since I don't live on forums and didnt see the deleted threads. I'd love to have solution to this!

Dr. Vanos Cryo-treated with redrilled holes is an option too, but as mentioned - they still break.


Edit: You must be talking about turbotoy's hubs. Definetly an option, but only time will tell I guess.

[Chef NOLA]

The M3 from that generation is simply a drop dead gorgeous car. I have a 330i which is a great car to drive, but it ain't got that classic look..IMHO

[sippinblkgold]

I was dead set on e46 m3 until I went to buy - ended up with the 330i sport package. Just so much more modern and convenient. Honestly I think the e90 looks better than the M but that's just me. Also threw on perf exhaust and it has enough ooph to get me by for now. HOWEVER, since you've had the e90 for a while, why not go for the M!

[vsky330i]

Originally Posted by e93driva

Whats up guys?? i currently own and love my e90 BSM 330i, but i've always loved the E46 M3s..i'm debating selling my E90 and buying an e46 m3. I love the looks of my e90 but there's something about that ///M that keeps me asking the question...which one do i really want?

Just thought i'd ask the question and open it up to some of you guys..I know in the end it's my own choice and opinion but i wanna see what your guys' opinion on this.

E46 M3 or E90 330i??

I've questioned this myself when buying my 330i (and even now looking at this thread haha) so I feel its a common temptation for a lot of 330i owners all the time. I recently felt the temptation of getting that e46 again because I was debating if I wanted to spend a big chunk of money @ 75k miles to maintain my 330i or put a down payment on a clean Carbon Black e46 m3 with low miles.

Here's why I decided to keep my 330i...
My cousin owns a TiAG e46 M3 bought used @ 15k miles,around the same time I bought my 330i after I didn't pick it up. At first, he loved it and it was his crown jewel...but now I never see it at the family meetings because it's always in the shop for something (in and out the past 4-5years).

Granted, every car has its problems based on several factors but personally, as much as I covet his e46 m3, RELIABILITY has been the x-factor with my 330i. So far, I've only spent about $4k on maintenance for everything these past 7 years (out of CPO warranty) and most of the cost ($3k) was from recent work this year to get it back running in perfect condition to be garaged for a bit (water pump/t stat/spark plugs/gaskets/brake pads/rotors/3 tires...yes I worked a great deal with my mech!).

My cousin's e46 m3 on the other hand, while sexy as hell, probably had about $8k+ worth of work/maintenance (of what he told me...tranny/fuel pump/water pump/electronics/etc.) out of warranty these past 8 years. He loves it, but its a high maintenance "model wife" he can't let go :/

I'd say, if you're questioning this, stick with the 330i. Its the safer and more reliable bet. "Ultimate Driving Machine" title means nothing if its always in the shop and making you broke (unless you got the dough). Save money and get the new M4 when you have enough money!

Sorry for the long post but hope this story helps!

[vsky330i]

Originally Posted by e93driva

Whats up guys?? i currently own and love my e90 BSM 330i, but i've always loved the E46 M3s..i'm debating selling my E90 and buying an e46 m3. I love the looks of my e90 but there's something about that ///M that keeps me asking the question...which one do i really want?

Just thought i'd ask the question and open it up to some of you guys..I know in the end it's my own choice and opinion but i wanna see what your guys' opinion on this.

E46 M3 or E90 330i??

I've questioned this myself when buying my 330i (and even now looking at this thread haha) so I feel its a common temptation for a lot of 330i owners all the time. I recently had the temptation again of getting that e46 again because I was debating if I wanted to spend a big chunk of money @ 75k miles to maintain my 330i or put a down payment on a clean Carbon Black e46 m3 with low miles.

Here's why I decided to keep my 330i...
My cousin owns a TiAG e46 M3 bought used @ 15k miles,around the same time I bought my 330i after I didn't pick it up. At first, he loved it and it was his crown jewel...but now I never see it at the family meetings because it's always in the shop for something (in and out the past 4-5years).

Granted, every car has its problems based on several factors but personally, as much as I covet his e46 m3, RELIABILITY has been the x-factor with my 330i. So far, I've only spent about $4k on maintenance for everything these past 7 years (out of CPO warranty) and most of the cost ($3k) was from recent work this year to get it back running in perfect condition to be garaged for a bit (water pump/t stat/spark plugs/gaskets/brake pads/rotors/3 tires...yes I worked a great deal with my mech!).

My cousin's e46 m3 on the other hand, while sexy as hell, probably had about $8k+ worth of work/maintenance out of warranty these past 8 years. He loves it, but its a high maintenance "model wife" he can't let go :/

I'd say, if you're questioning this, stick with the 330i. Its the safer and more reliable bet. "Ultimate Driving Machine" title means nothing if its always in the shop and making your broke (unless you got the dough). Save money and get the new M4 when you have enough money!

Sorry for the long post but hope this story helps!

[3s4u2]

Get a E90 M3 and be done with it!