wsybert

I have been on this kick about the E46 M3's. Finally drove a couple this weekend.
Two 2002's, one with a 6 spd and one with an SMG.

Wow, the SMG is fantastic! A true manual / clutch style transmission with a computer controlled hydraulic clutch. Not your automatics that are advertised as being an auto/manual, like you see in other cars. The SMG transmission is actually the same transmission that is in the 6 sp version. (At least that is what I am reading), but with a computer controlled clutch.
It was amazing how much it felt like a true manual but not having to use a clutch. I kept wanting to push an invisible clutch when starting out. One of the coolest features is the rev matching on a down shift. The computer actually blips the throttle to match the revs on all downshifts.
I would love to have spent more time with it.

Anyways... I drove them both, and really liked them. Then I got back into my 964 and all thing were right again.
I know they are completely different cars. IMHO the 964 is just more of a drivers car. You feel more in touch with what is going on around you. I felt a little removed from the driving experience in the M3. Not as much with the SMG equipped car, as it was much more raw than the 6spd... many suspension mods and a very harsh ride.
Maybe someday if I need a larger coupe with a real backseat and trunk... but for now I am sticking to the 964.

cobracarrera

Glad that you are keeping the 964....Seems a lot are for sale lately...

I drove my friends wifes' competition series, blue, 6 speed.. M3 (dont know the year though)...It is nice but I would not get ride of my 964 for it...


The 964 is more of a drivers car..... as you said.

Hoosier_Daddy

Absolutely... it's the reason I prefer my 964 to the later cars. (as a weekend sports car) There are also many among us who say that real Porsches have torsion bars...

HD

Wachuko

Sometimes all it takes is driving another car to better appreciate ours... we get use to our cars and take them for granted... I know I do...

I am using the 964 this week and it is just a great car to drive. The feel and overall stimulations to the senses is great. A true driver's car that still allows me to take the children to school in the morning.

911addict

I have had a load of crap with my car this year, big repair bills, bad fitting aftermarket parts, poor workmanship and disputes with specialists......
but the car came back this weekend, I drove it for over 250 miles, and the smile is back!!

madmoog

[QUOTE=Wachuko;4840692]Sometimes all it takes is driving another car to better appreciate ours... we get use to our cars and take them for granted... I know I do... QUOTE]

Would we get away with the same analogy for trying another woman

hawk911

not in my house. ^

I get giddy everytime I drive the car, so I haven't had a need to drive one of those "other" cars yet.

Wachuko

[QUOTE=madmoog;4841652]Let us know... or leave it in your will to update this thread with the details of your "accidental" death

wsybert

Even if it doesn't make the will, we'll know why. Too funny.

I have to say, that I can not get that SMG transmission out of my head.
If I just had more room in the garage.........
I wonder if my wife would mind parking outside all winter? Then there may be two accidental deaths.

Wachuko

Used M3 prices are very tempting (I just saw a few around 28-30K!!). I just wonder of how long before the playstation controls get boring? Or the added complexity for the maintenance of these solenoids and additional electronics.

But a manual version... Very tempting... humm...

wsybert

My biggest concern on the M3 is maintenance... it scares me. Even outside the SMG, I am sure there are specialized electronic tools that are used.

Not sure about the boredom on the SMG... I truly had to learn to drive again.
I think there will be a lot of opportunity to master it and make it work for you.
( I am saying I liked it again...)

Wachuko

Not saying that I do not like the SMG... I drove an AM DB9 the few weeks back and that things was a trip!! (mind you, that one is a normal auto with the padle shift) but it was an awesome experience...

Before that I drove the Maserati (similar to what the BMW has), it was a bit jerky on slower speeds but it was still pretty cool.

Due to the engine problems some initial M3 had a lot of these cars have 100K miles warranties... so just get one with lower miles and go have some fun with it.

wsybert

Just what I need.... a push!
Still thinking about it.