ArneeA

I just got rid of my E46 M3. A few things about the E46 M3 (I hope I don't offend anyone)...

My Pros:
+Rod bearings aren't really an issue if you're MY03+.

+8k RPM redline on the I6 sings!

My Cons:
-The weak subframe that tends to get ripped out if you're doing alot of track or any kind of high lateral g cornering.

-The oil has to be specifically Castrol TWS 10w60 that cannot be found on your local Pep Boys store (they'll laugh at you if you ask them for it or give you some regular oil).

-Dual-mass flywheel and self-adjusting clutch with clutch delay valve separates the real clutch pedal feel -- this can be alleviated by clutch/flywheel change which may introduce some flywheel chatter.

-Boy racer look...it's passe...even young high schoolers have 'em if they have wealthy parents.

jamie645

I traded an E46 M3 for my 996 and I would be afraid of either of them if they weren't under warranty.

STRASPEC

drive both then make a decision. they are both great cars!

ArneeA

Yep... but I agree with STRASPEC... just drive them both and decide which one YOU really like, not what the forum intarweb people tells you to pick.

AudiOn19s

I Currently own both..love both..and won't get involed in another 10 page thread on which one is better.

Serach and the strengths of each is clearly defined.

Andy

earlyapex

I had a MY 2003.5 and received a letter from BMW stating that it's connecting rods needed to be replaced.

I don't think the self destructing S54 engine thing ever got fully solved?

GSIRM3

Yes it has been resolved. As a precaution, BMW did do the connecting rod bearing recall on all 01, 02, and most 03 M3s. BMW extended the engine warranty on all those cars to 6 year/100,000 miles. What has Porsche done regarding extending the engine warranty on their faulty engines?

The 04-06 M3s did not have any recall. I have not heard of a single instance of rod bearing failure on 04-06 M3s. BMW stil uses the M3 engine in the Z4 M Coupe and M Roadster. The problem is resolved, and it primarily effected a small percentage of the M3s, primarily produced for about a 4 month period of model year 02 production.

LVDell

Huh? There is faulty engines? Ok, so there have been a few grenades lobbed over the wall, but faulty would indicate an epidemic that the majority of owners would be exposed to, like the M3 problems. Nice try, but a swing and a miss

ArneeA

This should be fun.

GSIRM3

As previously stated, the MAJORITY of M3 owners were not exposed to connecting rod bearing failure. BMW replaced connecting rod bearings on most 02 and 03 M3s, but only a small percentage of M3 owners had an engine failure. Probably far less than the number of 911 owners that have had RMS failures, and other significant engine issues.

I have owned an 03, 04, and 06 M3 and never had any problems of any kind. I did have the con. rod bearing recall done on my 03, but never had any indications of any problems before the recall. I have no problems with 911s, and have owned two, and considering a new 997s, if I don't get one of the new V8 M3s. I do think that the 911s, if bought new, are way over priced, but no one forces anyone to pay the inflated price. I just wanted to set the record straight on the M3 engine "problems" for the original poster.

Zoolander

I have owned both a 996 and an E46 M3. Both cars are amazing and gorgeous cars but it will truly come down to a personal preference. The M3 may be a little more practical and a little less obvious(but still damn good looking) car to drive. My wife(silly girl) would like me to get another M3 for that very reason but I will be getting another 996. The 996 in my experience caught more attention was a thrill to drive(sometimes the attention is not always good though).
GSIRM3 and ArneeA-Make some good points and so does STRASPEC.

Read all the threads and opinions you can and then go drive them both and pick the one YOU want.
Good luck.

ruckmjr

I'm lucky enough to own both. Both are great cars! Internet hysteria for both cars. There are problems out there but not as much as you might think. Both cars are solid and problem free for me. I think as far as maintenance goes, the 996 is easier to deal with. No valve adjustements but thats not a good enough reason not to get the M3 if that is the right car for you.

As Arnee says, pick which one is right for you. They are different beasts.

996CABOVA

I had a 03 and a 05 ZCP M3 and now have a 03 Carrera Cab. Both cars are great. Maintenace is the same I would say for both cars never really have had to do anything to either of my cars. The only thing I didnt like about the M3 was the body roll was bad, and 3rd gear just didnt seem to pull hard enough for me, but once into 4th over a 100 the M3 was beauitful. The Carrera feels quicker and theres no body roll. I would take a Carrera but two GREAT CARS

Ray S

I wonder how much the new E92 M3 will weigh. Road & Track just tested a new 335i with an "as tested" weight of 3,815 lbs!

Unless they put the chassis on a major diet, I predict that BMW will continue its trend of offering less performance with more horsepower (than the 911).

The good news is BMW will most likely contiue to offer the value advantage vs. the 911 and I am sure it will continue to offer more space and utility (than the 911).

However, I suspect this value gap will be at it's largest point when you consider value of the car on a per pound basis (i.e. Base Price/Base Weight).

Cpa4S

they are both very well made German cars. i really don't see how maintenance costs are going to lead one to narrow any serious decision process?

i appreciate the attempt to inject a modm of rationality into the process but the choice will likely be made after you drive the h@ll out of each and then choose? so, go down and crack their throttles and see where that takes you.