jford

Thought about putting this in the OT forum but wanted some feedback from some track rats specifically.

Thinking about pulling the trigger on an E46 M3 Vert. would be letting the 964 Cab go for a bit more luxery and roomier back seats. I know the Vert. is a bit of a pig at 3800 lb. +/-. Wondering if anyone here has one and thier thoughts on the car.

TIA,

Jamie

David 23

I've got a coupe, and love it. I haven't done any serious track work in it, but the power is very impressive, with more torque than the 993 and the feeling that it will just keep pulling harder and harder when pressed. I would certainly suggest suspension work if you are going to track one seriously. Even just the installation of F&R sway bars was a huge improvement to reduce body roll.
For a daily driver or road trips, the E46 M3 is an amazing car. Power, handling, comfort, and perfect ergonomics. It does everything well and gobbles up road miles in all day comfort. I have no regrets or dissappointments with the car.

jford

Thanks David. No plans for the track, the 993 is set up perfectley right now and not much of a street car at this point.

As much as I love my 964 it is a bit raw and with good twisties about an 90 min (by highway) away the drive there is not that much of a joy. Thinking the M3 might be a good comprimise w/o giving up too much performance.

Jamie

Lemming

I had a 2003 coupe for about 1.5 years. I pretty much agree with David's assessment. Coming from an E36M3, I thought that there was too little road feel and the steering was not as crisp (too much lux for me). The engine was fantastic but the clutch had no feel at all. Certainly a comfortable car to use as a daily driver or for extended highway use.

David 23

Lemming is right about lack of clutch feel, maybe that is one reason many people get the SMG, but in my mind the very impressive engine makes up for the clutch. The road feel can probably be increased pretty easily with suspension mods.

Lemming

I've heard/read that you can modify the clutch delay valve to increase clutch feel. Had I kept the car, I would have done the mod http://www.e46m3performance.com/installs/lock-valve/

jford

Good info guys thanks.

Hoping for somone to chime in with a Vert. its a full 400lb heavier than the coupe. Lots and lots of debate and discussion on the BMW boards but would love a first hand opinion from somone here.

Thanks,

Jamie

amaist

I am on my second E46M3 coupe. Tracked it a lot. Did the whole big brake kit + JRZ suspension thing. Kept GT3s honest. Zero engine mods.
On the 2003 I had the CDV (clutch delay valve) removed. On the 2006 it seems to be absent. Clutch feels good.

Now the M3 is on stock suspension. Perfect for the street.

This is just my opinion but I would not waste an M3 on a convertible. A 330Ci is just fine for that purpose.

Lemming

Or a 335 with the new twin turbo pushing 300hp.

nkhalidi

I believe there's a guy here whose wife has an E46 M3 convertible.

I've had two coupes, they're fantastic cars. Echo basically what everyone here has already said. And here's an ad for a low-mileage '05: https://rennlist.com/forums/for-sale-ads-member-to-member-fs-wtb-free/349309-2005-bmw-m3-coupe-red-black-18-000-miles.html

jford

Saw that ad nkhaldi car looks nice.

Andrei...I have had those thoughts as well as far as getting a 330 Vert. 100 HP diff. though and the styling of the M3 is much meatier. Up side is the 330 will be a good 10k less.

Lemming 335 is out my range at the moment as I think the vert (with the retractible hard top) is pushing 50K.

Jamie

Gary R.

And I know where a 2001 is for sale cheap!

jford

Gary,

Holding out for the M3 for now. Good luck with the sale and enjoy the 335!

Jamie

jago

a 330 in 'ZHP' perfomance package would be a good find also. styling upgraded to close to M3 level (i think better actually) , suspension and engine component upgrades, and more street-friendly ride than M3.
good luck!

pu911rsr

I don't know what the E46 converts are like I have a E36 M3 convert. and it is not near as stiff as I would of expected. Decent car for tooling around with kids.
Phil