BostonDMD

I know lots of bimmer guys hang out here...... so I "solicit" your advice.......

If you were to buy a fresh used e46M3 or e60M5 as a summer daily ride, with the possibility to take her on a couple of track days "to shake the cob webs".........

Would you get an SMG or 6-speed transmission?

Thanks......

fuenfer

E92 M3.

P.J.S.

smg in the M5 -- car was designed for it... the manual was an afterthought after customers started complaining that they wanted manual trans... I have read that the ratios are not good with the motor... never experienced it first hand though

E46 is a classic especially in Comp package form

If you need a back seat -- the choice is obvious
If you do not... I would take the m3 in comp pkg form with a 6 speed

JimmiLew

Spring is right around the corner. I'm pulling the Bimmer out soon. Ready for your test drive there Doc?

LDadrenaline

SMG all the way.

Gary R.

Get a 335i, toss in a Dinan package and go!

cgomez

SMG all the way and really learn to LFB.
However, neither car is good for more than 2-3 all-out laps (Brakes will collapse). Sure, you can track a E46 M3 "as is", but will have to ease off to let everything cool down every 2-3 laps (unless you put a good BBK). Also, without proper camber in front (more than -2.5) you will kill your front tires in no time.
As a DD go for the M5; more is always better (The new E92 M3 is almost the same weight as the old E39 M5)...

AudiOn19s

I've driven a couple of SMG cars and they're great on the track...and not so great around town.

Wouldn't own one personally for fear of all the pump failures and problems they had...esp the early ones in the E46.

Andy

BostonDMD

Jimmy, just tell me when and where.......

Maybe I should get to ride in yours too.........this Saturday?

Lemming

I agree, low speed shifting of the E46 SMG is clunky at best, spirited shifting is fine.

JimmiLew

Guys...

I have a E46 M3 Competition package with a manual. Sweet car! I did take it to LRP one day and after one session (20 minutes) I burned the left front tire off the car. It chunked and went flat within 24 hours!

If you want to really track one of these things, it will be the usual one thing leads to another list of suspension mods. You know how that goes! The brakes, though, are pretty good (on a comp package), no fade and very stout!

Its a VERY well balanced car and easy to drive! I was easily doing 1:04s at LRP with no mods. Not too bad for a stock street car! I wont mod this one, its just a nice summer daily driver.

Doc: Tues/Weds looks good this week. Can you swing by the Concord area around lunchtime?

JL

jaholmes

The 335 and the 135 are interesting options. Still looking to see what it takes to get these things to stop right.

300 hp / 300 torque are some pretty good numbers, just on the heavy side.

Too bad they do don't do the diesel in a coupe.

Chulo

E60 M5 was meant to be an SMG. The 6 speed is just a mess.. E46s are awesome cars. I'd go for a 6 speed in that one, however. Sweet engine, sweet gearbox. If you are going to consider an E46, why not consider an E39 M5? Proper 6 speed and torque for days... Any of these cars are going to be pigs on the track.

BostonDMD

Jimmy........

This week won't work........... you know patients get in the way.......

We should definetly get together for lunch......

I could pick your brain a bit more about racing.....

maybe check out your e46, although.........

my wife is pretty set on the M5....... more room for the kids......

I guess if I had to, I could live with that.........

JimmiLew

Doc,

Next week is tough. Maybe the week after that. I only take the car out if the roads are salt free and dry. I am sure we'll work something out. Lunch sounds great, though I suspect I should be picking your brains about racing these days!

JL