e46 M3 - thoughts?

[micbain]

Originally Posted by Southern-Nupe

Actually,

The NSX can be had for a good price depending on year, plus you rarely find any with an outrageous number of miles. In Houston, it's not uncommon to find a 91'-93' in the $25,000-35,000 range. If I didn't need the extra room, I would easily take a NSX over an M3, just for the sake of owning a great handling exotic...the Acura is definately rarer, and would likely garner more attention (if that's what you want).

How's the cost of ownership on the NSX?

I guess I could always get one shipped to Vancouver (where its hard finding a good car as they are either overpriced or rebuilt status).

I'm not much for attention - I just want a modern classic I can garage and drive on weekends/evenings and use on the odd day for work.

 

[Southern-Nupe]

Originally Posted by micbain

How's the cost of ownership on the NSX?

I guess I could always get one shipped to Vancouver (where its hard finding a good car as they are either overpriced or rebuilt status).

I'm not much for attention - I just want a modern classic I can garage and drive on weekends/evenings and use on the odd day for work.
Tire wear is supposedly horrendous, due to camber. However, it's essentially problem free for an exotic, especially in comparison to some Ferrari's and Porsches.

Plus it seems perfect for an occasional drivers car.

 

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by Andre Yew

I'm not sure. The Z coupes have always been cult cars. The Z3 because it was so polarizing in its look, but it's one of my favorite cars judging by its looks alone. The Z4 looks more mainstream, relatively speaking, but I think it's still an acquired taste for most people. --Andre
Interesting. I'm a sucker for fastbacks, and think it's pretty stunning.

Originally Posted by Southern-Nupe

Actually, The NSX can be had for a good price depending on year, plus you rarely find any with an outrageous number of miles. In Houston, it's not uncommon to find a 91'-93' in the $25,000-35,000 range. If I didn't need the extra room, I would easily take a NSX over an M3, just for the sake of owning a great handling exotic...the Acura is definately rarer, and would likely garner more attention (if that's what you want).
I saw one a few weeks ago, in black. It was stunning. Then a Lotus Esprit followed. Heck of a caravan. I also really looked at an NSX, but unfortunately I need a 'most of the time' car, not merely a weekender. So get it if you can! There are some neat Top Gear NSX vids out there on YouTube. ~ Huntsman

 

[voxsartoria]

Originally Posted by JayJay

I like the looks of the e46 M3 better than the current version. Very nice looking car with a lot of getup.

I got my M3 in 2002, and every day of ownership has been a pleasure, whether on the track or as a daily driver. One thing that I will say about an E46 M3 is that everything on it can be tweaked except for the engine, and the rewards from modding it carefully are substantial. Here are few shots of mine:

Reliability on mine has been rock solid.

I think that time will prove the E46 M3, as the ultimate expression of the BMW inline 6, to be a classic. I don't think that I will ever sell mine.

- B

 

[JayJay]

vox, nice pics of a beautiful car. Thanks for posting.

 

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

I got my M3 in 2002, and every day of ownership has been a pleasure, whether on the track or as a daily driver. One thing that I will say about an E46 M3 is that everything on it can be tweaked except for the engine, and the rewards from modding it carefully are substantial. Here are few shots of mine:

Reliability on mine has been rock solid. I think that time will prove the E46 M3, as the ultimate expression of the BMW inline 6, to be a classic. I don't think that I will ever sell mine. - B
Great shots, man. I'd be well and truly proud of that one...

 

[audiophilia]

Great car.

 

[micbain]

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

I got my M3 in 2002, and every day of ownership has been a pleasure, whether on the track or as a daily driver. One thing that I will say about an E46 M3 is that everything on it can be tweaked except for the engine, and the rewards from modding it carefully are substantial. Here are few shots of mine:

Reliability on mine has been rock solid.

I think that time will prove the E46 M3, as the ultimate expression of the BMW inline 6, to be a classic. I don't think that I will ever sell mine.

- B

If you don't mind me asking, what have you done to the car?

To be honest, you posted a picture of your car in the WAYWT thread and thats what got me thinking about this car...

 

[LabelKing]

I don't know why you couldn't use an NSX as a daily car. I see them on the roads sometimes.

 

[pause63]

regarding the NSX, you might want to consider ride height. ive only seen the nsx in passing, but the low ride height was immediately apparent. also the midengine design serverly limites cargo space. i would love to test one someday, the driving experience is supposed to be incredible.
also, i love the m coupe. m3 engine, lighter chassis; whats not to love. the z4 chassis makes me hate the 1 series so much.. the 1 series is only 300 lbs lighter than a 3 series plus a whole new world of ugly.

 

[voxsartoria]

Originally Posted by micbain

If you don't mind me asking, what have you done to the car?

To be honest, you posted a picture of your car in the WAYWT thread and thats what got me thinking about this car...

Thank you. Mostly all the changes have been made to enhance track performance.

Suspension: Ground Control systems double adjustable coilover suspension with camber plates (the camber plates allow me to adjust the front easily, although I tend to run crazy race camber even for daily use). Ground Control front and rear adjustable anti-swaybars. The car is also lowered compared to stock. Wheels are RAC Monolite RG-4s, cold forged in Japan and purpose built for the M3, running Michelin PS-2s. These are big wheels running big tires.

Powertrain, etc.: AFE cold air intake. Conforti engine management software. Eisennman exhaust. Autosolutions "ultimate" short shifter. 4.10 rear differential. Brembo GT brakes all around.

Cosmetic: Most of the North American plastic interior bits have been replaced with nappa leather pieces from BMW Individual (BMW's in house bespoke line)...e.g., the dash and center console are leather rather than plastic. Trim pieces are in carbon fiber that I also had made in Germany using the same type of carbon fiber that is used in the M3 CSL.

It was all a lot of work, but worth it for me.

As for the NSX, that is a great car. It's not as practical as an M3 because it is a two-seater, and the one time that I have driven one, it felt, well, antique to me. I have a four year old little boy, and he rides in a Recaro car seat in the back.

He often says, "Faster, daddy, faster!"

- B

 

[gamblor]

voxsartoria,

Excellent example, all the modifications seem very tasteful and compliment the overall aesthetic of the car.

If you have some interior pics I would love to see them, some times I dream of having a burgundy interior with custom touches as I tool around in my 89 3 series.

 

[micbain]

Originally Posted by gamblor

voxsartoria,

Excellent example, all the modifications seem very tasteful and compliment the overall aesthetic of the car.

If you have some interior pics I would love to see them, some times I dream of having a burgundy interior with custom touches as I tool around in my 89 3 series.

+1 - Interior shots would be appreciated!

 

[Huntsman]

Just saw an e46 in Laguna Seca blue. Stunning car!

I wonder where member LSeca is -- good guy, miss his posts.

~ Huntsman

 

[micbain]

Thought I'd show a little love for the E30 and E36.... both have aged very well (IMHO)


E30



E36