Has anyone thought about switching up for an e46 M3?

[nike001]

Just wondering... I've really been contemplating trying to squeeze an M3 into my budget. (this is thanks to my step-dad's new 335xi) and every time i get out of his car and into mine it's almost a complete disappointment power wise.

I love the M3's in a totally different way than my ZHP. In my opinion, the ZHP's just look better. I've always liked the BMW sedans over the coupes for some reason. I just think coupes look funny. But e46 m's with the 19's and a nice paint job definitely get me going.

Input?

**notice I didn't have "trade up" in the title ;) I don't see an M3 as a step up..Just a different car.

[RITmusic2k]

I expect that my next car is going to be an e46 M3; I love my ZHP to pieces, but it doesn't throw me into the back of my seat like my last car did, despite being a faster car on paper; there's something to be said for the deceptively smooth power delivery of this car, but there's also something to be said for that experience of acceleration that's strong enough to make your face tingle.

I figured, however, that it'd be a bad move to jump straight into an M3 since I've never owned a RWD car before, and I should get used to the new driving sensations in something a little more sedate. I know I made the right choice; the ZHP is still powerful enough to scare me in certain scenarios, so it'll be awhile before I'm ready to step it up. Also, I'll need a little time to come to terms with the loss of my rear doors if I make the switch.

[Cadeez]

Had an E36 M3 coupe...LOVED it. I'd really like to have an E46 M3 someday, because like you I severely miss the raw power of that car, everyday. But it would have to be a 2nd car, because to me a coupe is just not functional, hence me no longer owning my beloved E36. And I don't even have a family, I just need a car with 4 doors. Honestly I'd probably still have my Grand Cherokee had it not been for 9-10 mpg on super emptying my wallet 5 times per month. I still peruse craigslist to see what's out there, but right now 4 doors, cheap insurance and good mileage trump hp. :crying

[kayger12]

I gave this some thorough thought before I settled on the ZHP. For many reasons, I decided on the ZHP.

If I eventually go to an M3, it won't be an E46, and it will be in addition to my ZHP.

I don't plan on ever getting rid of the ZHP.

[nike001]

Yeah it's definitely not easy to explain how I feel about my ZHP. I know it looks good, and better than 95% of other cars on the road right now..but I just think 333hp would be nice lol

Not sure how insurance would be on a 2 door coupe with that much power.

[Mike V]

I've been thinking about this hard over the last couple weeks. If the right deal comes along, I will be doing it. I've thought about selling the ZHP and just driving the RX-7 until I find an M3 but I'm not completely sure if I want to sell the ZHP yet. I get irritated every time one wheel spins in the back, the seats are too hard for extended trips, and it rides pretty choppy for an non-M. I don't mean to sound like I don't like the car. I do like it... but I don't love it, if that makes any sense. If I'm paying $18k+ for a car, it needs to be something that I love. I haven't had many non-M BMWs (besides my old E30s), so i guess I'm just accustomed to them. There is just something special about the M cars... they do everything so well.

[aurelius]

I've considered this too. The ZHP is my 2nd E46 330 sedan and it's really up my alley in a lot of ways.

A friend will soon be selling his immaculate E46 M3 cabrio. Silvergray on gray, not a color combo I would have chosen had I bought one new but I like it. 44k miles, he'll sell to me for $20k.

Tempting. But my real fear is that I won't like it as much as the ZHP. M3 owners will scoff at that claim but the usable low end torque of the ZHP motor really makes a big difference in regular driving.

The S54 motor in the M3 isn't nearly as bad as the E30 M3's S14 in the low end torque dept but the 2 motors def come from the same school of thought. That being power at high revs, at the expense of low rpm torque.

Btw, as much as I LOVE the original E30 M, I'm pretty sure the crankshaft is powered by hamsters below 3k rpm's. (I've owned one since 2002.)

[Marcus-SanDiego]

^^+1

I dislike that about the E30 M3. A real puss at below 3000 rpm. When I was thinking of getting one, I kept thinking grocery getter at low pm levels. Beyond that, love everything about the car.


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

[nike001]

I absolutely fell in love with my zhp's low end torque when I first drove it. But not shifting into 4th to go up the mountain here to my town its really annoying. It's even more annoying when in 4th or 3rd and I'm at wot and the car doesn't gain speed. Irritating to no end. My step dads 335 i can climb a mountain in 6th :P with its torque

[zhpnsnv]

Yep, thought about it, but it ain't happening any time soon. I'll have an E46 M3 one day, not sure when, though. Somewhere in between my eventual E30 M3 (to me, the greatest car ever), and my also eventual M Coupe (the dork).

Nike - it sounds like you like torquey engines as opposed to HP engines. Go test drive a 335d and it'll make your step-dad's Xi feel weak. Also, if you like climbing hills in 6th gear, I don't think the E46 M3 will be for you, either.

[M0nk3y]

FYI - I pay $30 more per month for insurance. Going from a 325 to M Coupe.

Don't drive an M3 until you're seriously committed to purchase. The engine note just rings in your ears, and the torque and power is just incredible.

It'll pull in 3rd and 4th. 6th gear though....ehhh I dunno

[ryankokesh]

... Go test drive a 335d ...

335d will probably be my next BMW. Dunno when though. I'm a sedan person for some reason...and I like me some (relatively good) fuel economy.

[zhpnsnv]

335d will probably be my next BMW. Dunno when though. I'm a sedan person for some reason...and I like me some (relatively good) fuel economy.

The car is friggin' awesome, bottom line. With the sport package, it's complete win. And when you drive it, you realize there's no need for a manual in _that_ car.

Here's my step-mom's D:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/P1060514.jpg

[VA//M3]

I thought about it long and hard. But came to terms and decided to install an LSD on my 330 and all of the sudden i've found myself sane.

This car is a great Daily.

I will definitely get a dedicated weekend/track car M car someday.

[Linh]

Definitely been thinking about it.

Actually looking for AW/convertible to replace the MX5.

Seem DIY maintenance it isn't that much different from the 330i besides the valve adjustments of course.

[thesixsins]

After owning an e46 Coupe for 5 years, My lifestyle changed a bit and I needed 4 doors.
If BM had made an e46 4 door M3, I would have bought one. I still don't like any of the e90 stuff.

[ryankokesh]

I wish they would have made a 4-door e46 m3 as well... Would have been awesome.

[kayger12]

I wish they would have made a 4-door e46 m3 as well... Would have been awesome.

...but then there would never have been a ZHP. :(

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

...but then there would never have been a ZHP. :(

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

And none of us would be on this forum.

Thanks, BMW!

[danewilson77]

And none of us would be on this forum.

Thanks, BMW!

And we would have all been sad and incomplete....

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[nike001]

lol i think i'm gonna keep this for a while. I just think my car looks better than an m3, thats the main thing holding me back.

[static667]

I would love to have an M3. E30, E36, or E46. They are incredible machines. Right now, I'm staying with the more economical car I already have. I kinda like my 30 miles per gallon and lower insurance bill. Not to mention no speeding tickets on my record right now. I'm sure I would find ways to get myself into trouble if I had that kind of power. Another option would be to take the money difference for the upgrade to an E46 M and put it into forced induction and a LSD for your current car. You would have all the power you wanted then.

[M0nk3y]

Just FYI - I get 31 MPG on highway with the Z4M.

I get about 21 city.

The M is definitely a rougher ride. If someone doesn't want to be tossed around on every bump...then stay away. I enjoy it though TBH.

[nike001]

Just FYI - I get 31 MPG on highway with the Z4M.

I get about 21 city.

The M is definitely a rougher ride. If someone doesn't want to be tossed around on every bump...then stay away. I enjoy it though TBH.

I don't mind rough rides lol. I just absolutely babied my car the past day and a half and I'm only averaging 23.5mpgs around my little town :(

[Crickett]

If BM had made an e46 4 door M3, I would have bought one.
That was my exact sentiment until about a month ago: I pined for the +100 hp & LSD. But what changed my mind has been all of the folks here (& elsewhere) who have driven both Ms & ZHPs; they all seem to have the same conclusion that the M's a bit harsh, not terrible as a DD, but that the ZHP strikes the perfect balance ("Just Right") between the M's hard-edged performance & the non-M's comfort. I think BMW truly hit the nail on the head with this "Ultimate Driving Machine".

(Although I think an E90 M3 with selective ride dampening could be a great solution for my next car . . . :eeps)

[SkiB07]

That was my exact sentiment until about a month ago: I pined for the +100 hp & LSD. But what changed my mind has been all of the folks here (& elsewhere) who have driven both Ms & ZHPs; they all seem to have the same conclusion that the M's a bit harsh, not terrible as a DD, but that the ZHP strikes the perfect balance ("Just Right") between the M's hard-edged performance & the non-M's comfort. I think BMW truly hit the nail on the head with this "Ultimate Driving Machine".

(Although I think an E90 M3 with selective ride dampening could be a great solution for my next car . . . :eeps)

The daily driver ride, the good mileage and the 4 doors are the main reasons I decided to stay with the ZHP however, I'm also in the process of tweaking the HP with a Techniques Stage 1 Turbo. This way I can also satisfy the need for speed when the mood strikes and to eliminate the 335i/M3 envy (cheaper too)

[bullfrogs_M3]

The M3 is really a different driving dynamic. My last car was a 2002 M3. While I did enjoy the car, it really is a different driving mindset. The M3 also has a significantly higher cost of ownership. That cost of ownership contains things like:

Stealership Maintenance/Repair Costs
Insurance Costs
Fuel Costs
Aftermarket Costs
Tire Costs

I really did love my M3. But it was very expensive to own. I had a $2K SMG repair followed immediately by a $1.5K steering sensor repair bill. This added onto my 75 mile daily commute and cost of fuel, rubber, oil and expensive insurance, finally added up and I said enough. Do I miss the power? Meh.... sometimes. Our cars are more than "zippy" enough and the combination of mods that I have done have gotten me a more stable higher powerband, so I don't miss the power as much anymore. Corner for corner, with my suspension mods, I can hang with any E46 M3 out there, and frequently put my friends M3's to shame. Keep in mind that our frames and bodies are almost EXACTLY the same between the two cars.

That being said? Honestly, if you are considering it, I would probably save up your money just a little longer and get into an E9x. That entire line is coming off of leases and there are a quite a few nice ones available. Your chance for getting into one with a warranty will be greater as well. The E46 M3's that you will find are going to have high mileage and unknown issues. And if you do find a good one, it will most likely be owned/sold by an enthusiast, like us, and will want a premium price for it.

Anyway, just my 2 cent rant....

[Marcus-SanDiego]

And remember, I owned an '09 335 (with Dinan stage II) while I owned the ZHP. I was on the record as saying that if I could only have one (between them), I'd take the ZHP.

Now that my 335 is gone (too many HPFP failures; lemon), I'm so glad I still have this ZHP. There are days when I do miss the straight-line speed. But mostly I find myself saying that the ZHP is the best BMW I've ever owned.

I've said this before and I will say it again: there is more to a car than just HP. BMW really hit a home run with the ZHP. It looks great, it handles well, it's fast enough for everyday driving, and it's special enough (but not that special) to spawn its own forum. :biggrin

As Hitler once said, it's the sum of the parts when it comes to the ZHP (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1105-ZHP-Mafia-Rebellion). He was spot on.

[nike001]

A solid conversation boys! I was hassled yesterday by a bunch of oldschool american car boys about how bmw's are like buicks and they weren't meant for speed and moreso comfort for all old yuppie men and our 'v6' engines are absolutely trash. tsk tsk tsk

Edit: note that these boys have a nissan sentra, an older orange vert mustang w/ neons, and a hyundai tiburon also w/ neons. Stock cars otherwise.

[johnrando]

A solid conversation boys! I was hassled yesterday by a bunch of oldschool american car boys about how bmw's are like buicks and they weren't meant for speed and moreso comfort for all old yuppie men and our 'v6' engines are absolutely trash. tsk tsk tsk

Mafia... mount up! :foottap

Should add my two cents to the thread. Considered M3, chose ZHP. Never looked back, although straight line power is always tempting. John

[kpro]

I almost purchased a 2001 TIag Silver ///M3 with 60k, about 2 months ago, just before this site was introduced to me. I found the car for sale at a friends dealership. We talked numbers on a Friday. I went to drive it on Saturday and couldn't due to a douche sales guy. My guy was with another customer, so I told the sales guy I would be back on Monday to discuss it my guy. Got my loan in order Monday morning, left a message for Justin that I would be in on my lunch. Went to lunch and douche sold my car that morning :( I was really heartbroken. My payment would have dropped by about $40-ish a month, but with a longer term of course.

I decided not to keep searching. I'd rather have my car paid off first (only 19 more payments!!) I'll be in a much better position financially about a year and a half from now, where I wouldn't have to finance the car. So I'm going to wait on the ///M since priorities dictate that all extra cash goes to the house and medical bills right now. We have sliding glass doors that have all started leaking pretty badly this spring, and other nuicances that come with a 20 year old house.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Kristen, good idea on not getting into a new car payment. It's nice to own these cars clean and clear. Just one less thing to spend money on. And it sounds as though you've got some other places to deploy cash.

I like your car. I'd be happy with it. In 19 months, I bet you're going to be even more happy with it. :biggrin

[az3579]

Do I think about upgrading? Hell yes. I'm a power whore; I need some straight-line speed in my life. I miss the raw brutality of my E30, and it may not have been that much faster, it definitely felt faster. Even if my car is never really any faster, as long as it feels like a kick in the nuts, then I'd be happy. That M3 would definitely fit the bill. If. Only. They. Came. With. The. Correct. Number. Of. Doors. :mad


I don't mind rough rides lol. I just absolutely babied my car the past day and a half and I'm only averaging 23.5mpgs around my little town :(

Keyword being town. 23.5 around a town ain't bad at all, especially since that's considered "city" driving, which it's only rated at 20mpg for.

[kpro]

I like your car. I'd be happy with it. In 19 months, I bet you're going to be even more happy with it. :biggrin

Thanks! I like it too :) That Monday the M3 was sold, I bought my replica bumper to quit thinking about it. It worked!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thanks! I like it too :) That Monday the M3 was sold, I bought my replica bumper to quit thinking about it. It worked!

There you go. Glad you found something to tide you over.

[nike001]

Keyword being town. 23.5 around a town ain't bad at all, especially since that's considered "city" driving, which it's only rated at 20mpg for.

I'm not sure if it could be considered a town though. We have one main road that goes through thats littered with lights, and I usually catch them all. Lots of hills too. I kind of want to call it rural, but its a step up from that. Confusing lol

[az3579]

I'm not sure if it could be considered a town though. We have one main road that goes through thats littered with lights, and I usually catch them all. Lots of hills too. I kind of want to call it rural, but its a step up from that. Confusing lol

Doesn't matter. It's still stop and go, even if the go distance is a little longer. When you have to stop for a light, you waste massive amounts of fuel, considering you're sitting there idling getting 0mpg, and then you have to accelerate back up to speed, which also uses a lot of fuel no matter how slowly you do it.

If I'm going around town at the speed limit and I don't have to stop, I can easily get anywhere from 26-30mpg. The second I stop for a light or a stop sign, expect 25 at the most. Another light or stop sign? You just bumped it down to 24.5. Keep subtracting a good half mpg for each stop I make, at a minimum, depending on how long I have to stop for and how frequent the stops are. Around here, there's a stop sign or traffic light every 10 feet. Plus the highways aren't designed well at all, so they're not fuel efficient to drive on. That's why I'm floored that I get 23 or so mpg in my everyday "to work" commute.

[Hornung418]

At one point I was averaging 14.7mpg in my town...Now I can see 18 on occasion, but it's no 23.5!! Dalton...you must have some magic going on under the hood!

[VA//M3]

At one point I was averaging 14.7mpg in my town...Now I can see 18 on occasion, but it's no 23.5!! Dalton...you must have some magic going on under the hood!

I'm getting 25.5 at the moment. New plugs (since I bought the car) , and shaved about 130 pounds out of the car. About to ditch 150 more. (replacing the 70 pound seats with lighter 14-18 pound seats)

[nike001]

Doesn't matter. It's still stop and go, even if the go distance is a little longer. When you have to stop for a light, you waste massive amounts of fuel, considering you're sitting there idling getting 0mpg, and then you have to accelerate back up to speed, which also uses a lot of fuel no matter how slowly you do it.

If I'm going around town at the speed limit and I don't have to stop, I can easily get anywhere from 26-30mpg. The second I stop for a light or a stop sign, expect 25 at the most. Another light or stop sign? You just bumped it down to 24.5. Keep subtracting a good half mpg for each stop I make, at a minimum, depending on how long I have to stop for and how frequent the stops are. Around here, there's a stop sign or traffic light every 10 feet. Plus the highways aren't designed well at all, so they're not fuel efficient to drive on. That's why I'm floored that I get 23 or so mpg in my everyday "to work" commute.

Yeah I understand that. Not complaining at all on fuel economy. I'm more than happy with mine now, especially since my e39 528 got 18.8 before i sold it. So i'm practically jumping for joy now. :)


At one point I was averaging 14.7mpg in my town...Now I can see 18 on occasion, but it's no 23.5!! Dalton...you must have some magic going on under the hood!

Like i said above, i was getting 18.8 around my town in my e39. But on a different note, how did you know my name? lol not gonna lie, it took me by surprise when you said it :P

[Dotpage]

I'll probably end up supercharging my 325i, Don't think I could ever stop moding my car, so an M3 wouldn't be a great blank canvas for me...

[danewilson77]

I'll probably end up supercharging my 325i, Don't think I could ever stop moding my car, so an M3 wouldn't be a great blank canvas for me...

I like the way you think Eduardo....

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[az3579]

Eduardo,
I sure hope you're gonna crank that boost up, because if you only reach ZHP numbers, I'm afraid you're going to be sorely disappointed...
Unless ~230 sounds good to you, in which case, go for it!



At one point I was averaging 14.7mpg in my town...Now I can see 18 on occasion, but it's no 23.5!! Dalton...you must have some magic going on under the hood!

Either your foot is mega heavy or your car ain't runnin' right. Might wanna look into that...

[Dotpage]

230 sounds descent, 325 sounds gigantic :)

but it'll take a while.. 2011 tax return next February sounds about right.. :shifty

[Hornung418]

Yeah I understand that. Not complaining at all on fuel economy. I'm more than happy with mine now, especially since my e39 528 got 18.8 before i sold it. So i'm practically jumping for joy now. :)



Like i said above, i was getting 18.8 around my town in my e39. But on a different note, how did you know my name? lol not gonna lie, it took me by surprise when you said it :P
Haha...Caught on when you, Hyder and Henry have your NE, PA get-together threads on bf.c ;)


Either your foot is mega heavy or your car ain't runnin' right. Might wanna look into that...
Morgantown, WV is very congested (30,000 student drivers) and nobody, myself included, knows how to drive just yet. Add in the massive hills I have to travel to negotiate between Evansdale and Downtown Campuses and my apartment on the Medical campus, you've got 0 mpg :( Back in Bel Air, I get ~19 average. But the roads are so nice at home compared to WVU, that I find my foot on the floor more often than not ;) I get 29 HWY when fully loaded when I travel between the two destinations.

[az3579]

Morgantown, WV is very congested (30,000 student drivers) and nobody, myself included, knows how to drive just yet. Add in the massive hills I have to travel to negotiate between Evansdale and Downtown Campuses and my apartment on the Medical campus, you've got 0 mpg :( Back in Bel Air, I get ~19 average. But the roads are so nice at home compared to WVU, that I find my foot on the floor more often than not ;) I get 29 HWY when fully loaded when I travel between the two destinations.

Ah, that last bit was the redeeming factor. In that case, carry on. :biggrin

[M0nk3y]

On a random note.

330 HP is ALOT of power...Not like it's a bad thing ;)

I've found myself through in 6th gear doing 65 mph and doing alittle pass and I look down and I'm doing 85...it just loves to climb.

I have to be really careful to not get into trouble. I know when to let it all loose of course, the auto-x course; but DD this beast will certainly be a task IMO

[az3579]

On a random note.

330 HP is ALOT of power...Not like it's a bad thing ;)

I've found myself through in 6th gear doing 65 mph and doing alittle pass and I look down and I'm doing 85...it just loves to climb.

I have to be really careful to not get into trouble. I know when to let it all loose of course, the auto-x course; but DD this beast will certainly be a task IMO

The only task I see is self control. If you can reign in your desire to feed those ponies more fuel, I think it'll be just fine. :)

[M0nk3y]

The only task I see is self control. If you can reign in your desire to feed those ponies more fuel, I think it'll be just fine. :)

It's going to take awhile.

I'm use to slamming the throttle on the E46 to make it move a couple MPHs up to make a pass...lol

[Dotpage]

M0nk3y do you need some server space?

[M0nk3y]

M0nk3y do you need some server space?

I didn't host that image. I'll change is sooner or later

[nike001]

Haha...Caught on when you, Hyder and Henry have your NE, PA get-together threads on bf.c ;)


Morgantown, WV is very congested (30,000 student drivers) and nobody, myself included, knows how to drive just yet. Add in the massive hills I have to travel to negotiate between Evansdale and Downtown Campuses and my apartment on the Medical campus, you've got 0 mpg :( Back in Bel Air, I get ~19 average. But the roads are so nice at home compared to WVU, that I find my foot on the floor more often than not ;) I get 29 HWY when fully loaded when I travel between the two destinations.

Ahh lol gotcha. Henry is supposedly selling his car now. He picked up an e30 last week and has s54 dreams for it.

But you go to WVU? I have a few friends that go there. I find it crazy that you drive between Bel Air and Morgantown lol. But I now see how you're getting the mileage you do. I hear about the hills in Morgantown all the time haha

[Hornung418]

Ahh lol gotcha. Henry is supposedly selling his car now. He picked up an e30 last week and has s54 dreams for it.

But you go to WVU? I have a few friends that go there. I find it crazy that you drive between Bel Air and Morgantown lol. But I now see how you're getting the mileage you do. I hear about the hills in Morgantown all the time haha
Yeah the hills are a total pain in my wallet!
I can make the 235 mile trip to Bel Air in a little bit over 3 hours. Once I hit the Eastern Panhandle, I jump off of I-70 and travel parallel to I-70 in WV, where the roads aren't patrolled, and I can travel cruise at 80 comfortably w/o traffic but occasionally I like to peak over 100 ;)

Is Henry on BMWMafia.com? I'd like to read about his new toy!

[nike001]

Yeah the hills are a total pain in my wallet!
I can make the 235 mile trip to Bel Air in a little bit over 3 hours. Once I hit the Eastern Panhandle, I jump off of I-70 and travel parallel to I-70 in WV, where the roads aren't patrolled, and I can travel cruise at 80 comfortably w/o traffic but occasionally I like to peak over 100 ;)

Is Henry on BMWMafia.com? I'd like to read about his new toy!

haha nice! I'm not sure where he's at. I know hes on e46fanatics but rarely posts there. He seems to not be really into the forum scene. From what i got from him, he plans on doing the s54 swap when the cooling system in his e30 goes. I told him it wasn't going to easy and that it would be out of commission for at least a few months. I can't see him doing it himself...and if he does, it'll take him at least 6 months to complete.

I think he's banking on the $$ from the ZHP to fund the project. I told him that it wasn't going to be easy, and is easier said than done. I haven't talked to him since :|

[johnnyrad]

For me, I don't need an M. However if I did get one it would be the new E90 M. Of course that's years away as the price is way over my budget. I saw the E90 M putzin around town one day an I must say even though I don't care for the E90 body style that M I saw was a headturner. It was white and looked superbad. I don't stare at very many cars on the road, but I got whiplash staring that one down.

And I as well will not sell my Z!

[M54Dave]

The M3 is really a different driving dynamic. My last car was a 2002 M3. While I did enjoy the car, it really is a different driving mindset. The M3 also has a significantly higher cost of ownership. That cost of ownership contains things like:

Stealership Maintenance/Repair Costs
Insurance Costs
Fuel Costs
Aftermarket Costs
Tire Costs

I really did love my M3. But it was very expensive to own. I had a $2K SMG repair followed immediately by a $1.5K steering sensor repair bill. This added onto my 75 mile daily commute and cost of fuel, rubber, oil and expensive insurance, finally added up and I said enough. Do I miss the power? Meh.... sometimes. Our cars are more than "zippy" enough and the combination of mods that I have done have gotten me a more stable higher powerband, so I don't miss the power as much anymore. Corner for corner, with my suspension mods, I can hang with any E46 M3 out there, and frequently put my friends M3's to shame. Keep in mind that our frames and bodies are almost EXACTLY the same between the two cars.

That being said? Honestly, if you are considering it, I would probably save up your money just a little longer and get into an E9x. That entire line is coming off of leases and there are a quite a few nice ones available. Your chance for getting into one with a warranty will be greater as well. The E46 M3's that you will find are going to have high mileage and unknown issues. And if you do find a good one, it will most likely be owned/sold by an enthusiast, like us, and will want a premium price for it.

Anyway, just my 2 cent rant....

Well said! Coming from an 03 e46 M3 i have to agree. I actually really like the low end torque of the zhp, and not worrying about expensive repairs such as vanos bolts, smg, valve adjustments is nice. Don't get me wrong, the e46 m3, is one if not the most fun cars i have driven, but you can only use it to it's full potential on the track or road course. If you do buy one, take your time to find one. Believe it or not the e46 m3 had the same 15k oil change intervals as the rest of the bimmers, imo that can't be good for such a high strung motor (pictures of the valves and cams on the s54 with the 15k oil changes is not a pretty sight.) also since they are getting older some have had multiple owners and been beat. I would try to find a comp package 05 or 06.

[lilcdkey]

Probably going to look into a 1 Series ///M after the ZHP.

[Crestwood1001]

Sad thing is I know the kids that were hassling Nike001 about his car, and I still hear about it every time I see them because they know im looking into a ZHP. They are constantly talking about how the car has no power and is garbage, and it comes from a kid with a beat orange v6 stang with color changing neons all over it. Apparently the other day the one kid has his pop's corvette and wanted to race a ZHP, fair fight huh

[nike001]

Sad thing is I know the kids that were hassling Nike001 about his car, and I still hear about it every time I see them because they know im looking into a ZHP. They are constantly talking about how the car has no power and is garbage, and it comes from a kid with a beat orange v6 stang with color changing neons all over it. Apparently the other day the one kid has his pop's corvette and wanted to race a ZHP, fair fight huh

lol most people here know my name. But i already posted somewhere what they said (whether it be here or bimmerforums) and it got a good amount of laughs. Corvette wise, highway pulls he'd probably walk me. Handling wise I think it'd be a different story..idk. Although the vette would either fall apart or he'd get a call from his dad telling him to get home with his car..

[Crestwood1001]

Granted the kid driving the vett is a cool kid, its just mustang boy being a douche bag causing issues haha. He painted his rims flat black btw, told me he got the idea from my acura before I sold it. TOOL

[M0nk3y]

C5 and C6 Vettes are terrible on an autocross course. They are cone plowers and that's it.

Generations now people are just concerned about power. Not weight distribution or cornering...etc

[nike001]

Granted the kid driving the vett is a cool kid, its just mustang boy being a douche bag causing issues haha. He painted his rims flat black btw, told me he got the idea from my acura before I sold it. TOOL

lol plasti dip? thats how i did my winter rims.. granted they are winter rims and i don't care about them either way. It still looks better. I'm not sure how it looks on his mustang though. I definitely can't see it looking even remotely good..


C5 and C6 Vettes are terrible on an autocross course. They are cone plowers and that's it.

Generations now people are just concerned about power. Not weight distribution or cornering...etc

Exactly. They're not made for going around corners, just down the drag strip.

So you think given the same speed, same corner, same driver, the e46 should do a better job at going around the same corner..no?

[zhpnsnv]

So you think given the same speed, same corner, same driver, the e46 should do a better job at going around the same corner..no?

Errrrr, not if it's going the same speed? Was that a trick question? I'd answer that given those circumstances, the two cars would go around the corner the same.

But I think I get your point. The E46 is more stable, composed, natural in a cornering situation.

You have nothing to prove to people who want to chit-chat about your car. Nothing.

[nike001]

Errrrr, not if it's going the same speed? Was that a trick question? I'd answer that given those circumstances, the two cars would go around the corner the same.

But I think I get your point. The E46 is more stable, composed, natural in a cornering situation.

You have nothing to prove to people who want to chit-chat about your car. Nothing.

No trick questions; you got what I was getting at.

Not sure about what you meant about the part in the bold, though.

[az3579]

Not sure about what you meant about the part in the bold, though.

He means that you have nothing to prove to those who talk crap about your car.

[danewilson77]

He means that you have nothing to prove to those who talk crap about your car.

+1.....that's what he meant.

[nike001]

lol guys, I'm not the one trying to prove anything here.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

lol guys, I'm not the one trying to prove anything here.

I think everyone is referring to this post -- where crest said that you were being hassled: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?2568-Has-anyone-thought-about-switching-up-for-an-e46-M3&p=53887#post53887

That's why someone would make that comment (later) about you not having anything to prove anything.

[Crestwood1001]

Yea im just saying that whenever im around Dalton I get to hear about these kids talking smack lol, they did it when I had my 06' TL to, they hate on anything nicer then what they drive, but who cares. And Dalton, plasti dip is the best thing since sliced bread, I did the emblems on my jeep and all u have to do is tape off a rectangle around the emblem, spray the whole thing then peal it off the paint of the car, the stuff stays on the letters! Something about the rapid change in angle making the plasti dip get rigid so it peels clean off the paint and stays on the emblem, very cool.

[kpro]

One thing I've learned being around the "car scene" is that its moslty younger people who run thier mouths. How do you combat that? completely ignore them, don't even acknowledge they're talking about or to you and they'll stop. If they get a rise out of you, then they're "winning" and will keep at it because they know they can. You don't have to prove yourself to people, especially those who don't matter. I've had people tell me about my own car before, its unreal...

[az3579]

Bah, screw 'em all. If they have to run their mouths to inflate their egos, let them, because eventually that ego will have to deflate. Should be fun watching that happen.

[Crestwood1001]

So true.

[cakM3]

Funny I saw this thread. Here I am with an E46 M3 and I'm looking to get into a 330i ZHP...:)

I'll be keeping my M though....buying the 330i cash...it will be nice to have both :biggrin