Recommend you drive an SMG with the CSL software. Also, lift when shifting just like a regular manual (since they're the same gearbox). A lot of people mistakenly drive it like an automatic. It still sucks for jutting about around town, but when you're on it, it can be magic.
Love the no nonsense approach of this channel. Regarding the SMG, you can convert them back to regular manuals, so if you can find a competent mechanic they are still worth a look IMO
@@romanparker6571there is so many smg's for cheaper because people think they are garbage. A SMG + conversion is cheaper than a factory manual in most cases.
This is an awesome video. I miss my E46 sometimes. Never had an M3, but a Stage 2 Dinan 330ci. This would have been a gem I could have never sold. Now, I’m onto the E90 platform. But… there is always something about the E46 that is SPECIAL. Lovely content. Thank you so much for posting and have a wonderful day! 🙌🔥
Perfect timing for the M cars!! You’ll help a smaller UA-camr like me out with the algo with my e36/46/92 track review I did recently! Also, excellent review as always!
Such a perfect car, I don't ever intend to sell mine. The e92 m3 is nice too, my brother has one but you can really feel the weight driving the two back to back. Both great cars though.
I used to not believe it but now having an e46 and driving my friends you are right. You really feel the weight. However the e92 is definitely more rigid and planted feeling. But less playful
@@sagethunder18 I think the multi-link suspension on the E9x chassis gives it a huge advantage over the E46 - but indeed you can feel the weight gain more. Both generation M3s feel great once you get them under 3k lbs though (the usual weight loss goal for a dedicated track version).
I just bought one 3 weeks ago for 30k with the same package minus the cams. After spending 3k on maintenance items, the car feels solid. I own the f80 and e92 zcp m3's and the e46 m3 (non comp) is my absolute favorite.
Never sell the 1m. Had the chance to drive my buddys fathers 1m and was way more fun than I expected it to be. You also NEVER see them on the road even out here in Chicago.
Speaking of nimble / low to the ground, that's actually my problem with the E46. Doesn't feel like a sports car. Feels like a sedan / saloon. Pretty high off the ground, not very intimate cabin etc.
@@flat6croc yeah it's relative. E46 (with a proper seat) feels significantly lower than an E92 with the same seat. But the same applies to Cayman vs E46.
What kind of question is this? No one is trying to turn these things into a GT4 race car. It's the same set of OEM+ mods we've been doing to cars for 20+ years. Everything that makes it to production is a compromise that has to make it through the finance department. Once you get the car home, you can make the changes that you want to suit what you want to do with the car. Manufacturers try to appeal to as wide a demographic with a niche as possible. That's all irrelevant once it's yours. Do what you want.
MR is always better for track imo. Maybe an S2 Lotus Exige S. Too harsh for the road but very much at home on track. Extremely light and with supercharged acceleration.
Man... I wish u were closer id give you my car for a nice test. If u can find a slick top, put ltw seats, ltw wheels, headers intake and tune with the cs package you'll fall in love
This is likely going to be what I replace our f80 with. This would be a lot easier to teach manual to my wife in vs my 6 speed f80. What do you guys realistically see me paying for a clean title 80-100k mile 6 speed e46?
Weren't both those cars derived from sedan chassis (E36->Z3 and E46->Z4)? And they both use MacPherson Struts (as most older BMWs do). The Z3 even has the ancient semi-rear trailing arm suspension from the E30. This doesn't bother me though, considering I have tracked every generation of M3 from E30 to current - but just saying. I think the only bespoke BMW "sportscars" with no relation to a sedan chassis are the M1 and i8...
you know g37/370z engine is also 8k redline engine? im on the fence whether i should keep e46 and turbo it (mine got all suspension upgraded, lsd etc but still stock motor 2.5) or should i go for e92 or g37 since they are soo cheap
@@davidpineda645 LSD? You know all M3's come with one right? More power? Compared to what? A 325i? The 350z comes with 280hp to 313hp and the G37 is a flat 320hp. Compared to an E46 M3's 343 or e92's 420hp you're behind on all fronts. Also both E46 and E9x M3's are faster on a track and handle better than both a G37 or a 350z... Really the only thing theyre better at is reliability and thats not saying much lmao
Funny 😂 says he prefers the manual then proceeds to complain about it…. It feels good to pretend we all know better than the engineers at BMW but there is a reason why they put the SMG in the CSL
Indeed... BMW manuals always have this rubbery feeling too which is why many BMW track cars have chassis-mounted shifters installed. Honda and Porsche just make better factory manual shifters for some reason.
I'm so sick of hearing people call the SMG things like "dreadful". Shows an utter lack of understanding how to drive and optimize it. Drive it exactly like a manual (lift throttle, shift, throttle) and it's fine. Is it as good as a true dual clutch? No. But it's not "dreadful" unless you don't know how to use it correctly.
If you are going to trade off the engagement & fun factor of manual, auto better be at least smooth & quick in all conditions. Smg fails at both. You can try defending it all you want, but its old quirky tech that got replaced w dct. Ive had smg e60 m5, so ive had fair share of experience.
These cars look so much better than current BMW's.
You must have eyes
100%
Recommend you drive an SMG with the CSL software. Also, lift when shifting just like a regular manual (since they're the same gearbox). A lot of people mistakenly drive it like an automatic. It still sucks for jutting about around town, but when you're on it, it can be magic.
Love the no nonsense approach of this channel. Regarding the SMG, you can convert them back to regular manuals, so if you can find a competent mechanic they are still worth a look IMO
You should find one that does machining to do it properly.
or just save the hassle and buy a manual one...
@@romanparker6571there is so many smg's for cheaper because people think they are garbage. A SMG + conversion is cheaper than a factory manual in most cases.
Get both. "If you could, you should, while you can" - Chris Harris
This is an awesome video. I miss my E46 sometimes. Never had an M3, but a Stage 2 Dinan 330ci. This would have been a gem I could have never sold. Now, I’m onto the E90 platform. But… there is always something about the E46 that is SPECIAL. Lovely content. Thank you so much for posting and have a wonderful day! 🙌🔥
Wholesome comment
Perfect timing for the M cars!! You’ll help a smaller UA-camr like me out with the algo with my e36/46/92 track review I did recently!
Also, excellent review as always!
SMG with a CSL tune is surprisingly good when you learn to use it correctly... Still prefer manual
people hate the SMG but it was decent for the time and it takes a little learning how to drive good but yes manual still better
@boostedrede30 I'd argue mastering SMG is more engaging than manual...
Such a perfect car, I don't ever intend to sell mine. The e92 m3 is nice too, my brother has one but you can really feel the weight driving the two back to back. Both great cars though.
I used to not believe it but now having an e46 and driving my friends you are right. You really feel the weight. However the e92 is definitely more rigid and planted feeling. But less playful
@@sagethunder18 I think the multi-link suspension on the E9x chassis gives it a huge advantage over the E46 - but indeed you can feel the weight gain more. Both generation M3s feel great once you get them under 3k lbs though (the usual weight loss goal for a dedicated track version).
E92 is only ~150 lbs heavier bud
Have a black 325ci e46 auto and still love it
I just bought one 3 weeks ago for 30k with the same package minus the cams. After spending 3k on maintenance items, the car feels solid. I own the f80 and e92 zcp m3's and the e46 m3 (non comp) is my absolute favorite.
As a G80 owner I still think the E46 is peak M3.
Owner removed the brembos for the stock ugly 2pc calipers
I've stopped thinking of the E9x as an M3, view it as a great M5 and it makes sense.
You can also feel the weight of the e46 over an e36. It’s been a while since I’ve driven one, but an e46 felt a bit large and heavy vs an e36.
2nd place for me but only bc I still have my 1M. You can’t beat that S54 motor!
Never sell the 1m. Had the chance to drive my buddys fathers 1m and was way more fun than I expected it to be. You also NEVER see them on the road even out here in Chicago.
Wait a minute... owner removed the Brembo brakes? Did I hear that right? Why?
Wonder what was causing that noise form the transmission? Hope the owner gets it sorted out soon!
Sounds like toasted synchros to me
Speaking of nimble / low to the ground, that's actually my problem with the E46. Doesn't feel like a sports car. Feels like a sedan / saloon. Pretty high off the ground, not very intimate cabin etc.
@@flat6croc yeah it's relative. E46 (with a proper seat) feels significantly lower than an E92 with the same seat. But the same applies to Cayman vs E46.
That’s where the Z4M Coupe comes in. Same formula, none of those drawbacks. 🤷🏻♂️
Yup, imagine BMW put the S65 in the Z4 chassis. Home run classic.
@@augustortiz Someone put a S85 in one, there’s a video out there. It’s as cool as you’d expect lol.
The E46 is the perfect sized car for normal human beings. My F30 felt like an absolute boat.
One mod to get is the quicker zcp steering rack .
What's the point of buying this if you're gonna take most of the parts out?
I wouldn't be surprised if the dinan suspension was completely shot, given the mileage.
What kind of question is this? No one is trying to turn these things into a GT4 race car. It's the same set of OEM+ mods we've been doing to cars for 20+ years. Everything that makes it to production is a compromise that has to make it through the finance department. Once you get the car home, you can make the changes that you want to suit what you want to do with the car. Manufacturers try to appeal to as wide a demographic with a niche as possible. That's all irrelevant once it's yours. Do what you want.
@@opmike343 I think he means why buy a Dinan package car if you’re gonna remove half of what makes it different from other M3s.
MR is always better for track imo. Maybe an S2 Lotus Exige S. Too harsh for the road but very much at home on track. Extremely light and with supercharged acceleration.
If you want recaro cs remember to buy from amx performance to make sure they have upholstery that matches your interior
Why would he downgrade the brakes?
Fenton, I’m curious what other two cars you’re considering buying?
Any consideration for the second gen M Coupe? The last N/A inline 6 M car, pinnacle of BMW N/A engine development.
you should find an e46 m3 to review with a yellow tag steering rack. it supposedly wakes up the handling a lot
e46 turbo track build is what I pray for you to do, kinda like the turbo s2k you reviewed love that car
@@UserNando I'd love to drive an E46 with forced induction. Or an engine swap.
4:13 the OEM height adjustable seat goes pretty low - enough.
It goes decently low but could definitely benefit with some lower adjustment
I think they are different enough to warrant having both.
Man... I wish u were closer id give you my car for a nice test. If u can find a slick top, put ltw seats, ltw wheels, headers intake and tune with the cs package you'll fall in love
On a side note... m5 shifter or stick with stock shifter, everything else sucks
This is likely going to be what I replace our f80 with. This would be a lot easier to teach manual to my wife in vs my 6 speed f80. What do you guys realistically see me paying for a clean title 80-100k mile 6 speed e46?
Coming from older M cars, unfortunately they are not true sports cars except the z4m, z3m. They are sedans that people 'try' & turn into sports cars.
Weren't both those cars derived from sedan chassis (E36->Z3 and E46->Z4)? And they both use MacPherson Struts (as most older BMWs do). The Z3 even has the ancient semi-rear trailing arm suspension from the E30. This doesn't bother me though, considering I have tracked every generation of M3 from E30 to current - but just saying. I think the only bespoke BMW "sportscars" with no relation to a sedan chassis are the M1 and i8...
you know g37/370z engine is also 8k redline engine? im on the fence whether i should keep e46 and turbo it (mine got all suspension upgraded, lsd etc but still stock motor 2.5) or should i go for e92 or g37 since they are soo cheap
If u want very big hp go vq35hr/vq37hr
If u not planning to go above 400whp id keep the e46 because parts are pretty cheap
The VQ37 It's 7500 rpm and it doesn't feel nicest to rev out. The E92 V8 is way different(better) but comes with BMW problems so need $10k on side
G37 is better than these E46. More power and LSD and ust handles better and faster. The G is still the G
@@davidpineda645 if that’s what you need to tell yourself
@@davidpineda645 LSD? You know all M3's come with one right?
More power? Compared to what? A 325i? The 350z comes with 280hp to 313hp and the G37 is a flat 320hp. Compared to an E46 M3's 343 or e92's 420hp you're behind on all fronts.
Also both E46 and E9x M3's are faster on a track and handle better than both a G37 or a 350z...
Really the only thing theyre better at is reliability and thats not saying much lmao
Looks like that Steering coupler/guibo needs to be replaced
How do you like sportster vs pole position?
why not a 987.2 cayman?
This or Z4M?
Z4M Coupe 😎
The vagueness in the steering might be wear-related - tons of miles on that car, who knows what's been replaced up front?
Review my IS500 next?
Down. Please send a quick email to zygrene@gmail.com
That sound
E92 ages better than the e46. The steering is lazy in the e46, needs the z3 rack. But the s54 sounds better with the itb kit.
These are not 30k unless you’re looking for an absolute perfect low mileage car
Funny 😂 says he prefers the manual then proceeds to complain about it…. It feels good to pretend we all know better than the engineers at BMW but there is a reason why they put the SMG in the CSL
Indeed... BMW manuals always have this rubbery feeling too which is why many BMW track cars have chassis-mounted shifters installed. Honda and Porsche just make better factory manual shifters for some reason.
time for nice reveiw of ford pinto
I'm so sick of hearing people call the SMG things like "dreadful". Shows an utter lack of understanding how to drive and optimize it. Drive it exactly like a manual (lift throttle, shift, throttle) and it's fine. Is it as good as a true dual clutch? No. But it's not "dreadful" unless you don't know how to use it correctly.
If you are going to trade off the engagement & fun factor of manual, auto better be at least smooth & quick in all conditions. Smg fails at both. You can try defending it all you want, but its old quirky tech that got replaced w dct. Ive had smg e60 m5, so ive had fair share of experience.
E46 hand down
sagging headliner - classic - one of the many reasons I got rid of my M3.
E46M. Enough of power, luxury, size and tech.
E46 just looks sooo much better
Late model E92 is peak M3, maybe peak everyman car…ymmv.
The only car that I would consider trading my 997 2S for. Such a beauty!
Don’t lol, the 997 is superior in quite literally every way. M3’s are good but they have nothing on the 997 gen 911’s.
E92 M3 kills this... lol
Enough trendy tik tok boy …. E92 M3 isn’t even close
Get a M340i and with $400 you can get F80 M3 power with the B58. Coilovers or springs and it will handle and look better than these old Ms.
Will not feel like these Ms though
No amount of power mods + coilovers only will ever make a 340 feel as special as either E46, E92 or even an F80.
Wrong...