I bought one brand new and it sucked. It was never in the right gear and every shift (auto or manual) was a mess. The ZF 8 speed is everything the SMG wanted to be. Lightning quick, smooth, and a program that is beyond magical.
I love manuals, and SMG is an amazing example of a manual gearbox- an aggressive shifting experience via a stick shift or paddle shifters, or a buttery smooth to aggressive automated shifting courtesy of drive logic modes (dial it to setting 1 for easy driving and all the way up to setting 5 for a high revving experience). SMG is the premium transmission option for the E46 M3, hence why it was the only option in the highest end model- the CSL (which was not optioned with a 3rd pedal). Love the SMG! I can set it up for my wife to drive, or set it up for the fastest shifting race experience. Amazing! Thanks for the video.
Great cars and still the car I did the most miles in. 42k mikes as a daily over 30 months. Sold it during lockdown for the v8 equivalent which I hated The smg was a great gearbox I had the csl software put on it which sped it up and with an Eventuri intake what a car
Absolute privilege to spend the day around Shaneel’s stunning E46 M3. It’s as close as you can really get to a brand new one and gave me a taste for how amazing it must have been to drive, see and experience these incredible cars back in the early 2000s. Interesting finally being able to drive an SMGII car. It takes some time to be able to get the best out of it. Whether thats a good thing or a bad thing is up to you - I personally think in an age of instant gratification but ultimately shallow automotive experiences, finding a new skill and system to master is a beautiful thing. Once it clicks it’s a brilliant system, relaxing in traffic compared to the manual’s heavy snatchy clutch and wonderfully dramatic at full throttle. It’s also period correct - this is the exact spec of car you’d see specced as the protagonist car of an early 2000’s Hollywood Blockbuster, and thats exactly how it makes you feel to drive. Hard to beat…
The buyers guide at around 12mins is great. If you're thinking of getting an E46 M3 or just want to learn make sure you watch it as it brings everything you need to know together
As someone who is looking at buying an M3, I found this a very informative and well put together video. I’m an Audi tech by trade, so it’s good to know the E46 specific issues despite me being very clued up on cars. I’ve also checked out some other videos from you, class! Keep it up guys!
Thank you for the kind words! Hope you find the right M3 for you. We don't have one listed at the moment but do keep an eye on shootingbrake.com as we often have E46 M3s on the platform!
@@shootingbrake I actually bought one yesterday! It’s a minter! Late 03 coupe non sunroof 90k miles, with almost every optional extra including random stuff like rear electric blinds! Was always a dream car for me, I seriously cannot believe I now own one. The driving experience is seriously amazing. The sound, the looks, the handling - it’s the perfect car. Can’t wait to take it to the Nürburgring this coming year!
One of the most informative videos on the M3 that I've seen, and I've seen pretty much all of them. Thank you, you have a new subscriber! A question: I had my VANOS rebuilt with Beisan and valves adjusted about 17k miles ago. Recently I had my throttle actuator replaced, and since then I've noticed the car has a bit of uneven power between 1-3k RPM, along with occasional jumpiness between shifts (when short shifting). Is it possible I need to adjust the valves again, or another potential problem? I thought adjustments typically lasted 30k miles (I'm at 183k currently).
Unfortunately issues at 1-3k on a high mileage S54 could be down to a huge range of sensor faults - that part of the S54's power delivery is basically heavily augmented by vanos and all the sensors working in harmony to allow the ECU to push decent timing into the engine to make power, hence how the S54 is able to be so torquey whilst delivering peak power at 7.9k. I would consider replacing cam sensors and TPS with new genuine parts. It's always worth compression testing a higher mileage S54 to check for headgasket issues which can cause pinking at low revs too. Good luck, they can be a pain to get running right at lower revs, mine isn't quite there either!
Man the moneeeeey spent on that m3 … can’t even comprehend. Lovely car. Such a shame as an e46 m3 has been my dream car since NFS most wanted and I’m now 28 … but I just can’t ever seeing me being able to afford one. They’re within my price range just about but could never afford to run one or get a 12-15k one to this condition. Such a shame 😢 Special cars.
I don't think you'd regret buying one now even if you can't budget for the annual maintenance in one go - you don't need to daily drive it and you definitely don't need to do all the big jobs at once! The only thing I would budget for to use the car immediately would be rod bearings. 12-15k should buy you a decent useable example that doesnt need immediate work.
All cars need work especially if your thinking buying a e46 M3 Fact diff work / rebuild Man that diff is rusty as a MF & diff bolts are rusty af drive shaft are paint less 😳. Rust on the subframe plates run in the opposite directions on this one peeps Window sills Light covers lenses Condition of paint rust arches rusty U.K. weather rod bearings head gasket Cooling system refresh Cpv valve Tyres Condition of alloys General maintenance. Disks r expensive pads brake lines backing plates bearings Just too name a few things But as above most big jobs can be done over time if your lucky enough and but would u want to risk it 🤔😳 Don’t take the seller word Some shady people out there selling cars saying there’s sorted when really not 😉😉 What’s this dude talking about a clean example 😂 He’s clueless and blind Get a PPI from a good reputable specialist is the best advice before partying with your money But definitely have a few grand on top of the price for some things to be honest Best advice don’t buy this poor example of a e46 m3 And definitely get a ppi done before you buy so you know what too expect when buying a used one Full service history with a specialist ✔️ Not forgetting the subframe rust on the underside where u got plates fitted shockingly You said you had it done from a specialist.? Who did the subframe on the car.? Those drive shafts inn the video aren’t new please 😳 New ends of driveshafts doesn’t make them new driveshafts unless the whole drive shaft is completely new I would definitely get a ppi check on this car before bidding for it not that I would even entertain this car Would definitely pass on it All you have done is change the end of the drive shaft So too say the drive shaft’s are new is laughable really U should offer £6000 for the car Then spend £9000 From A good bmw specialist getting it half decent Or just save your money and just buy a half decent quality one for the get go 👌🏼 Head gasket vanos And most importantly stay well away for a smg unless u like pain 😂🤐 30 k on bills on this 😂 Please brake down the cost of 30k on this car 🧐
SMG is the better option for the M3, having had an SMG and manual. Better software is the key - Frank Smith in California had/has a great tune for the SMG software.
Glad to hear positive things about the SMG system. Once you drive a well maintained one, it’s amazing
I bought one brand new and it sucked. It was never in the right gear and every shift (auto or manual) was a mess. The ZF 8 speed is everything the SMG wanted to be. Lightning quick, smooth, and a program that is beyond magical.
I love manuals, and SMG is an amazing example of a manual gearbox- an aggressive shifting experience via a stick shift or paddle shifters, or a buttery smooth to aggressive automated shifting courtesy of drive logic modes (dial it to setting 1 for easy driving and all the way up to setting 5 for a high revving experience). SMG is the premium transmission option for the E46 M3, hence why it was the only option in the highest end model- the CSL (which was not optioned with a 3rd pedal). Love the SMG! I can set it up for my wife to drive, or set it up for the fastest shifting race experience. Amazing! Thanks for the video.
Love the “SMG” 😍
Great cars and still the car I did the most miles in. 42k mikes as a daily over 30 months. Sold it during lockdown for the v8 equivalent which I hated
The smg was a great gearbox I had the csl software put on it which sped it up and with an Eventuri intake what a car
I love all the convertible M cars that you have been highlighting!!
Glad you like them!
Absolute privilege to spend the day around Shaneel’s stunning E46 M3. It’s as close as you can really get to a brand new one and gave me a taste for how amazing it must have been to drive, see and experience these incredible cars back in the early 2000s.
Interesting finally being able to drive an SMGII car. It takes some time to be able to get the best out of it. Whether thats a good thing or a bad thing is up to you - I personally think in an age of instant gratification but ultimately shallow automotive experiences, finding a new skill and system to master is a beautiful thing.
Once it clicks it’s a brilliant system, relaxing in traffic compared to the manual’s heavy snatchy clutch and wonderfully dramatic at full throttle. It’s also period correct - this is the exact spec of car you’d see specced as the protagonist car of an early 2000’s Hollywood Blockbuster, and thats exactly how it makes you feel to drive. Hard to beat…
Love to see such a well kept example! That's a credit to Shaneel
The buyers guide at around 12mins is great. If you're thinking of getting an E46 M3 or just want to learn make sure you watch it as it brings everything you need to know together
I just test drove a mechanically sound ZCP but cosmetically it needed a lot of work, like a whole new paint job, new front seats and new arm rests.
Great overview of these wonderful machines. That vert looks absolutely mint
It really is!
As someone who is looking at buying an M3, I found this a very informative and well put together video. I’m an Audi tech by trade, so it’s good to know the E46 specific issues despite me being very clued up on cars.
I’ve also checked out some other videos from you, class! Keep it up guys!
Thank you for the kind words! Hope you find the right M3 for you. We don't have one listed at the moment but do keep an eye on shootingbrake.com as we often have E46 M3s on the platform!
@@shootingbrake I actually bought one yesterday! It’s a minter! Late 03 coupe non sunroof 90k miles, with almost every optional extra including random stuff like rear electric blinds!
Was always a dream car for me, I seriously cannot believe I now own one. The driving experience is seriously amazing. The sound, the looks, the handling - it’s the perfect car. Can’t wait to take it to the Nürburgring this coming year!
@@DerKaktusAvant Great to hear. Beyond the driving experience and the way they look, there is just something so special about them!
Don't miss when had both hips replaced. It pretty cool it will go that's for sure
A superb and informative video .
Thanks a lot
The indicators work! Unreal scenes 😂
One of the most informative videos on the M3 that I've seen, and I've seen pretty much all of them. Thank you, you have a new subscriber!
A question: I had my VANOS rebuilt with Beisan and valves adjusted about 17k miles ago. Recently I had my throttle actuator replaced, and since then I've noticed the car has a bit of uneven power between 1-3k RPM, along with occasional jumpiness between shifts (when short shifting). Is it possible I need to adjust the valves again, or another potential problem? I thought adjustments typically lasted 30k miles (I'm at 183k currently).
Unfortunately issues at 1-3k on a high mileage S54 could be down to a huge range of sensor faults - that part of the S54's power delivery is basically heavily augmented by vanos and all the sensors working in harmony to allow the ECU to push decent timing into the engine to make power, hence how the S54 is able to be so torquey whilst delivering peak power at 7.9k. I would consider replacing cam sensors and TPS with new genuine parts. It's always worth compression testing a higher mileage S54 to check for headgasket issues which can cause pinking at low revs too. Good luck, they can be a pain to get running right at lower revs, mine isn't quite there either!
Man the moneeeeey spent on that m3 … can’t even comprehend. Lovely car. Such a shame as an e46 m3 has been my dream car since NFS most wanted and I’m now 28 … but I just can’t ever seeing me being able to afford one. They’re within my price range just about but could never afford to run one or get a 12-15k one to this condition. Such a shame 😢 Special cars.
I don't think you'd regret buying one now even if you can't budget for the annual maintenance in one go - you don't need to daily drive it and you definitely don't need to do all the big jobs at once! The only thing I would budget for to use the car immediately would be rod bearings. 12-15k should buy you a decent useable example that doesnt need immediate work.
All cars need work especially if your thinking buying a e46 M3
Fact
diff work / rebuild
Man that diff is rusty as a MF
& diff bolts are rusty af
drive shaft are paint less 😳. Rust on the subframe plates run in the opposite directions on this one peeps
Window sills
Light covers lenses
Condition of paint rust
arches rusty
U.K. weather
rod bearings
head gasket
Cooling system refresh
Cpv valve
Tyres
Condition of alloys
General maintenance.
Disks r expensive
pads
brake lines backing plates bearings
Just too name a few things
But as above most big jobs can be done over time if your lucky enough and
but would u want to risk it 🤔😳
Don’t take the seller word
Some shady people out there selling cars saying there’s sorted when really not 😉😉
What’s this dude talking about a clean example 😂
He’s clueless and blind
Get a PPI from a good reputable specialist is the best advice before partying with your money
But definitely have a few grand on top of the price for some things to be honest
Best advice don’t buy this poor example of a e46 m3
And definitely get a ppi done before you buy so you know what too expect when buying a used one
Full service history with a specialist ✔️
Not forgetting the subframe rust on the underside where u got plates fitted shockingly
You said you had it done from a specialist.?
Who did the subframe on the car.?
Those drive shafts inn the video aren’t new please 😳
New ends of driveshafts doesn’t make them new driveshafts unless the whole drive shaft is completely new
I would definitely get a ppi check on this car before bidding for it
not that I would even entertain this car
Would definitely pass on it
All you have done is change the end of the drive shaft
So too say the drive shaft’s are new is laughable really
U should offer £6000 for the car
Then spend £9000
From
A good bmw specialist getting it half decent
Or just save your money and just buy a half decent quality one for the get go 👌🏼
Head gasket
vanos
And most importantly stay well away for a smg unless u like pain 😂🤐
30 k on bills on this 😂
Please brake down the cost of 30k on this car 🧐
Great review thanks
Some car that Shaneel 👍👍
SMG is the better option for the M3, having had an SMG and manual. Better software is the key - Frank Smith in California had/has a great tune for the SMG software.
Always class 😊
Thank you again
I need one mannn
Is it just me or is all the updates just a bit much just to maintain this vehicle?
What’s the name of the rust treatment u use under the car
What’s the name of the thing u use under neath the car lanoguard
Yes Lanoguard
@@shootingbrake can u send me link to it please
@@shootingbrake not finding it
Not shocking to see an E46 video from a channel name paying homage to fast cars that look plain and dorky