bimmer530iguy

hello everyone, I have been thinking about buying a fun car for the weekend, and I was wondering what you guys thought about the previous model e46 m3. I am seriously considering this car, but I have a few questions for anyone who owned one in the past. What transmission should I go with Manual 6spd or SMGII? What years should I stay away from 01/02? Also, is the maintenance expensive on the car after the warranty runs out? I always wanted an e46 m3 but what do you guys think about the e39 m5 in comparison? I do like both but prefer the e46 styling over the e39s. Also, I am planning to go all out on performance mods on the M3, any recommended s/c or turbos etc.? Thanks Guys!

LW78

IMO, if you're looking for a 'weekend fun car', the E46 is a more fun car! I prefer the manual transmission, but the SMGII (not the SMG I !) is also quite reliable. If you're planning engine mods, I would also advise the manual.

The biggest 'problem' of the 3.2 engine is the oil consumption. This depends on the driving style of the previous owner.....
I recall that the engine's of '01's are a bit more sensitive to defects. Thought that '03's had some technical changes, but don't know exactly what.

Btw, to get more power from the 3.2, you need to do a lot of modding. Remapping and/or exhaust change will not get a significant power boost.