E46 M3 or E92 M3 - need advice

[9000Redline 0]

Hello BMW fans,

I own a S2000 at the moment but I am considering moving to an E46 M3 or E92. We used to own a a 116i and 118i but the family has been without BMW for a while now so maybe it's time to get one again

I daily my S2000 and also like to do track days a couple of times a year and the car has been great for that. I'm mostly looking for a more comfy daily driver, while maintaining track reliabitliy. I realize maintainance is more expensive, that's not a concern for me. The only thing I want to avoid is writing off an engine or gearbox or other non-wear parts.

The F20c 2l in the S2000 had a couple of known issues that needed taking care of before it was safe to run it on track with semi tires, mostly relating to oil starvation etc. The rest is bullet proof on the car. How is the S54 and S65 engine in that respect?

If there are members that have run either of these cars on track events I'd grateful for a rundown of thinss to look at reliability wise, pre and post purchase and if high milage cars such as 140k+ are a no go zone for track use.

Many thanks in advance for your comments

Matthias

[Kepes 231]

Not sure if you've seen this already but a similar thread was started a few weeks ago, may be helpful

http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/52382-e46-m3-vs-e90-e92-m3-prons-and-cons/

[9000Redline 0]

Not sure if you've seen this already but a similar thread was started a few weeks ago, may be helpful

http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/52382-e46-m3-vs-e90-e92-m3-prons-and-cons/

Thanks, I will have a read!

[9000Redline 0]

I've read the above thread but I need a bit more info on engines. I have seen many engines lost (mostly bearings) at Manfield due to the fast, banked sweepers. Hondas, Mitsis, Subis.. it's common.

I heard the e46M3 has a scavenging oil pump to prevent oil starvation. That sounds encouraging. But I have zero idea about the deal behind Vanos and why some owners chose to upgrade them. That is a question mark for me.

In general I'd like to hear from somebody who has really given it some stick on track for an extended time and seen if any issues surfaced. I heard there was a forum user on this board (M3 power?) who used to run his M3 CSL around Hamptons. I'm kinda hoping he would chime in. Otherwise I might just message him directly.

Price wise the e46 is a great option of course, and less of an expense to move up from my s2000. I absolutely hate rattling interious though. How does that work out between the e46 and e92 M3? I've test driven an e46 at 130ks and e92 with 70ks and they were both fine. E92 was the nice car interiour wise of course but on the wrong side of heavy for me. A mint e46 would suit me I think.

[elmarco 56]

I absolutely hate rattling interious though. How does that work out between the e46 and e92 M3? I've test driven an e46 at 130ks and e92 with 70ks and they were both fine. E92 was the nice car interiour wise of course but on the wrong side of heavy for me. A mint e46 would suit me I think.

I've owned an E46 & E90 (both non-M3) and if you want my opinion the E46 shits all over the E90 for build quality. My E90 has rattles in the dash & doors that feel like they were made by Kia on an accountants budget (both NZ new & ~100kms). Admittedly there are other reasons to buy an E90 over an E46 though...

[9000Redline 0]

I've owned an E46 & E90 (both non-M3) and if you want my opinion the E46 shits all over the E90 for build quality. My E90 has rattles in the dash & doors that feel like they were made by Kia on an accountants budget (both NZ new & ~100kms). Admittedly there are other reasons to buy an E90 over an E46 though...

Interesting. You sure that is not just your particular car? It seems strange than an older car would rattle less. But I know what yuo mean, I guess trim pieces can be attached in good ways or cheap ways that will rattle.

What would be your reasons to buy an E90 M3 over e46? The obvious one is 4 doors but not a requirement here, no kids.

I loved the V8 too when I test drove it, but I can say the same the thing for the V6. I want the engine that is better suited to getting beat on at track periodically.

The e46 is definately the more raw car and engine. But I didn't mind the engine on the e46 for dailying, completely fine.

Is there a V8 that is direct injected by the way? I know it was updated in 2010. Did that do much to reduce it's thirst? I like that they managed to up hp and torque by the same amount the increased capacity (4l to 4.4) that is efficiency

Edited April 15, 2015 by 9000Redline

[Tristan 338]

Having had both (and still in the E92) the E92 needs to be driven much harder to be fully appreciated. I contributed to the other thread with my other thoughts.

[qube 3568]

If u think the e46 s54 is a v6 u need to get off this forum.

Lol im just kidding.

for daily and track i think e46 is the wiser option. Especially with the prices dropping and abundance of parts and upgrades

[9000Redline 0]

Appreciate your advice so far.

A different question, how bad is the SMG for reliability? I mean what are the things expect to replace regularly, and how bad is access to those parts (gear box out, or even engine out?)

Are the parts that need replace just BMW parts, wear items basically, or does it need to be fixed properly with an after market parts, like some of the chassis refinforcement kits some people install on their e46? If I can spend a grand or two to get SMG bullet proof that would be excellent.

I'm asking because I've driven SMG also and was OK with it. Convenient and probably faster on track, also good for the engine, less chance of somebody overrevving it on downshift at some point. By the way can you blib the throttle on SMGs on downshifts to prevent wheels locking? I obviously did not attempt that on the cars I test drove.

[9000Redline 0]

If u think the e46 s54 is a v6 u need to get off this forum.

Lol im just kidding.

for daily and track i think e46 is the wiser option. Especially with the prices dropping and abundance of parts and upgrades

Kyu, long shot but do you happen to run a car dealership in ACK?

Was meant to meet a person with your name in ACK a couple of years back to test drive an E92. If it's you, good to see you love your BMWs!

Edited April 16, 2015 by 9000Redline

[qube 3568]

thats not me but i know who it is and i have a friend who works for this other kyu person.

edit: i still love my bmws haha, really need to get back into one soon otherwise i might get booted off the forum! (have owned nearly 10 diff bmw's in the past)

let me know if u ever need to get in touch with them they are good people and have well priced cars.

wait for tom/m3power to chime in with regards to SMG

the general consensus is manual is best by those who have manual but those who own smg's love it too. you will undoubtably be happy with either or. i wouldnt let that be a deciding factor as to whether or not i purchase an e46 m3.

Edited April 16, 2015 by QUBE