E46 M3

T

TKD01

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Hi all

Something about this car simply amazes me and I am seriously considering getting one.
Anyone here own one? I'd like some opinions, esp on:
1) SMG or Manual? I have not driven the SMG
2) I'll be looking at 2004ish model +- 65k on the clocks - anything specific to look out for?
3) Biggest Q: What is the running costs in terms of service, tyres etc?

I've been eyeing the 350Z as well but I think in terms of build quality the M3 is better choice.

(BTW I'm based in Bellville, CT - so if you have seen one standing around please mention)

Regards
Henry
 
By SMG you mean DSG transmission? If so, don't even buy it second hand. You will thank me one day. Just buy the manual
 
@Alphaholic: Thanks! I'll check the thread - did not find anything with the search functionality.

@Pitbull: DSG is Audi or VW I think? The E46 (2001-2005) BMW has the SMGII or manual 6spd options
 
Stay away from the SMG box. It's an automated manual, so similar in that regard to VAG's DSG, but with only 1 clutch instead of 2. It's a brutal box... not pleasant in anything but balls-to-the-wall driving. And it's prone to bugs & hassles. And don't do the M3 the disservice of comparing it with a Datsun. :p
 
TKD01 said:
@Alphaholic: Thanks! I'll check the thread - did not find anything with the search functionality.

@Pitbull: DSG is Audi or VW I think? The E46 (2001-2005) BMW has the SMGII or manual 6spd options
Click to expand...

But the same thing different name :p - DON'T EVER BUY IT SECOND HAND
 
dsg is dual clutch and smg is a single clutch rubbish mechnical system ... Stay clear from smg ...never liked that gearbox
 
adamr said:
dsg is dual clutch and smg is a single clutch rubbish mechnical system ... Stay clear from smg ...never liked that gearbox
Click to expand...

Don't know if you've ever driven one, but it DOES fit with the E46 M3 CSL's character. :twisted: Otherwise, not so much.
 
yes i have driven a csl on the track and funny enough one wont say the same thing of smg in the csl ... its whatt smg should have been ... weird but true
 
Oh - quick Google shows most of them do now
 
Dolby said:
Do BMW have a dual clutch now?
Click to expand...

The new M3 and the 335i (correct me here pls) have the M-DCT (dual clutch like DSG) gearboxes. Don't think the lower spec vehicles have these which is sad cos I can get DSG with a Golf TDI but can't get M-DCT with a 135i
:cry:
 
my first one was manual, second one SMG (no, not DSG). SMG is just awesome, hassle free and what not. Go for it, you will love it.

SMG in the CSL exactly the same than in the non CSL.

Test drive both of them and decide for yourself. I bet you'll go for SMG.
 
mate take it you have not driven the csl ... The box granted is mechanically the same ... But it is nothing like the harsh response from the ordinary e46, made me wonder why the ordinary m3 did not shift like the csl. Im sure it has different software and i recall that being mentioned somewhere.

Just did not like those harsh shifts ... Felt like the diff would fall out ...
 
I did drive the csl. Still same SMG. What you are talking about is probably the M track mode that was only available in the CSL.

The harsh shifts is exactly what makes it so fantastic. If you want it smooth and slow get a wheel chair.
 
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Oh, but what you could talk about could also be the sound of the diff as if it was loose. This loud sound did indeed vary from one to the other M3. Some did sound more solid than others. But still nothing wrong with it if it makes those loud bangs, especially in shift mode 6 :love:
 
no not the m track mode with its delayed traction. The csl i found out does have different software when compared to the ordinary M3.

When changing gears on an smg its like a huge ass giant kicking the car from behind with the associated 'bang' sound ... :) .... Not my cup of tea ... Reason why i never went smg on an e46 ... But i notice many smg owners love the gearbox ... So i guess to the op if he loves the crudeness of smg then go for it and he should drive it before deciding. For me the only positive and enjoyable experience with smg was driving slow or in traffic :)

dct is so much nicer and im happy ///M went this route.
 
@ OP read that article I posted in the link...they mention the diff between SMG and normal manual...

in Kimberley there is a mine millionaire, he had 2 CSL's - yes 2! Sold one and then turned the other into a drift car...more on that later if interested, but anyway, he used to attend spin events in Kimberley with the car, and he always started off in 2cnd gear! He said its too difficult to go off in 1st as there's no clutch to controll spinning the rears esp doing burnouts...he then took it to Bimmerworks in DBN and they changed the software, it was more smoother and he said its better, he has tons of drift cars and still preffers the SMG CSL to all the Jap drift cars he has, btw, the CSL is getting a GTR wide bodykit as we speak - + turbo's...oh, he had a laguna seca blue SMG m3 and it was recently unveiled at the Rock Raceway in twin turbo guise...this thing has different clutch...

One thing I've noticed when he stopped drifting the car would always bog down and then he'll have to restart it, this was before the software for the SMG gearbox...just for interest sake.
 
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