Thinking about picking up an E46 M3 Vert for a weekend car, previous owners thoughts?

[MFNATIK]

I've always wanted a convertible and of all the the M3 versions, the E46 looks the best to me with the top down. Just something about it checks the right boxes. Was looking for some past owner experiences with the E46. Thoughts?

[Audio Fan]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

I've always wanted a convertible and of all the the M3 versions, the E46 looks the best to me with the top down. Just something about it checks the right boxes. Was looking for some past owner experiences with the E46. Thoughts?

Avoid the SMG and take it to the dealer for an inspection. I had one where something in the drive train or rear suspension was breaking loose from the unibody/sub-frame. Search e46 subframe tear or failure. Otherwise, fun car in a manual. SMG is a dog. The newer DCTs are night and day improvements over SMG.

[F80Dreamer]

I just bought an E46 M3, non convertible. Do it, what an incredible car!!!

[mrgicm]

I have both and I like my e46 better, my goal is to buy an e92 this year

[Ghetto2315]

I just bought an 2001 E46 M3 Convertible.



Was looking for the longest time. I was in the same boat as you. My search started in 2013 when I had my E92 M3 and then finally ended when I bought mine when I still had my 2015 F82 M4. Wanted a convertible for the nice weekends to pair with my E92 M3/F82 M4 and my E39 540i Sedan. Without a doubt look for a manual trans. The SMG is bound to fail and/or have other issues at some point. Be patient with your search and you'll come across one you'll like. No matter what, get a PPI done so they can check for subframe mount points and for VANOS issues. I bought mine from a private seller in Texas because I wanted to ensure there was no rust issues. Had the PPI done to make sure it had a clean bill of health before I wired the funds and had the car shipped back to me in NJ.

Click this thread here and read up: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=189390

GL with your search!

[ssuene93]

Originally Posted by Audio Fan

Avoid the SMG and take it to the dealer for an inspection. I had one where something in the drive train or rear suspension was breaking loose from the unibody/sub-frame. Search e46 subframe tear or failure. Otherwise, fun car in a manual. SMG is a dog. The newer DCTs are night and day improvements over SMG.

+1. Avoid SMG at all costs. 6MT is the only way to go on these cars.

[skyline408]

Do it. An f80 m3 and e46 cab would make a great combo

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

I've always wanted a convertible and of all the the M3 versions, the E46 looks the best to me with the top down. Just something about it checks the right boxes. Was looking for some past owner experiences with the E46. Thoughts?

Best idea I've heard today.

Here's one i saw in mountain view a week ago, and you can't see it but he had a baby seat in the rear passenger - there's a dude with his head straight

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

I've always wanted a convertible and of all the the M3 versions, the E46 looks the best to me with the top down. Just something about it checks the right boxes. Was looking for some past owner experiences with the E46. Thoughts?

Definitely do it! But avoid SMG like the plague also make sure to do PPI like others have said because VANOS issues were the biggest problem I had with my e46

[MFNATIK]

Thanks for the input fellas! I was looking at 04-06 so it would have the LCI updates and engine revisions. I am not having a lot of luck finding ones with the 6sp manual tho. Lots of SMGs when it comes to the verts apparently, at least in Imola. I'm dead set on picking an Imola this time. Its one of my favorite reds. Not a lot of 1-2 owner cars left. Seems like E46 M3s have bottomed out in terms of pricing? Or am I off on that and they're on the rebound?

[Bimmed Out]

E93 M3 is gorgeous and there are smoking deals to be had. Plus DCT option if you need auto tranny, though I'd go 6MT.

[AhsanU]

E46 M3 is a great machine, but for a fun weekend car with noise akin to a triple stack of ecstacy, it'd have to be an E93. That V8.. my goodness.

If you do go for an E46, make sure it's a 6MT, has had the subframe reinforced, and everything else. I can't remember from the top of my head everything that went wrong with my old E46 M3, but there is a pretty long list; that and the glorious V8 soundtrack of the E93 is a reason to get the E93. AFAIK, there are minimal issues with the E93 in comparison to the E46.

Can't go wrong either way. Good luck!

[Adcampo]

I had an 02 Imola red vert. 6mt. As people have said don't get the smg.

It was a great car. Much lighter and more nimble than the F83. Felt smaller. Straight 6 was a screamer. I kept mine stock, but it could of benefited from an exhaust system.

Make sure you get a good one. If I recall, the redline on the e46 was 8400 rpm's.

Good luck.

[RobC2]

Great choice. I was looking for a good one for a while and eventually gave up and bought an S2000. Would still like to find one so I could take the whole family along.

[Ghetto2315]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Thanks for the input fellas! I was looking at 04-06 so it would have the LCI updates and engine revisions. I am not having a lot of luck finding ones with the 6sp manual tho. Lots of SMGs when it comes to the verts apparently, at least in Imola. I'm dead set on picking an Imola this time. Its one of my favorite reds. Not a lot of 1-2 owner cars left. Seems like E46 M3s have bottomed out in terms of pricing? Or am I off on that and they're on the rebound?

On the contrary - prices are now starting to go up. Ever since Hagerty, the classic car insurance company, named the E46 M3 as a near future classic, the prices have steadily increased.

[IB M]

I thought the E46 verts didn't have the subframe issue as it's a heavier / thicker unibody floor structure than the coupes.

Anyway great choice. I'd choose the e46 vert or the e93 vert because cloth top more reliable than the folding hardtop on the e93.

[SakhirM4]

2004 Imola Red Convertible, 6MT, 16,000 miles

http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?i...orm_display=51

[IB M]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

2004 Imola Red Convertible

http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?i...orm_display=51

That is one pretty much perfect except too expensive and too pretty to drive the balls off of it. Need one that kids can jump in and out of and no worries and same with the dog.

[Ian1973]

Originally Posted by Adcampo

I had an 02 Imola red vert. 6mt. As people have said don't get the smg.

It was a great car. Much lighter and more nimble than the F83. Felt smaller. Straight 6 was a screamer. I kept mine stock, but it could of benefited from an exhaust system.

Make sure you get a good one. If I recall, the redline on the e46 was 8400 rpm's.

Good luck.

8000 rpm, power signed off at 7900 rpm.

I also had an E46 vert. The subframe issue was still a problem but not as frequent as the coupe.

[paliknight]

e46fanatics

[JamesGames]

Always will have a soft spot for the E46 M! Rear subframe, rod bearings, water pump / thermostat / expansion tank, control arm bushings / control arms, Vanos, minor things like electronics and window regulators. I'd go through that small checklist if possible, and like everyone else said I'd try to go 6MT but I know some people that are happy w/ SMG and the way the shifts can be felt. YMMV.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by JamesGames

Always will have a soft spot for the E46 M! Rear subframe, rod bearings, water pump / thermostat / expansion tank, control arm bushings / control arms, Vanos, minor things like electronics and window regulators. I'd go through that small checklist if possible, and like everyone else said I'd try to go 6MT but I know some people that are happy w/ SMG and the way the shifts can be felt. YMMV.

I had a 2006 Imola Red M3 w/6 MT. Never had any of the problems you mentioned. It had the following Dinan mods: cold air intake, big bore throttle body, short shift, exhaust, suspension, and 3.91 diff. Loved all eight years that I owned it.