Is an e46 M3 really a great altrnative to the 135i?

TagMan · 06-04-2008, 08:17 AM

So many times I hear that the e46 M3 is preferable to the 135i. Is this true?

I mean there are guys searching them out instead of buying the brand new 135i... so there must be something to it. How great is the e46 M3? Does it really stack up to a new 135i? What's the real scoop here?

atr_hugo · 06-04-2008, 08:23 AM

The E46 M3 is a great car - lots of feedback from it, nigh on sensory overload at times.

The suspension tuning is harsher in the E46 M3 than the 135i and subsequently a back-to-back exposure to the two cars will make the 135i appear more 'relaxed'.

Now the engine contributes a bit to this - the NA 'S' [ed - S54B32] 6 cylinder in the M is very special! 'Ripping linen' sounds from the exhaust. It's a great car, but tauter than I want to live with.

If I seriously wanted to race a BMW - the E46 M3 would be my first choice.

stefan · 06-04-2008, 08:52 AM

Really comes down to what you want more. I think the Edmunds video of the 335i vs 135i vs M3 sums it up well.

I went with the 1 for:
-cheaper insurance (by a lot)
-potential for better fuel economy
-new (so I can take care of it from day 1)

The M3 is attractive because it's an M.. therefore has a certain "magic" to it. If I could have afforded one, that's what I'd be driving. Simply put the M3 is an icon..

Video/Article: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=125908
See, even though the 135i is the "car to have" on twisty roads and arguably the best vehicle on paper, the reviewers fall in love with the M, as so many others do.

Every M car is like that. Even the E36 M3 was magical.. the overall package does something to you. Hard to compare these cars on paper.

harpoon · 06-04-2008, 08:55 AM

I drove the M3 before deciding to buy the 135. A 3yr old M3 is similar in price to a new 135 here in Australia.

I have wanted an e46 M3 since they first came out so when I could finally afford it I was pretty excited to be test driving one and not just to kick the tyres. I might buy the thing!

The timing coincided with the release of the 135 here so I decided to test drive a 335, 135 and M3.

I drove the 335 first and was super impressed with the engine. Little bit lacking in steering feel and suspension setup was bit softer than I am used to but overall great car.

The M3 was awesome. A real drivers car and very raw. My wife hated it after being in the 335 but I really liked it. I had a little trouble adapting to the SMG gear box. Would have loved to drive a regular manual car. But it was a little bit too uncompromising for me. Just a little bit rough around the edges. I would find it a bit draining using it as a daily driver I think.

Then I drove the 135 and it felt as quick if not quicker than the M3 but also had a less harsh ride, smoother gear box and all the latest technology.

I had some trouble coming to terms with the decision to not buy my dream car with that M on the back but a brand new car vs one with 40,000kms on it, 3yr warranty, award winning engine - in the end it was an easy decision.

Still think the e46 M3 will be remembered as one of the all time greats and the shape still makes me drool.

TunedM2C · 06-04-2008, 08:59 AM

Coming from a previous owner, yes, it is a good alternative.
It does look dated though so if you don't mind that aspect go out and get yourself one. For me, I like new things with all the new bells and whistles. On top of that, what's better than putting a couple thousand dollars into a car and besting $70k+ cars?

plien69 · 06-04-2008, 09:03 AM

Sure, it's a great alternative. The audience for the 135i is looking for a performance-oriented coupe, and the E46 M3 has performance in spades. For a lower price (potentially), you're getting -- arguably -- more performance.

But if you buy a used E46 M3 you don't get:
a) a brand new car
b) 4 yr/50k mi warranty
c) 4 yr/50k mi maintenance
d) day-to-day "livability"

Regarding the quality of the ride, yes the E46 M3 is harsher than a 135i, but I wouldn't say it's punishing at all. In fact, it's very livable as a daily driver.

spudw · 06-04-2008, 09:10 AM

Here's an informative opinion...

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10512

bobajoul · 06-04-2008, 09:29 AM

Had both, really different animals. The M3 is rawer and more of a classic feel. The 135 is a "new paradigm" sports car to my mind, more electronics, more computer control, smoother and just really has a different feel. Like the 135 better, maybe because I have gotten older and like the smoother ride.

WhiteOne · 06-04-2008, 10:25 AM

Drove an M3 SMG ...hated it.
Drove 135 with Step...really liked it.
Drove 135 with 6MT...bought it.
Ya got to love the E46 M3 body lines though.

PrimoM3 · 06-04-2008, 10:56 AM

The M3 is an icon and the e46 has/will become a cult classic, especially as prices continue to drop. In my opinion, the e46 M3 was the marque that put the M3 on the map and into the spotlight, not the e36 as some will have you believe. The e46 was and is a status car and a true performer at the same time.

With that said, I bought a new 135i. My deciding factors for choosing the 135i are the following: new car/first owner, BMW warranty, exclusivity (at least for this year), refinement/comfort, fresher design/styling, TFT1...

1. Twin F*cking Turbo

blue-coupe · 06-04-2008, 11:48 AM

I'm really on the fence about getting the current Z4M Coupe instead of the 135, but worry about it as a daily driver. Maybe wait until the 2010 Z4 with the TTI6 engine.

TunedM2C · 06-04-2008, 01:05 PM

Z4M is a cool little car...very rare around here too. However, it's not the best dd IMO.

Brandon26pdx · 06-04-2008, 01:15 PM

A really nice used M3 would still easily be up in the price range of a brand new 135i with sport package. you'd have to really want one at this pont to go that direction. Maintenence on those is a little rough as well...if you're buying daily driver that needs to be a relatively hassle free and reliable car, you'll most likely have better luck with the 135i.

ptack · 06-04-2008, 02:53 PM

Ditto.
I lusted for this car for years. Buying a used one would be great - as a collector car like a 69 Vette. Keep it in the garage and bring it out on beautiful, sunny days. Realistically though, how many more miles will you be able to put on it without spending large sums? My 1998 318i already costs me several thousand a year as things fail or need to be replaced. God help me if it was someone else's used M3 that I was planning to put 20k miles a year on.
If you can only afford one car and plan on keeping it for the long term, a new car with roughly the same performance and price is a much smarter decision. If you can afford it as a collectable, do it.

PorkyBMX · 06-04-2008, 03:08 PM

I would say they're almost completely different cars.

E46 M3 has been out longer, so there's a lot more current support for it. The prices for them are also going down very quickly right now, so they are pretty affordable.

The 135 is a great car though, cause the 335 has been out for a while, tuning options/solutions should be readily available. That'll get you running off the bat very quickly, and for an affordable price.

VOLTman · 06-04-2008, 04:04 PM

I ordered a 135, had bad paint, drove away in an E46 M3 instead. Talk about a quick change of mindset. Truthfully, I couldn't decide. I let fate decide for me. I am very happy with the M3, and I'm sure I would have been happy with the 135. Different from each other, but both brilliant!

VOLTman · 06-04-2008, 04:14 PM

Ha. Just realized that the above link is mine...

Sorry 'bout that.

TagMan · 06-04-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VOLTman

Ha. Just realized that the above link is mine...

Sorry 'bout that.

LOL... It is indeed a link to your post! I saw your post earlier today before it was linked here, and I was going to ask you to post pics, if you haven't done so already. So... pics of your M3, please?

atr_hugo · 06-04-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TagMan

So... pics of your M3, please?

TagMan, try this: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...4&postcount=11

TagMan · 06-04-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

TagMan, try this: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...4&postcount=11

Thank you, sir!!

DAMN!!

There is something about that E46 M3.

For lack of better words, the iconic E46 M3 has a certain mystique about it.

imported_Katera · 06-04-2008, 05:48 PM

Ok, I guess I will be the spoiler. I'm not a fan of that M3 look. Dunno, too "last generation" looking IMO. Good performing car no doubt, but I would take a 135i with our incredible TT 300+hp engine any day.

VOLTman · 06-04-2008, 06:12 PM

I can't argue, the E46 does look dated when looking at it through that kind of lens, but on its own, it is timeless and beautiful. I feel right at home driving it...

06-04-2008, 08:17 AM	#1
TagMan Car Addict!! 62 Rep 1,303 Posts Drives: '08 135i Convertible Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Malibu, California iTrader: (0)	Is an e46 M3 really a great altrnative to the 135i? So many times I hear that the e46 M3 is preferable to the 135i. Is this true? I mean there are guys searching them out instead of buying the brand new 135i... so there must be something to it. How great is the e46 M3? Does it really stack up to a new 135i? What's the real scoop here? __________________ 2008 /// Commemorative /// 6-Speed /// Titanium Silver /// Fully-Loaded /// 135i Convertible
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06-04-2008, 08:23 AM	#2
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	The E46 M3 is a great car - lots of feedback from it, nigh on sensory overload at times. The suspension tuning is harsher in the E46 M3 than the 135i and subsequently a back-to-back exposure to the two cars will make the 135i appear more 'relaxed'. Now the engine contributes a bit to this - the NA 'S' [ed - S54B32] 6 cylinder in the M is very special! 'Ripping linen' sounds from the exhaust. It's a great car, but tauter than I want to live with. If I seriously wanted to race a BMW - the E46 M3 would be my first choice.
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06-04-2008, 08:52 AM	#3
stefan Brigadier General 2362 Rep 4,255 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: North iTrader: (2)	Really comes down to what you want more. I think the Edmunds video of the 335i vs 135i vs M3 sums it up well. I went with the 1 for: -cheaper insurance (by a lot) -potential for better fuel economy -new (so I can take care of it from day 1) The M3 is attractive because it's an M.. therefore has a certain "magic" to it. If I could have afforded one, that's what I'd be driving. Simply put the M3 is an icon.. Video/Article: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=125908 See, even though the 135i is the "car to have" on twisty roads and arguably the best vehicle on paper, the reviewers fall in love with the M, as so many others do. Every M car is like that. Even the E36 M3 was magical.. the overall package does something to you. Hard to compare these cars on paper. __________________ ///M Power
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06-04-2008, 08:55 AM	#4
harpoon Lieutenant 13 Rep 440 Posts Drives: e92 M3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Syd iTrader: (1)	I drove the M3 before deciding to buy the 135. A 3yr old M3 is similar in price to a new 135 here in Australia. I have wanted an e46 M3 since they first came out so when I could finally afford it I was pretty excited to be test driving one and not just to kick the tyres. I might buy the thing! The timing coincided with the release of the 135 here so I decided to test drive a 335, 135 and M3. I drove the 335 first and was super impressed with the engine. Little bit lacking in steering feel and suspension setup was bit softer than I am used to but overall great car. The M3 was awesome. A real drivers car and very raw. My wife hated it after being in the 335 but I really liked it. I had a little trouble adapting to the SMG gear box. Would have loved to drive a regular manual car. But it was a little bit too uncompromising for me. Just a little bit rough around the edges. I would find it a bit draining using it as a daily driver I think. Then I drove the 135 and it felt as quick if not quicker than the M3 but also had a less harsh ride, smoother gear box and all the latest technology. I had some trouble coming to terms with the decision to not buy my dream car with that M on the back but a brand new car vs one with 40,000kms on it, 3yr warranty, award winning engine - in the end it was an easy decision. Still think the e46 M3 will be remembered as one of the all time greats and the shape still makes me drool. __________________ E92 M3
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06-04-2008, 08:59 AM	#5
TunedM2C Brigadier General 832 Rep 4,190 Posts Drives: 2016 LBB M2 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (2)	Coming from a previous owner, yes, it is a good alternative. It does look dated though so if you don't mind that aspect go out and get yourself one. For me, I like new things with all the new bells and whistles. On top of that, what's better than putting a couple thousand dollars into a car and besting $70k+ cars?
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06-04-2008, 09:03 AM	#6
plien69 Captain 22 Rep 841 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Sure, it's a great alternative. The audience for the 135i is looking for a performance-oriented coupe, and the E46 M3 has performance in spades. For a lower price (potentially), you're getting -- arguably -- more performance. But if you buy a used E46 M3 you don't get: a) a brand new car b) 4 yr/50k mi warranty c) 4 yr/50k mi maintenance d) day-to-day "livability" Regarding the quality of the ride, yes the E46 M3 is harsher than a 135i, but I wouldn't say it's punishing at all. In fact, it's very livable as a daily driver.
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06-04-2008, 09:10 AM	#7
spudw Major 70 Rep 1,305 Posts Drives: 2009 128i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	Here's an informative opinion... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10512 __________________ 2009 BMW 128i ~ Jet Black ~ Sport Package ~ Sunroof ~ USB Integration ~ Delivered on October 14, 2009
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06-04-2008, 09:29 AM	#8
bobajoul Enlisted Member 0 Rep 30 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	Had both, really different animals. The M3 is rawer and more of a classic feel. The 135 is a "new paradigm" sports car to my mind, more electronics, more computer control, smoother and just really has a different feel. Like the 135 better, maybe because I have gotten older and like the smoother ride.
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06-04-2008, 10:25 AM	#9
WhiteOne Major 28 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2008 AW 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	Drove an M3 SMG ...hated it. Drove 135 with Step...really liked it. Drove 135 with 6MT...bought it. Ya got to love the E46 M3 body lines though.
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06-04-2008, 10:56 AM	#10
PrimoM3 Chemofski 54 Rep 1,295 Posts Drives: '13 X5M Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Coast, U.S. iTrader: (0)	The M3 is an icon and the e46 has/will become a cult classic, especially as prices continue to drop. In my opinion, the e46 M3 was the marque that put the M3 on the map and into the spotlight, not the e36 as some will have you believe. The e46 was and is a status car and a true performer at the same time. With that said, I bought a new 135i. My deciding factors for choosing the 135i are the following: new car/first owner, BMW warranty, exclusivity (at least for this year), refinement/comfort, fresher design/styling, TFT1... 1. Twin Fcking Turbo __________________ '13 Individual Frozen Brilliant White ///M3 Coupe* Ordered 2/15/12 \| Euro Delivery on 9/21/12 \| U.S. Redelivery on 12/6/12 \| Motor Dead on 7/15/13 '13 Space Gray/Mugello Red X5///M Pavement Punisher \| Snow Muncher \| Family and Board Hauler \| Roadtripper
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06-04-2008, 11:48 AM	#11
blue-coupe Second Lieutenant 117 Rep 253 Posts Drives: 1999 Z3 Coupe Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dallas TX iTrader: (0)	I'm really on the fence about getting the current Z4M Coupe instead of the 135, but worry about it as a daily driver. Maybe wait until the 2010 Z4 with the TTI6 engine.
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06-04-2008, 01:05 PM	#12
TunedM2C Brigadier General 832 Rep 4,190 Posts Drives: 2016 LBB M2 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (2)	Z4M is a cool little car...very rare around here too. However, it's not the best dd IMO.
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06-04-2008, 01:15 PM	#13
Brandon26pdx Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,938 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1)	A really nice used M3 would still easily be up in the price range of a brand new 135i with sport package. you'd have to really want one at this pont to go that direction. Maintenence on those is a little rough as well...if you're buying daily driver that needs to be a relatively hassle free and reliable car, you'll most likely have better luck with the 135i.
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06-04-2008, 02:53 PM	#14
ptack Brigadier General 271 Rep 4,470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	Ditto. I lusted for this car for years. Buying a used one would be great - as a collector car like a 69 Vette. Keep it in the garage and bring it out on beautiful, sunny days. Realistically though, how many more miles will you be able to put on it without spending large sums? My 1998 318i already costs me several thousand a year as things fail or need to be replaced. God help me if it was someone else's used M3 that I was planning to put 20k miles a year on. If you can only afford one car and plan on keeping it for the long term, a new car with roughly the same performance and price is a much smarter decision. If you can afford it as a collectable, do it. Attached Images
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06-04-2008, 03:08 PM	#15
PorkyBMX New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	I would say they're almost completely different cars. E46 M3 has been out longer, so there's a lot more current support for it. The prices for them are also going down very quickly right now, so they are pretty affordable. The 135 is a great car though, cause the 335 has been out for a while, tuning options/solutions should be readily available. That'll get you running off the bat very quickly, and for an affordable price.
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06-04-2008, 04:04 PM	#16
VOLTman New Member 1 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Montego Blue Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Woodbury, MN iTrader: (0)	I ordered a 135, had bad paint, drove away in an E46 M3 instead. Talk about a quick change of mindset. Truthfully, I couldn't decide. I let fate decide for me. I am very happy with the M3, and I'm sure I would have been happy with the 135. Different from each other, but both brilliant!
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06-04-2008, 04:14 PM	#17
VOLTman New Member 1 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Montego Blue Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Woodbury, MN iTrader: (0)	Ha. Just realized that the above link is mine... Sorry 'bout that.
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06-04-2008, 05:48 PM	#21
imported_Katera Captain 42 Rep 890 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2007 iTrader: (0)	Ok, I guess I will be the spoiler. I'm not a fan of that M3 look. Dunno, too "last generation" looking IMO. Good performing car no doubt, but I would take a 135i with our incredible TT 300+hp engine any day. __________________ 2008 BMW 135i Vert! -Jet Black -6 speed Manual <Who says Vert's are for girls!> -Boston Grey Leather with Black High Gloss Accent -Moonlit Black Top -Comfort Access -Premium P. -Sport P. -Premium Stereo -IPOD/USB -BMW Performance Pedals -BMW Windscreen -Sat Radio Meet Kat! [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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06-04-2008, 06:12 PM	#22
VOLTman New Member 1 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Montego Blue Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Woodbury, MN iTrader: (0)	I can't argue, the E46 does look dated when looking at it through that kind of lens, but on its own, it is timeless and beautiful. I feel right at home driving it...
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