Disapointed: Test drove this M3 today

[Xeqtr]

Hi all,

I am rather disappointed. I test drove this 06 E46 M3 today with 100000 km's on the clock and it felt so pap. My 330i feels like it pulls way harder.

It is a vert and I know they are a little heavier but surely an E46 M3 isnt THAT slow. Sounded great but maybe a 7 second 0-100 if anything.

I wouldnt buy a vert, i just thought since I have some time Im going to start looking to see what is out there in terms of E46 M3's.

Maybe some knowledgable guys can give some info on what could be a reason for this thing feeling so pap? Vanos perhaps?

http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca...101463dfe2d550ac7/makemodel/make/bmw/model/m3

 

[Jeremy]

:inlove: beautiful car, the verts really hold their price huh.

 

[Del-Bosc]

Bud, i know what you talking about I drove my dream car recently, E9x M3 it was the dct, but it felt dead man, i felt really upset. I think sometimes it was how the car was previously driven that gives it this sloppy character and your expectations sometimes are greater than what these cars can deliver unfortunately.

I did realize however the M3 is not about all out acceleration and at the upper part of the rev range it does come alive.

 

[AdiS]

There could be tons of things wrong with it, but almost certainly the valve clearances need adjustment (this affects high rev performance) and the VANOS will need remedial work (this affects torque). So depending on those things as well as perhaps other neglect, the engine probably isn't that healthy.

If you sent the car to Peter (A1exander), you'd need to spend min R15k just to fix VANOS and do valve adjustment.

The asking price is laughable.

 

[Xeqtr]

Yeah I have spoken to Peter about all the work I want done on the car. But doesnt mean I will settle for something that feels like it deserves a funeral.

Del-Bosc I get what you are saying. I drove a naturally aspirated 300hp V8 Mustang GT in the states and that car threw me back into the seat. The M3 today felt like it was topping 220hp, nevermind 330hp, and it just felt like the revs battled to get up to 8000rpm.

The asking price for this car is laughable as you say. Just by looking at its condition, especially inside, i would not pay more than 180k. And thats before I felt how dead it was. Front disks need replacement, back brake disks are questionable. The rims were missing big chunks of metal. The interior was badly worn for an 06. The center compartment was loose and flopping around. The drivers side window had no button to open or close it. Def not a gem.

I think the best thing for me to do is find a generous fanatic that owns a clean E46 M3 to take me for a ride sometime. So I have a base on which to work with going forward. Anyone? hehe.

 

[AdiS]

I think the best thing for me to do is find a generous fanatic that owns a clean E46 M3 to take me for a ride sometime. So I have a base on which to work with going forward. Anyone? hehe.

I agree. I have done this to get a benchmark as well.

I would walk away from this one, it sounds like a shocker. Also, the convertibles really aren't the best version of the M3... but if its a convertible that you want, then i guess its up to you.

 

[Xeqtr]

I think the best thing for me to do is find a generous fanatic that owns a clean E46 M3 to take me for a ride sometime. So I have a base on which to work with going forward. Anyone? hehe.

I agree. I have done this to get a benchmark as well.

I would walk away from this one, it sounds like a shocker. Also, the convertibles really aren't the best version of the M3... but if its a convertible that you want, then i guess its up to you.

Oh no no I wont buy the convertible. This was just a 1st lil test drive. But not a good start.

 

[Bugger]

I'm sorry, but for that price you can get a minter of a coupe. So understanding what you're doing by benchmarking, it can only get better.

The E46 engine shouldn't need to be cranked all the way to the top of the rev range to be responsive, whereas the V8 is very happy at the 7000-8000rpm mark. Just keep focused and don't settle. The right one will have your name written all over it.

 

[Xeqtr]

I'm sorry, but for that price you can get a minter of a coupe. So understanding what you're doing by benchmarking, it can only get better.

The E46 engine shouldn't need to be cranked all the way to the top of the rev range to be responsive, whereas the V8 is very happy at the 7000-8000rpm mark. Just keep focused and don't settle. The right one will have your name written all over it.

Thanks bud. Agreed. They are so had to find though. There is nothing online at the mo.

 

[Bugger]

True. I was looking,but was battling to find one. Ok,I didn't go and look at any,but pictures are worth a thousand words.

You'll get there! I'll also keep my eyes open for you,I am a Gumtree/Autotrader/OLX trawler of note :roflol:

You're after a classic, and you want one that lives up to the reputation. I've said many, MANY times on this forum that selling mine was one of the biggest mistakes I ever made.

 

[AdiS]

Thanks bud. Agreed. They are so had to find though. There is nothing online at the mo.

It is a game of patience. Don't settle. Having said that, here's one that might work:

http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca...90147fdd1829a4fde/makemodel/make/bmw/model/m3

 

[KarshS]

if you wana be more dissipointed.....Go for a spin in 4piprs one. Will make any other e46 feel sick.....

 

[Alain]

I think the best thing for me to do is find a generous fanatic that owns a clean E46 M3 to take me for a ride sometime. So I have a base on which to work with going forward. Anyone? hehe.

I agree. I have done this to get a benchmark as well.

I would walk away from this one, it sounds like a shocker. Also, the convertibles really aren't the best version of the M3... but if its a convertible that you want, then i guess its up to you.

Which part of JHB are you in buddy? I will happily take you for a Ride in my 2002 so you can feel what a M3 should feel like.:thumbs: Mine is just not so Standard :rollsmile:

 

[Xeqtr]

I think the best thing for me to do is find a generous fanatic that owns a clean E46 M3 to take me for a ride sometime. So I have a base on which to work with going forward. Anyone? hehe.

I agree. I have done this to get a benchmark as well.

I would walk away from this one, it sounds like a shocker. Also, the convertibles really aren't the best version of the M3... but if its a convertible that you want, then i guess its up to you.

Which part of JHB are you in buddy? I will happily take you for a Ride in my 2002 so you can feel what a M3 should feel like.:thumbs: Mine is just not so Standard :rollsmile:

Hey bud.

I am in the South of Joburg. Bassonia to be exact. A meet up with a fanatic that has one, even just to get some info and look at a clean one would be a God send.

---

Thanks bud. Agreed. They are so had to find though. There is nothing online at the mo.

It is a game of patience. Don't settle. Having said that, here's one that might work:

http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca...90147fdd1829a4fde/makemodel/make/bmw/model/m3

Yeah I did see this one... will try get hold of the guy. Autotrader says he in Polokwane though.

 

[Alain]

I think the best thing for me to do is find a generous fanatic that owns a clean E46 M3 to take me for a ride sometime. So I have a base on which to work with going forward. Anyone? hehe.

I agree. I have done this to get a benchmark as well.

I would walk away from this one, it sounds like a shocker. Also, the convertibles really aren't the best version of the M3... but if its a convertible that you want, then i guess its up to you.

Which part of JHB are you in buddy? I will happily take you for a Ride in my 2002 so you can feel what a M3 should feel like.:thumbs: Mine is just not so Standard :rollsmile:

Hey bud.

I am in the South of Joburg. Bassonia to be exact. A meet up with a fanatic that has one, even just to get some info and look at a clean one would be a God send.

Well in that case PM me your number and I will make a plan to get out to you when I get,m I will be happy to show you mine as I think she is pretty clean ( its one of the fanatics ex concours cars ) she is my pride and joy.

Let me know
Cheers
Alain

---

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=1152

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

LOL. ALain.. I see what you are up to with your beast of an ///M. I've been in ALain's car. She is no slouch. Let me come too. I want to also show him what an ///M should drive like. I think we'll spoil it for him though.

Seriously tho, that car you test drove today needs VANOS replaced, nevermind seals and valve adjustment. 7 second 0-100 is solenoid failure. I know because I had the same thing. Car was dead. I lost 40nm torque on the wheels. Peter swapped out the solenoid and the car was alive again and pulling strong. I guarantee you, that if you did a diagnostics test on that ///M, it would show an error #94 inlet cam adaption.

The 2nd issue that all e46 M3's are going to have... This altitude. The e46 M3 loses between 30-40kw up here in JHB.

Walk away and look for another M3. My M3 without the supercharger was doing constant 0-100 pulls in 5.5 seconds or less, depending on traction. Got a 5.1 up here in Jhb before. They pull hard and accelerate off the line faster than the e90/2 v8's. So don't be discouraged. Some of the owners are just not that fanatical about the cars as the rest of us, and thus, they do not maintain the cars.

Meet up with Alain, check his car out and if you want some info on what to look for, come past my place and I'll show you all the things that would need to be looked at to make sure you are getting a good buy. Also, I'll talk you through what maintenance items need looking at. If you want a drive in a strong NA M3, speak to 4piper or Ga3m. I am sure they can give you a drive and show you what real NA power is. Both their cars are in beautiful condition and run damn well.

 

[gumpertapolloss]

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-lig...m3-e46-coupe-manual/1001174548710910022215909

Nice E46. Owner is fanatic on here known as Billybob. I know him personally and he is really a guy that takes care of stuff. Also, it's a manual!:shy:

 

[Nick]

I to felt a little underwhelmed at the performance of that vert.
Compared to the brand new one i went in some years back it felt like it was carburetored.

 

[Xeqtr]

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-lig...m3-e46-coupe-manual/1001174548710910022215909

Nice E46. Owner is fanatic on here known as Billybob. I know him personally and he is really a guy that takes care of stuff. Also, it's a manual!:shy:

Wow that 01 has low mileage. Im glad this guy is a fanatic. I might make a plan to go see it. Ideally im looking for an 05/06. 155k is a steal for a well maintained //M tho.

---

Guys I just want tosay that I am wowed. What an amazing bunch of guys. I cant believe how helpful you all are and how you guys are so eager to lend a hand. Its because of you guys that the fanatics will live on strong... and that i will never not drive a BMW.

raise:raise:raise:raise:

 

[Peter@AEW]

Try and get hold of Gareth (Ga3M) or Ashlin and have a drive in those cars.
They are both excellent examples of what R220/260 will get you.

For an authentic untouched M3 try and speak to zama as his car has not been touched yet.

Neeshlin's car will ensure that you never buy an M3 as it is bewitched and no M3 I know of runs that quick.

Alain and Cristopher run superchargers so their cars are by no means a benchmark for you to have in your memory bank.......SCs also generate a lot of noise and wheelspin.....but heck if it is a wild experience that you want run in those 2 cars.

Good luck in your search