I need some wisdom from all in making up my mind over buying a used 2006 E46 M3 SMG with 45000km on the clock. I’m thinking of trading my E90 323 (2006 [65 000km]) which I bought brand new. I always wanted an e46 shape but needed a new car also hence the 323. Now!!!!! My heart is rushing me back to the e46 specifically the M3 SMG. Not sure if it make sense. Also the one I’m interested in costs R369k. Is this a good price? It has a few chips on front bumper/ spoiler and bonnet. PLEASE GIVE ADVICE DEAR FRIENDS.
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Please Help: Want to buy M3 SMG (2006) or E90 335i
- Thread starter jastam
- Start date
Nukleuz
Well-known member
Dude,
i went through the exact same thought process when i was looking at getting my car... for weeks it was back and forward between a 335 and an m3.
But at the end of the day, it came down to what i was looking for in a car.
I decided to go for the absolute benchmark for every car. something that would make me feel alive everytime i drove it. A screemer of an engine. and just a dream car of mine since i was a kid....
as appose to a fast 3 series... * Ducks and hides *
but thats sounds a bit on the expensive side. I know when iw as shopping in June last year... the 2006's were way more expensive then the rest... at about R370 odd... But now thats almost a year later. I would rate you should be paying about R350 odd for that.
i went through the exact same thought process when i was looking at getting my car... for weeks it was back and forward between a 335 and an m3.
But at the end of the day, it came down to what i was looking for in a car.
I decided to go for the absolute benchmark for every car. something that would make me feel alive everytime i drove it. A screemer of an engine. and just a dream car of mine since i was a kid....
as appose to a fast 3 series... * Ducks and hides *
but thats sounds a bit on the expensive side. I know when iw as shopping in June last year... the 2006's were way more expensive then the rest... at about R370 odd... But now thats almost a year later. I would rate you should be paying about R350 odd for that.
zabbo
///Member
Matt Q said:Best advice I can give you.. pay R 350k and buy Jezebel.
That way you get rid of that revolting E90 and you end up with the most highly modified and best handling M3 in Southern Africa... just a thought.. use it.. don't use it
I agree ... it all depends on what it is you are looking for in your vehicle. Yes, the M3 would be my first choice too ... not in SMG though!!
Consider the fact that the 335i is going to cost you slightly more than the M3 and you will have to tweak it just a bit to get similar performance from a boring looking car:mmm:
Buy the M3 with your heart (not this particular one that you are interested in for 2 reasons viz. price and SMG) and enjoy the experience for as long as possible and then do what your parents would want you to do and buy the last available N54 335i when the time is right!!
Enjoy the best of both
... that is my 2c ... If you are eager for performance and the ability to kill almost any comers on the twisties then give Matt a call and buy JEZEBEL asap.
///Marksman
New member
lol revo maybe he should buy both then:excited:
///Marksman
New member
dont we all!
but u have a wicked ride that beats the shit out of most nonetheless, so be happy:thumbsup:
To The Op: If 369k is your range then keep on looking man, I'm sure you will find a gem. SMG is scary, there are 3 components related to smg that could fail and it will hurt your wallet if it goes. If you will be covered by some sort of warranty and reallllllly love the smg then go for it. Otherwise take a manual at 20-40k less and have a near bullet proof monster.
I had an extensive ride in an SMG and its not as bad as i thought, but still prefer the manual. I dont think you could EVER get sick of a manual, even in traffic. Because your left leg and arm knows... once theres an opening in the flow of traffic all Shit hits the fan!! The SMG may be awesome at first but i rate its a technology that may become annoying/boring after time.
i hope we have made things difficult for you, Good Luck:thumbsup:
but u have a wicked ride that beats the shit out of most nonetheless, so be happy:thumbsup:
To The Op: If 369k is your range then keep on looking man, I'm sure you will find a gem. SMG is scary, there are 3 components related to smg that could fail and it will hurt your wallet if it goes. If you will be covered by some sort of warranty and reallllllly love the smg then go for it. Otherwise take a manual at 20-40k less and have a near bullet proof monster.
I had an extensive ride in an SMG and its not as bad as i thought, but still prefer the manual. I dont think you could EVER get sick of a manual, even in traffic. Because your left leg and arm knows... once theres an opening in the flow of traffic all Shit hits the fan!! The SMG may be awesome at first but i rate its a technology that may become annoying/boring after time.
i hope we have made things difficult for you, Good Luck:thumbsup:
The 335 was always an option for me as I'm fast moving towards 100000km and motorplan issues with the 323. Just an omission guys.
Nevertheless, good advice as my heart is with the M3. Why not SMG if I may ask? More performance with the stick????????
Thanks for clearing up the SGM issue. Will shop arround a bit more.
No way howzay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nevertheless, good advice as my heart is with the M3. Why not SMG if I may ask? More performance with the stick????????
Thanks for clearing up the SGM issue. Will shop arround a bit more.
revo said:
No way howzay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to give my 2c worth here having just sold my 335 sedan to buy a CSL. A stock E46 M3 is not as fast as a 335. I sold my 2001 E46 M3 SMG to buy a 335 2 years ago and was very impressed with the broad range of acceleration that the 335 has, whether it is from zero to 100km/h or from 100 to 200km/h. The 335 lacked that special character that an M3 has.
I always missed the look and feel of the E46 M3 and decided last week to get an one again. I would most likely have bought an SMG , the SMG II was a big improvement on SMG I (my 2001 SMG was the earlier version). As luck would have it I found a very clean and low mileage CSL but was looking primarily for a clean E46 M3. SMG is a personal choice, you should drive it a few times I think to be in a better position to decide. Its difficult to be objective when you really like the car! Drive a manual M3 too so that you can compare them if you have the time. For me, the blip of a downshift in an SMG is the sweetest sound you will ever hear!
From a financial point of view, the main trade off is that the E46 will have a limited amount of time left on its motorplan, it can only be extended for a maximum of 2 years beyond the initial 5 year period.
I decided that speed on its own is not enough, the E46 M3 wins hands down. I am prepared to take the risk when the motorplan expires in June next year.
I always missed the look and feel of the E46 M3 and decided last week to get an one again. I would most likely have bought an SMG , the SMG II was a big improvement on SMG I (my 2001 SMG was the earlier version). As luck would have it I found a very clean and low mileage CSL but was looking primarily for a clean E46 M3. SMG is a personal choice, you should drive it a few times I think to be in a better position to decide. Its difficult to be objective when you really like the car! Drive a manual M3 too so that you can compare them if you have the time. For me, the blip of a downshift in an SMG is the sweetest sound you will ever hear!
From a financial point of view, the main trade off is that the E46 will have a limited amount of time left on its motorplan, it can only be extended for a maximum of 2 years beyond the initial 5 year period.
I decided that speed on its own is not enough, the E46 M3 wins hands down. I am prepared to take the risk when the motorplan expires in June next year.
///Marksman
New member
If you will be covered, then get the SMG if thats what u like. At the end of the day it's just a matter of preference. The manual doesnt have more performance but it does offer that little extra control.
The SMG is great once you adjust accordingly, very much like a manual FAR from an auto in the way it shifts. You still feather the throttle on upshifts to smooth it out. Launch control cannot be used to often. Some say not more than 4 times which i say is BS, others just say not too often due to drivetrain stress.
I think the major probs were the Hydro Unit, Actuator and the dreaded SMG software.
Way up the pros and cons and in the mean time buy the 135
The SMG is great once you adjust accordingly, very much like a manual FAR from an auto in the way it shifts. You still feather the throttle on upshifts to smooth it out. Launch control cannot be used to often. Some say not more than 4 times which i say is BS, others just say not too often due to drivetrain stress.
I think the major probs were the Hydro Unit, Actuator and the dreaded SMG software.
Way up the pros and cons and in the mean time buy the 135
Agree with DiVinci.
Once you learn how to use an SMG you will enjoy it more. There are numerous settings that can be adapted to your own needs and driving style.
Personally, I think the manual was slightly quicker off the mark than the SMG in a straight like dice but no matter how quickly you think you can change gears, you will never be able to change gears as quickly as an SMG.
Once you learn how to use an SMG you will enjoy it more. There are numerous settings that can be adapted to your own needs and driving style.
Personally, I think the manual was slightly quicker off the mark than the SMG in a straight like dice but no matter how quickly you think you can change gears, you will never be able to change gears as quickly as an SMG.
Mate of mine had the same dillemma last year- M3 (e46) vs 335i.He chose the E46-M3(2004-25000Km).Loves the car but has to sell this yr since Motor plan ends 2011.With ur low mileage and M.P ending 2013 its a gr8 buy-A big shift up from an E90 323!
ps - On the resale the demand for E46 M3's is still huge.
ps - On the resale the demand for E46 M3's is still huge.
