[E90ice]

I'm considering trading in my 335xi coupe for a fully loaded 04 E46 M3 with SMG. The main reason is because I absolutely hate the way my xi drives. It's so boring and after I installed the H&R sport springs the suspension is even worse than stock.

I am a little skeptical about SMG problems tho. E46 M3's weren't exactly problem free. It still has warranty and CPO.

I will probably test drive the M3 tomorrow.

What do you guys think?

[E90ice]

As far as I know, the SMG is bad in AUTO mode only.
It has 40k miles. Still in warranty.

[cbad335]

Put your stock springs back on, for one. That should improve the ride quality of your 335. Trading for an older car may be asking for trouble, and you're sure to take a hit at the dealer.

[chazzz]

You can remove HR springs and put back stock sport suspension. The XI is still a great car especially where you live in... the rainy state of Washington. I'm sure that the XI handles better than the M3 on wet roads.

I don't think XI is a boring car...

[E90ice]

Originally Posted by cbad335

Put your stock springs back on, for one. That should improve the ride quality of your 335. Trading for an older car may be asking for trouble, and you're sure to take a hit at the dealer.

I really don't want to spend another $500 to put the springs back on and the have the car look lifted like an SUV.
The stock ride is bad enough too.

[monacoblue335i]

I owned an E46 M3 with SMG. I love SMG though I have to admit the auto mode is not good at all. It takes time to get used to shifting in SMG. But once you master it, I am sure you'll love it. The main reason I sold it was because of the repair costs without warranty. I would rather spend the money on a new car than fixing an old car.

[E90ice]

Originally Posted by monacoblue335i

I owned an E46 M3 with SMG. I love SMG though I have to admit the auto mode is not good at all. It takes time to get used to shifting in SMG. But once you master it, I am sure you'll love it. The main reason I sold it was because of the repair costs without warranty. I would rather spend the money on a new car than fixing an old car.

Thank you.

I'm sure i'll love the SMG, but I am affraid of repair costs also.

Like I said, the car is still in warranty, but I have to check for how long and it they offer an extended warranty.

[chazzz]

Are you still using RFT tires? RFT tires makes your ride more rough, bump, ouch....ow..

[E90ice]

Originally Posted by chazzz

Are you still using RFT tires? RFT tires makes your ride more rough, bump, ouch....ow..

I'm on PS2's.

It's not the tires I hate. The car is so floaty and bouncy. It drives me crazy. We are all different in terms of what we want from a car. When I bought the car it sounded like a good idea, but now I hate it. I like a tight, firm, solid ride with no body roll and my 335xi is awful.

[alan93rsa]

Ive been thinking about an E46 M3 too. I found what appeared to be nice example but the dealer never called me back. Even if the car was gone you'd think they would touch base via email at the least. He must be living in a different economy.

[E90ice]

Originally Posted by alan93rsa

Ive been thinking about an E46 M3 too. I found what appeared to be nice example but the dealer never called me back. Even if the car was gone you'd think they would touch base via email at the least. He must be living in a different economy.

I had the same experience 2 weeks ago with Chevy.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by E90ice

I'm considering trading in my 335xi coupe for a fully loaded 04 E46 M3 with SMG. The main reason is because I absolutely hate the way my xi drives. It's so boring and after I installed the H&R sport springs the suspension is even worse than stock.

I am a little skeptical about SMG problems tho. E46 M3's weren't exactly problem free. It still has warranty and CPO.

I will probably test drive the M3 tomorrow.

What do you guys think?

You should get a RWD 335i sports. It drives way different that you current car. I lkke the e46 but only with a 6 speed manual.

[barbados]

Heck no I wouldn't downgrade to an E46 M3... It's a dated body style, it's slower, it's more expensive to mod, etc. Those cars are nice, don't get me wrong - but it is definitely a big step backwards from an E92 335i.

Just upgrade your current suspension setup with decent shocks - I wouldn't expect the H&R springs + stock shocks combination to handle well at all. You'll lose way more than the cost of some Koni Yellows or FSDs if you trade your current car in for that E46 M3.

[gecko]

no ty for the E46 M3, rather try a 335i without the x, maybe that solves your real issue.

gecko

[Damage Inc]

I went from an E46 M3 to E90 330i, then "back" to an E46 M3 w SMG and was very happy. The non M car just didnt do it for me, so although I was going back to an older model, I was very happy with my decision. The M3 is just so much more engaging and fun to drive.

Re: smg - its very quirky but SO much fun to drive when you master it. If you like driving a stick you'll dig it. I just could never get into an auto with step, just didnt seem right cause the shifts arent like a manual. I miss the smg.

Why not look at an E90 M3? Great deals out there... get both of best worlds, that's what I did

[Hoothout]

i would say test drive it, and if you like it then trade

[danniexi]

Option 1: Get an E92 M3 or 335i (sans xdrive). Extended warranty or not, the car is at least 4 years old. A sports car that is...

Option 2: Get H&R coilovers or KW V3s for the xi. The ride won't be as harsh but at the same time, the car will feel planted to the ground. TBH, if you wanted a great handling sporty car, you should've gone for the RWD. Unless you mod the car extensively, the xi will always be less sporty.

[Perpetrator]

I had an E46 M3 and LOVED it, but I had 6MT. It was def more fun than my prev E92 335. I now have an E90 M3, but still miss the E46 (i'm still getting used to the E90). At this time, i still feel like the E46 M3 is better looking than the E9x M3, but i'm sure this may change over time.

Of course there'll be pros and cons, but you need to decide which ones you're willing to deal with (i.e. do you prefer turbo or high revving?). If you do decide to go with the E46 M3, than I recommend looking at either an 05 or 06 with competition package and 6MT, and CPO of course.

[ians]

Originally Posted by E90ice

I'm on PS2's.

It's not the tires I hate. The car is so floaty and bouncy. It drives me crazy. We are all different in terms of what we want from a car. When I bought the car it sounded like a good idea, but now I hate it. I like a tight, firm, solid ride with no body roll and my 335xi is awful.

You just put on lowered spring and then blame on the car being bouncy! And you willing to take a big loss by trading it in instead of do the right thing by getting the proper coilover/shock&spring?

[Ryan335]

Originally Posted by E90ice

I'm on PS2's.

It's not the tires I hate. The car is so floaty and bouncy. It drives me crazy. We are all different in terms of what we want from a car. When I bought the car it sounded like a good idea, but now I hate it. I like a tight, firm, solid ride with no body roll and my 335xi is awful.

If i were you I would trade in for a 996/997 C4 or something along those lines if you really want a tight firm ride w/o body roll. I'd expect even an e46 m3 would have more body roll than you are looking for.

[darkphantom]

if you've never driven the SMG - please do so, it is a blast! hit the sport button in Manual mode sharp, crisp changes....

and yeah, make sure it is an 04+

CPO'd you'll have warranty for 100k until 2010

If you're worried about smg just go 6MT - you can never go wrong there!

p.s. don't expect a smoother ride though, the M3 may be just as harsh....atleast it was when I drove it...

[T-MC-G]

do the e46 M3's come with factory sway bars?