scooby1doo1

iTrader: (7)

As title who's got one and what they like from my00, thinking of a change and like the looks of the M. Will still keep the scoob as it's worth nafall now.
Some say that there pants, but want to no from peeps who's got one had one, want to no as much as pos cheers

LG John

There was a facelift in around 2003 which included nicer looking LED rear lights and some other bits and bobs. Post-face lift cars look a little fresher although, in general, the e46 M3 is starting to look a little dated overall*

* Conclusion reached when my mate and I viewed his 2003 M3 relative to an E90 335i m-sport.

They are fantastic cars but they aren't perfect and have been surpassed in many areas. This car used to be the performance benchmark but, to be frank, they aren't fast at all by modern day standards. Plenty fast for your needs.....but not compared to what Audi/BMW are churning out these days. It really depends on what you are looking for in a car - if you want a very fast and capable, but relatively comfortable and classy (almost) family car then they are great. If you want pure speed and performance look elsewhere. If you want a family car with some grunt then save yourself some money and get something like an ST220. My ST does 95% of what my mates M3 does in pretty much every department (surpassing it in some). Is that 5% worth the considerable price premium......well, as an out-and-out car enthusiast, yes. However, a lot of people would struggle to justify it...

banny sti

iTrader: (68)

Considering an M3 CSL in a couple of years, only car I would get rid of scoob for.

Banny

geesta

I've never driven one but it's definitely on my list of car to own. I just don't understand why people say there not that fast the stats say different

verdasco1

Funny im thinking of swapping my 04sti for something like that but everyone in the know told me that after a scoob running at plus 300 an m3 will be boring... probably looking at cars like new focus rs and audi rs 4 to get the same fun factor but they cost double what I got!

LG John

Because anything that can't get to 100mph from rest in under 10-seconds is simply 'quick' IMHO.

geesta

Well at least you said it was 'quick' most people on here say that there not that quick.

I've got to drive one. I might have the same conclusion as everybody else and maybe my modded Focus ST is quicker

verdasco1

I´ve driven one they pull really nicely and sound great, don´t think it would have the legs on my sti though, plus not as surefooted round the bends although if you are a driving god RWD could be used to the full!

rookymatt

iTrader: (15)

They are fast in the right hands. (came with 343bhp out of the box)

Front Brake calipers tend to seize
Don't buy an SMG version as they are complete dog poo (sorry to those who have one but they are and create REAL EXPENSIVE ISSUES when they fault)

The 2003 on version is a better car IMHO with uprated rear lights and usually are spec'd up better (widescreen nav, harmon kardon etc)
Seats are comfey and supportive.
LSD diffs as standard so a real drift car (if that floats your boat)

Servicing isn't cheap (inspection II can cost upto £1600 @ main dealer rates)

Decent pannel filter and a remap will see you to 350bhp. Don't expect much more than that though.

I like them, but more than i like my scoob.................. NO.
It's personal preference.

scoobyc

iTrader: (2)

Ive always fancied one and so am chopping in my classic for one for a year or so.

Test drove a couple. They are very nice. If it wasnt an m3 would i buy one? Probably not. But it is and i am.

Oh and they dont FEEL quick compared to my scoob. Whether it is or not i dont know. Different mule though!

LG John

Then have long legs, in that they just keep hauling and hauling in 3rd gear. I really fancy a Z4m Roadster myself (same engine) but I already know (before I buy one) that it won't keep my interest in the performance department for more than a year or two.

scooby1doo1

iTrader: (7)

Signed up to m3cutters forum, QTR is around low 13's and some reports of high 12's so def quick compaired to my00. But my scoob been shaped some what like a brick I would think the M3 would, well I no it would be long gone.
csl airbox at a cost of 3k gives it a nice sound, or a copy for £500 still does the trick.
As said I would keep the scoob as it's a waste of time selling it, and would prob put it on a major crash diet and use for weekend fun.

scoobyc

iTrader: (2)

Yeah im on cutters too. There is a company developing an as good as a csl airbox with the alpha -n map for around 1500-1700.

Also talks of a FG version. Anything to get the sound, but 3k is extorsionate.

Matteeboy

I heard a CSL really going for it yesterday - sweeeeeet!

They (non CSL) get to 100 in about 11 seconds - pretty nippy.

rookymatt

iTrader: (15)

OP...Don't forget the csl came with 360 as standard and is a lighter car as it has less spec to save weight! are you maybe looking for one of these now??!!

scoobyc

iTrader: (2)

the cutters guys really rate the csl. they say its an amazing difference if u can live with the lack of toys and unforgiving ride.

rookymatt

iTrader: (15)

Mate of mine is selling his steel grey csl on a 53 plate with 55k on the clock ( but it is smg )
Think he was asking £16k

scoobyc

iTrader: (2)

no way a 55k CSL was going for 16 mate. if it is ill buy it now!

26 perhaps.

Sure it isnt a "CS"?

P20SPD

iTrader: (1)

Had an E46 55 plate SMG, and it is without doubt the best car i have ever owned. It went because i wouldnt run it without warranty, and at a cost of £2500 for the next year, it was a no no.

80,000 miles of abosulte abuse, and no real issues, well nothing a scoob wouldnt spit its dummy out over.

If you go SMG, make sure you get the SMGII box. Manual box was positvely crap on the ones i tried.

LG John

The throw on the manual M3 is a little long and sloppy for my liking. Nowhere near as good as S2000/CTR, but, it's probably no better or worse than the Impreza (classics...never driven newer shapes). So if you can live with Turbo 2000 (non quickshift) you should find manual M3 ok IMHO.

rookymatt

iTrader: (15)

Crap, pressed 1 instead of 2. Yeah 26k. ooops!

RobEvo5

iTrader: (9)

Truly epic cars IMO, and much quicker than they feel. A standard UK scoob would feel quicker/nippier but in reality the E46 M3 is very, very quick and capable.

It has long gearing and best at higher revs, and you have to look at the speedo to remind yourself how quickly your going. Its been disputed before but it really does come into its own at silly speeds, and will keep going to its limited 155mp with relative ease. And its a car that can be driven like you stole it every day and get away with it, without fear of something going pop.

I would say however they are a little boring to drive compared to a scoob, and won't excite you as much as a subaru.

I will get another one one day, but I did find the manual a little clunky, with a long throw and heavy clutch, and the car is a fairly harsh ride considering its a BMW and its build.

When I set out to get my M3 I definately wanted a manual. However I would now opt for an SMGII if i were to ever get one again, and probably a rag top as well...

Its a very different proposition to a scoob, so you need to try before you buy really.

RobEvo5

iTrader: (9)

In terms of performance I'm sure if peeps were being honest, there are plenty of people in here with hotted up Subarus to fairly high standards that have either been given a run for there money or handed there **** on a plate at the ring or track days by a E46 M3.

john banks

Main failing was short travel suspension that can't keep the 19" tyres (didn't try 18") on the ground on a bumpy road, Mondeo 1.8LX or Octavia vRS were more fun on the road that goes past Knockhill for example. The pads I could have replaced to sort the brakes. Traction surprisingly good in the wet if tarmac smooth, leave them at home in the snow. I loved the SMG, interior, toys, exterior, economy, power was almost acceptable at 7000-8000 RPM but equivalent power (I mapped it) in T-uk's Scooby with a TD05H-16G passed it under power in a straight line, especially at high speed where the Scooby could hold onto one of its (short) gears despite everyone that says M3 pulls away at high speed. Would have kept it much longer if the suspension was good on the bumpy stuff.

Warranty is all important, and bearings should have been changed in pre facelift mode Sep 2003 IIRC.

scooby1doo1

iTrader: (7)

Cheers for all the info lads def my next car Phoenix yellow with all the toys.

Stealth

iTrader: (4)

Good lad, my Bug STI goes next week with any luck and I'm going to buy an SMGII 03-53 plate M3.

est drove one the other day, beautiful car, everythign was very responsive, car went where I pointed it, the steereing was perfectly weighted for and the steering wheel is a sensbile size (not bus size like the STI)

I LOVE my STI but things change and after having a classic WRX, P1 and STI V7 it is certainly time for change although I have no doubts I will be back.

Performance wise the M3 motors, they are as quick as an STI easily but they do lack any sort of drama, the power is so linear it just pushes you back and the long gears just detract from the massively involved racing type of drive feel.

The SMG is sweet, quick gear changes, massively brutal when you change the change the shift time right down... furious!!

The sound is class although I will be fitting a custom exhaust to mine

Get a BCM panel filter and a remap and you will see 360bhp ish... OR you could supercharge the nuts off of it and have 525bhp

Buy the car mate and enjoy it, you won't regret it!

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

I have fancied one for ages but the more I read about them not feeling that dramatic makes me think I wont bother, I want some drama for my 343 bhp !

rookymatt

iTrader: (15)

Turn the dsc off! Plenty of drama will occur then!!! hehe.

zs_phil

iTrader: (1)

test drove a 2003 m3 convertible today in laguna seca blue ,and i thought it was very good and the sound was awesome when you put your foot down it screamed although didnt feel as quick as i thought it would but still a very nice car

Godspeed Brakes

iTrader: (259)

I have had my M3 for about 3 years , and still love it , people slate the SMG but I think it's the best part of the car , I wish I could fit it onto my impreza type R rally car !
I had a run in with a RB320 a while ago , and just had the legs on him , they go well when you rev it .
They are good on fuel considering what it is , mine is averaging mid to high 20's doing local stuff , and up into the 30's on a run , I have all the toys except a sunroof , thinking about selling it to get a newer V8 one now.