Need opinion please

Phantom_9192 · 12-08-2011, 11:39 PM

All,
I've done a fair amount of reading on the forum (as well as M3forum) and I just want to get a couple of quick hit opinions. I am considering selling my 2003 E46 SMG M and getting into an E92 (likely '09). I have test driven an '09 and I really like it. In my very short time with the car, I really liked the DCT over the SMG. The 8 cylinder doesn't feel as "purist M" as the high strung S54, but again, I'm not an S54 bigot so I liked the feel of the 8.
My car is in spectacular shape inside and out and drives like a dream with 90k miles on it... but the siren call of the E92 is on the rise.

So have any of you out there gone from an E46 to an E92, especially from SMG to DCT, and would like to share your quick opinions?
It's a delta of probably close to $30k so it needs to be worth it.

The other aspect is that I have a racecar for the weekends so I do not flog my street car (not even close). Admittedly, I rarely romp on my M and could get by quite easily with a 335. But I don't want to.

Thoughts? All are appreciated.
TIA!

Ateam · 12-09-2011, 01:09 AM

Considering the 335 is faster and the 335is is quite a bit faster, not sure you a 335 would not cut it but your e46 does? As you mentioned if its not a car you track, the 335 is much faster, much more comfortable for daily drives around the city. Like you said you have a track car so the only place the e46 is faster is around a track.

FVM3 · 12-09-2011, 02:34 AM

DCT > SMG

MKE_M3 · 12-09-2011, 05:55 AM

your high strung 6 is out revved by the non-purist v8!

Go for it!!

DivideBYZero · 12-09-2011, 06:17 AM

I went E46 M3 6MT to E92 M3 DCT. I still miss the E46, but not because it was better, I just get misty eyed about cars I have owned that have soul and the E46 M3 is a soulful car.

SenorFunkyPants · 12-09-2011, 06:19 AM

I had 3 SMG M3s and moved to a 2009 DCT E92 M3.
Much as I loved my E46 M3s the E92 is by far the better drive, in terms of balance, stability, front end grip and outright speed.
The DCT is a masterpiece..after three years I am still not bored with it, in fact totally the opposite.
But here is the thing...when I first drove the E92 M3 I wasn't that impressed, neither with the performance or the DCT. It takes serious seat time before you can really appreciate just how great a car it is.

James T. Kirk · 12-09-2011, 07:21 AM

^ +1

... I agree that it takes some seat time to appreciate since the real power lays awaiting in the upper rev bands.

One doesn't discover the M3's magic until he/she explores 6000-8300 RPMs.
.

disapr · 12-09-2011, 08:28 AM

How much for your E46?

What is your racecar?

Denk · 12-09-2011, 11:13 AM

I traded in my '06 M3 w/SMG for an '11 e92 DCT. I too miss my e46, it was a love/hate relationship with the SMG. The DCT is total love.

The only thing I kinda miss is the more mechanical aspect of the e46, down to the clank when closing the door.

The e92 is more refined and comfortable, it's the better car for me but I would've kept the e46 if it were possible, what a classic!

ailikesiliu · 12-09-2011, 04:25 PM

OP,I went from a E46 6MT to a E92 6MT.
E46 is truly more raw and you can feel the car more directly, but when I testdrove the E92 with the window down, I just amazed by the sound of the V8. I did miss the feeling of my E46 in the first couple months, but as I get more familiar with the E92, everytime I do the WOT in my E92, I just forget the feeling of the E46. lol. Now I love my e92 more than the E46, everytime I am in the car, It just feels so right.
The DCT is a great transmission, it is way better than the SMG, I'd love to get a DCT for my next car if I have the chance.
Go for it!

k2e15 · 12-09-2011, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdemetry

your high strung 6 is out revved by the non-purist v8!

Go for it!!

I ponder this "EVERYDAY"... Sell the e46 for an e92.... Le Sigh........ One day Soon I will pull the trigger.. Ss OP.... I say got for it!!!

Mr. ///M3 RD · 12-09-2011, 06:11 PM

I say go for it ... find a nice used e92 with low milage and you be a happy camper

I came form a e46 2002 to my now e92 2012 (however, I took several detours like purchase a e85 Z4 then sold the e46 and took the cash plus the e85 to get into the e89 Z4 had big issues with the e89 traded her in for a e92 2011 Basic slightly used and finally got into a new e92) 5 BMW's in 2 years quite a story to be told some day, not today

Anyway, do I miss the e46 yes I do, do I like the e92 you bet your bottom dollar I do. It's a great car one of the best I've owned in my lifetime.

In the end it will be your decision, just don't take detours like I did. If I would have done my research better (like this forum here) I would have avoided the Z4's (HPFP issues, RFT, Cracked wheels etc) and gone straight from a e46 to the e92.

As for the transmission it is your choice like they say when you purchase a computer "what will you use it for?" answer that question and and you will make the right choice.

As for the new generation of M3's well they say it might be a I6 and twin turbo ... in my case I wanted a new M3 with a V8 and that is what I got in the end.

Good Luck in your hunt.

ThunderMoose · 12-09-2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disapr

How much for your E46?

I was thinking the same thing. It would be nice to worry so much about my DD on the track

rye m3 · 12-09-2011, 07:34 PM

Don't think I'll add too much here, but I've had both. Had the SMG E46 M3 and now I have a 6spd E92. Hated the exhaust note of the E46, got the Rasp Terminator. Worked wonders. Also had a SuperSprint cat back. Hated the 4wd stock ride height. Lowered it on GC coilovers. Went through about 4 sets of wheels trying to find the right look. In the end, REALLY hated the SMG. Either it was not smooth - had to "learn" how to drive it for about a year or it was just boring. The DCT is MUCH better, no doubt about it, but I had to have a 6 spd after the 997.

Spring for a Comp package if you can. Great stock ride height. Great wheels. Even the stock exhaust note is not bad. The E46 didn't have a lot of torque either, so you won't be missing much. The car is awesome - the mod bug is satisfied with cosmetic mods, which are much easier to deal with. The E92 is an awesome cruiser. Very quiet and comfy, and the premium sound is really a great system - a far cry from the "premium" HK unit in the E46 (of course it should be, it cost a lot more). The car does great double duty as a comfortable cruiser and a race car with an 8k redline. Really don't like that you need to hammer it to feel the push back in your seat since the torque doesn't come on until 4k, but I live with it. (The 911 had a much lower torque band and was much more entertaining around town).

Question is, if you don't need the space, check prices on '05-'07 997S's. They are in the $50-60k range. Everyone should own one at least once.

Phantom_9192 · 12-09-2011, 09:02 PM

Wow, thanks all. Excellent responses! Here's the one that really resonated with me: "I just get misty eyed about cars I have owned that have soul and the E46 M3 is a soulful car." Preach on, brotha. Can I get an AMEN?

I'm really starting to be pulled to the dark side, I have to admit.
Maybe I'll pull together a solid feeler for my E46 and see what I might can get for her.
Here are the basics:
- '03 Steel Gray Metallic, SMG, black/aluminum interior
- 90,3xx miles
- 3rd owner, I've never tracked it and was told that previous owners did not (first was a lady in Houston, second was a tech at local BMW dealership so he treated it reeeeaaaal right)
- paint is excellent
- interior is excellent
- cosmetic upgrades: black aluminum paddle shifters, LED tail light update (matching 03.5-06) model, black Beyern Mesh 19" rims
- Powerflex RTAB's, rear performance brakes/rotors from Zeckhausen (cheaper and better than OEM)
- I have a set of Proj46's with smoked corners that I just bought to install, still in the box
- SMG is way smoother than my previous SMG M3, rasp in this car is perfect
- tires are in excellent shape (Conti DWS's... wonderful for all weather easy street driving like I do), brakes more than 50% I would say
- Inspection III due in about 8800 miles so you can see how easily it's been driven
- just replaced CPV a couple of weeks ago

I think if I could get 18k for it I'd seriously consider it.
I do absolutely love this car, but the E92 is lighting a fire in my belly.

I'll try to pull together a FS thread with full pics in the right area of the forum (anyone interested can PM me in the meantime).

Thank you all again for the excellent feedback!

Phantom_9192 · 12-09-2011, 09:07 PM

Oh and in response to poster above, my racecar is a Spec Racer Ford (SRF). I race with SCCA. It's a great car for wheel-to-wheel racing action and I've been all over creation with it, winning more than my fair share of races. Therefore, no need to rip on my DD.

Check out some fun vid of my championship race here (you can read my qually woes on the page, I started way further back than I wanted... alas) :
actual link <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dme-A4-ddo> so you can go to YouTube and watch in HD... much better than embedded here I suspect. WATCH IN HD!!!

///M Ryder · 12-09-2011, 09:10 PM

What are you waiting on......put the E46 on the block and get some V8 symphony while you can

........Phil

Mmmdreamer · 12-10-2011, 12:13 AM

OP that is some racing mayhem! lol, looks a blast! I never owned an e46...and just got a used e90 M, for normal driving, it's super smooth and comfortable. Wouldn't even know it had that much power under the hood. Quite frankly, it's too fast for normal street driving really and yeah, i got no clue what's going on after 6K rpm...i've had the car two weeks and have been taking it out for cruises everyday when I should be sleeping...it's pretty relaxing in the cabin =)

Good luck! Enjoy trying to get rid of your itch one way or another!

12-08-2011, 11:39 PM	#1
Phantom_9192 Private First Class 105 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [0.00]	Need opinion please - E92 drivers All, I've done a fair amount of reading on the forum (as well as M3forum) and I just want to get a couple of quick hit opinions. I am considering selling my 2003 E46 SMG M and getting into an E92 (likely '09). I have test driven an '09 and I really like it. In my very short time with the car, I really liked the DCT over the SMG. The 8 cylinder doesn't feel as "purist M" as the high strung S54, but again, I'm not an S54 bigot so I liked the feel of the 8. My car is in spectacular shape inside and out and drives like a dream with 90k miles on it... but the siren call of the E92 is on the rise. So have any of you out there gone from an E46 to an E92, especially from SMG to DCT, and would like to share your quick opinions? It's a delta of probably close to $30k so it needs to be worth it. The other aspect is that I have a racecar for the weekends so I do not flog my street car (not even close). Admittedly, I rarely romp on my M and could get by quite easily with a 335. But I don't want to. Thoughts? All are appreciated. TIA!
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12-09-2011, 01:09 AM	#2
Ateam Banned 88 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Considering the 335 is faster and the 335is is quite a bit faster, not sure you a 335 would not cut it but your e46 does? As you mentioned if its not a car you track, the 335 is much faster, much more comfortable for daily drives around the city. Like you said you have a track car so the only place the e46 is faster is around a track.
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12-09-2011, 02:34 AM	#3
FVM3 Major General 273 Rep 5,751 Posts Drives: e92 m3, f30 328i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	DCT > SMG
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12-09-2011, 05:55 AM	#4
MKE_M3 Lieutenant Colonel 65 Rep 1,705 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (0)	your high strung 6 is out revved by the non-purist v8! Go for it!! __________________
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12-09-2011, 06:17 AM	#5
DivideBYZero Never underestimate the Home-Bowl 484 Rep 821 Posts Drives: F87 M2<E92 M3<E46 M3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M2 [0.00] 2016 BMW M235i [0.00] 2012 BMW 120d M Spo ... [0.00] 2010 BMW M3 - SOLD [10.00] 2002 BMW Z3 2.2i Sport [0.00] 2001 BMW M3 - SOLD [9.00]	I went E46 M3 6MT to E92 M3 DCT. I still miss the E46, but not because it was better, I just get misty eyed about cars I have owned that have soul and the E46 M3 is a soulful car.
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12-09-2011, 06:19 AM	#6
SenorFunkyPants Brigadier General 2511 Rep 4,381 Posts Drives: 2019 M5 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I had 3 SMG M3s and moved to a 2009 DCT E92 M3. Much as I loved my E46 M3s the E92 is by far the better drive, in terms of balance, stability, front end grip and outright speed. The DCT is a masterpiece..after three years I am still not bored with it, in fact totally the opposite. But here is the thing...when I first drove the E92 M3 I wasn't that impressed, neither with the performance or the DCT. It takes serious seat time before you can really appreciate just how great a car it is.
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12-09-2011, 07:21 AM	#7
James T. Kirk Captain of the Enterprise 101 Rep 1,424 Posts Drives: 2011 1 Series M Coupe Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001 iTrader: (0)	^ +1 ... I agree that it takes some seat time to appreciate since the real power lays awaiting in the upper rev bands. One doesn't discover the M3's magic until he/she explores 6000-8300 RPMs. . __________________ 2011 1 Series M Coupe VO M3 vs 1M Comparo Review 2011 M3 E90 DCT ZCP (sold) * 2010 335i Sedan (sold) 2005 M3 Convertible (sold) * 2003 325i Sedan (sold)
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12-09-2011, 08:28 AM	#8
disapr drop a gear and... 79 Rep 967 Posts Drives: 2010 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (4)	How much for your E46? What is your racecar? __________________ WTB - 2006/05 ZCP 6MT M3 w/ under 85k (Link to WTB)
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12-09-2011, 11:13 AM	#9
Denk Brigadier General 1006 Rep 3,341 Posts Drives: 2021 X5M Join Date: May 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (2)	I traded in my '06 M3 w/SMG for an '11 e92 DCT. I too miss my e46, it was a love/hate relationship with the SMG. The DCT is total love. The only thing I kinda miss is the more mechanical aspect of the e46, down to the clank when closing the door. The e92 is more refined and comfortable, it's the better car for me but I would've kept the e46 if it were possible, what a classic!
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12-09-2011, 04:25 PM	#10
ailikesiliu Captain 80 Rep 998 Posts Drives: e90m3 997.2gt3rs Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (8)	OP,I went from a E46 6MT to a E92 6MT. E46 is truly more raw and you can feel the car more directly, but when I testdrove the E92 with the window down, I just amazed by the sound of the V8. I did miss the feeling of my E46 in the first couple months, but as I get more familiar with the E92, everytime I do the WOT in my E92, I just forget the feeling of the E46. lol. Now I love my e92 more than the E46, everytime I am in the car, It just feels so right. The DCT is a great transmission, it is way better than the SMG, I'd love to get a DCT for my next car if I have the chance. Go for it!
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12-09-2011, 06:11 PM	#12
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 613 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	I say go for it ... find a nice used e92 with low milage and you be a happy camper I came form a e46 2002 to my now e92 2012 (however, I took several detours like purchase a e85 Z4 then sold the e46 and took the cash plus the e85 to get into the e89 Z4 had big issues with the e89 traded her in for a e92 2011 Basic slightly used and finally got into a new e92) 5 BMW's in 2 years quite a story to be told some day, not today Anyway, do I miss the e46 yes I do, do I like the e92 you bet your bottom dollar I do. It's a great car one of the best I've owned in my lifetime. In the end it will be your decision, just don't take detours like I did. If I would have done my research better (like this forum here) I would have avoided the Z4's (HPFP issues, RFT, Cracked wheels etc) and gone straight from a e46 to the e92. As for the transmission it is your choice like they say when you purchase a computer "what will you use it for?" answer that question and and you will make the right choice. As for the new generation of M3's well they say it might be a I6 and twin turbo ... in my case I wanted a new M3 with a V8 and that is what I got in the end. Good Luck in your hunt. __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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12-09-2011, 07:34 PM	#14
rye m3 Lieutenant 33 Rep 489 Posts Drives: 2011.75 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (2)	Don't think I'll add too much here, but I've had both. Had the SMG E46 M3 and now I have a 6spd E92. Hated the exhaust note of the E46, got the Rasp Terminator. Worked wonders. Also had a SuperSprint cat back. Hated the 4wd stock ride height. Lowered it on GC coilovers. Went through about 4 sets of wheels trying to find the right look. In the end, REALLY hated the SMG. Either it was not smooth - had to "learn" how to drive it for about a year or it was just boring. The DCT is MUCH better, no doubt about it, but I had to have a 6 spd after the 997. Spring for a Comp package if you can. Great stock ride height. Great wheels. Even the stock exhaust note is not bad. The E46 didn't have a lot of torque either, so you won't be missing much. The car is awesome - the mod bug is satisfied with cosmetic mods, which are much easier to deal with. The E92 is an awesome cruiser. Very quiet and comfy, and the premium sound is really a great system - a far cry from the "premium" HK unit in the E46 (of course it should be, it cost a lot more). The car does great double duty as a comfortable cruiser and a race car with an 8k redline. Really don't like that you need to hammer it to feel the push back in your seat since the torque doesn't come on until 4k, but I live with it. (The 911 had a much lower torque band and was much more entertaining around town). Question is, if you don't need the space, check prices on '05-'07 997S's. They are in the $50-60k range. Everyone should own one at least once. __________________ E92 M3 MR on Red/Black ZCP Sound Carbon 2007 997S - sold 2003 E46 M3 Steel Grey on Red- sold 1997 E36 M3 Arctic Silver on Black- sold
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12-09-2011, 09:02 PM	#15
Phantom_9192 Private First Class 105 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [0.00]	Wow, thanks all. Excellent responses! Here's the one that really resonated with me: "I just get misty eyed about cars I have owned that have soul and the E46 M3 is a soulful car." Preach on, brotha. Can I get an AMEN? I'm really starting to be pulled to the dark side, I have to admit. Maybe I'll pull together a solid feeler for my E46 and see what I might can get for her. Here are the basics: - '03 Steel Gray Metallic, SMG, black/aluminum interior - 90,3xx miles - 3rd owner, I've never tracked it and was told that previous owners did not (first was a lady in Houston, second was a tech at local BMW dealership so he treated it reeeeaaaal right) - paint is excellent - interior is excellent - cosmetic upgrades: black aluminum paddle shifters, LED tail light update (matching 03.5-06) model, black Beyern Mesh 19" rims - Powerflex RTAB's, rear performance brakes/rotors from Zeckhausen (cheaper and better than OEM) - I have a set of Proj46's with smoked corners that I just bought to install, still in the box - SMG is way smoother than my previous SMG M3, rasp in this car is perfect - tires are in excellent shape (Conti DWS's... wonderful for all weather easy street driving like I do), brakes more than 50% I would say - Inspection III due in about 8800 miles so you can see how easily it's been driven - just replaced CPV a couple of weeks ago I think if I could get 18k for it I'd seriously consider it. I do absolutely love this car, but the E92 is lighting a fire in my belly. I'll try to pull together a FS thread with full pics in the right area of the forum (anyone interested can PM me in the meantime). Thank you all again for the excellent feedback! __________________ 2003 SGM SMG - Sold but not forgotten! 2010 JzB/DCT Moved on to next owner 2019 HS 6MT M2C
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12-09-2011, 09:07 PM	#16
Phantom_9192 Private First Class 105 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [0.00]	Oh and in response to poster above, my racecar is a Spec Racer Ford (SRF). I race with SCCA. It's a great car for wheel-to-wheel racing action and I've been all over creation with it, winning more than my fair share of races. Therefore, no need to rip on my DD. Check out some fun vid of my championship race here (you can read my qually woes on the page, I started way further back than I wanted... alas) : actual link <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dme-A4-ddo> so you can go to YouTube and watch in HD... much better than embedded here I suspect. WATCH IN HD!!! __________________ 2003 SGM SMG - Sold but not forgotten! 2010 JzB/DCT Moved on to next owner 2019 HS 6MT M2C
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12-09-2011, 09:10 PM	#17
///M Ryder Grown Azz Man 429 Rep 3,021 Posts Drives: GT4 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (8)	What are you waiting on......put the E46 on the block and get some V8 symphony while you can ........Phil __________________ 2016 GT4.....Sapphire Blue Metallic, Platinum stitch Leather/Alcantara interior, Carbon Fiber Trim, PCM w/Nav, Guards Red Belts, 2 Zone Climate, Sport Chrono, LWB, Smokers Pack, Big Gas Tank, Light Design Pack, Bi-Xenon w/PDL, Auto Dim Mirror, Clear Side Markers, GTS Clear Taillights
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12-10-2011, 12:13 AM	#18
Mmmdreamer Captain 46 Rep 602 Posts Drives: 08 e90 M3 Jet Black Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Jersey City iTrader: (1)	OP that is some racing mayhem! lol, looks a blast! I never owned an e46...and just got a used e90 M, for normal driving, it's super smooth and comfortable. Wouldn't even know it had that much power under the hood. Quite frankly, it's too fast for normal street driving really and yeah, i got no clue what's going on after 6K rpm...i've had the car two weeks and have been taking it out for cruises everyday when I should be sleeping...it's pretty relaxing in the cabin =) Good luck! Enjoy trying to get rid of your itch one way or another!
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