E46 M3 or SS - Page 3

Silver14 · 10-18-2015, 09:07 AM

I was considering used M3s, used M Coupes, and a new WRX before I purchased my Camaro. The BMWs were all out of warranty, and the idea of spending $25k+ on a car then the possibility of expensive repairs turned me off. I liked the WRX, but decided I didn't need 4 doors when I already have a SUV. I will probably do more drag racing than auto-x or HPDE, so the Camaro was the best fit for me.

cowpunk · 10-18-2015, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC_SS

Also no offense but how do you go from a LS1 catfish to a 5th gen and complain about cabin noise, and the radio? In 2002 the LS1 f-bodies had a 20 year old interior that rattled like a box of legos.

None taken...I guess I expected more from 4th to 5th.

As i said...I still want one, because of:

LS3-Torque
Aftermarket Support
Easier to DIY

Cowpunk

wakespeak · 10-18-2015, 12:24 PM

This was interesting. Watch out for the subframe crack:

7 Things I Learned From Buying My Own E46 M3

0-60 in 4.8 seconds is slower than the SS.

In the end it is about style. You either like the American hot rod approach, or the European autobahn cruiser.

ForcFed93 · 10-19-2015, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hinkle3_trey

Leaning towards the m3, I'm just really tired of how heavy the Camaro is

I hope you have a deep wallet. I've had an E46 M3 before. Here are my thoughts...

The M3 isn't very fast. I got walked pretty hard by my brothers bone stock 2011 GT. Not only that, but aftermarket parts to modify it are very expensive and net only minimal gains. Like, $500 for an intake that gets maybe 5hp. $1000+ for any exhaust and they get maybe a couple HP at best. $1000 for a decent tune, that again nets very little.

Maintenance is what will get you. Even if you do all the work yourself, you're looking at tons of money. The Castrol TWS 10W60 you have to run is about $15/liter and it takes 6. Plus they have recommended intervals for diff fluids, brake fluids, transmission fluids, etc. The cooling system is basically an entire maintenance item at 100k (mine had 70k and didn't have issues with it).

Stay away from SMG. Pumps are ridiculously expensive and do go out. I had a spring break in mine that rendered it immobile. It cost literally $2 but took a full days worth of work.

If you're OK with all of that. Get one. They look great (IMO), handle fantastic, though not up to what my 1LE does, and they just have a great fit and finish.

SlingShot · 10-19-2015, 05:22 PM

IMO if your thinking about a sedan, think about a used Chevy SS. It will handle better and have better power with endless power mods available.

gen6waiter · 10-20-2015, 11:47 AM

manual trans E46 M3 with maintenance documentation. Fit and finish and fun factor, the SS or 1LE can't compare. Sure the 1LE is faster in a competition track but the M3 will more than hold its own in the canyons where most of us visit more than the track.

hinkle3_trey · 10-21-2015, 10:36 AM

Really got me thinking c6 corvette now

Burt · 10-21-2015, 10:55 AM

they're still a bit out of the $25K range, but have you thought about a used M235i? I've driven one of those and an E46 325, and the overall size and feel isn't that different, but you get all the modern benefits of a brand new car, like turbos.

the M235i will be a more complete, balanced package out of the box, and is easy to get more power out it. That said, I wouldn't trade my SS for one, mostly because the SS has an attitude the M235i just can't match.

10-18-2015, 12:24 PM	#31
wakespeak Drives: 2020 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,405	This was interesting. Watch out for the subframe crack: 7 Things I Learned From Buying My Own E46 M3 0-60 in 4.8 seconds is slower than the SS. In the end it is about style. You either like the American hot rod approach, or the European autobahn cruiser. __________________ 2020 ZL1 1LE [Moroso SC Expansion Tank, otherwise stock]

10-19-2015, 05:22 PM	#33
SlingShot Drives: 2012 ZL1 - #670 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Seminole, Fl. Posts: 8,009	IMO if your thinking about a sedan, think about a used Chevy SS. It will handle better and have better power with endless power mods available. __________________

10-20-2015, 11:47 AM	#34
gen6waiter Drives: Toyota Taco. 2010 SS-Sold :( Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: California Posts: 134	manual trans E46 M3 with maintenance documentation. Fit and finish and fun factor, the SS or 1LE can't compare. Sure the 1LE is faster in a competition track but the M3 will more than hold its own in the canyons where most of us visit more than the track. __________________ You vs You

10-21-2015, 10:36 AM	#35
hinkle3_trey Drives: 2013 Camaro 1LS Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Ga Posts: 65 View My Garage	Really got me thinking c6 corvette now __________________

10-21-2015, 10:55 AM	#36
Burt Cone Killer Drives: 2012 SS Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: St. Albans, West Virginia Posts: 832	they're still a bit out of the $25K range, but have you thought about a used M235i? I've driven one of those and an E46 325, and the overall size and feel isn't that different, but you get all the modern benefits of a brand new car, like turbos. the M235i will be a more complete, balanced package out of the box, and is easy to get more power out it. That said, I wouldn't trade my SS for one, mostly because the SS has an attitude the M235i just can't match. __________________ 2012 Camaro SS - Sold Selling off my remaining wheels, tires, 27mm front sway bar, and MGW shift knob. Get them out of my house before my wife puts me out!

10-18-2015, 09:07 AM	#29
Silver14 Drives: 2014 SIM 2SS Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 925	I was considering used M3s, used M Coupes, and a new WRX before I purchased my Camaro. The BMWs were all out of warranty, and the idea of spending $25k+ on a car then the possibility of expensive repairs turned me off. I liked the WRX, but decided I didn't need 4 doors when I already have a SUV. I will probably do more drag racing than auto-x or HPDE, so the Camaro was the best fit for me.