[Interlagos_Blau]

Anyone go from E46 M3 to M2? Literally no cars to test drive here, or in surrounding area, so I have no comparison.

I have my name on several waiting lists and I have not even test driven the car. Seems a lot of you guys are going from 1M or E9X to the M2—any chance anyone’s going from an E46 M3 to the M2?

[Adem1534]

Originally Posted by Interlagos_Blau

Anyone go from E46 M3 to M2? Literally no cars to test drive here, or in surrounding area, so I have no comparison.

I have my name on several waiting lists and I have not even test driven the car. Seems a lot of you guys are going from 1M or E9X to the M2—any chance anyone’s going from an E46 M3 to the M2?

There are a bunch. First one that comes to mind is... Nantucket ? Maybe I'm thinking of someone else... He had a dark blue E46 M3.

[confusion]

I drove an E46 M3 (stick) from 2001 - 2008, then a 135 (stick) from 2008 - 2016, and now have an M2 (DCT). I did not have the opportunity to drive a 1M so cannot compare there. The M2 is an amazing machine. It very much reminds me of my E46 M3 but is better in literally every way. Aside from collectability, I would have no issue making the leap.

[andylena]

Originally Posted by confusion

I drove an E46 M3 (stick) from 2001 - 2008, then a 135 (stick) from 2008 - 2016, and now have an M2 (DCT). I did not have the opportunity to drive a 1M so cannot compare there. The M2 is an amazing machine. It very much reminds me of my E46 M3 but is better in literally every way. Aside from collectability, I would have no issue making the leap.

I preferred the steering feel on the E46, the m2 may feel a little soft when coming directly from an E46.
I am loving the m2 though and sure you will as well.

[///MIKE M]

I had an E46 M3 ZCP since 08 before just getting my m2 this year.

Any questions in particular??

I love my m2 and loved my e46. M2 is probably the closest new car to an e46 m3 that's why I gave it a chance.

[SW19]

I had a 6MT 2005 E46 M3 that I just sold this spring.I had the car for eleven years.It was a great car but it was time for something new.

The M2 feels like you a driving a smaller car than the M3.It feels a little bit nimbler through the corners than the M3.I was worried about the electric steering but I actually like it.The feedback is great and you can adjust the firmness with the different comfort,sport and sports plus settings.

My M3 had the 19 inch competition package wheels and I found the ride to be a little bit firmer than the M2.The M2 still has a firm ride but it seems to absorb the bumps better than the M3.

I really like the instant torque that the engine delivers compared to the M3.The car is a blast to drive.I am very happy with the M2.

[IS+1]

Originally Posted by confusion

I drove an E46 M3 (stick) from 2001 - 2008, then a 135 (stick) from 2008 - 2016, and now have an M2 (DCT).

If you have time to jump over to the "M2 vs..." subforum and provide your thoughts under the "M2 vs 135i coupe" thread it'd be much appreciated! Having owned a 135i since its introduction, your opinion would carry a lot of weight

[Interlagos_Blau]

Originally Posted by Nantucket

I had a 6MT 2005 E46 M3 that I just sold this spring.I had the car for eleven years.It was a great car but it was time for something new.

The M2 feels like you a driving a smaller car than the M3.It feels a little bit nimbler through the corners than the M3.I was worried about the electric steering but I actually like it.The feedback is great and you can adjust the firmness with the different comfort,sport and sports plus settings.

My M3 had the 19 inch competition package wheels and I found the ride to be a little bit firmer than the M2.The M2 still has a firm ride but it seems to absorb the bumps better than the M3.

I really like the instant torque that the engine delivers compared to the M3.The car is a blast to drive.I am very happy with the M2.

I appreciate everyone's responses. I think I'm just really old school and wanted to hear how others have transitioned from the e46 to the m2. I have an 06 IB comp package but it doesn't have nav, cruise control, etc. not a lot of gadgets and technology etc. and I really like that about that car.

It's interesting you say the m2 feels smaller than the e46. The e9x and newer m3s and 4s feel kinda big to me.

Trying to get on waiting lists has been challenging. I guess I've just been questioning putting deposits down for a car I've never driven but sounds like I'm over thinking it!

Thanks.

[confusion]

Originally Posted by Interlagos_Blau

Trying to get on waiting lists has been challenging. I guess I've just been questioning putting deposits down for a car I've never driven but sounds like I'm over thinking it!

Thanks.

I bought all three BMWs sight-unseen. I have been fortunate enough to get each car in the first month of release. The M3 and M2 were both HEA cars. All three of them have been fantastic (hence the long ownership). You won't regret the M2. It's a ton of fun and very much in the spirit of the E46 M3 and 1er.

[pruettfan]

Originally Posted by Interlagos_Blau

I appreciate everyone's responses. I think I'm just really old school and wanted to hear how others have transitioned from the e46 to the m2. I have an 06 IB comp package but it doesn't have nav, cruise control, etc. not a lot of gadgets and technology etc. and I really like that about that car.

It's interesting you say the m2 feels smaller than the e46. The e9x and newer m3s and 4s feel kinda big to me.

Trying to get on waiting lists has been challenging. I guess I've just been questioning putting deposits down for a car I've never driven but sounds like I'm over thinking it!

Thanks.

I understand the trepidation about buying a car that you haven't driven I had some of those thoughts when I placed my deposit but after reading and watching many reviews most of my concerns have been alleviated. I have sat in one and the ergonomics are excellent, of course you can sit in an M235i to check out the ergonomics, this is one of the most important issues to me, if a car has crappy ergo its out. The rest gets solid reviews, I would be shocked if I am disappointed overall but spending 57k plus tax and fees for a car I am never driven is a first for me.

[eau_rouge]

I have a M346 and ordered a M2 as a replacement for my daily M135i. The M2 is much closer to the M135i than it is to the M346. The M346 is a completely different car as the M2 feels much more digital and is way easier to drive. That starts with steering and ends with the clutch pedal way and feeling. The engine is nowhere as special as it is in the M346. In fact, I don't had the feeling that it is much faster or angrier than the N55 variant in the M135i. The only real difference to the M135i (and the most important one) is that they gave the M2 a very great suspension and chassis. It is much more capable and feels very planted. The grip is fantanstic. BMW really nailed it with this one when talking about how good something straight from the factory can be.

But if I am honest: I would never ever trade my M346 for the M2. Never. With that being said, I am glad that I can keep it and still can be excited for the M2. It is a fantastic car, no doubt - only thing that I miss is a special engine in that thing.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Interlagos_Blau

I appreciate everyone's responses. I think I'm just really old school and wanted to hear how others have transitioned from the e46 to the m2. I have an 06 IB comp package but it doesn't have nav, cruise control, etc. not a lot of gadgets and technology etc. and I really like that about that car.

It's interesting you say the m2 feels smaller than the e46. The e9x and newer m3s and 4s feel kinda big to me.

Trying to get on waiting lists has been challenging. I guess I've just been questioning putting deposits down for a car I've never driven but sounds like I'm over thinking it!

Thanks.

Yes you are.

Do you think all the reviewers are lying ?

Do you see lots of disappointed posts from buyers that have bought this car sight unseen ?

Nope ? Well then YES you are over thinking things. !

You can sample the 2 series chassis by driving a 228 or an m235 or m240 at anytime. Then pretend that it's faster, handles better, and comes in a weird blue color and that's the difference.

Have you not looked at the specs for the e46 m3 and the m2 chassis ? The dimensions are very similar.

PS... The e9x and f8x *are* kinda big ...


The m2 is more nimble than the e46.... It weights slightly more but it's much lighter on its " feet "

[Interlagos_Blau]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Yes you are.

Do you think all the reviewers are lying ?

Do you see lots of disappointed posts from buyers that have bought this car sight unseen ?

Nope ? Well then YES you are over thinking things. !

You can sample the 2 series chassis by driving a 228 or an m235 or m240 at anytime. Then pretend that it's faster, handles better, and comes in a weird blue color and that's the difference.

Have you not looked at the specs for the e46 m3 and the m2 chassis ? The dimensions are very similar.

PS... The e9x and f8x *are* kinda big ...


The m2 is more nimble than the e46.... It weights slightly more but it's much lighter on its " feet "

M3 Adjuster -- I get it, but I'm not talking about the specs per se. I guess I'm having trouble articulating myself here. Most of the reviews are from folks going from newer generation M's. I like the raw, mostly non-computerized/non electronic feel and driving experience of the e46. Just don't want to regret getting rid of it. Everyone's responses really have helped. Wish I could keep both. Wish I had option of selling the e34 instead. Ugh.

[ClothSeats]

Originally Posted by Interlagos_Blau

M3 Adjuster -- I get it, but I'm not talking about the specs per se. I guess I'm having trouble articulating myself here. Most of the reviews are from folks going from newer generation M's. I like the raw, mostly non-computerized/non electronic feel and driving experience of the e46. Just don't want to regret getting rid of it. Everyone's responses really have helped. Wish I could keep both. Wish I had option of selling the e34 instead. Ugh.

There is no new car that will be as "non electronic" as stuff from 15 years ago. If you don't like digitization, you should probably look at older cars. I always wanted a 911 RS America..

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Interlagos_Blau

Anyone go from E46 M3 to M2? Literally no cars to test drive here, or in surrounding area, so I have no comparison.

I have my name on several waiting lists and I have not even test driven the car. Seems a lot of you guys are going from 1M or E9X to the M2—any chance anyone’s going from an E46 M3 to the M2?

I went from e46 325i to 1M and now have 330Zhp mt and 1M. No M2 but owning both there is still some things I prefer on the e46. The steering feel and feedback is better for me on e46. Also the e46 has instantaneous throttle response when in the power band. While not the crazy surge of the turbo cars it's still impressive. The e46 is eager to go all the time. The 1M and the m2 is similar feels slightly less eager until the surge kicks in. The surge is intoxicating but it feels like you have to put the Spurs on whereas the e46 is eager. I sold my first e46 to by the 1M and got used to the turbo nature but I wanted a 4!door daily driver so I bought the zhp. Now that I switch back and forth the differences are very apparent and I love both for different reasons. I think that performance numbers aside the e46 is a great car and when I leave my 1M in the garage I don't feel I'm missing out on much. Then I drive the 1M and love the surge but sometimes miss the immediacy of NA motors and all the feedback from steering. Unfortunately you cannot buy a new e46 so M2 is a no brainier but if I could by a brand new with warranty e46 M3. I would buy that today possibly over 1M and M2 because you don't get that sort of immediacy , sound and feedback from the newer ones. The only way to know is to drive one though but my point is that you will give up a few things going into m2 but you won't remember unless you're like me and switch between both regularly.

[saint3448]

Don't do it.

I love my M2. It really is an updated E46.

But, I sold my 05 E46 M3 ZCP with slick top and cloth seats, in almost mint condition.

I wish I hadn't. I'll be able to get an M2 no problem in a few years, I won't be able to get my E46 back.

[scoale]

Originally Posted by saint3448

Don't do it.

I love my M2. It really is an updated E46.

But, I sold my 05 E46 M3 ZCP with slick top and cloth seats, in almost mint condition.

I wish I hadn't. I'll be able to get an M2 no problem in a few years, I won't be able to get my E46 back.

This

Interlagos - there is a reason why a TON of people want the car you have (comp pack/color). Any chance you could delay M2 purchase a few years in order to have both?

[clubsport]

I went straight from an E46 M3 coupe to the M2.
Mine was a pre-LCI version. I had done bushings and some camber but nothing else.
I love the way E46 M3's look and due to long ownership I love the interior. Very familiar and comfy every time you get in. It was a good place to be. I will get another someday, or another ZHP. I actually liked that better in some ways. My M3 had 46k miles.

I don't miss the lack of torque, the raspy exhaust, Steel Gray Metallic, SMG, eventual Vanos issues, eventual rear subframe issues.

E46 cars are fairly reliable although it seemed parts costs were increasing and my car was a 2002. I doubt you will see a lot of M2's driving around with 150k+ miles in 14 years without the majority of major components already replaced. Same for 2017+ Porsches.

M2 has much quicker turn in. M3adjuster nailed it...It's heavier but lighter feeling. It is more fun than the E46 M3.

Worth the price difference??? that's your question to yourself. I'm not very mechanically inclined and would rather pay someone to do it right the first time. The cost of maintaining the M3 vs. an M2 with full maintenance?? I chose the M2. Not looking back, even though I think the M3's look better.

[abp689]

Great thread! I purchased a e46M3MT coupe with 26k miles last year to hold me over with till the M2 "market adjustment" faded.

However, the 46 has been great. Enjoy driving it everyday. The only major concern is safety. Not sure how much safer the 2 is versus the 3?

As far as maintenance, I figure it will be less than deprication and interest for a $60k car.

Still undecided, but thinking i will put it off for a least one more year?