[seis-speed]

Serious question

For arguments sake:

2005 M3 $25k 6MT in Carbon Black or Interlagos Blue ~ 60k miles

2019 M2C $59k 6MT in HS ~ 11miles

Which one do you chose?

[DieGrüneHölle]

M2C

E46 would need to have slick top, ZCP, manual, low miles, rare color...to be considered. Those are not anywhere near $25k.

[RATED__M]

Funny you should mention this. First off, this is my very first post on this forum so hello everyone. Anyway, I’ve owned a 2006 Interlagos blue/black 6spd ZCP m3 for about two years. I bought it from ththe original owner with 39k miles. It now has 53k miles. Today, I placed my order for the M2C. I love my e46 m3 with a passion. Especially because it’s considered the “holy grail” e46 to some other than the CSL. So I will be selling the e46 m3. But I’ve had offers well above the $25k you’ve mentioned. It’s hard to find a clean ideal e46 m3 and the ones that are, go for quite a bit. You can find a carbon black low mileage 6spd but it won’t be a ZCP or it’ll have a CARFAX issue or it’ll be an 01-03’ but to find an 06 ZCP 6spd low mileage in an 05’-06’ in either carbon black or interlagos, I think it’ll cost a bit more than $25k to get.

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by seis-speed

2005 M3 $25k 6MT in Carbon Black or Interlagos Blue ~ 60k miles

You are easily $10k off the price estimate.

[DanG]

The maintenance costs on the E46 M3 will eat you alive. Setting the valves was $1K alone. I sold mine because it was costing to much to maintain,

My M2 is much more enjoyable to drive. The M2C should be similar. I would go for the M2C without a doubt. A plus is the free 3 year maintenance and 4 year warranty.

[hellrotm]

I’ve owned an E46 M3, one of my favorite cars. But you have to make sure the car you are buying has been properly maintained. Ideally look for a car that has had subframe reinforcement done, vanos refreshed, valve adjustment, rod bearings addressed.

[RATED__M]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

I’ve owned an E46 M3, one of my favorite cars. But you have to make sure the car you are buying has been properly maintained. Ideally look for a car that has had subframe reinforcement done, vanos refreshed, valve adjustment, rod bearings addressed.

Yup exactly. I did the valve adjustment and full vanos bulletproofing/cam gear bolts/chain tensioner guide even though it wasn’t due for it. Just for peace of mind. The rod bearings I still have time for as I’m at 53k miles and the subframe is good plus it’s the 06’ which has a slightly different subframe/spot welds. But yea, make sure all of that is done for sure before purchasing one because doing that definitely cost me quite a bit and I did a lot of the work myself as a former BMW employee.

[Karmic Man]

How is this a serious question?

A 15 years old car vs a brand new one with lots more performance, better looks and full warranty?

The E46 looks great in its time but things have moved on since....

[seis-speed]

Originally Posted by Karmic Man

How is this a serious question?

A 15 years old car vs a brand new one with lots more performance, better looks and full warranty?

The E46 looks great in its time but things have moved on since....

Nothing looks better than a clean E46, IMHO.

Warranty is massive, but I think there are still good buys to be had on the E46. I do think the best value at present time it a low mile SMG with manual conversion.

Warranty is a factor.

[YasF80_SLO]

Originally Posted by seis-speed

Nothing looks better than a clean E46, IMHO.

Warranty is massive, but I think there are still good buys to be had on the E46. I do think the best value at present time it a low mile SMG with manual conversion.

Warranty is a factor.

the 2 turbos and the Dual Clutch vs SMG or 6spd thats still No cost.. are factors to me

[Racer X]

I’ve been looking at used e46 M3s on and off for about a year. Imo they are primed to start going up in value. But there are so many around with smg or convertibles... I think a nice 6-speed coupe with low miles is still the holy grail... with the ZCP being top dog. They are very hard to find in unmolested condition. When you do find one... bring the $$$$$
I would still pick the M2C. New car with a warranty is the way to go.

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by RATED__M

Yup exactly. I did the valve adjustment and full vanos bulletproofing/cam gear bolts/chain tensioner guide even though it wasn’t due for it. Just for peace of mind. The rod bearings I still have time for as I’m at 53k miles and the subframe is good plus it’s the 06’ which has a slightly different subframe/spot welds. But yea, make sure all of that is done for sure before purchasing one because doing that definitely cost me quite a bit and I did a lot of the work myself as a former BMW employee.

Your M3 sounds sweet! You ever make it out to C&C PB?

[Blue2]

The E46 M3 is considered the peak BMW by many people, and I think there's some merit there. IMO it's the last generation to maintain that classic boxy BMW look and I think it's one of the best looking non-exotic cars ever made. They are already collectible and will probably increase in value.

All of that said, the M2 is the spiritual successor to the E46 M3. I think it will also be collectible (who knows what will happen to the 2 series in 2021?) and I think the M2C will offer a "pure" driving experience that rivals the E46 M3. Plus it's going to be faster

[RATED__M]

Originally Posted by Racer X

Your M3 sounds sweet! You ever make it out to C&C PB?

Yup! I go just about every month

[Shankska]

Get both!!! If only one I vote m2 comp

[norMcal]

Originally Posted by seis-speed

Nothing looks better than a clean E46, IMHO.

Originally Posted by Schnell B58

The E46 M3 is considered the peak BMW by many people, and I think there's some merit there. IMO it's the last generation to maintain that classic boxy BMW look and I think it's one of the best looking non-exotic cars ever made. They are already collectible and will probably increase in value.

All of that said, the M2 is the spiritual successor to the E46 M3. I think it will also be collectible (who knows what will happen to the 2 series in 2021?) and I think the M2C will offer a "pure" driving experience that rivals the E46 M3. Plus it's going to be faster

Yes, agreed on all of that. Two different animals. Not a fair comparison obviously, but what you wrote it true.


The maintenance concerns some have brought up for the e46 M3 are over-hyped. I haven't had any issues with mine in almost 3 years and regular tracking. You just need to fork the money out upfront to get a clean low mileage one and take care of the two Achilles heels (VANOS & Subframe).

To answer the OP's question, you have to ask yourself what you want the car for. I have come to this conclusion, for my own situation:

My e46 M3 is worth about 1/2 that of a new M2C. I could easily afford to sell the M3 and get an M2C, but then when I go to the track, the cost will go up substantially with the M2C. Mainly track insurance will cost a ton more, and I would not go without it on a new car. Consumables will go up also, as a heavier car will eat through more tires, brakes and probably fuel.
Yes, the M2C will be faster, and it is a relative bargain, but I am starting to have doubts if it will go down as a home run. For me the big question is, will it go down as a very desirable car with limited supply? If so, then you could potentially drive it relatively cheap for a few years and have fun with it, but if not, then the e46 M3 would be a much better "investment"

[norMcal]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrHwXxabt-w

[///M Houbi]

When i was test driving the M2 i had tears in my eyes driving back home when i realised its finally time to let go....

The 330Ci is around 2K-3K every damn time i have to service it. I was unhappy with its power for a decade now...

And still i fear the soon coming day when i will handover the keys to an unworthy individual...

I will miss you!!!

That car was #1 in coupe showroom section on e46fanatics.de for over 10 years....

http://bmw.houbi.ch/e46-330.htm

Thats what i call a clean E46!

[uniqueMR]

M2 Competition

[Nachtsturm]

I owned my E46 M3 when they first came out. Still the best car I have owned, and that is out of over 50+ cars.

Steel Gray with Black Napa, 6-speed manual. Nearly loaded. Feels like a long time ago.



With that said, if I did buy a very clean E46 M3, I could not bring myself to daily drive it. Then would have to go back to the multiple cars.

For me the M2C would be the way to go. Too many of my cars have been garage queens. Time to enjoy them. The 400+hp of the M2C doesn't hurt either.

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by RATED__M

Yup! I go just about every month

Next time I’m there I’ll look for you.

[Racer X]

The M2C is going to be a 60-70k car. It will depreciate normally over the next 10 years for sure... the only modern BMW that hasn’t was the 1M because of such low production numbers. An e46 M3 will appreciate the next 10 years. But you are starting with a 12-17 year old car. More than likely it will need up keep related to age. I enjoy my M2, but it will more than likely give way to something else in a few years. Where IF I could find the right e46 M3.... I would be more likely to keep it for investment reasons. But would I use it the same way... I think not. The M2C makes better sense for regular use.