Lease is up in ~8 months...

and i'm looking for a replacement. right now i've got an '04 Volvo S60R, and it's been great. I tend to choose my cars on emotion, and i've been with volvo for the past 7 years [S40, then a C70, and now the R], but i've since fallen out of love with my car. Ive wanted an E36 M3 ever since I could drive, but the E46's are stunning, and that's what I want.

all the BM's i've driven have been great [surprisingly, I havent driven an m3 yet -- e36 325, girlfriend's X3, e90 325...], and they suit my driving style better....so i think it's time for a change.

What I want to know, is if anyone has one [or has experience] with the E46 M3's -- i've heard about the rod bearing recall on 01-03's, so i'd like to get an '04+ if possible, for around 40k -- anyway, I want to know if anyone knows of any major issues with them, and if there are any issues with the SMGII.

thanks

 

You might want to contact MovingChicane on this board. I know he has an M3 with very low miles and in mint condition. He knows a lot about the cars and probably won't mind sharing his knowledge.

 

Not often you see all of these words strung together like that.

 

+1

Maybe he'll have a burst of adrenaline and step up to an Acura!

 

well, see, i crashed the S40 on the highway in a rollover and came out with with some minor bumps and bruises...laceration in the head that needed soem staples, and a messed up hand, but otherwise, i was OK. that's kind of what started it..the R was on the horizon and i got a C70 in the interim for a year..i wasl suting after the R for a while, and finally got it in Jan. '04...it's been really good to me, and i love it, but like I said, i've fallen out of love with it, and I want something new.

My parents are benz people and i've driven them over the years, and they feel too numb for me..more numb than my R...Which is why I don't really want an AMG...all the BMW's ive driven are nice and tight and predictable..the car just does what you want it to.

plus i've always loved the E30's and E36's...i think the new E92 M is ugly [and pricey..im sure itll command a premium when it's released]...so i'm hoping i can score a good deal on a later model year E46

 

hey! the R's a nice car.

the other ones..not so much, but i explained why i was emotionally attached above.

emotion has nothing to do with performance. Isnt that why we want/have ferraris? they cost a ton, there's faster cars out there for a lot less money, they cost a lot to maintain...but we do it because we love 'em. we don't really have to justify it. they just have that je nais sais quoi. and some people just dont understand.

 

Just teasing, mate. I do like the look of the R's.

 

Here is mine. I have had the car now for 4 months and it really is the perfect everyday driver. I really like the SMG transmission. I have only used the auto mode once (it sucks) but in the most aggressive shift mode (5 Sport) I find the car drives very crisp. Spend a few extra bucks and get the competition package- drilled rotors, beter steering, rims and alcantra wheel.
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still have a few months before I'm seriously looking and making offers, but I'm looking to buy and keep this time, so that means used...and keep it under 40k, so that limits me to '04 and below..I don't believe the zcp package or alcantara came in until 05...

already know what I want though...Alpine White, smg, red or cinnamon interior...the rest like the csl/competition package wheels..I can do that myself later

 

beautiful car, btw

 

Well, I'd say Ferraris are more visceral than Volvos. They have a certain je sais exactement. But then I don't have any airbags popping out of my cupholder to shield my wrist. (Actually had a very bad accident in a Fiat X1/9 and walked away without a scratch... scary shiit.)

Yes, a used e46 M3 is probably a good move. They look better than the new ones, and there should be a ton of them coming off lease or being traded on the Bangle edition.
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Bryan, your steering clear of Volvo's? Say it isn't so! I was leaning towards an S80 when my lease expires (about the same time frame as you btw) but I don't wanna be the only Volvo driver on this board.

 

without a doubt.

I dont like the look of the new ones either, plus it wont be out for a while. The 2002's, E30's, 36's, and 46's have a classic timeless design that's still going to look good for years to come -- the E92....well, it looks like crap...and it won't age well at all. It's fast, but ill just supercharge or turbo the M and be happy

ah yes, the prancing moose magnets.

 

'07 is the last year for the R's and no one knows if they'll come back; i htey do, it'll probably be around or later than 2010

the new S80's are great. I got a chance to drive one, as well as the new C70 and C30 -- and they're all very nice. The interior on the s80 is great.

I'll be with volvo in spirit I'm still young, so I want something fun...a little more fun than what i've got now. Maybe in 10 years or so, if i've got a family and there's another R out, then i'll come back...when i need the practicality and safety again. [hopefully i'll have an Fcar by then, too ]