E46 is the chassis code...

SMG=sequential manual gearbox..... the same 6spd trans as the traditional 3pedal manual, but has a hydro/electronic system that controls clutch actuation and gear shifting via a computer that is actually via paddle shifts or shifter

 

oo ok i understand the SMG now

the chasis code.. what are the ones available? what do they look like?

 

E 30 = Two gen. ago Model M3. 1990-1995ish.
E 36 = 1 gen. ago M3. 1996-2000.
E 46 = Current generation.

SMG II(In E 46 M3's) shifts in 80 milliseconds. Ferrari's F1 ststem shifts in 250 I believe.

SMG III(in the new M5) shifts in 60 milliseconds.

 

this is my E46 M3

 

M3 No question a much better car all around. Trust me, I have done my home work and if you want a daily driver that is track worthy with just a few mods, than the M3 will win every time. I love my Z but it is a different animal. It is NOT an apples to apples comparison, more like Apples to Passion Fruit.

The M3 will out perform the Z in every category. The only way a Z will beat a M3 on the track is be modified and have a better driver. 287 hp v 333 hp??? and the Z is not exactally in the light weight race car catagory either.

so... if you can afford it, go M3.

THe cost of owning one is not that different from a Z. I have a 545i sport with a mt, and a few tweeks... not your run of the mill bimmer. BMW covers all scheduled maintenance, and if you can get one with the facoty warrenty that will save you some cheese in the long run.

Once I drove it I wondered why I never bought a BMW before. It is just a far superior car. Handeling, suspension, ride comfort and power....

 

i like the M3 and all of its performance specs and such. i just dont like the fact that it blends in with the rest of the 330ci's out there. only a enthusiast will be able to tell the difference, but to any normal person it looks like a 3 series coupe. same thing goes for merecedes AMG models as well. but cant deny that its still a great looking car.

 

I have to disagree. Look at the wider fenders, the vents on the side of the front fenders. I traded my '03 330ci for my Z, but i was first going to buy the M3. I thought it handled great, acceleration was incredible. However, i thought the ride was WAY to harsh for everyday use. I was bouncing all over the place.

 

I agree, if you can afford the M3 (you have to factor in maintenance and repair costs and unexpected expenses) then there's no better choice.

 

do you actually think a non car person would actually notice the fenders are wider? to you and me we can tell a difference, ask a regular non car enthusiast and they wouldnt probably point that out to you. same goes with the vents. think of it like this, you are paying more money for the car. why not make it stand more from the crowd? just my opinion.

 

I was looking at getting a BMW. But can't afford the ones I would be happy with. This summer/fall they are coming out with a M z4 coupe (not convertible) that has the E46 M3 engine, but only weighs 3000lb. It is a lot like the z in interior size.. but BMW level. Also the E90 M3 is supposed to be out this Fall, and rumor has it that is will be a V8 around 400hp, weight about 3700lb. Z4 I know for sure, M3 is rumors, etc that seem pretty solid.

 

i like the 3series BMW with the 2doors and LED rear lights.. those are Hawt!

 

used 2004 white m3 smg with 24k mile for 41k. contacted dealer to hold on for few day untill i get the cash but they sold it on the day before i went there so i bought 06 touring for 37k otd with extra cash left over.

 

i do not regret whats so ever wasnt planning on to give friend a ride

 

I agree a "non car person" would not notice the vents or wider fenders, however, in the same breath, most "non car person"(s) won't care (or notice you) if you drive a Z or a Toyota Camry... they just don't care enough to look at cars as "cool", a "status symbol", or anything of the like. "Non car person"(s) only see a car as transportation...

Get the M3 if you can afford it. It's a better car (and should be for the $), period. You will be the envy of most car enthusiasts. And to "non car person"(s) you will still drive a pretty good looking, reliable ride, with a good brand name.

 

On a track a z can edge out an m3 because of its bulkiness. Not to mention a better aftermarket. If you really want the backseats though it may be worth it.

 

For strictly track use, I'd get the Z...

For every other minute of the day, I'd buy the M3... All the reasons have been mentioned (Better Interior, Better Servicing, Back Seats, Faster in a straight line, Sexy as hell, etc.)

 

The Z is still an amazing car however... To me this argument is always like Apples to Oranges...

These are my two favorite cars on the market and I have the Z b/c I can afford it and afford to mod it, however the M3 is an all around better (build quality, convenience) car.

 

Keep in mind; you could always buy a slightly used Z for 25k, stick in a built engine and TT for 15k and use the 15-20k left over (if you are spending 60k on an M3) to buy a Toyota Camry...

Best of both worlds?

 

+1 , I agree 100%

 

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M3 W/ S/C