Hey guys,
I got my E46 2003 M3 about a year and a half ago. Moon/Sun roof, Dark Blue, 19"X9" in the rear, immaculate 98,000Kms, Black int., 6-Speed manual, Stock. As slow as my Supra build was going it REALLY didn't need me to get this M3. I thought the novelty would wear off by now but no luck for the Supra.
I had only experienced the sedan side of BMW ad nauseum. I had always coveted the Z3 Coupe but never actually met anyone who owned one and have only seen 4 since 1999. BMW's had always felt like an unreachable luxury that didn't really suit me anyway. Kinda like a Cadillac.
I was looking for something I could drive to work but be able to hang with the usual suspects. I also needed a car I could grow up with, that my potential boyfriend/husband wouldn't make me sell because of impracticality.
I needed something I would not be tempted to mod. My only option there would be a naturally aspirated format. Once you get an EVO, a WRX or turbo whatever the first thing you want to do it get a boost controller, and it's all downhill from there.
I bought this car based on what it is on paper. I was sold on it before I ever got in one.
Driving the M3 the first couple of times I really didn't think much. Based on it's stats I expected something different. I have been in many sport cars that boast similar performance. I expected the typical weight-reducing, power-saving nuances that we live with and make excuses for because we're having fun.
The driving position is very un-sport-car-like. The seats are comfortable but offer practical side support. They have a pop out insert under the knees to reduce long distance fatigue. It also has useable back seats! I've since driven with 6-footers sitting in the back.
On the street it is quiet and straight. There is not even the faintest rattle in the cabin and the outside noise is properly muted. Huge trunk with a really cool reversible carpet to rubber insert in case you are transporting something wet and/or dirty (ie.tires). Back seats fold down instead of the little ski-hole.
Bum warmers and frigid A/C with a zillion options for climate control. Tons of sensors for idiot proofing maintenance. Electronic everything else. Other than the 6Speed Manual shifter and the stiff-ish ride I really had no indication of the track animal I had researched. It felt so civilized.
The clutch is easy. The handling is deceptive to the car's power as well. It's easy to handle and the rear end is very solid. It has an amazing traction control that doesn't kick in too soon but has the option of turning it off completely.
Taking it into high rev's it seems to mimic a Forced induction power band EXCEPT that the M3 doesn't slow down the higher into the power band you go like with a turbo. It keeps pulling exponentially hard well after 7000 RPM. Shockingly so. The throttle response is just awesome.
It's only until you push the car that you begin to see and really appreciate what BMW has done. It really is the best of both worlds with no sacrifice on either side. What is special is that this 2003 M3 is still relevant, it's timeless in design and still produces competitive power. Plus it's a BMW.
It's been absolutely perfect so far with no complaints. I would definitely recommend.
It's very fun on the AutoX, so reliable/consistent almost to a flaw.
It's nice to have a monster that doesn't really advertise that it's a monster. No one really pays attention to the car unless they know M3's. I haven't done anything to it so it looks pretty tame.
