[AntonBurdier]

So recently I've been thinking about trading my 08 E92 M3 6-speed for an 03-05 E46 M3 6-speed. One of the main reasons is that I want to do some mods to the my car, but my options seem limited, or just way too expensive. Ideally I'd sell my E92 M3 for about 22-25k and buy an E46 M3 for about 11.5-15k. So I can have some pretty decent mod money.

Has anyone went from the E92 back to the E46? I'm torn on this decision, I really love my E92 from looks to sound but I would love to get an E46, being something that I can actually work on and probably make a much fast then the E92.

What do you guys think about this? Is it dumb or is it a good idea? Someone help me decide

[1MOREMOD]

Yes went e90 to e46 both were track cars. Did e46 as a more budget friendly way to go.

[cmo_93]

I, too, have considered this....

[Jonzny]

$11K E46 M3
+ $2k for the subframe
+ $1k for the Vanos
+ $2k Entire suspension overhaul
+ $2k Headers and Tune

Coming from an E46 M3 and having owned it for the past 6 years those are the things I would need done within the first 3 months of ownership. If you can find one with the subframe and vanos addressed already that'd be the way to go. The E46 M3 is definitely more of a drivers car feels nimble and direct as opposed to the E92

[RickP]

Went the other way E46 -> E92. One word, V8.

[drgt2rs]

That subframe issue never gonna be fixed.
Seen so many E46 with subframe reinforcement kit but still having cracks around those reinforcement kit.
just FYI. Owned 06 E46 M3, sold for E92.

[AntonBurdier]

Originally Posted by Jonzny

$11K E46 M3
+ $2k for the subframe
+ $1k for the Vanos
+ $2k Entire suspension overhaul
+ $2k Headers and Tune

Coming from an E46 M3 and having owned it for the past 6 years those are the things I would need done within the first 3 months of ownership. If you can find one with the subframe and vanos addressed already that'd be the way to go. The E46 M3 is definitely more of a drivers car feels nimble and direct as opposed to the E92

So, do you think that I should increase my price range for the E46 then? Maybe around 15k for the E46?

[AntonBurdier]

Originally Posted by RickP

Went the other way E46 -> E92. One word, V8.

I absolutely love the E92's V8, but I don't like the fact that I can't really do anything to it with out dumping a lot of money. Its almost like its already perfect haha.

[AntonBurdier]

Originally Posted by cmo_93

I, too, have considered this....

What are you leaning towards? Right now I'm leaning towards the E46!

[AntonBurdier]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Yes went e90 to e46 both were track cars. Did e46 as a more budget friendly way to go.

Were you happy with your decision? I'm not going to make it a full track car, but pretty close. I still want to comfortably be able to drive it on the roads :P.

[AntonBurdier]

Originally Posted by drgt2rs

That subframe issue never gonna be fixed.
Seen so many E46 with subframe reinforcement kit but still having cracks around those reinforcement kit.
just FYI. Owned 06 E46 M3, sold for E92.

I've done some research on the subframe issue, but I'm not completely informed about it yet. So if the subframe cracks can it be fixed and be good forever, or will it always be an issue?

[1MOREMOD]

Each has its advantages. I like the e46 a lot but hard to compare because it's more of a no compromises track only car.

[spiderspider]

[cherry-m3]

I have both. The vanos, subframe, and later on rod bearings are a real concern; especially if you're tracking the car. The 46 is lighter and with a decent weight reduction, can be even more so. You can find a decent one for 15k with some of these issues already resolved.
On the other hand the e9x has a v8 but will never get to e46 weights without an ample gut. 46 is the better track car, 9x is the best street/track.

[AntonBurdier]

Originally Posted by spiderspider

I would if I could, but I don't have that kind of money

[nholmes]

I got my E92M for the styling and V8 but if I ever stuff this car on track, I'll probably be parting it out and using that money to get an E46M.

[RickP]

Originally Posted by AntonBurdier

I absolutely love the E92's V8, but I don't like the fact that I can't really do anything to it with out dumping a lot of money. Its almost like its already perfect haha.

Test pipe, tune, pulley would not be much money for some good HPs....

[AntonBurdier]

Originally Posted by cherry-m3

I have both. The vanos, subframe, and later on rod bearings are a real concern; especially if you're tracking the car. The 46 is lighter and with a decent weight reduction, can be even more so. You can find a decent one for 15k with some of these issues already resolved.
On the other hand the e9x has a v8 but will never get to e46 weights without an ample gut. 46 is the better track car, 9x is the best street/track.

Assuming that I find a decent car for 15k do you think that I should replace some of these as a precaution, or should it be done as they start having issues?

[cherry-m3]

Originally Posted by AntonBurdier

Assuming that I find a decent car for 15k do you think that I should replace some of these as a precaution, or should it be done as they start having issues?

Since you're tracking the car subframe should addressed right away. The vanos you can check by removing the valve cover. If the hub tubs are not cracked then just replace the oil pump disc with a besian upgraded one and the unit should be fine (do a valve adjustment while you're in there). The rod bearings are dependent upon mileage (most of the time) and fail at a lesser rate than the s65. A blackstone test can help you get an idea of their state. Also make sure that the pre 2003 e46s have had the rod bearing recall done.

Just so you're aware all the money you get from selling the e9x will go into buying, fixing, and modding the 46. You'll probably end up spending even more than you initially thought. Its a slippery slope when it comes to tracking... but so worth it.

[Richbot]

I'm curious about what is possible to work on the E46 which is not possible on the E92?

If the goal is to track the car I get it, I guess, though the E46 suspension needs some help to get to a happy non tire killing place

[AntonBurdier]

Originally Posted by Richbot

I'm curious about what is possible to work on the E46 which is not possible on the E92?

If the goal is to track the car I get it, I guess, though the E46 suspension needs some help to get to a happy non tire killing place

Well, I'm not going 100% track the car if that makes sense, but I do want to put twin turbos in the E46, I was looking at trying prices to put turbos in the E92, put it just seems way too expensive, I've seen prices around 15k, that's way out of my price range right now. So selling the E92 and buying an E46, I'd have some play money. Also is it frowned upon to put turbos in these n.a cars

[E90Dave]

Don't do it. While the E46 is a great benchmark car, that's just what it is. A near 20 year old platform.

It's going back a few steps. I've owned both, it's not even close. The E92 chassis is far superior.

Some good looking aero and a set of JRZ coils with nice 18x10 all around will transform the car.