[porsche959]

debating a purchase of a e46 convert hardtop 6pd m3.

wondering if any non-m3 e90 owners went from an e90 to an e46 m3? how was the experience like? Also, what are your thoughts on a hardtop convert e46? Not as good looking at the hardtop imo but quite a bit cheaper, and way better than the softtop.

I am thinking about keeping both cars, but worried it might get redundant.

[AllBlackBimmer]

E46 M3 is a high reving NA 6 cylinder.
They drive completely different than an E90, non-M or M, from steering, braking, acceleration.
No redundancy.

[tcphoto]

I drove a non M E46 convertible for nearly seven years and loved it. As long as you are aware of the maintenance, it is a fun car. A hardtop will have nice lines and insulate in cold climates like Chicago. The E46 snobs will say that the convertible is heavier but every chassis has their things to nitpick. I only hope that it's not an SMG because replacing the pump is expensive. I'd check out the episode of Wheeler Dealer that did a manual conversation on, it's impressive. I'll attach a picture of my former E46.

[oVeRdOsE.]

e46 feels like older car when there was a minimum of electronic and no pedal lad.

SMG, despite the fact its expensive to maintain, kill the spirit of the car totally.

[Fritzer]

Hardtop Convertible E46? You mean with the hardtop shell? They only ever made E46 with softtop in convertible form. I would only buy a E46 M3 if it was manual + coupe with no sunroof. The S54 is probably the best M iteration of an inline 6 engine, ever. Those ITBs make the engine roar, especially in the high RPM.

[tlow98]

Went the other way. E46 M3 to e91 family hauler. My e46 was low miles, but still quite expensive to maintain. Vanos rebuild and rear subframe cracks. The convertibles rarely suffer from cracked subframes. Other than that all the normal M car maladies - rod bearings, mostly. SMG failures. Ugh. Valve adjustments - easy if you do them yourself.

If you do all your own repairs and maintenance, sure why not. If not, prolly don’t. You could easily spend the cost of a vert ($12k) in repairs in a few years if you get the wrong one.

I think the $20k rule is starting to apply to these cars now. You can have one, but it’s going to cost you $20k whichever way you split it. Unless, you do it yourself. It’s not a maintenance free e90 328i.

Notable great stuff : favorite interior of BMW models. Very classy. Ditto with the exterior.

[matamua]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Went the other way. E46 M3 to e91 family hauler. My e46 was low miles, but still quite expensive to maintain. Vanos rebuild and rear subframe cracks. The convertibles rarely suffer from cracked subframes. Other than that all the normal M car maladies - rod bearings, mostly. SMG failures. Ugh. Valve adjustments - easy if you do them yourself.

If you do all your own repairs and maintenance, sure why not. If not, prolly don’t. You could easily spend the cost of a vert ($12k) in repairs in a few years if you get the wrong one.

I think the $20k rule is starting to apply to these cars now. You can have one, but it’s going to cost you $20k whichever way you split it. Unless, you do it yourself. It’s not a maintenance free e90 328i.

Notable great stuff : favorite interior of BMW models. Very classy. Ditto with the exterior.

I've driven a bunch of both. I reeeally love the e46, but don't love the soft top. Moving to CA I wanted a hardtop convertible and got a smoking deal on an e93. It's fantastic.

If I was going e46, it'd be hard top without a doubt.

As long as it's not SMG, and subframe has been checked out, hard to go wrong with an e46.