[Jbmw21]

Hey fellow members have a big decision to make need help!!!! Need some Advice Please!

Contemplating between purchasing a M2 Comp 2021
Which I have on order with 10% off msrp.

Or picking up a 2006 E46 M3 Comp with low miles on the clock.


Which do I get helppppp

[BigKutta]

Both.

In all seriousness, both amazing cars, one's 15 years newer so you cant compare apples to apples. What do you like more apples or oranges?

[baege]

what's the usage, weekend car only or regular driver?

[MMMBRAP]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Both.

In all seriousness, both amazing cars, one's 15 years newer so you cant compare apples to apples. What do you like more apples or oranges?

I sort of like oranges more than apples, to be honest.

Have you ever tried a Japanese dekopan? Freaking amazing.

[DanG]

Hmm. There never was an E46 M3 Competition. I had an E46 M3. The M2 is a far superior car but costs a lot more.

[tropicatango]

Originally Posted by DanG

Hmm. There never was an E46 M3 Competition. I had an E46 M3. The M2 is a far superior car but costs a lot more.

False, in 2005 and 2006, there was an e46 m3 competition

Tighter steering rack
Csl like wheels ( except 8.0 wide in front vs 8.5 on csl)
Bigger brake( same as m3 csl)
Piston in rear caliper was bigger
Steering was in alcantara with only one button on it to turn on the mdm mode...

I had one of these, 2005 m3 competition pack.....from 2010 to 2014

I have a 2019 m2c right now.

Without any hesitation, go with the m2c

It's a better car, e46 m3 are way too expensive for what it is in my mind

With the M2c in stock form you'll have millions miles away better brake, way more power and torque, interior is nicer, suspension is very good.

I would never go back in a e46 m3, in fact, i tried back mine from the buyer who bought mine in 2017-2018 ( 4 years after selling) and was very disappointed, it was very bizarre since i loved my e46 m3 to death during ownership

M2c for the win

E46 m3 for 15 000$ usd yes, but price climb too much and these car needs a lots of maintenance to be like new, it's not worth it anymore

[Skulinex]

In 2005-2006 BMW launched the M3 Competition Package in the US (Sold as the CS in Europe), known as the ZCP option with a specific color available only in that package (Interlagos Blue), alcantara steering wheel, CSL brakes and rear wheels (front wheels of same design but less concave) and CSL steering rack...

OP, I have both and one of the reasons I chose to buy the M2 Comp is because it felt as the closest as a modern iteration of the E46 M3 you could find in sense of size and overall handling feel, except heavier (they are actually very close in size dimensions, being the M2 a tad taller). One thing I can tell you feels exactly the same is the clutch catch, might be a cdv valve deal. Very similar seating position, I was able to match them in terms of my body angle with the steering etc. M2 overall seating rides higher, which gives the M3 a sportier feel, closer to the road, but the M2 makes up with loads of power. M3 is pretty linear and you gotta use those revs to reach its usable power band -part of the beauty of it- while the M2’s power is basically there half a sec after you press the gas. They are both formidable machines but it comes down to what you are looking on doing with them and what gives you the most joy. One is a modern track rocket with all the tech you can currently get (not too overly done as most of the new G models) the other one is a classic with more focus on the driving aspect, simplistic in nature and road feel you can’t get in any modern BMW. Without all the safety nannies present in the newer cars, it makes for a more focused driving experience which is actually a beautiful feel, in my humble opinion..

I’d say all depending on the mileage, condition, and options, I’d probably go with the M3 as they are getting harder to find in pristine, undisturbed condition. Low miles specimens have actually become more expensive than M2’s, you could always find a clean, low mileage M2 sample later on if the M3 doesn’t meet your expectations.

Good luck which whichever you choose!

[DanG]

Originally Posted by tropicatango

False, in 2005 and 2006, there was an e46 m3 competition

Tighter steering rack
Csl like wheels ( except 8.0 wide in front vs 8.5 on csl)
Bigger brake( same as m3 csl)
Piston in rear caliper was bigger
Steering was in alcantara with only one button on it to turn on the mdm mode...

I had one of these, 2005 m3 competition pack.....from 2010 to 2014

I have a 2019 m2c right now.

Without any hesitation, go with the m2c

It's a better car, e46 m3 are way too expensive for what it is in my mind

With the M2c in stock form you'll have millions miles away better brake, way more power and torque, interior is nicer, suspension is very good.

I would never go back in a e46 m3, in fact, i tried back mine from the buyer who bought mine in 2017-2018 ( 4 years after selling) and was very disappointed, it was very bizarre since i loved my e46 m3 to death during ownership

M2c for the win

E46 m3 for 15 000$ usd yes, but price climb too much and these car needs a lots of maintenance to be like new, it's not worth it anymore

There was a ZCP package but it wasn’t called a Competition. The main difference is all current Competition packages increase the base horsepower. The ZCP package did not.

[tropicatango]

Zcp was the code for the option competition package

Back in 2005-2006, it was that but make your investigation, it was called m3 with competition package

[Jbmw21]

Thanks fellow members. I was thinking of the M2 Comp as Warranty is great to have. I've heard many Comparisons the m2 is a modern E46 M3 car in a way. The prices of m3s are soaring on BAT. So might have to scoop up both cars. Smh my account will definitely be hurting.. but life is short. And to come by low mileage will be tougher and tougher. So will definitely over think this as my car leaves production in Germany. But I'm definitely leaning towards the M2 as a lot of dealers are charging MSRP... tough decisions lol car will be a daily fun car. But I do work from home so not too much crazy every day trips

[JustinHEMI]

I never understand questions like this. Maybe it's because I'm new to BMW with my M2C. OP, can you help me understand why you would choose a 15 year old car over the new?

Your last post seems to indicate that investment may be the motivation.

[Nettles]

Originally Posted by JustinHEMI

I never understand questions like this. Maybe it's because I'm new to BMW with my M2C. OP, can you help me understand why you would choose a 15 year old car over the new?

Your last post seems to indicate that investment may be the motivation.

You answered your own question. You’re new to this world. Drive the older generations and report back. If you still don’t get it well then to each his own.

[Mr Pete]

If you want more power and speed, go for the M2C. If you want a pure analog driving experience, with a high rev'ing motor, and hydraulic steering, E46 M3 no question.

I have a M2C and would swap my M2C for a clean E46 M3 with zcp all day every day.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by MMMBRAP

I sort of like oranges more than apples, to be honest.

Have you ever tried a Japanese dekopan? Freaking amazing.

Hmm, I like oranges too. Will need to look for these. Thanks!

[PLF69]

There is no definite good answer here, it's really up to the buyer to determine what he likes. One of my best friend owns a 1969 Chevelle SS 396 , I totally understand the desire for a car like this but the first time I rode in it I was blown away how bad it was compared to modern cars.

[pz619]

The big question is which transmission on the e46 comp?

[Jbmw21]

Originally Posted by pz619

The big question is which transmission on the e46 comp?

Manual

[Jbmw21]

Originally Posted by Mr Pete

If you want more power and speed, go for the M2C. If you want a pure analog driving experience, with a high rev'ing motor, and hydraulic steering, E46 M3 no question.

I have a M2C and would swap my M2C for a clean E46 M3 with zcp all day every day.

Interesting why would u swap the m2c to the e46 M3 ???

[Nettles]

Originally Posted by pz619

The big question is which transmission on the e46 comp?

It's not though. It's literally manual or nothing for E46.

[ASAP]

While I understand completely why an E46 M3 would be desirable as I have driven quite a few and grew up during that time frame...

There is virtually nothing and I mean nothing that would make me pick a similar class car of 15 years earlier.

The build quality, stereo, leather and just about everything about E46s is really bad... then you get into the S54 Vanos issues, the rear subframe issues as well as the horrid SMG and there is little to put this car on top.

Yes, it feels raw, light and sounds great...

Guess what? So does an M2 comp and its 15 years newer... the one thing that I would definitely give the M3 is the induction noise of the S54, just about every other thing on that car is subpar.

[Teargas415]

I have both but my e46 m3 is a non comp , you don’t see as many nowadays . Just like a few others said before the servicing is different animal , I’d say try to drive as many as you can of both so you can get the feel of what you like. There both great cars . Can’t go wrong with either one.

[Al Bundy's Dodge]

Originally Posted by ASAP

While I understand completely why an E46 M3 would be desirable as I have driven quite a few and grew up during that time frame...

There is virtually nothing and I mean nothing that would make me pick a similar class car of 15 years earlier.

The build quality, stereo, leather and just about everything about E46s is really bad... then you get into the S54 Vanos issues, the rear subframe issues as well as the horrid SMG and there is little to put this car on top.

Yes, it feels raw, light and sounds great...

Guess what? So does an M2 comp and its 15 years newer... the one thing that I would definitely give the M3 is the induction noise of the S54, just about every other thing on that car is subpar.

Listen to this guy...