jassi_hayre Posted December 17, 2008 Author Share Posted December 17, 2008 Looks like votes for M3 are stacking up! Would the SMG version be more fun or should I stick to manual? TIA Jas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supragaz Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 I am looking at getting an E46 M3 within next couple of months. My brother had a couple of Scoobies and had rebuilds on them both. Yes they were absolute animals, but they did lack refinement. Plus every chav and his mate seems to be ragging a Subaru about these days, albeit not P1's. Also, I had a 94 NA for 3 years and loved it. I changed it for a facelift TT6 because I wanted more power etc and the difference between the two was amazing IMO. Felt like a totally different car, could not stop driving it, best car I ever had. Good Luck with ur choice mate Gaz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 I'd go for a newer Spec-C Type RA Impreza. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 I vote M3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozz Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Why not get the best of both worlds and go for the CSL? I'd choose m3 over P1 but I love beemers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terminator Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 You really need to drive the SMG box for a few hours to get the feel of it. I have got used to the SMG box in the M5, I expected it to be as smooth as the MKIV auto, but as it is a manual with no torque converter, you have to set the speed of gear changes to maximum to get anywhere close to smooth acceleration. BMW only warranty their SMG systems for 15 launches, using the BMW launch system. Given most M3's are thrashed, the SMG box could be harboring problems that are not apparent on a test drive. Having driven mainly auto boxes for 10 years, fitting the manual in the supra, reminded me of what I had been missing. I had the choice of the choice of SMG or 6 speed on the M3 at the same price, I went for the manual. You do need to try both, you may love the SMG box with it's flappy paddles and the switchable option of totally automatic or sequential shift using the stick. You do get a lovely double de-clutch rev from the engine on down shifts. When driving the SMG hard you don't have the extra security of the clutch peddle to help you modulate the power, you have to relay on the technology. Overall I prefer having the third peddle for my left foot. Even with all its driver aids it is easier to get the M5 with the SMG box out of shape than it is to get my manual Supra running 600 ish with no TC at all. If you lived closer you would be welcome to come and see both boxes in action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jassi_hayre Posted December 18, 2008 Author Share Posted December 18, 2008 CSL is tooo much! (only have £15k budget). I saw a really nice R34 GTR in black earlier today and got home to check prices. They seem to be well expensive (more than 911's). Are they really that good? Looks like i'll be getting a manual E46 M3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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