Is there any members here who would consider E46 M3 (02-06) as a worthy sucessor to ITR in terms of driver's car and fine line between comfort and performance?

 

I had a 03 m3, and it was a very nice car. Because of the service I received from my local BMW dealer, I sold the car. I had a ITR then an S2K, and then the M3, and now I'm back to the ITR. ITR's are the best car in my opinion. But the M3 was a comfortable ride.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Biloxi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is there any members here who would consider E46 M3 (02-06) as a worthy sucessor to ITR in terms of driver's car and fine line between comfort and performance?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I do not like the E46 M3 as much as I liked some of the earlier BMW cars. That model seems a little heavy and a little luxurious, but they're fine cars.

You're going to be appalled if you ever need to replace something major, and you're not going to see anything close to Honda reliability. The costs for tracking an E46 can be staggering when compared to your typical Honda.

In the right hands, an E46 is a much superior performer than an ITR, but at quite a cost.

IMHO.

 

I am thinking about selling my itr for an e46 m3. I would only use it for spirted driving not so much track.

 

Get ahold of "R Guy" He sold his ITR for a 03' M3...then sold that for a E55 AMG...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Biloxi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is there any members here who would consider E46 M3 (02-06) as a worthy sucessor to ITR in terms of driver's car and fine line between comfort and performance?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I think that the two cars are not comparable and aimed at two entirely different demographic.

I switched to an '05 SMG M3, where it lacked in the raw-ness of the ITR it made up with creature comfort and amenities.

I think the real question you should be asking is whether or not something like the E46 M3 is right for you versus a comparison between the two car.

At that time I also owned a motorcycle and would never buy a performance car again. When it comes to pure adrenaline, fun factor, lasting appeal, and best bang for buck, the motorcycle beats the cars out by miles.

 

After 98, the m3 went to crap.... (FYI have driven all models/ e30/36/46/92 M30)

Was thinking of getting a E92 08 M3

Power to weight sucks. Feels like your driving a old mans car with not as much power as a V8.

If you like the feeling of the ITR and track it, don't change cause BMW like many automakers like Honda have gone with a much "softer" approach to building cars.

4,000 pounds in a track car doesn't sound fun to me.

IMO

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Biloxi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is there any members here who would consider E46 M3 (02-06) as a worthy sucessor to ITR in terms of driver's car and fine line between comfort and performance?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

IMO, hell no.

The E46 is a bloated highway cruiser. Sure, you can make it a great track car, but it's definately not out of the box.

If you are looking for a highway car, the E46 M3 is an absolutely wonderful car. It can do burnouts without breaking a sweat, it's refined, it's quiet and at 80-90mph on the highway it feels perfect.

Not what I want in a car though.

 

I'm going to be selling my '97 in November to buy a carbon black 6mt '03.5 or newer M3 with a sunroof delete option if I can find one in my budget with around 25k miles.

I've pretty much come to accept that fact that my autocross days will be gone because the M3 is a pig in AS against the S2000. The ITR is the best hands-down class winner other than the MCS in GS.

My rationale is that I want something I can take to Charlotte (2.5 hrs away) when I make business trips. Plus, I'd like to have something RWD for a change of pace.

Then again, I've never tracked my R so after Expo I may be singing a different tune...

After all, the Acura is paid off.

It makes one wonder; is an glitzy M3 really worth 2-3 times more monetarally than an eleven year old boy-racer Honda? (scratches chin)


You truly can't really argue against the looks of this no matter which side of the globe you're on:

 

E30, definitely.

E46, no.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


In the right hands, an E46 is a much superior performer than an ITR, but at quite a cost.

.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well said

The M3 , is a sick car , ive driven the newer ones with a Few mods , stock ones , and a turbo one ,
they are all sick ,

BUT , the ITR is something special , for a track car , like GK said , for an everyday guy , an ITR is way more realistic ,
For a commonperson's Track only weekend warrior - ITR FTW

For someoen who will go to the track rarley , but likes spirited driving on the streets , the M3 would be far superior as well ,
Both cars in stock form

then again dont forget , the ITR is almost 13 yrs old
the new M is NEW .

And for someone who is seriously dedicated to racing , an M3 is definetly a overall better machine , but will be WAY more maintenence , and that will cost what the whole honda car is worth ,
just to repair an BMW engine .

Either way IMHO , these cars are not comparable , 2 different types of car.

Both are sick


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by len &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

At that time I also owned a motorcycle and would never buy a performance car again. When it comes to pure adrenaline, fun factor, lasting appeal, and best bang for buck, the motorcycle beats the cars out by miles. </TD></TR></TABLE>

And , As much as i hate to disagree with you Len,
I say , that is poorly said , although its your opinoin , so obv its cool .

I currently have a 2006 CBR 1000RR , its fast , REALLY fast .

i also have a 500WHP ITR ,
and honestly , id rather be in the car , its ALOT more fun than a bike , IMHO.
The bike is full of adrenaline , and excitement , but ONE slip up , and its Probbally over for the Rider.
NOT good .
I am always , Quite honestly , scared out of my mind looking around for that one
Assjole to come kill me ,


the car is ALOT more fun , and its so much safer , that it makes it that much more fun


Modified by 00-501itrspec at 9:03 PM 5/9/2008

 

As far as BMW go, I've had a 97 M3, and I currently have a 05 M3 and a 89 325i. The E46 M3 has Moton Clubsports, Brembo brakes, etc and is setup for track use (basically it's a huge waste of money ). My former E36 M3 was similarly setup for the track, and that chassis has a far better feel than the E46 chassis. It feels noticeably lighter, but it's still no ITR.

That said, my ITR's are still more "raw" and therefore more fun. The E46 is faster, but you can feel the weight in every transition that the car makes.

The ITR's are the only cars that I am certain I will never part with.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Reid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As far as BMW go, I've had a 97 M3, and I currently have a 05 M3 and a 89 325i. The E46 M3 has Moton Clubsports, Brembo brakes, etc and is setup for track use (basically it's a huge waste of money ). My former E36 M3 was similarly setup for the track, and that chassis has a far better feel than the E46 chassis. It feels noticeably lighter, but it's still no ITR.

That said, my ITR's are still more "raw" and therefore more fun. The E46 is faster, but you can feel the weight in every transition that the car makes.

The ITR's are the only cars that I am certain I will never part with. </TD></TR></TABLE>

'89 325i ? Sp3c 30?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

'89 325i ? Sp3c 30?</TD></TR></TABLE>

E36 M3 Lightweight?

 

I've been contemplating getting an e46 M3 as well. I can't seem to part with the R though...I feel the R is one of those cars that if I sell I might regret. Keep the opinions coming...

 

i dont think i will ever find a replacement car for MY R.

if i want a M3. i am keeping the R and buying the m3. never can get rid of the R

 

the only car i'll ever replace my R with is an LSx powered FD - handling, styling, power, reliability all mixed into one

like many others here, there will be no true "replacement" for the ITR

 

unfortunately I can only compare the R to an E46 M3 CSL I had an extended drive of

even that felt fat and cumbersome compared to my R, so the regular one has no hope.

steering feedback wasn't any good, it was well balanced and mid-corner stability and grip was great. I felt it was good for controlling the direction of the car mid corner, and intake noise was simply out of this world.

HATED SMGII.

did I think it was worth spending ~£25,000 over the cost of my car?

HELL no.

everyone said I was mad and there is no comparison for a FWD Honda against an M3 CSL.

they obviously haven't driven both.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by len &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I think that the two cars are not comparable and aimed at two entirely different demographic.

I switched to an '05 SMG M3, where it lacked in the raw-ness of the ITR it made up with creature comfort and amenities.

I think the real question you should be asking is whether or not something like the E46 M3 is right for you versus a comparison between the two car.

At that time I also owned a motorcycle and would never buy a performance car again. When it comes to pure adrenaline, fun factor, lasting appeal, and best bang for buck, the motorcycle beats the cars out by miles. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I looking to M3 to be the all around performer.

I already have a 1000RR. It is ultra fast and ridiciously crazy to look over your shoulders all the time for some jackass to hit you. I prefer 4 wheels fun than 2 wheels. I just sold my RR.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hooch’n &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">After 98, the m3 went to crap.... (FYI have driven all models/ e30/36/46/92 M30)

Was thinking of getting a E92 08 M3

Power to weight sucks. Feels like your driving a old mans car with not as much power as a V8.

If you like the feeling of the ITR and track it, don't change cause BMW like many automakers like Honda have gone with a much "softer" approach to building cars.

4,000 pounds in a track car doesn't sound fun to me.

IMO</TD></TR></TABLE>

US version E36 M3 did not get the real M3 multi-throttle engine. Which is why it make the E46 M3 more desirable.

I have driven E46 M3 couple of times, it felt a tab more comfort than ITR. But the overall performance is close to ITR. Still 996 twin turbo is my ultimate choice.

 

I have one and I love it, handles great out the box and if you think it lacks power with just an air filter/header you make an extra 25-30whp through powerband.. no bs b/c I dynoed before/after the mods at the same place that did the install.

Its really not expensive to maintain as everybody thinks... you just really need to find the right one w/ a good service history. The car only needs the fluids changed and the occasional valve adjustment every 30k.

I wouldn't track the M3 as much as I would the ITR.. but I do plan to take it out there after I change my bushings.

ITR in the garage, M3 is the daily.


edit: Get s 6MT and not a SMG.... please. SMG is junk and when the hydraulic unit fails it cost about 2000 to replace

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Thrizzle &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
ITR in the garage, M3 is the daily.


edit: Get s 6MT and not a SMG.... please. SMG is junk and when the hydraulic unit fails it cost about 2000 to replace</TD></TR></TABLE>

Ballin'! I'd looooove to get an M as my daily driver and keep the R as a race/occasional car.

I've never driven an SMG and have no intentions. I'm sure that it's fun but the only clutchless vehicle I've owned was an Accord temporarilly after a broken left left leg (bmx'n on our 6' mini).

 

I cannot count how many Ms I have owned....probably around 40? I used to have a dealership and would always keep 5-6 in inventory.

Just as everyone else mentioned, you can not compare the cars in any way.

ITR is classic, raw, fun, and cheap.

M3 is much more refined and gives you a much more professional image depending on what you do for a living. It makes an excellent daily driver because it is much safer then an ITR and you don't worry about theft concerns. That is a nice peace of mind.

If you do a lot of highway crusing, especially in the rain, I would pick up a 2001-2003 M5 instead of the M3. Keep the ITR or you will be in the market for another one a couple weeks after selling yours.

If you are looking for a fun daily and can get away with only having two seats, the NSX wins hands down.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by brokenCRX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">M3 is much more refined and gives you a much more professional image depending on what you do for a living. It makes an excellent daily driver because it is much safer then an ITR and you don't worry about theft concerns. That is a nice peace of mind.

If you do a lot of highway crusing, especially in the rain, I would pick up a 2001-2003 M5 instead of the M3. Keep the ITR or you will be in the market for another one a couple weeks after selling yours.

If you are looking for a fun daily and can get away with only having two seats, the NSX wins hands down.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not only no theft concerns.. but no worries w/ the harassment from the law.

You feel 100x more comfortable going anywhere you want and parking anywhere you want know that your car will still be there when you come out.

I wouldn't do a E39 M5, there is alot to maintain on that car.. not only that, I think it feels a little too bulky for a sports sedan. I would rather save up for an E60 M5 and pick up a used one that still has warranty, prices on the E60 M5 have dropped over 55% of the original price now... its a good buyers market.

NSX is very nice but... I'd love to get one, but I'll have to get over the 2 seat situation.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Thrizzle &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Not only no theft concerns.. but no worries w/ the harassment from the law. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Very true, but it depends on where you live. If it is in a big city, the BMW blends in. Everytime I drive something slightly flashy (be it a 7-series, M3, M5, etc.) through a smaller/rural city with no luxury cars (even Tallahassee, FL), I get pulled over.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Thrizzle &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I wouldn't do a E39 M5, there is alot to maintain on that car.. not only that, I think it feels a little too bulky for a sports sedan. I would rather save up for an E60 M5 </TD></TR></TABLE>

If you live in a heavy rain climate and do a lot of interstate driving, E39 M5 all the way. You can drive that car through a typhoon at 120MPH and not even realize it is raining. It is a great touring vehicle. I had the 3rd E60 M5 in the United States...only drove it once and was not a fan. The E39 feels like more of a driver's car. Can't go wrong with any of these cars though (ITR, M3, M5, NSX).