M3 2004 CAB SMG II

[paso007]

Hi everyone! My M3 just arrived at dealer after few month wait. Its a May '03 production but 2004 model. I still have a few days before I get the keys to finalize some payments.

I have a chance to back away from this purchase and get full refund cause I know the car dealer owner very well. And I am honestly having lots of second thoughts and was hoping you guys can help me out.

Don't get me wrong.. I have always dreamed of M3 and I don't want any other car! I am worried about new model coming out in a year or so..

The thing is... the M3 has been the same E46 for last 4-5 years or so.. since the debut of the E46 model. SO maybe waiting another year and getting new model would be better choice? Because I heard new model is on the horizon. More powerful engine and new body.

Yet after seeing the ridicules looks on the new generation M5 and 5-series... the idea of getting the last unicorn is better choice if you know what I mean... Also I have seen photos of 4 door M3 coming soon and the body is actually uglier than E46... And btw M4 also looks pretty bad from what I have seen so far...

So as you can see I am in a big dilemma and wish for your opinions on this matter. :roll:

[thepolarfoxqx]

it will be 2 to 3 years before we'll see a new M3 of any type, maybe even longer, the E46 isn't that old of a platform by BMW standards, and the E46 M3 is probably the best ever built. I'd say buy it. It's a beautiful and beautifully driving car, and i don't think you could do much better. i can't imagine any car looking like the new 7 and Z4 being more attractive than that.

[jterp]

That car is so hot... screw the new model and waiting... buy it, enjoy it, (don't beat it up too bad) and if you want a new model in a year or two trade it in... That car looks awesome though.

[diesel2029]

I would say go for it because like many others I don't really like the shape of the new BMWs that are coming out (5 series, M5).

Quick question: if you get the hardtop option with the M3 would you be able to lower and raise it electronically ??? Or can this only be done with the standard top ??? Can you switch between the two (soft and hard)???

[paso007]

Originally Posted by diesel2029 I would say go for it because like many others I don't really like the shape of the new BMWs that are coming out (5 series, M5). Quick question: if you get the hardtop option with the M3 would you be able to lower and raise it electronically ??? Or can this only be done with the standard top ??? Can you switch between the two (soft and hard)???

To answer your question: you can only lower and raise soft top electronically. The hard top has to be removed or installed manually. The hard top is good to have in the winter for rough climates and nice to remove during the summer to cruise around with no top.

But I have to admit... the coupe model of the M3 has a more racer and aggressive feel than the cabriole model... yet nothing beats that sunny cruise while u hear the M3 engine roar.. and the sense of freedom with open air and open top breezing onto your face...

[LateNightCable]

There is no dilemma, don't leave your silver M3 at the dock without a daddy, take it home and enjoy it. Putting your dream on hold, wondering for two years or more what a new model will be like is silly, especially when there is good reason to believe that the " new model " might be a super performer, but will look really bad.

You can never be happy with anything if you're always wondering what might be better. Give that E46 a big kiss for me :P .

[thepolarfoxqx]

i think the vote is unanimous, if you orphan a car that amazingly beautiful, an angry mob will have to be gathered to stone you.

[paso007]

Guess ur right...

Oh and btw i forgot to mention that this car is fully loaded with all possible options for M3.. except the 19" wheels... which i could change to for small price instead of 18".

price for the car is $62,000 US tax free.. arrived here directly from Germany last month, nice Gulf State model with no limiters.

but I did see a silver gray 330 and that color blew my mind!

I see that everyone is choosing titanium silver for M3 and silver gray is new color that would make my m3 stand out more.. hmmm

mabye i re-order and go for silver gray and black interior and 19" wheels...

[diesel2029]

Looks great inside. What's that television option on the LCD screen ??? Can you watch DVDs via the LCD screen ???

[GIR]

Not if it's stock. But with a s-video adapter and a compact portable DVD player you can