I drop the M3 off tomorrow, so a final report is in order.

2 years, 40,000 miles, lots of smile and lots of bills. Sad to see it go, but it will be a relief. I've just added up all the bills and ignoring insurance, tyres, depreciation and petrol, it's cost me just under 9k. Not unexpected, but not entirely welcome. In short, a warranty is an absolute must for all E46 M3's.

The engine. Oh the engine. In a tunnel? With my reputation? Tonight I shall find a few farewell tunnels and have a final blast on my own personal b roads. Mr Queef may make a final report too. But I'd keep the engine if I could. It's a very natural progression from an F20C, similar in character, but with glorious harmonics associated with 6 cylinders.

8mpg on track, 31mpg on motorway if you're not in a hurry. Which is quite frankly impresive. Mostly averaged around 25mpg though.

Handling is just superb. The chassis is very very communicative. It will never ever snap out, it telegraphs what it's doing and is very easily controllable. I only once lost control and that was cresting a hill, turning a corner on the nurburgring going too fast.

The DSC is very good for safety. It'll stop even the most hamfisted driver in pretty much all *recoverable* situations. It won't help people like that Astra on the ring vid. It can't break the laws of physics.

At high speed (over 150) it feels very stable. The ride, considering it has 19" wheels and 30 profile rears is more than acceptable, better than E46 3 series SE models.

Overall, it's a fantastic car and I do believe every petrolhead should at some time own a proper M car. ie ignore the M Sport wannabe's.

Bad points? Other than cost? The gear shift is frankly awful. The 120d that's replacing it has a better gear shift. And of course no gear shift can compare well to the S2000's rifle bolt throw. Perhaps I should include reliability here? But only once has it actually let me down (seized calipers).

But really, it has very few bad points. I can't honestly think of anything else that I would improve. Seating position is great. It's a touch offset, but doesn't matter. I've had 40k comfy miles. It's done cross continental drives, track days, shopping trips, trips to the dump. Taken it all in its stride.

Bye bye Sabine

 

Just out of interest what's the 9k of cost been made up of?

 

Do you think you would have preferred an SMGII model, Mark?

 

Nope, despite the Gearbox being rubbish, I'm certain the car would have cost me more with the SMG II and I'm still not 100% convinced on it. The gearbox is rubbish but I still prefer it.

The 9k is made up of servicing, fixing things going wrong, MOT etc. I used BMW main dealer for, everything. Some things were covered by warranty, but not all.

for example, insp 1 service circa 700. 900 for insp 2. oil service at 130-170, door lock at 200, rear silencer, £1100, front brakes inc calipers, £1200, PAS pump, PAS pipes, new toe arm, Rear trailing arm bushes.

It could have been kept for cheaper by using an indy or not fixing certain things. But I've kept it mechanically tip top.

Just had a final thrash. Followed by a Leeds tunnel run. I will miss that noise.

 

Think you're being a bit harsh saying the gearbox is "rubbish".

Think me is the same one and it's fine; appart from 1st to 2nd

At least you've been there and done it. No one can take that away from you

 

Nope, I think 'the gearbox is rubbish' is a fair comment ....

Yes, 1st to 2nd is awful but 3rd to 2nd isn't much better ...

It is very frustrating gearbox mated to a stunning engine ....

 

I have driven both, I much prefer the SMG as the manual is rubbish. The launch control and the overall feeling of the SMG is very good, not sure why you wouldn't opt for it, I thought it was quicker on a track as well?

 

SMGII is the way to go, its fantastic

 

It works well on track. But it slips the clutch as you set off.

It's worth noting that the M3 is on its original clutch. My S2000 after 50,000 miles and about 20 odd track days was on its original clutch.

If I had SMGII I'd be on my 3rd clutch.

 

What do you base this on?

Mine is on 60k on the original clutch.