E46 M3 question

[GardinerG]

I keep seeing the same E46 M3 on the way home from work and it sounds like a bucket of bolts (private plate and fairly new). Now I know they are good cars, but it was like someone sticking some nuts and bolts into a blender in front of me. Are they all that bad?

I've driven the RS4 and that sounds gorgeous by comparison, IMHO.

[tartan_rob]

My Mates M3 does not sound like that. They have a very distinctive rasp at about 4.5/5k revs, under no circumstances could this be described as nuts and bolts. They sound quite good, although a V8 they ain't....

[JohnRet.]

I might be thinking of buying one of these. Anyone had experience?

[Virdee Autos]

I can agree with you

I think different people, interpret it in different ways.

I personally think it sounds horrid. Very "tinny" is what I'd say

[S4TAN]

I personally think it sounds horrid. Very "tinny" is what I'd say

2nd.

[lemond]

The one with 4 outlets that are a bit too close... looks like a Corsa owner fitted them?

Yep sounds tinny a sort of sport lads Honda with a tad more beef... Didn't like it

I bet its good to drive though... anybody tried one? I don't recall BMW making too many sheds. Its just that many are driven by cockheeds... I considered the older Model M3 myself!

[Peakz]

Yup the E46 M3 does a bit tinny at full chat but as has been mentioned above they are a very capable car, just a pity they aren't quite so hot when the going gets slippery

[s4woody]

the noise you are hearing is the VANOS operating when the car is booted...variable valve timing controled by oil pressure..yes it does sound like somethink is about to break...300-330bhp...iirc

[lemond]

V ANUS?

[S4TAN]

...300-330bhp...

Pah! Is that all???

Yeah - I used to get that VANOS rattle on my 330i - good car though.

[lemond]

Does it really make that tinny flapping sound?

I borrowed an old model 3.2 upturned bathtub (TT) and that had a funny rasp in the exhaust.. apparrently Audi fitted some flappy thing to make it sound raspy and sporty... I thought the exhaust was faulty ... car had done 1500 miles. It was a nice motor to drive with DSG malarkey, but it was a convertible, so not one to be seen in (hence I used the Merrick disguise 8-0 !) unless you putt from the rough!

[JohnRet.]

You can hear the raspy sound on this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4S3hDcp7TY

I'm really struggling to think of a new car to buy....

I'd like 0-60 less than 5 seconds and I want to spend around 12-14k..... and I don't want an evo.

[s4woody]

buy an M5..i did and ive never looked back..well only to wave goodbye to arse's that wanna race and get screwed...

I'd like 0-60 less than 5 seconds and I want to spend around 12-14k..... and I don't want an evo.

and you cant hear the VANOS in that vid..just the exhaust rasping...

[S4TAN]

well only to wave to arse's that wanna get screwed...

Would that be a "Hello Sailor" type wave then Woody?

[JohnRet.]

I was thinking M5.... But there's just something about BMWs that put me right off.

Any other suggestions? Perhaps something a bit different.. I'm toying with the idea of waiting a few months and going for a TVR T350C. Bound to break though.