tcho82

iTrader: (1)

So I've had the IS for about 5 months now. No real complaints. Lots of little rattling(that can solved, just haven't gone in).

Ride is great and all the toys are fun. BUT

I miss having a Convertible. I came from an S2000, and miss driving without a top. There's nothing like it.

I'm thinking about an 02-03 M3 SMG or 6sp Convertible. One with WARRANTY, CPOed or credit union's of course. I know reliability wise it will take a toll, but has anyone here came from an M3?
What are your thoughts?

I'm too impatient to wait for the IS convertible. I'll probably trade for that when it comes out, but at this point, I just really want a vert.

PhiDeltBee

iTrader: (1)

I'd love a vert but not for a DD.

IS_NIICE

iTrader: (1)

i wouldnt...

make sure it has had the major rod bearing recall done. the 01-03's must have this done. also know that the convertible is slower by a good margin. you also won't get LED tails unless you get an 04 or an 03.5. and i think the 01-03 tails look really ugly. i hate them.

tcho82

iTrader: (1)

I had my S for a year and a half as my only car, and I don't regret any minute of it. Also the specific M3 vert that I'm currently looking at also comes with a hard top.

DiauR1

iTrader: (3)

i heard several complaints with the 02-03 E46 M3, go with the later year if $$ allows

ReLexin

i love riding in verts, i detailed a Red 2002 M3 today, 6 speed, it was a monster! Wish it was mine!

ben_r_

I could never go from a brand new car to an older anything.... I dont care if it were a lambo or whatever! Id just wait till I can afford a NEW M3 if I were you!

tcho82

iTrader: (1)

That's a good point, but its also not that I couldn't afford a newer one, I just don't want to spend that kind of money on a car. I'd prefer to keep it around a similar level. I'm spending enough on a car already, but I'd just like a convertible. I've also always have liked the E46 M3's.

joonsta

If you're moving towards BMW anyways, why not get the new 3 series convertible?

It's fast as an E46 M3...

ldc

For an M3 go for 6sp manual. There is no point getting a sports car of that calibre in an auto.

bagwell

+1 !!!!!!!!!

SMG tranny sux and very $$$$$$$$$$$ to repair.

VikH

iTrader: (5)

Wait till the new M3 comes out and prices for e46 M3s will SINK!


SMG isn't an auto

I think the 335i convert costs almost 60k.

y2ks2k

Not worth the loss in equity. Just live with the IS for a while and when you got a few years on it go for a few eyar old *new* M3.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

older gen SMG are real rough and hard shifting

ldc

It's not your usual tiptronic g'box but it is not your normal manual either as it does not have a manual clutch.

Without getting into the technicality, it is essentially an "auto" with the driver given the option when to shift gears...much like the option given in a tiptronic.