E46 M3: Exit Interview...For Now

[@tuneman7688]

Matt, you do you, different strokes. I think for many of us other than the E30 the E46 will always remain the definitive M3, hence the excitement will always be there for you to do a build on one.

[@Euphorica]

Herd mentality. Not always right

[@wjkrug]

This is one of the reasons why I like Matt and believe what he says. He does this because he loves it, and the rest comes almost naturally.

[@fragz9145]

Sucks I was actually waiting to see the e46 build. Ive owned mine for almost 4 years and i still love it. The car has many areas that need to be improved some mechanically and structurally such as subframe which is a problem the e36 even the clownshoe share, other areas are ones that other m cars share the same issues such as vanos and rod bearings. Most of the dull areas can be fixed with modifications you do to any car of any make, whole point is to make it your own. I dont understand why some people bash the e46, yeah it doesnt do what a gt3 or an e9x does but thats why these cars leave a mark in the car world. It was great at doing what it was engineered to do at the time not be an end all be all car that cant be surpassed. Anyways stoked to see the new e92 build and hopefully we can see an e46 build down the line👍🏼

[@henrycollins2478]

I’m not as upset as everyone else about the E46 leaving, I’m a little sad because I think it’s a cool car, but I’m super excited for the E92 that’s coming.

[@cheferman65]

I respect that you would give the car as you would expect to receive it, clean and presentable.. Fabulous ethics and a strong sense of integrity. A very humble and respectful way to live(and teach the kiddo's). Not seen much these days as there is an overwhelming sense of entitlement and privilege amongst many. Look at the state of our Union...🤷🏻‍♂️ Happy New Year Matt and OG crew.

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

It's freeing not to force yourself to like things you "should" like. Especially when when Porsche is just cranking out things that are irresistible.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Well said.

[@theurbanegentleman4550]

The problem with the E46 is that if you go off what everyone says, you’d think it’s the greatest drivers car ever built. But the reality is that it’s a rather soft and GT like driving experience, and this incongruence between expectations and reality leads to disappointment. The E92 has no such baggage because it isn’t hyped in the same way and doesn’t have rabid fanboys who’ll kill you if you don’t like it. I understand your struggle because the E46 was my OG poster car, but in truth I much preferred my E92 and E36

[@ObsessedGarage]

Agreed

[@grattidude]

Sad to see this car go so soon but I secretly love your E36 more anyway.

[@element1hec]

Understandable why you have to say goodbye to the E46. Sometimes the feeling just isn’t there, and that’s okay. As a new E92 M3 owner I’m excited to follow a repeat of your E92 build!

[@mperformance3502]

Car isn’t for everyone. I’ve owned mine for over 10yrs. Those that are butthurt do not own GT3 RS so e46 is the best car they’ve owned

[@BAYAREAMX]

Good point. The e46 m3 is a gt3rs to those that can’t afford a gt3rs. I can’t get over it though. I keep coming back.

[@artie4017]

I was soooo looking forward to the E46, a car that I actually own. Maybe next time ... or I should get an E92. The look of an E92 is something I can't sell myself on yet. Have a great New Years'!

[@BySixa]

I think most agree the e46 is the better M car, it's just that v8 soundtrack is so hard to beat

[@rayrom8219]

@@BySixa I think more would have agreed a few years back. I think as time goes on, the e92 is beginning and will continue to be looked at more positively. I also used to think the e46 was better aesthetically, I no longer do. The e92 just got it right.

[@Sikeslikescars]

That’s funny, the e92 is one of my favorite body styles in existence. Love myself an e46 too though.

[@carlosbonilla1637]

e46 > e92. Not even a question

[@MotorenWerkeN52]

E9X > E46. Not even a question

[@bradhusick1795]

Thank you for leaving the car original. There are fewer and fewer around, so going back to EAG is a good call.

[@waywong1997]

At first I had sticker shock when you said $120k, but you'll never come across another 800 mile e92 even if you had wanted to pay exponentially more money many years down the road! Can't wait for the build series!

[@waywong1997]

also will you be keeping the M performance seats from the old e92 and putting into the new one?

[@ObsessedGarage]

I'm leaving them in the current car for the giveaway.

[@Nick210]

This exactly how I feel about every BMW haha. I love to see em and I appreciate them, they’re just not for me.

[@Thkfast]

Years back when I located an E92 M3 I was interested in, I asked the dealership if I could take the car home for the weekend to detail it and see if I liked it. I told them at the very least, they'd get the car back cleaner than it was. They agreed and after living with it for 2 days, I traded my 335is in on it. That was neat.

[@babyyoda8195]

I loved my 335 is. How do you compare it to E92 M3?

[@Thkfast]

@@babyyoda8195 mind you this was 6 years ago, but the M3 felt higher quality in every way. Suspension, handling, better version of the DCT, interior materials, wider fenders, more aggressive looks, better sounding...now, power wise, my 335is was full bolt on and was a bit faster than the M3, but yeah, the M3 was a huge step up.

[@babyyoda8195]

@@Thkfast I loved the torque on the 335is and the DCT was decent. Interior was bleh. Exhaust wasn’t bad with valves open hack. It also got 25 mpg which was mind boggling

[@domkraggp9944]

I too lusted after this car so bad when it came out early 2000 , it's a case of never meet your heroes.

[@dylanb2142]

I let 2 Laguna seca blue e46's go for my space grey e92 competition. I know you are supposed to think of the e46 as the pinnacle...but after you drive an e92 you just cant go back.

[@colinjames2383]

The bone stock e46 m3 does sound like raspy lawn mower or chainsaw. It was that mid section resonator they put in it. Looking forward to when you get one back in the stable Matt.

[@mamatalka2me]

I hear you. My first M car was an e46 with the SMG. It was a love/hate relationship. I got into the e92 M3's in 2011 and actually tried to go back to an e46 M3, a 6MT from EAG. It was the same love/hate relationship. The e92 with DCT really clicked with me so I went back to them for a few more years. Good luck on your next move.

[@shredmonster76]

I totally get it, e36 is the one I coveted, they just got too big and heavy after that.

[@JohnFreese046]

Happy New Year Matt to you, your family and the OG team!

[@mikehester7819]

Very disappointed, as a new E46 M3 owner I was looking forward to your normal level of diligence when it comes to mods.

[@gregs8685]

I’m with you on the e46 M3. Drove my friends M3 a couple of times when he got it new back in 2001. It was very quick for its time (not so much now) but the crashy ride, slow steering ratio and kazoo exhaust ruined it for me. E92 M3 is a far superior M car.

[@johnpaull135]

It’s interesting what you say about not loving the e46 M3. I have been lucky enough to have owned them all. I probably should have hung onto the e30 M3 but liked the sound and performance of the e36M3. But once I owned one and in Australia we got the full M3 S64 engine. But I was disappointed that it did not feel like a full M car the way the e30 did. Then brought the e46 an absolutely beautiful car probably still the most beautiful M3. I did 40,000 Ks and loved it even with the SMG. Read lots of stuff negative about them but actual ownership showed most people obviously never owned one or drove one. I loved the sound of the e90 M3 s65 V8 and it was a massive step forward over the e46. It looks I like but it more a muscular car rather than good looking. My son had an f80 so have driven it back to back on trips and on track and while like all new M cars it’s faster better brakes and newer tech. But and here is the But which I feel is what Matt feels about his e92s. The E9X platform was voiceless, the engine and drive train just matched and created quite a unique car and driving experience. The interior trim is also the best I have had in terms of lack of wear and looking current since the e30. I know for me letting it go is something I will not be doing. Perhaps adding a GT4 might be an option but my e90 M3 Comp is staying with me. Great stuff as usual Matt Jp

[@ObsessedGarage]

Well said.

[@leekenyon4099]

Lots of sighing in this one. Something heavy on the heart. I get it. 👍

[@danielmaldonado3370]

Matthew, Three little words that will change your mind about owning the e46m3 LAGUNA SECA BLUE! Rare to find a unmolested LSB.

[@ObsessedGarage]

That color is for girls.

[@danielmaldonado3370]

And here I thought you had deep pockets.. lol

[@mjack70]

Smart, if you’re not in love with the car, you just end up forcing yourself to work on it, then start hating it. Also, that Solo bottle is awesome!

[@KRBY555]

Refreshing to see someone diss e46 m3 - you're wrong, but it' still nice to hear a different POV

[@ObsessedGarage]

I'm never wrong.

[@a7xphenix]

I have one of the more mint 2003 325xi’s you’ll ever see and I adore it. Wish I could experience it in the m3 platform. Hope you find the right car

[@jonashedman131]

Some part of me is glad that you're selling it. It was obviously the wrong spec'd car for you in many areas. I also believe a clean alpine white version like this deserves its original glory as it came from factory, hence i'm an original fanboy 🤓. My only question for you is; have you driven an e46 M3 that are some how what spec'd as you would prefer? In that case, how was the experience? What was the conclusion? Thanks!

[@andylee-hh3su]

Right decision in my book and looking forward to the blood hands on the new build especially that intake, 😂👍 happy new year

[@davewallace9048]

Matt I think it’s a good idea to get rid of that one..I can’t stand the color on the e46!!

[@torks2339]

Massively disappointing. I hope you revisit it again in the future. Maybe the CSL would float your boat as it sounds entirely different. Looking forward to the new m3 though.

[@g_aln6658]

A CSL is for sure the one have. I dont think they were available in the US so maybe need to be german import. Theyve rocketed in price lately, over 100k in europe for a good one!

[@brianbailey9080]

Is that motorized spray bottle on the site and I am just not seeing it? I am gonna need a couple of those.

[@blake8297]

"Guess we'll call it a rinseless wash, even though Im going to rinse it." Shakes head in a confused manner. haha nice I always rinsed my vehicles before using a rinse-less wash... Just couldn't do it without rinsing first.

[@eXoguti094]

I think a big issue for you was getting such a high priced one. You could've gotten a nice $30-35k one and had had more than enough to do everything you wanted to it within the price of the one you bought. It doesn't make much sense to get a low miles one for the price. You're still gonna have to do the subframe, vanos, valve adjustments and potentially rod bearings anyways.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Nah...I wouldn't want that car. Too stinky for me. I like them fresh.

[@DK-lz7kg]

Hey Matt, have you thought of getting pump dispensers for your soap. I have one on my soap. It’s so easy, one pump and i get the perfect amount of soap dispensened and it’s always a standard amount. Maybe something for you to chase. Also it’s nice not unscrewing bottle caps

[@ObsessedGarage]

All the ones I've used fail and make a bigger mess than they are worth. I gave up on them a while ago.

[@illestFlavor]

So sad I really liked the this M3

[@greentipacademy8696]

Good stuff Matt.

[@paedahe4975]

The E46 is notorious for being a money pit. Fun to drive though.

[@pod543]

I’ve owned 2 of them and I’m in the market for a 3rd. They aren’t money pits unless you’re referring to buying mods. The mods are very pricey.

[@paedahe4975]

@@pod543 Pretty much.

[@faazbaig4272]

I just purchased an E46 M3, and I couldn’t relate to this harder. I feel the exact same way, I’m coming from an E90 M3 DCT. It’s a nice car, but requires a lot of upgrades from the get go to meet my standards. It’s a love hate relationship and I’m also just not happy with the car. Already for sale, biter sweet but a good lesson! I think if I own another one, it’ll be a turn key car with all the upgrades I’d like done already done. On the other hand.. if anyone wants a 55k mile Phoenix Yellow on Kiwi cabriolet give me a shout!

[@FRENETIC11]

man, disappointment. i have one and was looking forward to see what you could do to it.

[@arminbmw100]

E46 m3 are nice but not 60k nice You don’t get 60k car experience or quality 25k is perfect price for one I’m Not suprised ur selling it

[@PHFilms3]

Well said. I say this to many e46 m3 owners and man do they get butt hurt. I have driven many e46 m3s garage queen to clapped out broke boy shit. NONE ever felt like even a 50k driving experience tbh, this is coming from a bmw fan boy

[@brianaust8897]

Not gonna lie..I just can’t spend so much time and get organized (I guess, maybe) enough to not just rinse with a hose, grab bucket with bottom strainer, good soap and mitt and get to work for about 7-10 minutes..Rinse, blow, and detail-spray and wipe down (maybe) Does it all have to be so complex? 🤷🏽‍♂️. I’ll admit I have excellent clean soft water. But anyway..Sorry to see the decision to go away from the E46 just because of exhaust sound, but I do admit the E36 Euro engines sound absolutely terrific 🤔😜 I can understand the desire to have something special..And for the desire for it to feel right to you. I had a Dinan S3r ‘06 with 6 speed and Competition Package. I wasn’t looking for it when I bought it, but it was just a great buy. (on BaT). It ran and handled amazingly. But I was never in love with it and I never liked that need for revs for the supercharger to not sound and feel like an old diesel tractor, lol. I didn’t like the looseness of the window/door closing operation (how weird is that!?) I sold it back to the guy I bought it from for a tidy profit. It’s worth a ton more even now..But you have to love what you have..👍

[@johnnycramer5841]

I'm driving a brand new Toyota Carolla se I bought 6 months ago for 22k. Damn thing hauls ass and drives smooth. 5 BMW's I had... Never again! Timmy C Arizona

[@Matador_matty]

I’m assuming your hero E46 would be an Interlagos Blue zcp 6 speed car 🚙, I’m sure you’ll come across one under the crazy market In the future.

[@ur2slob724]

Happy new year

[@nicoc9454]

Have you had any thoughts on a W204 c63 AMG? Seems like it would be a fun build aside from head bolts 🤣. I chose an e92 m3 over this though

[@ObsessedGarage]

I can't do an automatic.

[@Jooknow]

$120k for a e92 m3?? why? Absolutely ludicrous.

[@v8713]

Agreed. These people are making EAG rich!

[@Username85254]

Very disappointed in your decision. Was really looking forward to an immaculate E46 build.

[@TerrificFlow]

I think people were excited about a new car being the star of the show. A new e92 build with the same modification does sound less interesting than a new project.

[@nate7906]

This e46 wasn’t the best spec ever. I don’t see this as a total loss.

[@rjd592]

Lol it literally is the best spec. If you’re talking about color combination that is purely subjective otherwise it checks off all the boxes for a proper e46 M3 and the price he paid reflects it.

[@nate7906]

@@rjd592 This must be a troll comment. Matt even said in video this isn’t a special example. Color combination is the only thing purely subjective? Ha. “Checks off all the boxes” is purely subjective… Every possible color AND option of a car is “purely subjective”. That does not mean multiple people do not come to the same “purely subjective” conclusion that some colors and options are more desirable. Let me know when a Carbon Black E46 M3 sells for the same price as a identical besides color Laguna Seca Blue E46 M3. You won’t. People in general are looking for the same color combinations. For the people not looking for sought after colors congrats. “It literally is the best spec” “it checks off all the boxes..” Box check: Is this a last year 2006 car? Nope. Is this a Competition package car? Nope. Is this a Slicktop car? Nope. Is this a M Texture Cloth or Impulse cloth seat car? Nope. Is this a manual seat adjustment car? Nope. Is this a Shark Finless car? Nope. Is this a car painted in a noteworthy color? Nope. Do I need to continue? If this a “literally is the best spec” for you. I guess you are in luck, because you will have thousands of specs like this to choose from out of the over 84,000 E46 M3s made. After all this is all “purely subjective”.

[@mcdoob]

@@nate7906 note to self: don’t ever say dumb shit to nate haha. Took that guy to school! CASE DISMISSED!!!! 👨‍⚖️

[@Misshifttv]

This spec is so good, second to a 2001 Silver vert with the dove gray interior, and an SMG.

[@jacklagan1988]

Matt do u like topaz blue?

[@bobbob-jw6zf]

APEX VS-5RS, better-looking and less expensive than those HREs

[@greasyginzo]

Wow $120k for that e92...damn! I was thinking like $90k but I doubt there are many more e9x cars with under 1k miles. You really can't drive that car if you are buying for an investment. If it gets anywhere close to 10k it will cost you a lot in appreciation. I would say it has to stay under 5k to really be worth big bucks 10 or 20 years down the road.

[@fdu6]

Who cares about what it's worth 10 years from now lol. I don't think a guy like Matt would lose any sleep over it

[@greasyginzo]

@@fdu6 He paid $120k for literally the same exact car he already owns. A car he himself called a collector car. He is obviously smart with money and business. I really doubt he would have bought this 800 mile car if he planned on putting a ton of miles on it.

[@BAYAREAMX]

Hey Matt, What about an M2CS?

[@ObsessedGarage]

CS has the S55 fart machine. I'm not interested in that.

[@Scagman18]

All the bmw bro’s upset they can’t handle the truth. After owning both stock and modifying them tastefully I have to agree. The e46 is nostalgic and i too lusted after one for a long time and it is fun especially on some back road thats all the e46 is..nostalgic. It looks amazing but the e92 is just simply better in every way. Sorry

[@tuneman7688]

Yes, the E92 is better in every way other than being bigger, heavier, having a worse interior layout, and adding 2 extra cylinders yet only yielding an additional 20 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing S54. It may be a hard concept for people to wrap their head around but there's actually a good deal of people that don't enjoy that E90/E60 era in BMW where the cars were bigger, heavier and had awful torque figures to deal with that. This is coming from a non-BMW bro. I get it, people like what they like, but this nostalgia argument is silly. As if preferring an E92 over the modern M3's isn't a case in nostalgia...

[@DCPEvo]

For me the E36 would be the last one to own. At least the neutered US model. If it was the real E36 M3 that the rest of the world got, I would feel very different.

[@ObsessedGarage]

This talk of "real" or "nostalgia" is nonsense. I don't think like that.

[@Euphorica]

Im sure youve driven them to compare

[@MW-uy3np]

E30 M3 rules M cars. Unless it’s the M2 CS or soon to come out the M4 CSL

[@ObsessedGarage]

For me, I really dislike all 3 of those you just mentioned. If you gave me one, I'd give it back.

[@AndrewRamirezOlvera]

Nah Matt wantes the ZCP package

[@mikaeelbadat575]

The E46 M3 is one of the worst sounding M cars ever.

[@Euroboyz]

You can’t do it man. They’re too good in white.

[@nearestone]

What is this E46 M3 missing to be a special spec?

[@ObsessedGarage]

Slick top, lower miles, competition package

[@kdawson5]

For the future, no exhaust will make the S54 sound good. You need to contact Kromer Kraft in Ohio. He's just a guy that makes custom headers (mainly for race cars). They give the S54 a high pitched, smooth sound. See the following clip. Unlike any S54 you've heard before. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJfSm3muqdCKnqs Bimmerworld use this guy. Same headers on this N52: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHvGipeZa5aJgMk

[@James-js7ih]

20 minutes of a guy washing his car. I really need to get out more.

[@Gamer_Marcy_God]

Hose rubbing against the bumper. Not a proper wash. Looks like u don't care at all Matt.shame

[@thomasstokes2796]

"Less is more"

[@apparat6105]

Agreed it sounds terrible.

[@MrBellyman128]

Lmao this fool paid $65k for a e46 😂

[@SweetRelease123]

Can hardly consider him a fool when he’s building a house with a 10 car garage, successfully runs his own business, owns multiple rare spec vehicles… he pays to ensure that he’s not buying some POS.

[@richardmesser1091]

If only you could

[@rayrom8219]

Where the hell have you been for the past few years??? Lmfao.

[@rcmcfe]

@@SweetRelease123 10 car garage? That's ridiculous.

[@SweetRelease123]

@@rcmcfe I’ve worked on houses with space for 6/8 in the uk another 2 isn’t that ridiculous could be a basic block and corrugated steel unit with lighting?