E46 M3 Review : The Bavarian Superstar

In the battle for "Best Sports Cars Under $20k" few could craft a list without mentioning the E46 M3. Undoubtedly a modern classic and a bargain; I piece together what makes the E46 a legend.
2003 E46 M3 Convertible
6 Speed Manual
Carbon Schwarz Metallic
Music:
Solitude - Muciojad
Prismo- Hold On
Journey - Jay Hifive & Broken Elegance

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed this review. If so, you could really help me out by heading over to my newest one, it's on a 2017 Mercedes AMG GT. It's not every day I get the chance to drive/film such special cars, so I'd really appreciate you taking a look. Even a couple views can help KZbin suggest the video. Thanks so much! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqa7pH-ra990rLM

[@victorkirby7652]

What an orgasmic sound. This is a fantastic review.

[@sanilaca]

Honestly one of the best reviews I’ve seen in a while good job 👍🏻

[@gibsonbensorensen]

Stunning example of an E46. I keep rewinding to that pull at 3:10! What a wonderful sound!

[@oversteer6771]

Awesome review! Your a natural at this and your e46 is sick

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Oversteer/ Thank you! Trying to improve every time.

[@johnmccolgan2177]

Just found your channel. Excellent reviews of a timeless classic, the e46. Very well done and one hell of a ride.

[@jasons2697]

It’s so good to hear and watch a great review, from someone that actually owns the car. Too many “youtuber” kids, who don’t own the car, have butchered their review of the E46 M3, either by not knowing how the car reacts, how to drive the car at its potential, or getting their facts of the car wrong. Thank you for giving such a great review!!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Jason S Thanks Jason! I’ve watched car content on KZbin for years and years, so I try to make sure I only post things I’d actually want to watch myself. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kiltman65]

Agree with the last comment. Great review, but I am biased. I own a 2003 M3 Convertible too and love it!! Thank you for this excellent post!

[@phoenixberthelot5058]

Absolutely love this video. I have a 2011 328i coupe but I remember driving in this car and I've never forget how I felt. I love the fact that it's old and it's just a timeless classic I love it. Thank man

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Phoenix Berthelot Thank you, very appreciative of the kind words. They truly are special cars. They were when they were released and they only continue to get more-so.

[@brancook1223]

I love your vids. Some of the best reviews on the tube period.

[@WhiteHawkHDGaming]

Easily best sounding M3 I’ve ever heard. Also one of the best reviews. Subscribed!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

WhiteHawk Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@austinoakley7391]

Major props on the review!! Blown away by overall quality and content, maybe a new legend right here!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Austin Oakley Thank you, that means a lot. Really glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@allanwilson8161]

Hi Buzzy Good to hear back from you and look forward to seeing more videos on the Z4M Roadster. Regards Allan

[@bearfoot6910]

Man oh man! I just bought one of these beauties. I pick it up this week. 2002 e46 M3. Carbon black with cinnamon interior. I wish I could afford those headers right away. Your car sounds amazing.

[@peteb1854]

What? yet ANOTHER E46 M3 review? Haha, thanks for posting it. I must have watched just about every one on YT and still can't get enough!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

pete b Do you own one? I have a habit of binge watching every video I can find for cars I buy lmao.

[@peteb1854]

Mate, If I could find one worth buying in New Zealand I would grab it but they are so hard to get here now.I know of people who have been buying them up and so the good ones are about as rare as rocking horse shit. I know one guy who had 13 of them about 5 years ago and probably has more now. I live in hope! In the meantime I'll have to make do with the 328i. Love it to bits as a weekend cruiser but I need More!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

pete b Wow, didn't know they were that rare out there. Guess they didn't import too many then. I'd love to meet that M3 hoarder haha. Hope you find one eventually!

[@peteb1854]

Cheers mate. You never know. Ray might sell me one of his one day.

[@Island_Landlord]

Fantastic review, amazing cinematography. This is definitely a subscribe.

[@carlinpaul]

Can't believe I missed this video before now! I have a slicktop e46 same spec with full Status Groupe header back catless setup with CSL intake. I fall in love every time I take the car out. It's a keeper. Thanks for the review 3 years later. haha

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Crazy this video is three years old now haha! Time flies. Glad you enjoyed.

[@brancook1223]

Man I absolutely LOVE your videos bro. Bring us more

[@BuzzytheBlue]

You got it man 🤙🏼 More on the way.

[@k-man88]

Great review.. I'm in the market for an E46 M3 convertible. You just made my decision easier.. thank you👌

[@marcinowczarski374]

Great review. My exact thoughts about interiors! Love my 05 vert in carbon black and dove interior.

[@Colossuss35]

There couldn’t be a better review than that one, bravo sir! I just got this car (‘05) with only 117k miles a couple of weeks ago. One thing’s for certain, that car turns heads... daily!

[@evrensokmener6768]

Beautiful review. Very effortless! Subscribed!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Evren Sokmener Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@0asis2007]

Great review, very informative and not over the top like many. Beautiful camerawork too. You got yourself a new subscriber......!!!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

0asis 2007 Thank you, I really appreciate that! I really wanted to strike a balance there. Not over the top but not 15 minutes of me talking to a GoPro either haha. Thanks again.

[@steveonator67]

This is some really good stuff, keep making content sir!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Thank you! Many videos lined up for the coming months.

[@Texas_Cruiser]

This is the best review of this car...shit really any car I think I've seen. Not too long, not too short, covered the basics very well, went into the specs but not overly detailed, showed you driving and talking and to see it from your view was awesome. Good camera angles. If you could review all the other cars the other guys do like this you deserve millions of views and such. It would be cool to see some more drive bys and perhaps some aerial shots which I know are a whole other level. But this was fantastic.

[@Texas_Cruiser]

and to add I did see aerial but you drifting through windy roads and see that from up high. again fantastic vid nonetheless!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

jpratx Wow, really can’t thank you enough for the kind words. Really glad you enjoyed it and I’ll definitely try to push the envelope in the future with more aerial/exciting shots of the cars. My goal is definitely to strike that balance between stats/info and excitement/emotion, so I’m glad you noticed.

[@sturja8179]

Good video, lot of explanations, nice car! Thank you, good job👍🏻

[@timk3939]

Nice. I've got a 2005 330Ci M Sport Convertible with some mild power mods, so about 250bhp, in black also. Every time I think about what car to buy next I start feeling sad about having to let the E46 go. I've got the Eibach Pro springs and they give a great response and a good ride, I'm going to fit the M3 front roll bar as that helps a lot with with body roll when lowered slightly like mine is (lowered messes up the camber curve on the front so the roll bar sorts that out), then the car will be finished. It will probably be 75% of an M3 in overall experience, but that's enough for me. It's such a charming car the E46 convertible with a bit of straight 6 power. Agree about the interior, simple and classy, almost timeless. Classic BMW looks and driving experience, no newer model quite touches the same boxes.

[@atobsky]

well presented ------excellent video -- Thank you for show casing this 17years old in a sweat light

[@Saif0412]

Best sounding E46 M3 Those downshifts 😍

[@greganagnostopoulos]

Exactly why I chose the convertible. Awesome review!!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Greg Anagnostopoulos Thanks Greg!

[@Moezer]

This was a good review thanks for the upload the sound of this m3 is awsome jesus jist got my m3 a week ago

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Moezer Thanks man, and congrats on your M3! Also, yeah this setup sounds unbelievably good. One of the best sounding cars I've ever driven.

[@Moezer]

BuzzytheBlue Thanks! The m3 I got is fully stock, phoenix yellow with kiwi interior but smg tho not 6 speed the wife wanted to drive it too haha but I got my wrangler that's 6 speed but not fast lol keep up the good vids!

[@BobC59]

Well done - thanks for making and posting

[@328skidpad]

Great review- with emotion, I bought this 4 years ago sold it for a 15 boxster gts and miss it..gts is another level but as a daily driver the e46 m3 was awesome..

[@BuzzytheBlue]

To even be mentioned in the same breath as a 15 year newer (from the E46 M3s inception) Porsche is testament to just how great the E46 was/is. Thanks for watching.

[@jamiecoe6952]

Nice video, and kick ass car! Sounds great what you did with it!

[@mcolegt]

damn that thing sounds good, nice set-up and nice review

[@azizhachimi8744]

Great review...subscribed!

[@crisbivolaru819]

Very cool video..i own a convertible myself but just a 318ci 🙈 ..the words you said about the interior..So True !

[@tendanieugenenemadodzi5156]

great review, upload more like this one

[@BuzzytheBlue]

tendani eugene nemadodzi Thank you, I have more coming soon!

[@dylanrc2994]

What an amazing car! Thanks for the review!

[@joecrafted]

Finally a car review with A) curves and B) quality exhaust sound. Your backroads look just like my local roads in SE CT. I swear it looked like you were driving by Gillette State Park in one shot. I am thinking one of these would make a nice partner with my 2002 (that's the model, not the year).

[@BuzzytheBlue]

joecrafted Thanks Joe! And good eye, you’re actually right about where this was filmed.

[@joecrafted]

Cool! I only live about 10 miles from Gillette and in nice weather, ride my motorcycle or drive my 02 in that area at least once a week. Do the loop by the Hopyard, then back roads by Lake Hayward or back through East Haddam.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

joecrafted Ha! Yep, that is one of my favorite routes too. The Hopyard is a blast as long as it’s an off day when traffic is low and cyclists aren’t out.

[@adam-yf9po]

I had 03 black coupe m3 but it was a smg i regret selling the best car i ever owned. I now have a 128i coupe not as fast but pretty much same idea cant beat those bmw natural aspirated inline six engines. Love the video great car bro.

[@Barndog79]

Great review love the car and love my e46 m3 vert too Do some more on this car, your a natural 👍🏻

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Thanks man, I’ll definitely shoot a couple videos of the M3 after winter 👍🏼

[@Barndog79]

@@BuzzytheBlue mines awaiting the big jobs doing then boom I’ll be one happy chappy!

[@vqh]

great review.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

vqh Thank you, much appreciated!

[@steveng1941]

Actually really nice video, new subscriber!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Steven Giammona Thanks Steven, much appreciated!

[@alexo1226]

Great videos appreciate the information 🎉👍🏼👍🏼🎉

[@karlmarz5236]

Great review! Love the M3, it is a Superstar! I'm thinkin I'd like to have 1 for a daily driver!!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

You won’t be disappointed, just make sure to find one that’s been maintained well and get a PPI!

[@USM3C]

You can find decent, high-mileage E46 M3s for about $12K US - affordable, yes, but be prepared to drop another $7K-$10K into it just in maintenance.

[@lonelychessdragon]

The sound it makes 😱

[@CellProcessor]

Well done! Love my E46 M3. Jet Black on black coupe, SMG, RE El Diablo exhaust. It’s absolutely perfect.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

CellProcessor Thank you! And nice choice with the El Diablo, RE makes great stuff. How has SMG treated you so far?

[@carlosgrajales44]

my dream car is : bmw e46 m3 2006 convertible white color with a red interior black rims, angel lights , yellow fog lights , navegation system , led tail lights and a wind deflector 😍😍😍, your car looks nice too but you need a wind deflector block shield , yellow fog lights and angel lights, to make it look more bad ass, I subscribed bacuse your video reminds me the first time I went to lake tahoe for the first time 😊😊😊

[@BuzzytheBlue]

You Only LIve Once White with red interior on a convertible will look absolutely amazing man. Great taste, and thanks for watching. I’ll be sure to pass along the need for angel eyes and such.

[@JorgeJimenez-gv4vf]

What stereo do you have on it? And where can i buy it?

[@clearvision2196]

Hi I’ve just found this video well what can I say LOVE IT . What was the name of that exhaust again 👍 thanks again keep rocking

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Thanks! Status Gruppe headers, Megan racing axle back.

[@christian247ful]

What exhaust do you have? How did you get that sound? Sounds pretty aggressive!

[@jre617]

Thanks, I'm thinking about this for a second car. But what about buffeting top-down on the freeway at 70 or more? Does putting the windows up make a difference in this respect?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

It’s not bad at all for the front passengers, you could go on a pretty long highway trip, top down, before the wind got annoying. I think you would need to drive one to gauge it for yourself though.

[@jasons2697]

Go get yourself a short shifter (autosolutions recommended), poly shifter bushings, Royal Purple synchro transmission fluid, and a weighted ZHP knob (or any weighted knob) and trust me, you will love the shifting experience so much more than you already do!

[@cosmicadventurer4949]

This is a great video. I have watched numerous times! I am typically interested in manuals only, but can I ask what your thoughts are on an SMG? I am thinking of picking one up that has come for sale locally

[@BuzzytheBlue]

I really can’t recommend the SMG. Besides it’s inherent and expensive reliability issues, it’s just a very dated transmission. It dates the car in a really unfortunate way, whereas the manual cars are pretty timeless sports cars. I personally wouldn’t buy one. But that’s just my opinion, drive it and if you can live with it, go for it!

[@cosmicadventurer4949]

@@BuzzytheBlue thank you for the reply. I will keep that in mind and have a manual conversion cost as a factor if I were to pick an SMG as the car to buy

[@Brandonilic-movetoLA]

Do you have a issue with a dead center in the steering? I drove my friends e46 M for the first time and man I was unimpressed with the steering feel. It felt numb and in the center had a dead zone that didn't translate into turn in at all. Is this a known issue with these? Or hopefully just his and needed a rack and pinion replacement?

[@328skipad2]

maybe just a alignment and the control arm bushings need to be replaced?

[@bmw-blast733]

Nice informative video.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

BMW-Addict Thank you!

[@louiseitner916]

Almost got a V10 sound to it. Very nice

[@gregdepot]

From my research most headers can increase rasp if your not using a fully resonated section 1. In Nov im putting in CPI stepped headers, x2 AR20 section 1, and a Racing Dynamics section 3 plus a tune So hopefully it will sound good

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Greg's Depot I've heard similar things as well. To be honest I don't mind the rasp, I just hated the tone of the stock exhaust. Our setup has quite a bit of rasp but the tone is aggressive enough to the point I don't really care. I'm sure yours is going to sound amazing. The resonators will clean up the sound quite a bit. More refined.

[@gregdepot]

+BuzzytheBlue yours does sound good in the Video it doesn't seem overly raspy. My stock exhaust reminds me of a B16 CRX I had that came with a cheap exhaust very beehive ish

[@MastaCrackz]

1 ar20 will be enough

[@Beck17E]

Can confirm, it is pretty dope

[@KeithSachs]

Quality content

[@Patryk_Luna]

Can you please do the e93 m3 next?

[@Christoffer84]

Hi. Thank you for a great vid! Can I ask what kind of rims and size the car runs on? :) Thanks! BR from Norway.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Thank you! They are the stock M3 19s powder coated black.

[@Christoffer84]

@@BuzzytheBlue Beautiful, thanks! :)

[@erriqueyoung]

I noticed while you were driving the beautiful country roads toward the end of your video , your "check engine" light was on

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Errique Young Keen eye, the car is catless so it shoots “catalytic converter” codes.

[@joseandujar5495]

You missed the Traction light .

[@joseandujar5495]

I like driving my vert with the steering wheel lowered,not so high.

[@pouyankhajavi]

I've got a convertible too and I currently have the Megan Racing section 3 on it. I'm thinking about running headers as well and that's how I came across your video, I love the sound of your car, which is essentially what mine is going to sound like once I put headers on it, I've got two questions, how's the drone in the cabin? And with the top down and no cats, at a red light or in traffic, doesn't the exhaust smell become annoying? You've got a clean car and the sound is sick!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Hey there! There is none of that bass note drone within the cabin whatsoever with this setup. You DO hear the exhaust pretty much all the time but it’s not intrusive or annoying, at least not to me. I’ve had cars that have bass notes that rattle the whole interior. This doesn’t do that. As far as the smell I really don’t notice it, even when stopped. Maybe if you just sat and idled in a parking lot and the wind was completely stagnant. But it doesn’t bother me and you could always add a high flow cat in the section one if you wanted.

[@pouyankhajavi]

@@BuzzytheBlue Thanks for the reply man, that's great, then essentially not really any down side. I like the exhaust note on the S54 engine, I even like that signature rasp so I wouldn't mind getting a bit more of it. On another note, I was just watching your other video on the M5 you had and I noticed that I had seen that car on Auto trader a few weeks ago, sold your baby ha?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Pouyan Khajavi Yep, as long as you’re fine with it being VERY loud on throttle there’s no real downside. It’s an unbelievable sound. And haha yes that is the same M5 in the video. Not my car though, I only currently own the Z4M that appears on the channel.

[@charlestate4458]

I have this exact same car it’s a 2002 same color and all. I love every minute I drive it. So many ppl ask me to sell it to them and of course I say “NOPE” it’s my 1st BMW.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Charles Tate Even owning a Z4M, It’s still always a treat every time I drive an E46. They’re just such sweethearts to drive quickly. And great color choice man, this deep blue is one of my favorites on the Ms.

[@lincoln132003]

Charles Tate same here bro i will never sell mine ever.

[@anpredictable]

this video honestly makes me wanna go for the alphine 2001 m3 convert. my gosh thanks man

[@BuzzytheBlue]

anpredictable You’re welcome! And go for it, find the right one, well maintained, and don’t look back. You’ll love it.

[@anpredictable]

Im torn help. First: 2001 m3 manual convert has 86k for $14,500. Lowered and they have reciept when they fixed the suspension. Second: 2003 smg coupe has 109k for $15,000, he claim that the subfrane has bee reinforce. New fuel line, drive shaft cs bearing and replaced valvee cover gasket set. What do u think? Convertible or coupe. I live in seattle wa and it rains a lot lol

[@BuzzytheBlue]

anpredictable That’s going to come down to preference honestly. The subframe repair is a nice bonus, but for me I wouldn’t want an SMG car. My personal choice would be the manual vert. Both have good sides though. To me the SMG is only going to age worse and worse, whereas the manual is timeless.

[@anpredictable]

BuzzytheBlue mate i found my lover. 2002 m3 coupe manual 126k $10k. Hot perfect but overall 6-7/10. Wheni had it PPI they said i need to change my oil pan gasket. Vanos said it was done but still i need to do it again. Sub frame not done no visible cracks but thats my top 3 to do and cooking system. And he also,included 1 extra csl new wheel 4 already on them perfect clean wheels. And easy and $2k goodies he gave me

[@BuzzytheBlue]

anpredictable Congrats man! I’d say that’s a good price considering the issues. With everything taken care of I think you’ll come out ahead because that’s a low price for one of that mileage/year. Enjoy!

[@devinc7068]

What headers and muffler do you have? I’ve never heard a better sounding e46. Thank you!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Surprisingly simple setup! It’s just Status Gruppe Catless Headers and a Megan Racing Axle back (muffler). Cheap by comparison to most too.

[@devinc7068]

BuzzytheBlue thank you

[@starrdogchamp1]

Why would anyone want to make a convertible louder? It's an M3. The gentlemen assassin! I don't believe you have to Rev the engine out to get performance out of it. I'm hauling and don't even pass 4500 rpm. I think the convertibles get a bad rap. Yet look at mustangs of old and chevys. Convertibles bring in the bigger dollars. So in time I believe the e46 M3 drop top will be very well appreciated. Handles exceptionally well. Fast as f*** and it doesn't feel like a convertible with the top up. I have an 05. Silver, black top, red interior. Only thing that out dates the car in my opinion is the navigation system. Only thing I would have changes is the gauge cluster lights. The e46 330 has red lights which I think are much nicer than the orage.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

starrdogchamp1 I agree you don’t HAVE to rev it out to go quickly but you’re leaving the majority of power on the table by short shifting there. Peak HP doesn’t come into play until up around 7500. It builds very linearly. As far as the noise, well, not everyone wants something tame. Driving this car with it sounding this way adds another level of thrill to the experience. Not for everyone obviously but, different strokes for different folks.

[@yoda-1551]

I don't agree, pre 4k revs its like a normal 330i, you definitely need to rev it out. 100% agree on not needing it to be louder.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Krishan Ladwa Exactly, everyone’s tastes are different. For me personally, I don’t daily drive this M3, it’s a toy, so I want it to be as loud and ridiculous as possible.

[@nanote3655]

I have one but in red sits and in color grey and is insane

[@USM3C]

are you blipping the throttle with your foot or did you program it?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

With my foot; I don’t think you can program the 6MT in the M3 to auto-rev match.

[@Fee.1]

Have you done anything to dial in the z4’s handling to be a little less snappy and more progressive or have you just kept it and been happy with it? I agree with the interior review to a degree, certain options don’t age well and the tech def. doesn’t age well, personally though I think the z3m’s interior is by far the most timeless modern bmw interior, it has to be black on black though, the dual tone leather almost never looks good, but if you find a black on black one it looks amazingly classy

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Fiveoh Four Being winter in CT I haven’t had much time to dial it in honestly. Having reflected on it more I think it really is just the wheelbase and differential. I think the diff on the Z takes 1/4 or 1/2 second longer to lock than the M3s. So it feels more like it’s spitting you sideways mid corner rather than stepping out as soon as you mash the gas. And totally agree on the Z3 interior, it’s gorgeous, the analog dials are my favorite element.

[@Fee.1]

BuzzytheBlue yes the z3 m’s silver/chrome ringed analog gauge dials are an incredibly classy touch, and when the interior is all black it becomes a focal point and the “flashiest” aspect, as opposed to the bright colored leather playing that role, my brother had a 2001 z3m roadster that was alpine white w/double black interior and I just fell in love with it, nearly cried when I saw the insurance company come tow it away after hurricane Katrina claimed it in 2005. Luckily his neighbors m coupe was spared somehow, I forget how he managed that, he may have evacuated in it. Anyhow do you watch/are you familiar with the channel “garage Quinn motors” (I think that’s right) ? He has quite a little fleet and is quite an accomplished driver, so when I hear him agree with the consensus about the z4’’s tendencies I feel like that’s that. He also made a valid point about it not really getting the time/attention it deserved as far as development time dialing it in and customizing the suspension for that chassis/wheelbase. I can’t pretend to know much about the diff.’s performance but I’ve always been tempted to go with different gearing should I buy a Z3m/z4m since we know they kind of purposely nerfed them both by giving them longer gears so as to not infringe on the m3’s performance. ANYWAY, he’s made some changes to his z4 m that he says greatly improved turn in & progressiveness w/out taking anything away from its personality. He just answered yesterday a question I asked about what he specifically did that he feels accomplished that, just in case he hadn’t covered any of it in his video, so I’ll share with you what he said. Garage Quinn Motors: “I'm running -2.3 camber front and -1.5 rear with 1/16th of toe in front and rear. That seemed to help correction a good amount. You can see how the car behaves now in this track video here comparing it to my friend's E46 M3”: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppy5ZIdmn9SJlbM The link to the original video that I asked him that question in/where he discussed some of the same things you mentioned is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWTCm6JjrKyjsM0

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Fiveoh Four I’ll have to check out his videos, I’ve known of the need for additional negative camber for a while, just getting around to removing the pins/installing camber plates. The M runs nearly 0.0 in the front stock, which accounts for some of the understeer when pushing it hard. Personally, despite the Z4M being something of a parts bin special, (kind of like the 1M), I think it’s greater than the sum of its parts. It isn’t perfect as we know, and lacks some of the fine tuning of other M products, but the experience of driving it is far more interesting to me than an E46 M3. But then again, I’m really not all that interested in outright performance; more so just the way the car makes me feel and how much I enjoy driving it.

[@Zaku_Phantom]

Hi could you add a aftermarket hardtop roof?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Yes, they exist but are quite expensive.

[@Officialpaiman]

True true.. I have an 04 E6

[@geoleo2597]

I had an 06 Vert, 6MT, dark blue. I loved driving it. I didn't notice too much flex, probably because I just enjoyed driving it so much. It was pure NA, instant response acceleration no turbo's to lag or maintain. Its still one of the few cars producing over 100hp per liter. Just be sure that the pre-purchase inspection mechanic (or yourself) takes off the underbody shield. My stupid idiot mechanic didn't do that. If he had, he would have seen the oil pan leak and the goobs of gasket sealer that was horribly placed around the gasket. On most cars this is an easy job. But on the M3, its an 8 hour job and very high expense. I sold the car after finding this problem. I agree headers would be great. But then in smog-strict states like California, you still need to run catalytic converters, which restrict much of your exhaust output anyways. But then without the cats you'll get some awful smell which will be noticeable especially in a vert. I had a status gruppe muffler only on my M3. It still had a nice sound, not tinny or high-pitched. The problem with headers too is sometimes you'll get an interior noise drone that could be annoying to some.

[@REYESSUPRA]

What do you have between the headers and the Megan axle back?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

OEM, stock sections between the headers and muffler. Some people like to add in a catted section 1 for emissions or a “rasp eliminator” but I like the sound as is.

[@REYESSUPRA]

Awesome! I appreciate the reply

[@lightpen1005]

Hey what kind of rims are those?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

lightpen 100 They’re actually the stock 19s powder coated gloss black. Figured the style was excellent already and it’s WAY cheaper than new wheels.

[@allanwilson8161]

Hi Buzzy Where is the Z4M roadster these days

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Hi Allan! Just got home from driving it a few moments ago. Going on my fifth year with it. Will shoot some new videos with it soon.

[@niklavs8760]

what the headers u have?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Status Gruppe

[@RollingInBoost]

it sounds amazing. Did you get rid of the rasp pipe or its still there?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Rolling In Boost thanks, it’s a stock section 1 actually. Almost bought the rasp eliminator pipe from Status Gruppe but it sounds so good already that I didn’t bother. It’d probably smooth out the sound a bit, but I actually like how raw it is.

[@DriversSide]

Really great review man! I reviewed my e46 m3 coupe on my channel and I think you would like it a lot! Keep up the good work

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Driver's Side Thanks man, much appreciated. Checked out your review of the coupe, really nice intro edit.

[@bruhguuy4948]

that car is a beast!

[@brandonherc562brown2]

Can we get a review with the SMG e46 m3?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Brandon Brown If I could source one I'd definitely consider a quick video on one. As a general rule of thumb I'd go with the manual unless required otherwise by medical reasons. SMG is less involving to drive, less reliable, still isn't great in traffic, and hurts the value of the car. With that said, if you found one cheap enough, and the SMG pump had been replaced prior, it could be worth it.

[@mattbudesa3038]

BuzzytheBlue The SMG is just fine in traffic and very fun to drive since I've personally owned one. To each there own though.

[@6bigears135]

SMG the best

[@brancook1223]

Um no. SMG M3 are worth more than manual

[@zackhallam914]

Nice ...

[@Zaneskie]

Great review.. the coupe weights 234 pounds less, not 400

[@GRAlexx]

Shamp00o_o pretty sure it’s 400

[@Freedom010967]

Superb review, I have a 2003 M3 Convertible 6 speed manual, which I love driving with the roof down. But I don't think the weight difference to the coupe is as much as 400lbs, more like 181lbs: fastestlaps.com/comparisons/hk8a320gi6on

[@mattp9932]

how is the smell with the headers in a convertible?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

You’d be surprised, it really has never been invasive or bothered anyone. For context, this car is my moms and she has never complained about the smell. (She did grow up with old muscle cars though).

[@mattp9932]

I am really enjoying your vids. Very unique approach. I am in ct too. I have a vert too. Maybe we can meet for coffee. I’d like to check out your exhaust note in person. I was going to install headers and the cpi 200r. I was nervous about the smell so I wanted to keep the cats. I ended up selling my exhaust setup before I installed it when I got my f80. But now getting the itch to mod it again. I have the eventuri intake coming tomorrow. I really love my e46

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Thank you man, I appreciate it. The M3 is down for differential bushings for a bit but stay in touch, (if you have insta I’m BuzzytheBlue over there too) when it’s back on the road I’d be happy to meet up so you can hear it. I think if you did the catted section one you’d have nothing to worry about. Changing out the stock section 1 also helps to reduce raspiness.

[@johnpalmeri1925]

do you have the stock mid-pipe?

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Yep, this is just the Status Gruppe headers and Megan racing Axle back. We love the sound so we won’t be changing anything until we have to add cats.

[@johnpalmeri1925]

BuzzytheBlue sounds sick, i just got an 05 coupe and it already had headers on it, so now I’ll probably be getting the Megan axle back!!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

John Palmeri You will love it man, it’s crazy, race car level loud, but zero drone and very dailyable. Only loud when you get on it.

[@GraffitiFart]

Am I trippen or was the check engine light on lol

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Car has catless headers.

[@jimmysprinkle9666]

Hey just starting watching your video. At 1:15 you state that the E46 was designed as a coupe or sedan. That's true, but the M cars were of course only couple or convertible. Nice vert though.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Jimmy Sprinkle Yep, my point was that the E46 generation overall was originally designed to have a roof. So the convertibles had to deal with structural and weight related downsides. And thank you!

[@jimmysprinkle9666]

Good advice about tastefully modding these cars in the middle, and amazing in-car video and sound at the very end. I'm on my second E46M3 6MT coupe and your post almost makes me think twice about making my next one a vert. Almost. Anyway, great job in describing the essence of why these cars are so special. Great stuff!

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Jimmy Sprinkle Thanks man, really glad to hear you liked it. And as a street car I seriously love the verts. Makes driving it a lot more dramatic. With a well set up exhaust the thing is driving nirvana lol.

[@bmwdreiermax]

Super 👍👍😊😊

[@devinnoselmo8614]

This looks exactly like my dads old e46 m3

[@michaelstavkovy3638]

that s54 😍

[@nathandiaz2023]

Great review, came to this one because of the vert review too. Personally want a very to hear the exhaust and the availability of a coupe in Texas at a decent price is hard to find

[@zackhallam914]

Mines like this too

[@5times146]

Bmw e46 convertible best m3 shape

[@jonieshark7507]

The most beautiful and sexy car had bild ever !

[@derpate6767]

This car is sooo bad ass i have never Seen

[@Smokey-mt6ye]

Excellent video bro but how did you get rid of the rasp? What did you put on in section 1?

[@mattbudesa3038]

Definitely not necessary to reinforce the subframe on a convertible since the subrame is already beefed up significantly. It's the coupes that have all the subframe issues.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Completely false. The subframe of the convertible featured in this video was cracked substantially and needed reinforced. Others have experienced the same thing.

[@mattbudesa3038]

@@BuzzytheBlue It's a known fact it affects coupes far more then convertibles as I own a convertible. It's a lot more rare for it to happen on convertibles but it is possible from time to time. Also thanks for informing me it was cracked before he decided to reinforce it. I thought he just went ahead and did it anyways. I only say that because when I bought my first E46 M3 convertible I brought up the subframe issue to my BMW specialist and said it wasn't as common of a issue with the convertibles since it had the beefed up reinforcements already.

[@BuzzytheBlue]

Matt Budesa Gotchya, I understand. Yeah, I’m sure the convertibles are less susceptible to it; the only misconception I see people perpetuate sometimes is that it CANT happen to the convertibles. I should’ve made a point of mentioning that in the video.

[@mattbudesa3038]

@@BuzzytheBlue No worries. Before I was informed I thought convertibles were just as susceptible as the coupes. After research in forums and talking to some people it's definitely not as common.

[@bellaollie2037]

best car ever made