I Sold the PERFECT E46 M3 to Buy a PERFECT Acura NSX - TheSmokingTire

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I had what many could consider to be the perfect E46 M3 - Purchased from EAG, the car was the right color, with the right Dinan S1 package on it, and only 15,000 miles. But only 18 months later, I learned it was the wrong car for me, and so I sold it to buy a similarly mint condition Acura NSX. In this video, I am joined by Drew Leslie, the new owner of EAG, who purchased my car back from me for their inventory, to discuss investment grade neo-classics.
Want to buy my M3 from EAG? Hit them up! enthusiastauto.com/bmw.html
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[@TheSmokingTire]

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[@wobblysauce]

That jump cut AD.

[@zackklapman3569]

There's only room for 1 M3 in this here garage.

[@conspicuoustraverser7375]

Truth, ALL DAY SON!

[@Petrospect]

it was here FIRST *ricochet noises*

[@ryanguercio7061]

At least you drive yours.

[@faukx2435]

I was watching for the camera to shake when he mentioned that "these cars aren't for the faint of heart."

[@dylanalbright6542]

Is this actually zack? You need to get your own youtube channel going man

[@mustardchan4541]

I'm a simple man, I see NSX and I click.

[@adriangale]

I’m so glad I’ve never been bitten by the rarity or perfection bugs. Paying 10s of thousands of dollars more for the same car because it’s 1 of 8 and then not being willing to drive it for fear of depreciation; no thank you.

[@3rdGUMObro]

I just don't get treating an M3 like a piece of art. It never was meant to be a rare collectible, it was an "affordable" fun car for regular guys. Drive the darn thing or get rid of it. And don't buy something you "can't" actually drive.

[@christossakelariou]

These are driver cars! Leaving this car sitting is just sad

[@e46m32]

Totally it’s more of look at me social bs jump on the bandwagon type I’ve had it for a year and a half done 1500 in my ownership 😱 Just to claim he’s owned one 🙄 doesn’t count in the really world of ownership in my eyes rather then jumping inn the car and doing a long ass road trip somewhere magical even a long weekend away and good roads and truly getting to know and understand what a fantastic every day car it truly is Rather then wiping the dust off the wheels because you took it for a 1 hour long drive each month woohoo and didn’t even properly open it up no doubt 😂 But happy to tear around in the canyons in someone else’s e46 m3 car redlining there’s And wouldn’t u say that car was a lot more desirable then yours.? U should have invited the guy back to test drive yours in the canyons and for him to compare yours too his 😇 Just go see the look on your face 😬 when he’s opening your car up just how you did his 😂 Now that would be good entertaining especially the look on your face in the passenger seat 😂 And paid all that much money for it and it had 8 year old tyres on it. 😂 definitely worth mentioning 🤐 Incase you didn’t know tyres have a life expectancy of 5years roughy so when the start to dry out and crack it’s a good time to change them regardless especially on a high performance car and you paid how much for the car.? And the dealer that sold it too you didn’t even check the condition of your tyres or date😂 Definitely

[@iamshevanel]

As an E90 M3 owner, there are few cars (aside from a 911) that I find as analog as an NSX. I wouldn't expect anything less from Matt. Congrats!

[@tracewaybos]

Love the dudes face when Matt wouldn't shut up about how expensive the car is to maintain!🤣. Cheers to those who keep these German money pits rolling.

[@DavidLanchbery]

They really aren't that bad. EAG is almost a scam. They buy back a lot of their cars.

[@ryanwinter3203]

Been daily driving mine for the last 3 years/60000 miles, they really aren't that bad as long as you take care of them.

[@christopho3255]

It's not accurate though. I've DIY maintained an E46 M3 for over 10 years. Beisan Vanos rebuild, rod bearings eventually based on oil analysis as they're nowhere near as much of an issue as the S65 or S85... FCP Euro and ECS make regular maintenance thst much less expensive. These guys make money off of convincing people that they have to spend huge money to maintain a particular car.

[@tracewaybos]

@@christopho3255 Kinda proving my point🤣

[@christopho3255]

@@tracewaybos How? Each of these jobs only cost a few hundred bucks in parts. The real money is paying a shop massive markups and labor.

[@alwayssmile1778]

What a dubmass move. Way to go Mad Farah

[@darrend2035]

I got a e46 m3 smg with 153k i do my maintenance and she’s still running strong, no oil burning and still pulls very hard up to 8k 🎉

[@trevorsutherland5263]

I bought a 1991 NSX in 2003 and nobody even knew what it was. Matt was like 15 or something at that time and little did I know a whole generation was coming up behind me that would make the NSX desirable. The NSX was NOT a sales success when it came out, it won lots of car magazine praise but no one bought one. Even 12 years later in 2003, it was a car for hard-core JDM nerds only; I sold it after three years for the same as I paid. Now look----an NSX is rolling gold.

[@vvevvevvvv]

I think Honda did sell some serious numbers if NSXs in the first year. But after that it certainly lost to Ferrari 348 and 355 in terms of sales volumes.

[@85corolla]

⁠@@vvevvevvvvActually, the 348 lost sales to the nsx. It was the 355 that hurt the nsx.

[@Onlineghost2ohm]

The NSX is more rare/better than the other JDM’s IMO (RB,2J,13B). As a daily 2-seater, nothing better than a manual NSX.

[@fjones1914]

I actually prefer the M3 over the NSX. An EAG E39 M5 would be nice to have in my garage.

[@1855Media]

Great lesson here. If you want to build a collection of non-drivers, spend your money on low miles and great condition (e.g., a perfect $100k e46 M3*). If you want to drive it, spend your money on rarity and driving experience (e.g., a $100k average condition NSX*). *Just examples, not the cars here.

[@CruiseControl1]

Love the original NSX, happens to be my favorite car of all time. Now I prefer the pop up headlights but that’s just me. Congrats on your new ride!

[@mr.wiggles431]

Still rolling my 91 NSX with 110k on it. Drives perfect.

[@brandon-hyde]

Another example of why 2003-2006 was one of the best era's in automotive history.

[@MikeRegan-er9fi]

Stunning e46!

[@mr.snoopy8732]

I'd rather have that NSX too, I've always loved those.

[@gti_remus9691]

Matt always puts on nice HRE's on his cars

[@tranc3porter]

That NA2 is beautiful. Congrats Matt.

[@bk_nreynolds3278]

So underrated and rare

[@stevenparker6415]

good choice Matt- however, I would have gone with silver BBS LM's for the win

[@fishtigua]

NSX every time, love them. There's a local one, hardly ever used, that lives outside on our rainy, salty island and still looks perfect.

[@mr.wiggles431]

WA? Mine is still out there in Mason Co.

[@pereldh5741]

Love the 400 in the back

[@cg9279]

@thesmokingtire love seeing you have an appreciation for the Ferrari 400. Feel like that was that really clean example that was on Bring A Trailer a couple months back. Such a cool car that I feel is so underappreciated.

[@robm425]

I think the 91 Bently Turbo R he bought fills thr Ferrari 400 hole

[@djjmann]

Being a multi year custodian of two spectacular E46 M3 competition pack cars, I can attest, the price to keep them in shape with OE replacement parts is astronomical. Many times my father was having his Porsche 911's tuned up for far cheaper at the Porsche dealer! However, and this is a big however, seeing an E46 M3 in the garage is fantastic. Stunningly good looking cars, timeless. The S54 has its problems, and there are many, but when they are running right, they are fantastic to own and drive. Always have a spare $5000 a year set aside for maintenance.

[@markreyes4627]

Good luck to the next owner of the BMW. Excited to see your video for the NSX.

[@AnthonyMichael504]

Nice to see EAG go under younger management. I’ve had a few of these m3s. Last one i had i sold was an 06’ slicktop. So much fun to drive. But yea i felt myself counting the mileage too. Hard to buy low mileage cars and not drive them.

[@christopho3255]

I'm so glad I found a deal on a less rare M3 and have loved driving it for over 10 years.

[@GlennsCarCollection]

Congrats on the NSX. I own a 2005 NSX as well in Long Beach Blue. I met you at Waveny Park two years ago when you brought the Boxster Spyder. I have owned several E46 M3’s and NSX’s. Both great cars. Drive the heck out of the NSX. I bought my low mileage example when they were worth nothing back in 2016 and I doubled the miles and the car doubled in value. Most reliable car I have ever owned.

[@mr.wiggles431]

My 91 NSX doubled in the last 6 years. Crazy!

[@Neophobic]

When I was a kid I had a neighbor with an orange NSX and a tan interior. I have no idea what year but it did have the fixed headlights. I never realized how rare it was. I miss seeing that thing going down the road

[@baddriversofcolga]

Beautiful cars. The silver on that NSX is lovely.

[@bitkarek]

as a Honda fan I congratulate you.... you have an awesome taste :)

[@spencersgarage]

Good job Matt 👏🏼

[@charlie1832]

I bet Sreten (M539 Restorations) would like to inspect that to see if it’s really the prefect E46

[@MicheleFerrariAX]

we need a video on that ferrari 400 in the background

[@felixsantana848]

I would have kept the ///M3. I already have a matching cabrio 😊

[@Revo900]

You’re looking good Matt!

[@themarauder6108]

Personally, i would have bolted on some RAYS VV21S. Those HRE alloys you've chosen are hideous.

[@willjam465]

As a current owner of an M3, and someone who has owned multiple M3s, I say smart move on getting rid of the E46 for the gorgeous NSX. of course, I am also a Honda/Acura fanboy as well…lol.

[@AZMTB]

My dad has that same exact NSX, but it has a full Comptech kit on it - supercharger, intake, suspension. SUCH a fun car, but he's looking to sell :(

[@FappinSteve]

Would he take $100 a month for the rest of my life? No? Damn..

[@adamlewellen5081]

Good choice!

[@integrafreak1]

Sunroof and non comp, Good call Matt

[@biznatcho7]

I had an E46 M3 for 7yr/25k miles and spent a grand total of $6500 during that time on it, including tires. Not sure what these EAG dudes are doing in Cincinnati but those maintenance bills are wild.

[@teamboozt]

More like pocket money for them.

[@yt0500323022]

They’re wasting money to “justify” the premium on a 20 year old car. As they say “One born everyday”.

[@X11CHASE]

You’re wasn’t a crisp example that’s for sure. Pretty much no one bothers to refresh the entire suspension which is a must for people who want the best feel

[@mapko15]

"we'll find 15 grand of work don't worry" that's a little scummy if you ask me its like they are just going to do things for the sake of it even if it wont need it just to tack on more to the price at the end

[@charlesespinoza9961]

I'm sorry, someone is getting ripped off paying 5k for ceramic coating or whatever the new fad is now ... only last a few yrs then needs to be reapplied. Hell, might as well put a good PPF on it if you really want to protect it. coating isn't going to help much from rubbing against it, scratches, road rocks, your rings, watches, wifes purse, ect... and coating tires is just stupid lol. Tires will last their 30k to 70k milles by doing nothing. you want them to look new, scrub them once a month and put a good sealent on them. definitely no where near a $200 to have them all done much less thousands lol

[@zonapainter]

If you pay 5K for ceramic coating you got ripped off. Btw... 4K on up for full PPF that has to be replaced every 5 years.

[@grievuspwn4g3]

It's old enough that they expect 15k of work somewhere.

[@TML34]

You can find 15k maintenance on this. The Vanos, probably because it has been sitting too often will need a rebuild. The rear subframe needs to be reinforced (I don’t care what Matt says) and that’s before you get to tires and other silly things like periodic valve shimming.

[@mapko15]

@TML34 you realize all of this has probably already been done before, EAG probably already went through everything they've had it twice and judging from comparable cars on their site this is a 90k m3

[@DreamWorkDrive]

Love both cars, but a 2005 NSX is something quite special! Congrats!

[@institutmorningkiss]

Good swap

[@jimspace]

Such legendary cars. But I’d also choose the NSX

[@PabloConcrete]

Drew needs to make a call to a certain individual that gies by the name OG!

[@dirtygrill]

As a V10 gated R8 owner the only car I'd trade it for is an NA1 manual NSX. Great choice, I'm incredibly jealous. 😅

[@Stigs722]

You should make more videos like this

[@Dad-yd1zi]

I live in Cleveland so that’s 3hr 39 minute drive which is still ridiculous but the car is awesome tho.

[@oversteer6771]

Anyone notice the passenger side strut tower is cracked and rusting ?

[@DepreciationNation]

Will EAG remain here in Cincinnati or will it move somewhere else?

[@eduu1717]

I wish I could drive anyone of these cars. If I hit the jackpot and had to choose. Nsx does sound like a once in a lifetime experience. A good m3 seems like achievable of a experience.

[@cdtaylor111]

2 of my most favorite cars. I own a very very clean low kms ZHP vert. I have thought about buying a NA1 NSX, but they are starting to get away from me on price and I would just buy a 997, 911. So, I understand this deal but do not get it at the same time. He should have kept the E46 as well. Both solid investments.

[@BoostAlmighty]

All these KZbinrs coming into NSX's or detailing "barn find" NSX's these past few weeks is pretty wild. 🤔 lol

[@imSchwaggy]

Not a loss. It has a sunroof. Better as a slicktop.

[@anson4741]

We will look back and think... should have bought both.

[@lookn2find]

E46 M3 is King. I've never owned a car I enjoyed more.

[@stonewalled9696]

It’s a binder with printouts, not a book.

[@melaniezimmermann-jv7th]

This repainted front bumper... Silver is such a beautiful color but man is it difficult to find the right tone.

[@MW-uy3np]

Good trade

[@wtfchazpwnt]

Two great cars.

[@MadMike991]

Why does the bumper look silver and the body look white?

[@stevenh766]

damn, sneaking the ads in mid-sentence with no segway now. Sneaky

[@PigglyWigglyDeluxe]

What happened to the “and remember, always fight your tickets” at the end???

[@TheSmokingTire]

Hm no idea. The visual is there but the audio seems to have erred. - Zack

[@TonmoyGhosh]

As an e46 m3 owner in identical spec to Matt (er Drew’s) titanium silver/imola fully loaded non spec, selling for an NSX was a great move.

[@pierremartin1118]

E46 M3 looks and drives better.. 😂 fight me.

[@2bunphettered788]

I like both cars.👍

[@2bunphettered788]

12:53 min - and that is why Matt bought the Acura. 🙄😏 NSX!! 👍

[@bcvijasiu]

Matt if you ever have another client with an NSX at a fair price please let me know. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@josephkelly4893]

That Dinan S1 will be missed, such a beautiful machine, but the NSX isn’t to be sneezed at

[@rafapozzan]

This video was filmed a couple of months ago right? Drew broke the news just a week ago lol

[@jasonwishart6800]

That black Ferrari 🤤

[@jay32kool]

The NSX is awesome

[@tradingbullassetmanagement1679]

I heard there was a fire that damaged customer cars over at WCC😂

[@ak2112]

would rather have the m3

[@detoxone]

"CYBER MATT" IS CATCHING ON! HAAAAAA!

[@shehatezme]

I wish I have a trustfund

[@yugo4576]

I'll argue with anyone that you can't truly enjoy the car if it's too nice and this is example of it. I enjoy my 2010 BMW M6 and don't worry about the miles or value. I take good care of it and that's it. We're all different but I don't get people who put minimum miles on the car and constantly worry about the value. Then one day, they realize they're too old to enjoy the cars anymore. Life is short...drive your cars.

[@JDMMerch]

This video didn’t make sense to me. The E46 is so rare Matt didn’t want to drive it so he picked up something more rare?

[@Onlineghost2ohm]

ANY NSX is better than ANY E46 M3. Would rather a E92/6-spd over the 3.2L in the E46. So that would be a definite upgrade.

[@hacklebarry2071]

massive upgrade, the e46 is painfully over rated(aren't all bmw's) and the nsx is likely the second best car ever made

[@X11CHASE]

With BMWs they just have this substantial feeling of solidity to them, relative to any other car in the same price point (from other countries especially Japanese) - it’s very hard to get away from once you fall in love with it, they have an allure that’s hard to match without being so over the top that you could never afford it; all this while having the perfect blend of sportiness/luxury. Something that Mercedes-Benz even falls short of

[@hacklebarry2071]

As a bmw master tech of 15 years, we will have to agree to disagree on this topic. Bmw is a lifestyle brand, they stopped making good cars in 1999.

[@zonapainter]

18K in maintenance /repair costs. No thanks.

[@X11CHASE]

These cars are for those who love them, they’re not very logical per dollar

[@SwapBlogRU]

Hopefully we see a driving video in the near future.

[@zackklapman3569]

NSX video soon.

[@Themayseffect]

The upgrade to the nsx is an absolute no brainer…other than the fact you have to pay more lol.

[@DanielMoraPhoto]

Smart trade. The NSX is worth more and will rise in value more than the M3. I'd sell the HREs on the NSX. They aren't "period correct" if you consider they aren't JDM.

[@jd2rs]

I mean… the car was sold new in the US… HRE is a US based company

[@largehat5436]

The wheels are just way off period correct aesthetically. The wheel would fit something from the 80s much better than an NSX, let alone an NA2.

[@valensi1988]

Regamasters/Spoon SW388 would be way more “period correct” for an NSX. And…I’m going to get blasted for this but…NA2>>>NA1, every day.

[@marloon88]

Nahhh. Na1 coupe all the wayyyyy

[@sbklvr]

That's what I was thinking, or some nice Advans.

[@marloon88]

its been 3 months, where is the nsx review?

[@vandecar15]

How much did Matt pay for the E46? Between $80k and $90k is my guess. Wonder what he sold it for.

[@bk_nreynolds3278]

I think when he sold it he said he broke near even, maybe without counting the PPF

[@ChoonHound]

Bumper is a different color.

[@carsandcoldbrew6489]

I'll buy it...and drive it😊

[@eduardoboquin4102]

Sounds like Matt is the winner here! Nsx is a much better car, looks exotic compared to the M3. Good riddance.

[@matthewbarnes1022]

That NSX is hot

[@jongib6096]

NSX > E46 M3 no doubt

[@markthibault8579]

Seems that for proper enjoyment, the car needs to be mechanically perfect but cosmetically imprerfect. This is the formula. Then, drive the thing properly and just fix stuff that breaks. That said, how is the new NSX any different? It's a more expensive car. How much will it be enjoyed guilt-free?

[@X11CHASE]

Agreed, I still prefer cosmetics to be a close second priority, but not so perfect that I don’t use the car (I’ve had cars like that before and they don’t get enjoyed, they only get admired) - if you get a full PPM you can push the car a lot harder

[@jameswhitehead6758]

Matt, you're looking like you've lost weight in the sponsor read. Congrats.

[@brianrainey2739]

Matt trying to let the 3 series down easy. Its not you, its me. 😆 The NSX is a massive step up over the M3….except for those wheels he put on it. Horrible pairing.

[@X11CHASE]

You’ve got underdeveloped taste, those wheels look baller as fuck

[@RutledgeHaus]

This is between you and the BMW gods for this sin

[@EvanMoon]

I want that car

[@FVPS904]

Shoulda bought a 911 Dakar

[@ggarrison1087]

one peek at eag in entory and and you are reminded how utterly lost current BMW has become.

[@ddbedguy]

Upgrade

[@TheSweetVillain]

Lucky buyer