So how many current and soon-to-be M Coupe owners are moving over from an E46 M3? For those who have theirs already, is the M coupe that much better to drive and love than the M3? Share some positive or negative in comparisons.

Greetings!

My previous car was an Imola Red 04 M3 SMG. While I love the M3, I love the Z4 M coupe even more. As soon as it showed up at the dealer, i made my choice then and there..

I came from an E36 M3 and have plenty of seat time in an E46 M3.
Answer to your question? Yes, it's that much better to drive and love.
Negatives? When I had the M3, I squeaked by with it as my only car. That would be nearly impossible with the M Coupe.
Positives? The M3 is a fantastic car. The M Coupe is a weapon. Its composure is more akin to a 996 turbo than an E46 M3.
If you like the styling and don't mind the impracticality, the driving experience has the M3 beat hands down, and the choice becomes easy.

Never had an M3 of any vintage, but I can't imagine a car that involves the driver more than the MCoupe of any vintage IMO.

Having the M Coupe as a 2-seater only is the real downfall. Which begs the additional question, how many M coupe owners actually use it as their only daily driver?

Having the M Coupe as a 2-seater only is the real downfall. Which begs the additional question, how many M coupe owners actually use it as their only daily driver?

I went from an E36 M3 to my M Coupe, no real regrets but I also have a '04 AWD 4runner Limited which serves as our Whistler buggy. Personally I couldn't see owning the Coupe as my only car so having the 4runner is a must.

Having the M Coupe as a 2-seater only is the real downfall. Which begs the additional question, how many M coupe owners actually use it as their only daily driver?
I believe Preppy is in this situation.

A buddy finally got his white M Coupe last week. It is absolutely beautiful imo. But he has three other vehicles to tote around in when he chooses. Whereas I don't.

A buddy finally got his white M Coupe last week. It is absolutely beautiful imo. But he has three other vehicles to tote around in when he chooses. Whereas I don't.
A co-worker gave me a copy of this month's Men's Journal which lists the M Coupe as the most important car of the year, but calls it "gloriously impractical." Depending on your needs, this car as an only-driver may be a bad idea.

Having the M Coupe as a 2-seater only is the real downfall. Which begs the additional question, how many M coupe owners actually use it as their only daily driver?

My brother uses his 06 M coupe as a daily driver... I pick mine up on the 17th and I am also going to use it as my daily driver. I am 22 and my bro is 21 so we are both trying to get away with the two seater while I still have the chance too!

I use the Mcoupe as my only car - the Mrs has a Mini which doesnt fit the bill of practicality either. We made the decision that we could find a way arounf the practicality issues if we wanted the car enough. its only a few bucks to hire a van if you ever really need to.

I have only had her for 1.5 weeks but noit regretting the decision 1 iota at the moment

M Roadster and Z3 2.5 before it have been my only cars. Wife has a Volvo XC90 which serves the major hauling duties. However, I still manage to go to Sam's Club and it's amazing what will fit in the roadster. When I gig, I can fit 2 or 3 instruments, small amp, mics, etc. no problems. We have no kids, just a small dog, so that makes a difference.

Having the M Coupe as a 2-seater only is the real downfall. Which begs the additional question, how many M coupe owners actually use it as their only daily driver?

Not I - I have a 330Ci for that. It's a lot more forgiving (ride, seating position, visibility, space) for the daily grind, and much less expensive to operate than an M car.

So how many current and soon-to-be M Coupe owners are moving over from an E46 M3? For those who have theirs already, is the M coupe that much better to drive and love than the M3? Share some positive or negative in comparisons.

I drove my first M Coupe last weekend. Had an E46 M3 for about 2 years.

The M Coupe is the better driving experience without question.

did not have an M3 but almost bought one. My M coupe should be here next week and it will be my daily driver. My previous daily driver was an S2000 so I know a raw, stiff, hi strung car like the M Coupe will be very livable for me. Although my "only car" if I need to borrow the wife's SUV that is my fallback...

I use (or will use) my coupe as a daily about 9 months out of the year... I have an old beat up Mazda MX3 for the winter months so I can keep the salt off of the coupe.

If you don't mind a ride which will allow you to really feel the road, then it's a good car to have. The M coupe will probably be uncomfortable compared to your typical daily driver because of the bucket seats and stiffness of the suspension & chassis. Also, your location is "GA mountains" ... if you live in a snowy climate, then I'd highly suggest either getting another car to drive in the snow or get snow chains. As for practicality, you can still go to the grocer and get a decent amount of supplies, etc.

I'm also single, with no kids, so your sit. may be different ...

The 95 M3 is a weekend/mountain terror. Between the coilovers with stiffer springs, sways, & 18's its a brutal, but fun car. So the stock/lightly modded M Coupe would be a softy for me. Luckily we don't get much snow here (couple inches a year at most is average). I'll buy a tow vehicle for the racecar, which can be brought out for any bad weather days. I'm just debating whether to get an E46 M3 for praticality and fun or just stay in touch with me youthful roots and get the M coupe.

for 5 years I drove 2001 carbon black E46, no hole in roof, cloth inserts, power seat package. Now driving saphire black M Coupe. Miss the seats in the M3. They probably wouldn't fit in M Coupe. Miss the mirror that points down in reverse to help with curbs. Miss the ability to get the cold or heated air out of dash vents.
Driver sits 4" lower in M Coupe. M Coupe hard to get in and out. Rougher ride. M Coupe better sound from muffler. I like styling of M Coupe. You get a lot of looks. Like handling. Damn it's fast! Worry sometimes about cops forgoing ticket book for the club and mace.

for 5 years I drove 2001 carbon black E46, no hole in roof, cloth inserts, power seat package. Now driving saphire black M Coupe. Miss the seats in the M3. They probably wouldn't fit in M Coupe. Miss the mirror that points down in reverse to help with curbs. Miss the ability to get the cold or heated air out of dash vents.
Driver sits 4" lower in M Coupe. M Coupe hard to get in and out. Rougher ride. M Coupe better sound from muffler. I like styling of M Coupe. You get a lot of looks. Like handling. Damn it's fast! Worry sometimes about cops forgoing ticket book for the club and mace.

Well you answered a question I had about the vents being temperature adjustable as from pictures I didn't see an adjustable control like the M3's or even the 3 series has. I'll miss that too as well as the tilting passenger side mirror.

Well you answered a question I had about the vents being temperature adjustable as from pictures I didn't see an adjustable control like the M3's or event the 3 series has. I'll miss that too as well as the tilting passenger side mirror.

Ditto.

Well you answered a question I had about the vents being temperature adjustable as from pictures I didn't see an adjustable control like the M3's or even the 3 series has. I'll miss that too as well as the tilting passenger side mirror.

Mirrors are also not controlled by memory settings if you are ordering the premium package - just the seats.

Mirrors are also not controlled by memory settings if you are ordering the premium package - just the seats.

Well I guess Mies van der Rohe wasn't alone when he said "less is more".

Too bad it cost more in this case.

So how many current and soon-to-be M Coupe owners are moving over from an E46 M3? For those who have theirs already, is the M coupe that much better to drive and love than the M3? Share some positive or negative in comparisons.

I still have my 2004 SMG M3, and recently purchased a 2006 black on black M-Coupe. The M Coupe is a lot more involving to drivethan the M3 is. I don't know whether it is because the steering wheel is comically thick, or the fact that the cabin itself is so small and intimate, but I enjoy the M Coupe a lot more. I have about 3,000 miles on the clock at this point, and have only recently become 100% comfortable with it as far as driving dynamics go.

Because I am a relatively tall guy, about 6'2", the coupe is on the border of being too small, but I fit perfectly. If I was going to bring a negative to the table, that's gotta be it. Oh yeah, and the Conti's...they have to go. That's the first thing I did, replaced the O.E. Conti's for Michelin Pilot Sports...WOW! Much quieter, better turn in, and a lot more comfortable.

All in all, I am fortunate enough to have the best of both worlds, but if I had to choose one over the other, I would take the M Coupe for sure.

Hope this helps.

-Craig

I was eyeing a blue M Coupe today at BMW of Chattanooga ('07 model build date of 10/06). Unfortunately though, the blue doesn't do anything for me. Not like Alpine white.

Interesting.....I had a similar question but mine includes the new 335i Coupe with the M3 and M coupe. BMW is really making it hard for me to choose. Mama Mia!

I was eyeing a blue M Coupe today at BMW of Chattanooga ('07 model build date of 10/06). Unfortunately though, the blue doesn't do anything for me. Not like Alpine white.

Im sold on the black. It seems to be the only color that looks 'right' to me.

What Id like to see more of, in different lighting conditions, its that Silver Gray. Seems to show off the lines very well where black, naturally, hides it.

No Mike, you want the sapphire black ;)

I was eyeing a blue M Coupe today at BMW of Chattanooga ('07 model build date of 10/06). Unfortunately though, the blue doesn't do anything for me. Not like Alpine white.

that's funny, i was at the dealership today and they had a white but i want the blue. apparently there is only 1 interlagos blue in the western US available :(

What Id like to see more of, in different lighting conditions, its that Silver Gray. Seems to show off the lines very well where black, naturally, hides it.

What I've posted to my gallery so far: http://www.coates3.com/modules/gallery/v/bmw/2006_z4mcoupe/

Now thats a good color. This car is so beautifully sculpted, that the lines need to be emphasized IMO. The lighter colors like white or that silver help bring out those lines and makes it look much bolder.

What I've posted to my gallery so far: http://www.coates3.com/modules/gallery/v/bmw/2006_z4mcoupe/

Actually, Ive had this shot, yours, as my desktop for about a week now. :rofl

http://www.coates3.com/modules/gallery/v/bmw/2006_z4mcoupe/_DSC0012_001.jpg.html

No Mike, you want the sapphire black ;)

:D

(I STILL havent got a definitive answer on the new gig, BTW.)

Actually, Ive had this shot, yours, as my desktop for about a week now. :rofl

:D

I think I like this one better, actually.

http://www.coates3.com/modules/gallery/d/11040-2/_DSC0005.jpg (http://www.coates3.com/modules/gallery/d/11039-1/_DSC0005.jpg)

I also wish I'd remembered to ask the dealer about the right rear fender when I had the car in for its 1200 mile service last week - it doesn't look right.

I had an E60 M5 for a little while before switching to the coupe. It's my daily driver, and a lot less practical. That's why we traded the wife's civic yesterday for an '07 328.

Well I guess Mies van der Rohe wasn't alone when he said "less is more".

Too bad it cost more in this case.

Haha, remove the stock seats and put a couple of "Barcelona Chairs" in there.;)