I’m hoping a few can chime in on how the evo and m3 compare. I have an evo IX for a year now and now that used e46 m3 prices have dropped into my price range there’s a possibility I might purchase trade the evo in for one.

Most people would say just go test drive the car and see if you like it. I did just that but my local bmw dealership only had a convertible. I must say I wasn't too impressed and the power/handling seemed lacking compared to the evo. However I have heard it’s because of the extra weight of the convertible and the lack of structural integrity above your head. Is the coupe that much better? If so I’ll give a coupe a second chance.
<o:p> </o:p>
I’m looking for people who have done the switch from an evo to an m3, I know there are a few of you out there.

Was the convertable brand-new? I test drove a brand new one, and had the same complaint. It felt sluggish and I was very unimpressed. But I was then notified that they are in "transport mode" until 1,200 miles I believe.

You definatly wouldn't regret the switch.

Was the convertable brand-new? I test drove a brand new one, and had the same complaint. It felt sluggish and I was very unimpressed. But I was then notified that they are in "transport mode" until 1,200 miles I believe.

You definatly wouldn't regret the switch.

Nope, it was a certified pre-owned 02 m3 convertible 6spd.

Nope, it was a certified pre-owned 02 m3 convertible 6spd.

Did you have sport mode on? It makes a hell of a differance. Convertables are obviously heavier and don't handle as well though.

I came from a heavily modded WRX to the M3 and it was different but better in every way. 0-60 the WRX was quicker due to launch, but the M3 is so balanced and funa dn beautiful.

If you just want a drivers car stick with the EVO. It is a pure hard core canyon carver. The M3 has more style and luxury as would be expected. They are different animals.

i think if you want balance and what not go with the M3 but for everyday and all season driving the evo is your choice. Also dont get an M3 unless you find what you want. I personally think the coupe is the way to go and if you want straight performance find one without a sunroof. good luck and have fun test driving!!!!

I recently sold my '05 STi and drove an M3 coupe because I was considering it at the time. The first few miles were underwhelming coming from the STi from a driving standpoint. Then I saw and pushed the sport button, which helped a lot.

The comfort and balance of the M3 is great, but the grip, available torque, super stiff chassis and fun factor of the STi left me wanting more in those areas from the M3. They are different cars and you can't really get an M3 like STi or an STi like M3 in that price range without customizing. That said you're really just choosing what is more important to you on a daily basis.

/zp

Was the convertable brand-new? I test drove a brand new one, and had the same complaint. It felt sluggish and I was very unimpressed. But I was then notified that they are in "transport mode" until 1,200 miles I believe.

You definatly wouldn't regret the switch.

transport mode is turned off the moment it gets to the vehicle prep center or the dealer. no car is bought and driven off the lot in transport mode unless someone made a big mistake.

1200 miles is when the break-in service is done, though the car isn't fully broken in until 3000-5000 miles.

Did you have sport mode on? It makes a hell of a differance. Convertables are obviously heavier and don't handle as well though.

sport mode just sharpens throttle response -- too much actually. most e46 m3 owners leave it off.

I’m hoping a few can chime in on how the evo and m3 compare. I have an evo IX for a year now and now that used e46 m3 prices have dropped into my price range there’s a possibility I might purchase trade the evo in for one.

Most people would say just go test drive the car and see if you like it. I did just that but my local bmw dealership only had a convertible. I must say I wasn't too impressed and the power/handling seemed lacking compared to the evo. However I have heard it’s because of the extra weight of the convertible and the lack of structural integrity above your head. Is the coupe that much better? If so I’ll give a coupe a second chance.
<o:p> </o:p>
I’m looking for people who have done the switch from an evo to an m3, I know there are a few of you out there.

Convertibles are noticably slower and don't handle as well as a coupe. I know because I helped a friend buy the exact same car you see in my sig, but in used and convertible form.

Your best bet to experience an M3 is with a driver nice enough to take you for a ride to show you how it can be driven :D

If you just want a drivers car stick with the EVO.

There are plenty of people who would call the M3 more of a drivers car than an evo, despite the fact that the evo might have the potential to be a better performer.

AWD vs RWD. Look how many "drivers" cars are RWD. Most of them. I personally prefer it for now :)

Also, throw coilovers on an M3 and the differences in handling capability and feel are like night and day.

I’m hoping a few can chime in on how the evo and m3 compare. I have an evo IX for a year now and now that used e46 m3 prices have dropped into my price range there’s a possibility I might purchase trade the evo in for one.

Most people would say just go test drive the car and see if you like it. I did just that but my local bmw dealership only had a convertible. I must say I wasn't too impressed and the power/handling seemed lacking compared to the evo. However I have heard it’s because of the extra weight of the convertible and the lack of structural integrity above your head. Is the coupe that much better? If so I’ll give a coupe a second chance.
<o:p> </o:p>
I’m looking for people who have done the switch from an evo to an m3, I know there are a few of you out there.To be honest, and I love my M3, the evo is a better 'performance' car out of the box but a few mods to the M3(coilovers, sways, etc.) and the M3 is a formidable, albeit heavy, performance/luxury/stylish car. My gf has the vert M3 while I have the coupe. My car feels significantly faster in every way yet we have both floored it in 3rd(about 60) through 4th(about 120) and I barely pulled on her(maybe 2 car lengths). Handling is a different story, the 'feeling' is real in that dept., but I have GC coilovers and sways to complement the lower weight and superior structural integrity.
FI cars are also known to have a different(read: better) feeling acceleration than non-FI cars, esp. the M3 where the power is more up top. Test numbers don't lie. Evo IX and M3 numbers are very similar in a straight line but I'm sure the Evo 'feels' faster b/c of the turbo. I grew up driving Saab turbos(average in it's day) and they all 'felt' faster than my M3.
IMO, a few susp mods and the M3 holds it's own very well. My experiences are on track and autox courses for reference.

sport mode just sharpens throttle response -- too much actually. most e46 m3 owners leave it off.

I disagree. I feel like it pulls harder threw high RPM with it on. But I rarely drive with it off, so maybe someone else can give input.

I disagree. I feel like it pulls harder threw high RPM with it on. But I rarely drive with it off, so maybe someone else can give input.
Sport mode just remaps the throttle sensor, so what is usually half throttle is more like 3/4 throttle in sport but full throttle in both modes produces the same power, full throttle. It does feel faster but for autox/track purposes can be downright twitchy when you want smooth.

Sport mode just remaps the throttle sensor, so what is usually half throttle is more like 3/4 throttle in sport but full throttle in both modes produces the same power, full throttle. It does feel faster but for autox/track purposes can be downright twitchy when you want smooth.

agreed. sport mode means no extra hp. I think an M3 is tough to get used to (was for me) cause the power is up top. It does feel unimpressive and sluggish...unless you're able and willing to rev it to the limiter. Coupe or Vert, niether is a slouch.

agreed. sport mode means no extra hp. I think an M3 is tough to get used to (was for me) cause the power is up top. It does feel unimpressive and sluggish...unless you're able and willing to rev it to the limiter. Coupe or Vert, niether is a slouch.
Ditto- operating at the top end of the RPM band takes some getting used to. If you have to have the low end pull, consider a supercharger.

Alternatively, if you don't need a back seat, consider getting a 'vette. The fit and finish is on par with to slightly better than an evo, and the performance is far better. (cheaper to work on than a bimmer too)

I traded my 05 STi in on an 04 M3, and it was probably the best thing I ever did.

the car is much more fun, much more practical, and you get rid of the boy racer look.

I disagree. I feel like it pulls harder threw high RPM with it on. But I rarely drive with it off, so maybe someone else can give input.

You might disagree, but you are incorrect. Sorry ;)

Search around the forums a bit, I'm a little too lazy to explain it in further detail and cite my sources.

Don't worry. Most dealers you go to will tell you it adds HP/TQ too.

...and you get rid of the boy racer look.

That could be the "priceless" line in a Mastercard Ad for buying an M3

eh, the boy racer look that's one thing bothers me about the evo, hence why I removed the wing within the first months of owning it. Nonetheless, there is a local m3 coupe in my area and once the weather allows it I'm going to go test drive it and see if it's worth the upgrade. Thanks for all the input everyone.

You might disagree, but you are incorrect. Sorry ;)

Search around the forums a bit, I'm a little too lazy to explain it in further detail and cite my sources.

Don't worry. Most dealers you go to will tell you it adds HP/TQ too.

I never really researched the issue. I was going off the butt-dyno. Which is why I said I disagree, not that he was wrong. No need to be arrogant. :embarrasm

transport mode is turned off the moment it gets to the vehicle prep center or the dealer. no car is bought and driven off the lot in transport mode unless someone made a big mistake.

1200 miles is when the break-in service is done, though the car isn't fully broken in until 3000-5000 miles.

Even after transport mode is deleted the engine is still detuned by the DME to not go above 3500 RPM and I think 85 MPH (for break in reasons). After 1,200 miles it let you into it a lil more then afer I think 3500 miles its is wide open. Just go to a dealer and look at a brand new M3. Get into the drivers seat and look up into the top left corner of the windshield and it has a sticker that states all the above.

Even after transport mode is deleted the engine is still detuned by the DME to not go above 3500 RPM and I think 85 MPH (for break in reasons). After 1,200 miles it let you into it a lil more then afer I think 3500 miles its is wide open. Just go to a dealer and look at a brand new M3. Get into the drivers seat and look up into the top left corner of the windshield and it has a sticker that states all the above.

This is 100% incorrect information in regards to the E46 M3.

Going on memory alone (I removed my sticker), the breakin procedure for my car stated to not go above 5500rpm, not stay in one gear or speed for too long, and to not exceed what I think was 105mph -- all for the first 1200 miles.

After that 1200 miles, the only restriction was to not go above 135mph until 3500 miles were reached.

There are in fact NO actual limitations on the car, however. You can redline it to your hearts content the moment you drive it off the lot.

This supposed 3500rpm limit with the DME thing doesn't even apply to the new M5 and M6 either unless there was A VERY recent change to their software, as in within the last 4 months).

My experience comes from getting the car you see in my signature with 2 miles on the odometer, a friend with an E60 M5, and a friend with an E63 M6, both of which I had the privilage of riding around in days after they were purchased when they had a few dozen miles on them.

Where did you hear about this?

The only actual restriction I can think of you might run into with an M3 after you buy it would be "limp mode" though I don't know much about it, other than it means the car is going to run like a dog.