I am considering selling my 2005 Sti and buying an M3(2004-2005 SMG,NAV,CPO) and was looking to get some feedback from the forum regarding a few things. First the M3 will be daily driven in New Jersey and I was curious as to whether or not the car can be driven safely in snow with dedicated winter tires. Also the Sti I have is stage 2(about 290 whp) with coilovers and large sways so my question is how close is the performance of an M3 to this setup? My reason for getting rid of the Sti is the awful ride and noise that is just a pain when commuting. I am willing to sacrifice a little bit of performance for more comfort and quality so does this sound like a smart move to you guys? Thanks

FWIW, I'm looking just the same as you are, for the same reasons. Considering E46 M3 and E90 335. I'd be curious to see what people offer you on trade for yours. Keep me posted or ping me offline. From what I recall, the M3 is a very different power band than you are used to.

The M3 is hawt s3x. I went from a 350 rwhp 300zx twin turbo to an 01 BMW M3. I loved the Z but got tired of it as most people do with vehicles.

I have not had my M3 that long but I absolutely love it. I have never driven a better handling car in my life. Everything from the sports package to reliability and comfort, I do not think I will ever turn back from German engineering.

Trade your car, you will not regret it.

It's not as though you'll be giving up any performance with the E46 M3... :confused It's just a different kind of performance. Not straight-line as much. I say go for it.

M3 is fun to drive...but i want to buy a STI...i was thinking about getting an M3 but i think STI fits my bill better.

M3 is fun to drive...but i want to buy a STI...i was thinking about getting an M3 but i think STI fits my bill better.

I don't necessarily disagree, but I am just curious about your reasoning. What is it?

Does it snow where you live and do you have a second car??? STI is best of both worlds!!!! I thought about getting one for my winter car. But found a $5000 Jeep so I went with that. If you have a second car and the M3 wont break your bank then get the ///M for sure!!!!

Does anyone here drive the m3 in the winter and in some snow?

Does anyone here drive the m3 in the winter and in some snow?

Not without a dedicated winter setup, I'd imagine - so factor that into your cost calculations. Do your coilovers not allow adjustment? Have you driven an E46 m3? I drove an STi with (adjustable and not at the stiffest setting) coilovers, albeit briefly, and the ride was slightly different but not necessarily better or worse than my M; maybe with 'comfort' you're just referring to the upgrade in interior with the M.

Two of my friend's have STI's and I have gotten the chance to drive one of them twice. Get the M3. The STI is a cool car but the M3 if funner to drive and nicer IMO.

Yes the coilovers allow for adjustment but with massive sway bars adding stiffness the ride is awful also the noise of the exhaust(downpipe) is annoying on the highway...I have not driven an e46 m3 yet...The closest car in comparison that I have driven would be the current Audi S4. In terms of comfort im looking for less noise and a little more compliant ride. With a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks would the m3 be capable in small amounts of snow?

Not without a dedicated winter setup, I'd imagine - so factor that into your cost calculations. Do your coilovers not allow adjustment? Have you driven an E46 m3? I drove an STi with (adjustable and not at the stiffest setting) coilovers, albeit briefly, and the ride was slightly different but not necessarily better or worse than my M; maybe with 'comfort' you're just referring to the upgrade in interior with the M.

I had a 98m3 which i drove through 2 snow seasons in jersey. I bought blizzack snows and i never got stuck and it handled pretty good in the snow. Without the snows the car wont move an inch.