Auto Pages: 2002 BMW M3 (E46)

2002 BMW M3 (E46)

Modifications   ·   Wanted   ·   Engine Failures

BMW ///M3

This car has been sold.
I received my ///M3 on January 7, 2002. There were a number of reasons for me to get the new BMW M3. It has a fantastic 333 hp engine. It's well-made and stylish. The interior in quite comfortable. The most compelling reason for me, however, was the new SMG II Formula 1 derived shifting system now available. I have nerve damage to my right leg and foot, so I cannot drive a stickshift (I use my left leg to drive).

I'd never driven the new M3, though I'd been given rides in one. This was the first time I've purchased a car without having test-driven that particular model car. So far, I have over 16,000 miles on it. The car is fantastic. It has plenty of power, is very well-refined, and has almost every feature I'd want, though I think it'd be cool to have an electronic compass like those found in most SUV's, plus the heads-up nightvision thing from the Cadillac STS. I have posted the install details for my Passport 8500 radar detector and Motorola V60c handsfree cellphone kit. The handling was pretty good from the factory, but it felt a bit un-controlled, especially on uneven surfaces, so I installed Ground Control suspension; I posted the install details here.

There has been a lot of discussion regarding the spate of engine failures in the E46 M3, predominantly cars produced late in 2001. I have expressed my concerns and copied my correspondence with BMW NA on my Engine Failures Page. Assuming these concerns are addressed, I see no reason to hold this problem against the car. I'd view it as an unfortunate, understandable error in the production process that has yet to be adequately addressed by the manufacturer. I hope my views will be changed by future efforts on the part of BMW AG and BMW NA.


  Modifications

Suspension
      Brakes
  • Euro OEM floating front rotors
  • Porterfield R4S front and rear pads
  • DOT-certified braided steel brake lines
Tires
  • Bridgestone Potenza S03 Pole Position 245/45ZR18 front, 255/40ZR18 rear on stock 18" wheels
 		     Engine
  • Considering: ECU computer upgrade (waiting for SMG versions)
  • Considering: exhaust system (Eisanmann? Tubi?)
Safety & Comfort
       

[top of this page]

  Performance
    Factory Specs   Modified    
Horsepower
(at crank)		   333 hp at 7900 rpm   tbd  
Dyno

Dynamometer baseline run.
October, 2002.
Completely stock engine & exhaust.
Horsepower
(at wheels)		   na   tbd  
Torque
(at wheels)		   262 lb-ft. @ 4900 rpm   tbd  
0 to 60 mph
acceleration		   4.8 sec.   tbd  
top speed
 		   155 mph limited (167 mph)   tbd  
Gross Weight
 		   3415 lbs. *   tbd  
* BMW cites this as "with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included." So, what does this hypothetical German driver weigh? Before or after Octoberfest?
[top of this page]

  Pictures
Concours d'Elegance and Concorso Italiano:
  Concorso Italiano 2002
  Concorso Italiano 2000
  Concorso Italiano 1999
  Concorso Italiano & Monterey Historics 1998


I traditionally attend the annual Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach (Carmel), California. There are also the (usually more exciting) Concorso Italiano at Quail Lodge, the Monterey Historic Car Races at Laguna Seca, and the Monterey Sports Car Auction at the Doubletree Hotel. See my Events Page for other car-related events.
[top of this page]

  Parts Wanted
I'm looking for the following:

[top of this page]



Copyright © 2002-2005 John Turkel. All rights reserved. Not affiliated or endorsed by BMW AG or BMW North America. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders. This material is for entertainment purposes only.

Last Modified November 9, 2005.

http://www.yoy.com/

Visit [an error occurred while processing this directive] since January 1, 2002.