E46 M3 convertible or 911SC targa

[cantdrv55]

My wife hates riding in my '79 SC targa because she feels its too rough and primitive (exactly why I love the car, btw). She wants me to sell it and buy an E46 M3 convertible. She's heard me comment about how fast they are and how well they handle and how they've got all the modern amenities like AC, airbags, traction control, ABS, etc. I've never actually driven a M3 of any year so all of my info have been derived from car magazine test drives. I do plan to get behind the wheel of an E46 soon.

For those who've experienced a M3, are they all that and a bag of chips? I know they're waay heavier than my SC but will I feel the extra weight? Can I whip the car around like I can my old P-car go kart? Will I miss the rawness of my targa or will I forget all about her when I redline the M3 at every gear?

The M3 will set me back $$$ after I sell my SC. I'd kick myself in the can if I sell my P-car and be dissatisfied with the BMW after a year. However, if the SC becomes but a distant memory after getting behind the wheel of a M3, then the extra cost would've been worth it.

Will I experience buyer's remorse if I sell my P-car? Would you if you were in my shoes?

[WPOZZZ]

I've driven both and the E46 M3 makes an awesome daily driver with all its amenities and safety features. I would liken the car to a 993, maybe a 996. The only thing is the 996 is not as fun to drive as the M3.

[Daviboy]

I would trade in my wife... only joking. The M3 is an awesome beast BUT it will not tickle you like the SC does. It is far too smooth and refined, acceleration is awesome but being heavier the difference will be negligible and the front wheel drive well what can I say. I always think due to the engine being behind in the 911 there seems to be more urgency about the acceleration. Cornering while impressive will never feel like the on the rails sensation of the SC. There is little steering feedback from the M3. Why would you want ABS, traction control, airbags all those items and more were invented because people forgot how to really drive. ABS a substitute for cadence braking, traction control for idiots with lead in there right shoe, airbags for idiots who dont know where the brakes are or how to perform cadence braking. If this is your only car then do what your head dictates to keep the peace with the trouble and strife, however if this is your weekend run about/toy tell her not to get in the car if she does not like it. My wife is growing to like my SC Targa her only comment is thats it is loud....
IMHO you will regret selling the SC

[89911]

Targa owners, my apologies, but for many a cab is much better "open air" car, if the convertible feel is what your wife is after. I would say the targa is more like a sunroof that extends to the windows. My choices would be a 993 cab or the M3.

[David]

Last week I went car shopping with a buddy. He wanted a 3 series convertible to replace his Z4 that Ike killed.

The M3 convertible that he choose was much tighter than the 330i conv. we drove. The suspension was tighter, the 6 speed was tighter (even though it was 2 years older in the M3), and the clutch felt better.

The M3 isn't nearly as connected to the road as the SC, but it sure is more comfortable even with the stiff suspension. I think you will notice the weight difference, but you'll also get more hp and better brakes.

The biggest concern for me would be the less DIY nature of the M3. The inspection 2 on the M3 runs about $1400 and includes a valve adjustment. It's my understanding that to do the adjustment yourself would require about $500 in parts and tools.

It is a buyer's market for M3 convertibles though so there should be plenty out there to drive so you can make the decision.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Is the car a daily driver? Does the wife ride in it a lot? How much do you love the SC? Why does she feel so strongly about this? Seriously, I certainly don't know you or your situation enough but there is a little red flag that goes up for me when a post says my wife wants me to get rid of xy or z. My ex used to play that game a lot. It was masking other issues. If she does ride with you a bunch, loves doing that and just wants a bit more comfortable car to do it in look at a 996 or 993 or Boxster S if you don't mind giving up the SC and want to stay with Porsche and want a convertible. I'm sure the M is a wonderful car, never driven one. There are days when my SC's lack of working AC and a bunch of other little issues like dead window squirters, dead mirror controls, heat that is either not there or fries me makes me think a 993 might be a good next car.

[tonythetarga]

[QUOTE=Daviboy;4219586] and the front wheel drive well what can I say. /QUOTE]


M3's are rear wheel drive. Perhaps you meant front engine???

[ChkbookMechanic]

The E46 M3 is really damn nice. It does have very nice steering feel and the car is a blast to drive fast. Is it as connected to the road as the old air-cooled Porsches? Not really, but it still has a lot of feedback. It makes a wonderful daily driver but the suspension is pretty stiff. The largest problem with the E46 M3s are the earlier years had engine issues. The other issue you run into as others have mentioned is you can't really DIY on this car.

You can do oil changes, the various sensors and the random filters.. but there is no way you can do the valve adjustment unless you want to shell out a lot of money for the special tools. I'd also shell out money for a Peake Research Code reader since it'll read out all the OBD2 codes - and you can normally fix a lot of the CELs with just replacing a sensor. However, when things go wrong with a BMW they normally go really really wrong and you'll find out your CPO warranty (if the car has one) is completely worthless (ask me how I know..).

If I were going to look for one I'd look for an '03 or higher and make friends with a good independent shop.

[The Curator]

You did not mention if you were looking to buy a new or used M3? The new V8 will knock your socks off and will definitely keep you happy for years.

The (older) 6- in line engines (if you are looking for used) are different. I suggest you try to drive one for a short period before making a decision.

Either one is a lot of fun to drive, you certainly will enjoy the torque you get from these and you will not notice the extra weight.

Have you ever owned a convertible before? Depending on where you live, you may find that to be a long-term issue / problem rather than the car’s performance…

PS: If you get an older M3, remove the Cat, the difference is amazing!

[cantdrv55]

I didn't give you guys enough info as it was late in the evening when I started the thread.

I have a '79SC targa and a '87 Carerra coupe. The coupe is fully optioned so it's a nice, comfortable ride. The SC is bare bones. I drive the SC more but both cars are toys. The real reason she wants me to sell the SC is that we have a 1 y/o baby and we've not been able to go on sports car drives since he was born. The car seat does not fit into either 911. We both like open top cars and the convertible M3 would fit the bill nicely. We once owned a '96 328ic which we sold to buy the Carerra.

It shouldn't be a problem for me to sell one 911 to buy a M3. Unfortunately, I love my SC so I'm having a hard time parting with it. The Carerra is a very nice 911 so it's hard to get rid of that one either. But I'd have to part with one or the other to acquire a M3. I, too, would like to ride in a sports car again soon. If we don't sell either car, it will be a very long time until we would get to ride in our 911s as a family unless I can find a car seat that's fit in a P-car. I have searched Google and tried out many seats but can't seem to locate one.

Maybe I should start a thread about finding a car seat for air-cooled P-cars instead as I don't think I can bear to sell my cars.

[Canada Kev]

The back seat in any convertible is usually subjected to a lot of wind buffeting. Now, if one is short of stature, like a small child, this may not be an issue. While you and the spousal unit are up front enjoying the drive, Junior is sitting in the back and [perhaps] not having such a good time. Just something else to ponder.

-kevin

[David]

The back seat in the M3 conv. looks about the same size as the 911. If you find a baby seat that fits, let me know so I can tell my buddy. He's got one on the way.

[alpine60]

Hi cantdrv55,

I have both cars, although they both are coupes. There is definitely more room at the rear of the M car...they are designed to accommodate child seats (at least the coupes...I never checked the rear of a cab, but I don't think it would be much different).

As far as driving experience goes, you are comparing apple and orange. Both are really satisfying in different ways.

[911mot]

Do M3 cabs have roll over protection like the Targa?

[ChkbookMechanic]

Originally Posted by 911mot

Do M3 cabs have roll over protection like the Targa?

Yes, they have roll-over bars that pop out if they sense too much roll in one direction.

[Daviboy]

[QUOTE=tonythetarga;4219670]

Originally Posted by Daviboy

and the front wheel drive well what can I say. /QUOTE]


M3's are rear wheel drive. Perhaps you meant front engine???

I surely did and realised my mistake later....

[canamfan]

I work for BMW, but life is way too short to contain it in aM

[sprintamx]

You CAN put a child seat/booster seat in a 911. Search for "car seat" threads and read up on the various methods.

I personally found a Graco booster seat with a narrow enough base for the rear seat, replaced the the seat belt components with metal tabs for the latch restraint belt, and then cargo strapped (ratchet) the back of the seat to the 911 seat back itself. The seat is secure and will not budge! Others have had success with installing a shoulder belt system. Which brings up the option of looking at an '87 MY or later Carrera if you would like to stay with Porsche.

Enjoy whichever way.

[cantdrv55]

Originally Posted by sprintamx

You CAN put a child seat/booster seat in a 911. Search for "car seat" threads and read up on the various methods.

I personally found a Graco booster seat with a narrow enough base for the rear seat, replaced the the seat belt components with metal tabs for the latch restraint belt, and then cargo strapped (ratchet) the back of the seat to the 911 seat back itself. The seat is secure and will not budge! Others have had success with installing a shoulder belt system. Which brings up the option of looking at an '87 MY or later Carrera if you would like to stay with Porsche.

Enjoy whichever way.

Hey sprint, I'm a visual learner. Do you have a pic of the set up? Thanks!

[tomkirkcis]

If you live anywhere with adverse weather, the Audi S4 is an awesome choice. the quatro system is great,absolutely unphased by snow or wet, the 4.2 alumium v8 is a great engine. It is not quite as fast as a new M3 but is much faster than my 911. It is heavy, and no go kart like, but has very good grip and is extremely stable. I consider it a very under rated rocket that any womem would love.