Early high mileage (assume) SMG M3 = scary. Those are complicated gearboxes, and the early ones in particular had some issues. Your point is valid though, you can find an E46 M3 pretty easily in the teens now. The M3 is a good car, but I personally still prefer the 996.

Hey Lubey,

Would you be interested in an M5? The same used car dealership in Glendale, CA which listed that 996tt ($32.5K) has a couple M5s in stock: black 2009 and 2008, with the SMG. He says they'll also get a couple 996tts in next week.

I went the other way. Sold my M3 to get the 996.. !

Thanks for thinking of me! I really have my mind set on a 996TT - something about them...if your there see whats up. Thanks!

A few new ones of mine.

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z...psb1hqyrya.jpg
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z...psvkvuvvqb.jpg

I installed a GT3Tek GT3 front spoiler, which is semi close to the missing aerokit front bumper. Not exactly perfect but it helps balance the rear wing. I also added Otis LA 7/15 mm spacers f/r, EvoMS V-Flow intake, had my local muffler shop do the Fister mod on my mufflers, Verdenstein Wintrac Extreme winter tires, and a bunch of misc maintenance. Great car. Next will be a set of 18" wheels for summer, RoW M030, and refinishing my carbon fiber trim.

That's looking pretty nice, Matt!

Thanks Jim! I'm not a big fan of 17" wheels on the 996, they are a little too small. These will be my dedicated winter set and I'll find something better looking for spring.

That's an excellent plan.

Looks good, Matt, and similar in profile at least to the one I had.

I was on the freeway this am next to a white 996 C4S. Those are too heavy for my taste but it was the best looking 996 I've ever seen. A white turbo w/o any ghetto mods would be about the same.

The E46 M3 is an excellent car. Hands down a better car overall than a 996. More complicated grated but it is faster, better interior, amazing engine. The only thing is, it really looks no different to a normal E46 Coupe to most people. The M badge only means something to people in the know.

To each his own I suppose. Unlike most BMWs, at 100k the 996 isn't falling apart. My car wasn't babied, but at 95k the suspension bushings are still tight, the leather is still in good shape, etc. Having worked on my fair share of BMWs and Porsches, I'll take the Porsche all day long. Everything on the BMW is disposable.

Got 150,000kms on my M3 and the car is still good as new. I just hate the 996 dash. It just looks cheap and to similar to 986. In saying that I am looking at selling the M3 to buy a 996. I want the 3.6 though.

exactly what i just did..

3.6 Tip or manual? And how do you find it compared to the M in terms of power delivery?

Don't rule out a 996.1 with full leather, it's very similar in appearance to the 996.2. I've owned both, the 3.6 feels like it has more torque down low but also less rev-happy. Personally I think the 996.1 is more fun to drive, but the 996.2 looks better.

Its a manual, but I got it with no motor.. ( hence the really good price ) I'm on the hunt for one now..

Blue would be my last choice but the license plate works for me :)

1999 C2 - $14900

It's destiny!

Ocean Blue Metallic is actually a cool color in person, but it doesn't photograph well. Except for the yellow tach and too big wheels I sorta like that one.

I dig it. Put the tach back stick and is drive it like I stole it! Just a few months too early for me though!!! :(

I've won 3 auctions on eBay for 996.2 cars in the last month, but none of them have hit reserve. Dangit...

Time to wait for nice 997.1 cars to dip into the mid-20s.