I think what he's trying to say is, he needs the money from the Coupe to fund the purchase of a new car.

Not sure who can really afford to park up a high powered coupe and just go and buy an M3 as if it's nothing.

Which is completely fair, but looking at what he's invested in the Coupé it doesn't appear that he's one of the current crop of owners that are attempting to run a sportscar on a shoestring.

If I was in this position I'd be looking to stretch myself a little and get into a Z4M Coupe or E90 M3. The E46 is going the way of the E36 and is falling into the hands of the less desirable owners. I know you should drive what you like and to hell with other's perceptions, but despite protests from some appearance does matter to many.

I'd be interested to hear what you think as well

One of my friends has a E92 M3 and he loves it. He says it's very competent in every area, and is extremely fast in the real world, there's not much outside of supercars which can touch it for out and out pace.

However he says that when he drives it hard he doesn't get the full thrill, as he knows a lot of the driving is being controlled by computers. He said that for his next car he would consider something older which has a more raw driving experience, eg 993 / TVR etc, to bring back the thrill of driving.

Good point Nigel, I've just sold my Coupe after 14 years.... now got a 997 C2S, totally different driving experience, loving every minuite

In the back of my mind though, in the future..... I know I will miss the Coupe.....

There's something to be said for driving a "pure" car with little or no technology to assist.

Last week, I drove my son's Mk1 Golf for the first time in a couple of years - what a revelation. Pure, unassisted steering, modest brakes, (very) modest power, very low weight and just enough grip meant I had a brilliant time (while not risking my neck or my license while I was at it)

Something to be said for a light, basic car.

Mk1 Elise anyone?....

Good points from Nigel and Gunzi.

Maurizio - I've only skim-read this thread but gotta ask. Would it be practical to keep the Coupe and buy a £500 snotter for day-to-day? Something good on fuel needn't break the bank, only a few hundred quid a year for tax and insurance and minimal maintenance. That way every time you get in the Coupe it will feel special. Works for me.

Or is it a straight decision between Coupe and M3?

If it is - no disputing the M3 is a great car, well engineered and all that. But you wouldn't half miss that turbo kick. I'd stick with what you've got - and get a snotter.

Thats not a bad idea to be honest, something I will think about actually.

BMW'S are great - until they go bang.
You can thrap a high powered coup, pop the block get a replacement for 500 quid and swap the fun parts and off you go again. Damage an m engine and you'll be very poor.

Buy an old xr2 - more fun than you can imagine and your coupe will feel like a legend killer afterwards!

Still feels 'modern' and heavy compared to a Caterham.

I was at a lotus-on-track day in France and Ian whom i'd been speaking to for about an hour let me take his Mk1 Sport 160 out on track.

It was lots of fun, but a hugely 'refined' when comparing both cars back to back.

As Dave says Nigel, try a seven. You'll love it.

Technics. Admittedly I hadn't spent as much as you have on your coupe, but I'm sure there will come a time when you finally decide to move on.

The pro's of doing it now is that you have a coupe that's currently worth something. Leave it a few more years and the number of people who've known you go through what you have with the car will dwindle and you're left with a heavily modified car that no one really knows the history of and is therefore much less appealing. (Look at the value of standard vs modified Escort Cosworths for example).

I know it's difficult when you grow attached to a car but life is also about trying different things. Speaking from the other side of coupe ownership (almost), it's great to try different cars. I'm currently on my second Caterham and that will soon be sold in exchange for an oil burning baby lugger. I have so far (and I'm sure will) enjoy the continued variety.

O.K So, update!

I went from this:
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g421/technics5/BMW001.jpg

To this:
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/

To this:
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g421/technics5/BMW002.jpg



So I had this M3 idea in my head for a while for many different reasons and when I went into my local newsagents and saw the August issue of BMW Car Magazine with the front page saying Ultimate guide to buying and maintaining an E46 M3, I thought this is a sign and I best get a copy!

Then Neal from here on the forum recommended the M3Cutters forum as a good source, so off I went and it was very useful for doing some homework.

Started looking around, thought I best test drive a few M3s, then I saw this one above on Saturday eve and that was it, I had to get it, only deposit for now so not the best pic.

So as much as I know for a fact I will miss the coop, the comments in this thread really made me think about the whole thing, its true that I will have to get rid of the coop one day, unfortunately.
I wish I could have both, but I just cant.

So, when I get back from my holiday the coop will be advertised for sale,

Nice. CSL rims too!

Very nice looking car for a hair dresser

^^^^ ^^^^
I was going post something, but it looks like its to late!....I am sure you won't regret it!
Well done and good luck with the future.
Jon.

Top down fun, you'll love it!

Good work Technics, glad M3cutters sorted you out. Car looks very nice - look forward to the write-up, spec and some more pics

Thanks everyone

Yes Neal, I will do.

Good luck with it mate make sure vanos changed, dont take fully bmw history as good, same on here specialist far better. I looked into it all before the Dc5.

Also check insurance if was the killer for me.

Power wise they chuck out 310-320 car to car as my tuner has one himself, too old now for a honda lol

Good luck I would reccomend taking someone with you that knows them inside out as you would a coupe.

Nice cars thumbs up

Each to their own Maurizio, i really hope it works out for you. Shame about the coupe but life moves on sometimes

coupes now are getting old! E46 m3 is a nice progression with a different drivetrain power delivery etc.

Fiat why not give us what we all want here coupe mrk3 ?

They did. Take your pick.

http://pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?g=...t=&nodays=0

Good luck mate