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03-16-2019, 09:32 AM | #1 |
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Modified 128i vs E46 M3
For those who have driven both, how would you compare an E46 M3 vs FBO 128i with 330i intake, E90 M3 bushings/control arms, coilovers, etc?
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03-16-2019, 05:26 PM | #2 |
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My 128i isn't FBO yet, but has the M Suspension. The e46 m3 I had was stock. It's been years since I had it, but handling wise nothing jumps out at me. Both handled well beyond what I did with the car.
Power wise was another issue. The M3 was a beast and the higher red line just blew my mind as I'd never owned a car that I revved past 7K RPM even when using ARP head studs and springs that would take it. I never realized the power potential of the M3 until I bought it. I found out very quickly it was very adapt at holding its own against a lot of different cars....even a 370Z. If after I do my 3 Stage Intake, headers, and MILVS.....if it comes close to that performance I would be extremely pleased! |
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03-16-2019, 07:40 PM | #4 |
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Okay here is my take on it, and I already know many will disagree lol. Never owned an E46 ///M3, but 2 of my very close friends did and I have driven them so much that I think I am more than familiar with it's potential, especially in the canyons.
Hypothetically speaking, if e82 came with the s54 from factory, everything else being bone stock when comparing to a bone stock e46 M3, It would be a close call but ill go with the e46 mainly due to the suspension being an ///M suspension.....but having that said, if you had the option to spend same amount of money on aftermarket parts, ill take e82 any day because it has so much more potential......so what i am trying to say is that e46 ///M3 is a beautiful car to drive but personally i think it is overhyped. Chase vs chase, the e82 is a better platform. I am surprised that people are today willing to pay as much for them as they sell for. Just my 2 cent, not hating on anyones car or anything like that. |
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03-16-2019, 08:41 PM | #5 | |
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Very true.....I have seen a lot of crazy prices on the e46 M3 with outrageous mileage on them. When looking for this past daily driver, that was a big factor in me picking up the 128i as I was looking to get back into an M3. But I got a great car at 60% less price and half the mileage or more. Plus I didn't have to worry about how hard the previous owner ran the car. A lot of people with the M3 drive it like it's stolen! I did a little "canyon carving" today in the 128.....and it impresses me everytime I drive it! |
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03-16-2019, 09:20 PM | #6 | |
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Last edited by SayHack; 03-17-2019 at 01:37 AM.. |
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03-16-2019, 10:57 PM | #7 | |
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The twin turbo N54 in the 1M/135i is a monster but I personally prefer a normally aspirated engine like the S54 of the E46 M3. I figure an N52 can make about 280 crank HP with a 330i intake manifold, bolt ons and tune. That's a good deal less and the 333 HP S54 but that engine is about 200 lbs heavier than an N52. The E46 M3 overall is about 3400 lbs, so ballpark it has 10::1 weight to horsepower. A 128i with a lighter aftermarket exhaust system, coilovers and wheels should be around 3000 lbs so power to weight is a little less but close. With a shorter final drive could it be nearly as quick as the M3? And with the E82 being so much lighter and having a shorter wheelbase I wonder if it's the more fun car? |
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03-17-2019, 12:27 AM | #8 | |
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Im 99.9% sure that you can have as much fun with an e82 than with e46 ///M3. One thing i can tell you from my experience is that i rather have a car that handles better but is slow than vise versa. Its an amazing car bone stock but you put some money in suspension and it will out-handle an ///M3 100%. (but M3 is still faster, going back to your original question but driving pleasure isn't just about being fast) Maybe its just me but I love my car. |
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03-17-2019, 05:46 AM | #9 | |
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I have all the bolt-ons here ready to go when I have time. But I did get to accomplish the rear diff swap to the 3:73's.....and it made that particular drive a lot more fun! Gears are a must in my opinion on these cars! |
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03-17-2019, 05:50 AM | #10 | |
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I've done the same road in my 460/460 rwhp/RWTQ vette. The vette never really gets to stretch it's legs on it. But the 128 with the gear swap was perfect. I actually got to interact with the road....going through the gearbox just finding it's sweet spots. |
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03-17-2019, 01:55 PM | #11 | |
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03-18-2019, 02:15 PM | #13 |
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Drives: '08 128i
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I'm FBO 6spd, any E46 want the sauce?
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My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me!
Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito |
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03-18-2019, 03:17 PM | #14 | |
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The 128 also needs some helps in the looks department vs the M cars. So keep that in mind. |
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03-18-2019, 04:24 PM | #15 |
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03-18-2019, 05:50 PM | #16 | |
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I owned 2 e36 M3 , and yes everything you said I agree with you 100% |
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03-19-2019, 03:55 PM | #17 |
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I couldn't find a manual 128i near me so I test drove an auto. It feels a lot lighter than my old 135i. Lighter and more nimble compared to both an E46 M3. I know the differences are only a few hundred pounds
but it was still surprising. I wouldn't call the 128i fast compared to an N54 car or M car but it went a lot quicker than I expected. I like the NA power delivery and revs fast from to 4K on up. The N52 is a gem. An aside, I like interior of the E82 more than the E46. The E90 feels more luxurious by a little but the dimension of the E82 feel more cozy. |
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03-20-2019, 11:55 AM | #19 |
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That plus the suspension I'd want to do and I'm about at the cost of an E90 M3. The mods on the 128i won't have resale value though the E90 M3 will cost more to maintain. Apple vs orange cars I admit. Food for thought. I did put out a call in a separate post if anyone has a well modded 128i near Chicago.
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03-20-2019, 01:39 PM | #20 | |
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Also, E9x M3 is too big. Now. S65 in a 1er, you're singing my song.
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03-20-2019, 02:44 PM | #21 |
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03-20-2019, 02:47 PM | #22 |
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I can't wait until I can say that. I'm slowly getting there. Rear diff done, tune ordered from BPC for my 3SI to go on.....then I will do my headers and tune upgrade.
Lastly have my Milvs here, but I will probably drive to BPC and have them do the install and knock out the VCG for preventative maintenance....then let them do a custom dyno tune. I bet your car is night and day different between stock and FBO! |
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