I know none of you really care but the E46 M3's DO NOT come in automatic. Some ppl call the SMG (sequential manual gearbox with paddle shifters) the automatic. So there are only 2 types of tranmissions you can get. Personally I hate the SMG, they make for a rougher ride and if you know how to drive stick they are no faster than manual. Plus stick is 10X more fun to drive!

 

1-2 seconds per shift, no way man. Try less than 1/2 second.

 

+1

Hey do you have problems with wheelhop? None of the magazines I've read said anything about it. Sleeper mentioned it so I was curious.

Oh and for those who didn't know the SMG does have a clutch.

 

the 6 speed does anyway. the SMG is actually a manual car with an electronic clutch control. no torque converter there, there is actually a clutch, just no pedal. the smgs are amazing, but they have a problem with either bogging down or spinning alot from the line (unless he knows how to use his launch control). the smg's are normally running mid 13s, maybe 2-3 tenths behind the 6speed due to bad launches. if u go from a roll ur toast tho, cuz this transmission shifts faster than anything else on the market, and has manual driveline loss

 

03-04 Cobra will totally rape a M3 of any year.....You should be able to handle an M3 if your car has full bolton's......You don't need a supercharger to beat one....Plenty of fellas have hit high 12's with full bolton 99-04 GT's....


Here for your reading enjoyment...

http://www.stangbangers.com/03_Cobra...ti_Article.htm

 

Reading through the replies the fact that the BMW cost twice as much kept coming up. Mustangs are American muscle cars starting at 18k. BMW M3s start at just under 49k. That's more than twice the amount. Aside from that, take a look at the engines. For the comparison let's take the two '06 models, to make it fair.

The Mustang GT, just under 26k, has a 4.6l 24v v8 pumping out 300rwhp at 5750rpm and 320lbs-ft trq at 4500rpm

The BMW m3, just under 49k, gas a 3.2l v6 producing 333hp and 262 lbs-ft trq at 4900rpm.

Those basic stats show the engineering the BMW has opposed to the Mustang. Also, when it comes to electronic systems, the BMW's transmission, vehicle stability control, active steering, ABS, etc all come into play. The mustang only has a feeble traction control that doesn't really help, at all, in the rain. (Trust me, I have one.) Other things, such as the nav system, the iDrive and the pure comfort and cache' of driving a BMW also come into play. Not to mention an oil change every 40,000 miles, lifetime garauntee on the transmission fluid and engine coolant and, of course, lifetime BMW support and free inspections.

A lot of things come into play when pricing of a vehicle comes into mind, these are only basic and the ones I could think of. And think about it, 20 years from now, which engine will be running stronger, the Ford or the BMW?

I hate to sound like a *****, it's truly not my intention but, BMW are better. I own a Mustang, a BMW 328i and X3 and there are differences. The three different cars are for different things. An American Muscle car, a Sport's Sedan and a Sport's Activity Vehicle. I love my Mustang, that's why I got it but it can't compare to a bimmer.

 

thank god somebody else realizes this

 

That is something else people don't realize with transmissions of this type. BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini and even VW offer them but none have the launch control here in the US as a standard feature. Stupid insurance reason. [:@] VW said they would offer it on the GTI later. There is a way to unluck it on the BMW but you have go through the same process everytime you start the car. Most tend to be jerky under normal driving no matter what setting you have it in. VW solved the problem by making their's a dual clutch. While one disengages the other engages for smoother operation.

 

But they trap almost 110.

Are you guys racing at a track? If so you just might be able to keep up.

If you're racing on a highway you'll take a beating.

 

maybe not standard, but the guy i know at school has it on his m3..... his isnt anything standard, i think its just the smg model that ud get anywhere