Bored of the E46 What next?

Ok we have one - here's an opportunity to have one - if you got a point of view about something and want to share it - here's where you do it.
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ali
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Bored of the E46 What next?

Post by ali » Sun Jul 29, 2012 11:00 pm

After about 7 years in E46's of varying guises as the main family bus I think I'm finally bored of them and in need for a change.
My current Alpina B3 3.3 Touring is an absolutely cracking car but after 2 1/2 years of it I still am not 100% convinced of the switchtronic box. I really hanker after a manual when gunning it.
I'm not sure what to go for next.
I am keeping my E30 328i Sport for a fun toy but my family wagon needs to be a manual fast estate of some sort. Budget of around £8-£10k
I couldn't live with anotther E39 so they are out Had a few but I find them too big.
Not too fussed for MPG. I've been tempted by Audi B5 RS4 or the later B7 S4 but don't know if I'd get bored of them quickly and want something that goes round corners without wanting to understeer all over the place. I have had 2 B5 2.8 Quattro estates and the were as dull as blancmanges to drive.
I've never had a Merc and not a fan of the C or E class shapes from 2000- 2006 so they are out.
An E91 might do the trick but will depreciate faster than a lead ballon now the F30 is upon us. I know the 335D only came with flappy paddles. What about the 335i? Is the flappy paddle gearbox just a paddle operated autobox like my current switchtronic or is it SMG based type where you can use it properly?
Bit of a leftfield thought but a 645i is within budget too. Quite like the look of them but not sure how reliable they are circa 80-100k miles or what goes wrong with them. Did they do a manual 6er?
A D3 may be at the very upper end of my budget but are they really THAT good. How would it seem compared to my current B3? I do love the high revving nature of narmally aspitrated engines and the wide torque band. Is the D3 actually a fun car that can occasionally be ragged and put a smile on the enthusiastic drivers face?
If only I could find a 6 speed manual box for my current B3
B3 3.3 Coupe #090
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098

Chas
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Post by Chas » Mon Jul 30, 2012 7:49 am

I know the feeling Ali; I'd really like an Alpina touring in RHD with a 6-speed manual. I miss my previous E36 B6 2.8.

I really shouldn't have to ask this but were all E46s switchtronic-only??

If you don't mind the steering wheel on the wrong side, consider a B8 Touring... but they don't come up very often.

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Post by Hodge » Mon Jul 30, 2012 8:51 am

There are E9x tourings with 6 cyl and manual boxes

This one has a proper gearstick and 3 pedals......I think

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

Sorry about the long link I am using my phone


HTH
Mark Hodge

E46 B3s Coupe #19 (sold)
E46 B3s Touring #29 (sold)
Daily -
TTS DSG (Not for carrying dogs)
X5 M50d (For carrying dogs)
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ali
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Post by ali » Mon Jul 30, 2012 9:57 am

Ah great link Hodge.
That confirms the possibility of a 335i down the line.
I hadn't seen one with a manual box until that one. I knew the 335D is flappy paddles only
As I only do 2-3k miles a year a thirsty petrol is definetly an option
I'm sure I read on a forum elsewhere that on the continent there were E46 B3's with a 6 speed manual.
Wonder if anyone on here could confirm ?
B3 3.3 Coupe #090
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098

Hodge
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Post by Hodge » Mon Jul 30, 2012 2:21 pm

B3s were available as a manual in Europe for sure this link is to one on the Register

http://www.theALPINAregister.com/B3/s/coupe/35

Cheers
Mark Hodge

E46 B3s Coupe #19 (sold)
E46 B3s Touring #29 (sold)
Daily -
TTS DSG (Not for carrying dogs)
X5 M50d (For carrying dogs)
VW R32 MkIV (weekends)

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Post by joylove » Mon Jul 30, 2012 2:52 pm

Can't you find a wrecked manual M3 on eBay or at FabDirect.com? A 6 speed swap will definately be less than £8-10k :lol:

EDIT> Fabdirect have at least two.
http://www.fabdirect.com/bmw-cars-break ... nual/1207/

http://www.fabdirect.com/bmw-cars-break ... nual/1099/


(3 years old and burned out)
http://www.fabdirect.com/bmw-cars-break ... nual/1171/
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ali
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Post by ali » Mon Jul 30, 2012 8:47 pm

Never though of popping in an S54 gearbox Might end up with ecu gremlins though
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Post by joylove » Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:05 am

ali-bumble wrote:Never though of popping in an S54 gearbox Might end up with ecu gremlins though
You'll need to change the vehicle order code to manual, whilst this is fairly complicated; it's not impossible. If computers aren't your thing, hunt on the forums to see if someone locally can do coding for a few beer tokens.
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I_MNL
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Re: Bored of the E46 What next?

Post by I_MNL » Tue Jul 31, 2012 1:42 am

ali-bumble wrote:
A D3 may be at the very upper end of my budget but are they really THAT good. How would it seem compared to my current B3? I do love the high revving nature of narmally aspitrated engines and the wide torque band. Is the D3 actually a fun car that can occasionally be ragged and put a smile on the enthusiastic drivers face?

YES, IT IS THAT GOOD! :D :D if not better!
Someone has described the D3 as the least diesely diesel engine and they are right!

You can rev it to the high revs, but remember to change gear!!!! Best gear for fun twisty driving is the 3rd. So, when revs go at about 1,500 downshift to 2nd. Then upshift to 3rd and always keep it around 2,000.

If the petrol aluminium Jaguar XJ is fast when I drive it, then the D3 will fly :dance


And as for the 6-series, yes there is a 6-speed manual box for the 630i
And the name is Marie-Noëlle or nick name MNL, NOT Marie or Noëlle ALONE; unless if you are looking for someone else and not me!!!
Car: D3 saloon 2007 and...a couple of cats made in 2003! and a little Scooby WRX STi...

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