M3 test drive 20 Aug

Today was the day to test drive the M3 SMG II I found, 45,000kms, immaculate condition 02 registered M3 E46. After arriving at the shop, it started to downpour! So waited till the rain subsided. Ths gave me some time to inspect the car.

The car has no dents or scratches, had Panasonic HDD navigation fitted, Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. It was a well taken care and loved car.

So when the time came, the shop manager drove me round first then I took over. Having read about the SMG II gearbox and its quirks, I quickly got accustomed to shifting in "s" sequential shift mode. Flooring the accelerator really gave a violent surge and wheelspin in the wet! The torque of this car at 355Nm is as high as an F1 car ! Max torque comes in at 4,900rpm, very usable indeed for overtaking.

The secret lies in the M division (motorsport division) developed S54B32 engine. This is a 3,246cc straight six with Double VANOS infinitely variable valve timing engine. Redline is at 8,000rpm in standard guise. It is coupled to the rear 19X8J rims through an M differential LSD.

The 6 speed SMG was developed with Getrag, and has 11modes including a "track" mode.

With only one drive, I knew this is the car...The 343ps brings back memory of my Jun tuned 350hp Skykline Turbo. Somehow, I wanted to be fully convinced, so asked for a ride in a 280ps standard Fairlady Z. Oh, from the first 200m, it was clear the Fairlady was no match for the M3. The sound and feel of the engine, the feel of the chassis, wasn't quite up to the M's standards. Decision made, decisively...M3 it is...even though there was the option of a Red Nismo version Fairlady Z putting out 350ps lying attractively for sale at a lower price...