996 cab VS. m3 cab anyone with experience?

I currently have a 1999 996 cab and drove a 2002 m3 cab today first warm day here in wisconsin, does anyone with experience with these 2 cars care to comment on their driving experience and pros and cons of ownership thanks for your advice

my brother has an 04 m3 cab and hates it. Too heavy and rough for just cruising around. He wishes he bought the 3 cab and saved the dough for another day.... Porsche cab seems to be a better ride in my opinion.

I had a 2003 M3 Cab with SMG...hated it! Fast, but heavy and poorly built. Plus the engines fail at a high rate. Traded on 1996 993TT (had 4 previous 911s) and love it. Added 2003 996 C2 and love it also. Better built, more solid, lighter...much more fun! Keep the Porsche cab or trade for 997. I think BMW is really going downhill. Had a M5 and it was nothing but trouble.

996 vs. M3 is my decision point as well. Yes the M3 is a heavy car like its competition (S4 & CLK 55 AMG), and had the major rod bearing recall issue to deal with. Overall reliability seems OK. But it is a fun car to drive, and has a great exhaust note. With the 2 kid issue hanging over me, it also doesn't hurt that it is larger in interior room and less expensive to buy. The fundamental question I have to answer is the M3 a real sportscar or a coupe with a lot of performance?

tried a smg 02 cab m3 smg not intuative to use pretty fast but harsher ride feedback seems to agreefound a 2002 996 cab with 16k miles but cost is 60k at dlr. 20k is a big price to pay for upgrade thoughts ?

SMG is just another goofy automatic in disguise And no, this isn't a rant against automatics so much as a stab against the marketing tactics used to sell these transmissions to the masses The M3 manual is pretty nice, good stiff clutch, could use a shorter throw shifter. Like I said in your other thread, I'd keep the 996 I had unless the kids issue gets in the way. Go on the M3 forum, they have lots of respect for the 911 series. I see lots of folks going from M3 to 911 (natural evolutionary process), none going the other way. Since I have neither, I think my choice is a little more wide open.

SMG is a "robotic" manual transmission, not at all like an automatic transmission, apart from it having an "automatic" mode. Completely different than a tiptronic (audi/porche), or bmw's steptronic, for instance. I'm not saying it works well as a driver, just saying it's a very sporting setup.

I've go a 2004 c4 cab. My Partner has gone thru 4 M3s in the last 9 years. Latest is a cab. I like the every day usage of the M3 but it just dosent have the 911 spirit. I think if you are just looking at the numbers get the M3. If fun is a no cost factor get a 911 TT or c4s

You are right on target. The M3 isn't offered with an automatic transmission. The M3 comes with manuals with and without clutch pedals, but both are manuals. As to whether or not an SMG transmission is sporting, all F1 cars have them. Shifts with SMG technology are executed in a few thousands of a second, and that's why the F1 cars have them. If I lived in the city or did a lot of stop and go driving, I wouldn't hesitate to get an SMG from BMW or DSG from Audi.

I'd have more faithin E46 M3 reliability than 996 N/A power.. at least BMW steps up to the plate and offers an extended warranty. what's porsche done so far with RMS. you guys are a crack up. both cars are heavy and offer lighter and better performing coupes. if you're going convertible, always know you sacrificed performance for drop top fun. M3 cab is a much better translation than the carrera cab. carrera cab has got to be the most disproportionate car out there on the road today.

agreed wrong.

Hahaaa.....This is a good topic :-) How about we find some BMW forum and post it over there I will bet that we find a lot of people over there who would go for the M3. But it could be fun to hear the arguements. Well I have never driven a M3, but to me it is not a sports car....more like a family car with some mods. Porsche forever

Although I'm not sure what the precise definition of a sports car is, I think it's fair to say that a 996 is a sports car and the M3 is a sports coupe. Since the engine, suspension, and transmission are unique to the M3, I wouldn't classify the M3 as modded family sedan. I've never owned an M3 vert, but I'm certain that its performance is comparable to a 996 vert. If it were me and I had a need for a useable back seat for the kids, the M3 vert would be a no-brainer. If you have your heart set on a a 996 however, why not buy an Elantra for around $12K and then use your 996 as a pleasure car?

It depends on the use. For a track car, the M3 Coupe is a blast. The M3 cab I drove hard recently had more rattles than my '01 996 Cab had cowl shake; which was greatly corrected with an evoms front strut brace, believe it or not. Concerning power delivery; the V-tech leaning guys will go for the M, considering the torque curve and high revving HP. Guys who want a flatter torque curve and midrange power with a GT package will go for the 996 cab. If you want a track screamer, than get a M3 Coupe as the Cab makes it different enough in torsional rigidity to disqualify it, IMHO. Status; a Carrera is a 40 year evolution that will turn heads and get respect ALWAYS, while an M3 is a bit more boy racer. If you can handle the Bangle (Bungle) inspired looks of new 3 series, then wait for the M3 (E90) with four doors and an 8.

I own a 996 Cab ('99) and have driven an M3 cab on occasion (2001), so my experience is about the same as yours but I will offer my feedback anyway. I think you'd be very happy to stay with the 996. The M3 cab (not coupe) doesn not feel nearly as sporty or connected as the 996. It is a fun car to drive and a bit more practical that the 996 but one major issue that some others have already touched on is the cowl shake in the M3. It is very apparent (even in stock form) whereas it is hardly apparent (at least by comparison) in the 996. I would say my 996 rattles a little more than the M3 did but that car was 2 years newer and mine has a lowered suspension and is driven much more enthusiastically on a regular basis. One other area you may be interested in is exclusivity. Where I live (this may not apply to many of you) there are on the order of 10 M3's to every one 911. In summary, the only thing the M3 cab offers over the 996 cab is a bit of practicality, but if that is not at or very close to the top of your list of priorities, then I'd stick with the 996. That being said, its always nice to get a new (different) car every so often

Curious as to why you feel that the Carrera Cab. is the "most disproportionate car out there on the road"? ... and that the M3 Cab. is "much better... than the Carrera Cab."? Most threads that I've read are quite the opposite.

Consider power to weight ratio also. 996 Cab 3120/320=9.75 M3 Cab 3780/333=11.35 How the M3 can run 0-60 in 4.9 is beyond me. Must be a stickly road surface below sea level. M3 cab weighs 300lb more than M3 coupe. 996 cab is only 90lb more than coupe. Another example there is no substitute.

I drive both an E46 M3 and a 996 regularly. How you can compare the engine failures on the M3s, where the engine entirely self-destructs, with RMS failures, where you get an annoying, but non-self-destructing, spot of oil on the garage floor is beyond me. There simply is no substitute , or comparison, for that matter. I could understand how one would say that the 3 series is more reliable than the 996, but the M3? Please. Don't get me wrong. I really like the M3s, and they probably are a better "value" if you consider price. In my opinion, the M3 is like a teenage girl (legal of course), fast and exciting, but not very smooth. The Porsches are more like a mature woman, they don't feel as fast but they are far, far smoother, which, IMHO, is far more important both on the road and on the track, particularly on the track. Smoothness equals faster lap times. It is nice to play with the teenagers (again, legal of course), but, in the end, give me a woman who knows what she is doing any day of the week. I agree that the M3 cab makes the transition visually better than the 996 cab, but the M3 cab is an overweight pig. M3 coupe is the only way to go. Peace to my BMW brethren. I think the Porsche people and BMW people should gang up on the MB people rather than argue amongst ourselves.

DJ, You are describing weight to power ratio. Power to weight ratio is more like: 996 0.10 HP/LB M3 0.088 HP/LB And the M3 cab runs 0-60 in 5.1 sec according to Car & Driver One M3 advantage is the 8,000 rpm redline. The car does run strong.

If you really have to ask, you might as well get the M3.

Thanks for the correction. BMW posted 4.9 sec on its site for cab and 4.8 for coupe. I don't know how 300lb difference translated into a 0.1s in 0-60. I think BMW uses its own tested number which probly resulted in trashing the gearbox after the test. Weight to power ratio for M3 really reveals its weakness esp for the cab. The ratio is a good measure of whether it is pure sports car that is balanced and fun.

Yeah, BMWs in general are quite heavy. In my 540i I equated that to solidly built, but it detracts from the M3s mission. Still the M3 is a decent alternative if $$$ are tight.

Dave, The question really isn't "Is the 996 better than the E46 M3?" (the answer is yes). The question is "Is the 996 $20,000 (give or take) better than the E46 M3?" For me the answer was yes. I traded an '03 M3 (with SMG) for a 40th Anniversary 996 (both coupes). Regarding the M3 engine. 3.2 liter inline 6 with 333 hp and 262 ft/lbs (impressive indeed). Yes there was a bearing issue, but all S54 engines were recalled and given a 6 year 100k mile warranty. Regarding SMG. Contrary to popular belief, there is a significant learning curve with this transmission. Different throttle modulation is required depending on the situation at hand. With practice, the SMG can be shifted much faster and as smooth as any 6 speed manual. I drove my M3 for almost 2 years and I didn't have a single problem with it. Most bashing of the M3 and SMG comes from people with little or no experience with either. At the end of the day, I'm very happy I traded the M3 for the 996 (my first P-car). That said, the M3 really is a fantastic car. I wish I could have both. Good luck with your decision. Matt

I agree with nearly everything you said, but are you certain that all S54 engines were recalled? Unless I am mistaken, my brother-in-law's engine was not recalled. He did receive the 6 year 100k mile warranty and assurances from BMW that they would give him a new engine if his imploded, but I did not think that they actually did any warranty work on the engine.

It's my understanding that all S54 engines were recalled (starting last summer). I actually got my recall letter about a month after I traded the car (this letter is obviously different than the "6 year 100k mile" letter). A quick check on Roadfly or call to the dealer would clarify, however.

I have a M3 cab, but my 996's have been coupes. So I can't make the exact comparison you're looking for, but will make a few observations. I like the way the M3 drives. It's not as involving as a 911, but still a blast to spend time in. Calling it a "pig" is in no way accurate. It has much better than average rigidity for a convertible, cowl shake (I have the 18" wheels) and rattles are not an issue with mine most of the time (it takes major potholes to upset it). I have the 6 speed (SMG was not available when I got mine) and it's great, but the throws could be a little shorter. Reliability & build quality is better than any of my Porsches and IMO the engine issues are way overblown (similar to RMS). It's a lot more practical and seats 4 comfortably. It's not a track car, but wasn't designed to be. It's a lively, entertaining street car at a reasonable price that seems to hold its value better than P-cars. I've really enjoyed mine and I'd buy another one. Is it better than a Carrera cab? I have no idea...and that really depends on what your expectations are and what you want to use it for.

I really like the M3 AND the M3 cab. But . . . the M3 cab is way overweight, seriously. You can imagine a 996 cab on the track (not ideal), but an M3 cab on the track? No way. The M3 coupe, yes. It is heavy for its size but the engine is simply awesome. Of course, the 911 is getting heavier each year, so it might be considered porky by some. In any event, an M3 convertible is a pig, an adorable pig, but a pig nonetheless. That would not keep me from considering it as a car, but only if I already had a different sports car. You have the ideal sports car already, so I can easily imagine why you would want an M3 convertible in your stable. If you wonder why I act like I know so much about the M3 convertible, it is because I came very, very close to buying one in 2002. I chose the less practical and I bought a Boxster S instead. Completely different experience. That is exactly what I meant by saying it was a pig. I agree 100 percent. If you reread my earlier post, I think I made it clear that I really liked both cars, but that they were very different. That doesn't mean that one is bad and one is good, it just means that you need to know what you want.

I've driven plenty of cars that I thought were pigs. I don't feel that way about the M3 convertible and I've never heard anyone else say that. I guess we just have different perspectives & expectations.

Maybe you are right that it is a question of terminology, and perhaps context. Keep in mind that I am talking solely about weight -- nothing else. My premise is that the M3 Convertible is unnecessarily heavy. That's it. I mean, seriously, don't you agree that the M3 Convertible is a relatively, and arguably unnecessarily, heavy car for how it is marketed? Nonetheless, I really like it. As I said before, many call the late generation 911s porky. Since you have a GT3, you have the exception, not the rule. If the late model 911s can be called porky, then what is an M3 cab? Also, keep in mind that I was responding to someone who was making it sound like Porsche owners were attacking M3s solely on illogical grounds. The bottom line is that the M3 cab is a fine automobile provided that you know what it is and what it was designed to do when you buy it. If you are buying it to be a sports car (if that means a car you take to the track), then you are likely to be disappointed. Instead, it is a sporty car that is loads of fun to drive on the street. Can we at least agree on that?

Agreed that we both like it. We just don't agree on all the adjectives. It's all good.

I like the m3 cab - for my wife Personally if i was going to get a cab it would be a Boxster 's' I also quite liked SMG - its definitely a manual and the learning curve can be tough - fun all the same