[Brey335i]

Originally Posted by manwithq?

actually i asked him one more time and got the VIN which states the car is a 2001 540i with the 4.4l v8 and 6speed.... i own a 2002 BMW 525i and from what i understand the 540 should be the same body style but power train is different.

and because this "540i" is smaller than my 525i i believed it to be the 3 series.
thank you for all the positive feedback

How is it smaller than your 525i???

[techlogik]

Originally Posted by golf4501

Minor correction, you could get a E46 M3 with SMG as well as a manual

No, let me correct you. The TS posted it was a 2001.

You could only get the E46 M3 in 2001 with a 6 speed Manual.

[SWestM3]

Originally Posted by techlogik

No, let me correct you. The TS posted it was a 2001.

You could only get the E46 M3 in 2001 with a 6 speed Manual.

That is correct regarding only the manual tranny being available in 2001 in the US.
I was 3rd in line at a Bay Area dealer in the summer of 2001, but, as soon as I heard that the SMG (and Topaz Blue vs. "smurf " blue) would be offered in the US in 2002, I waited, ordered and received mine in July of '02...and the modding began on day ONE..!

Kept that baby for 7 1/2 years and ~73K miles...awesome car, but I'm loving my ordered and (well) customized '10 335i M-Sport...only thing I miss is the DCT, not available in the US unless you go w/ a 335iS...which is halfway in $$ to just getting an E92 M3, which I initially considered...but I like to customize 'em...!

[DASHOCKER]

I would love an E46 Hartge..