Truthfully, I haven't really driven much the Vert since I bought it in April. I mostly drove it when it rained, and occasionally on nice days to enjoy having the top down.
I honestly really struggled to enjoy driving it, It felt super bland. I think a big part of it was, I kept comparing it to my 323iT. Which to be fair, driving a bone stock 323Ci with blown struts, and worn bushings and 7 year old Sumitomo A/S tires is not going to be a "fun" driving experience, when you compare it to my
mostly fully sorted E46 Touring. It's definitely not quick either considering its 3500Ibs, and you can feel the weight difference in acceleration compared to my Touring (3300Ibs). You can definitely feel that extra 200Ibs.
How did I solve this? (
Quick Recap)
Complete Suspension Refresh - (
Koni Yellows w/ Eibach Springs, ZHP Control Arms, Z4M FCABS, M3 RTABs, End Links, Tie-Rods)
Bolt Ons - Borla Cat Back, Injen CAI
In the middle of July (2022), I did the (
Koni Yellows w/ Eibach Springs, ZHP Control Arms, Z4M FCABS, and the End-Links). Middle of August I did the (RTABs, and Tie Rods). Few days later, I went to Bavarian Specialities to get an alignment done.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to drive it that much after the alignment because few days later... I went back to University in Upstate, NY to finish my last semester. However, in the time I did drive it before the alignment and doing the (
tie rods, rtabs) it was a significant upgrade, and it felt a lot more nimble and a better driving experience to a certain extent. The Style 45's on 225/50R16(
7 year old Sumitomo A/S) is what limited this setup.
--
Fast Forward to a week ago, with my wagon being out of service until I fix it. It forced me to drive the vert, with that said I stole the wheels from my wagon, and the rear spring pads. (
The rear was sitting a bit too low for my liking) so the XI Spring pads (15mm) helped raise the rear a smidge.
The tires are Michelin AS4 245/35R18 on a 18x8.5 ET35 wheel
Friday I left for Upstate, NY (360 Miles), and honestly the vert did fantastic! It was super smooth and zero vibrations. Soon as I took Exit 30 (Keene, NY) is where I smiled for the first time driving the vert. Driving on these windy mountain roads was an incredible feeling. The car felt planted, solid and predictable. Absolutely zero dead zone in the steering wheel, whichever way you pointed the car it went with zero delay. Im slowly opening up to the vert chassis, and starting to lowkey love it.
Personally, I think:
- KONI Yellows, EIBACH Springs
- ZHP Control Arms paired w/ Z4M FCABS
- M3 RTABs
This is probably the best OEM+ Setup for a E46 Non-M.
Once I do a gearbox refresh with a factory short shifter, I am sure it will feel even better. I am considering possibly doing headers as-well to pair with the Borla Catback. It sounded incredible on my wagon, and with top down? Im sure it would be an intoxicating combo.
The biggest annoyance currently is the Comfort Seats.. I need to source Sport Seats. I forgot how horrible comfort seats are on a long drive, my lower back is rough.
However.. My funds have been stolen with my 323Cic which needed some love. Speaking of which I could've done my subframe and have a LSD with the amount I invested into the Vert already. Oops. So it will have to wait till like next year!
