[Vonbimmer]

I'm not a corvette guy per se, but the performance for the buck is hard to beat. The guy I purchased my e46 M from made the same move. Personally I'd try a bigger radiator (in the e36 world there were radiators with additional rows, hope fully the same for e46) and thermostat that opens at a lower temp, while you wait to buy the beast.

If you can solve the cooling you can keep both!

[Jtrem]

If you are willing to go out of state you can find a lower mileage Z06 for under 40k.

[NICKBRUM]

The z06 is a beautiful car, I just hate the association of vettes and mid a life crisis. I enjoy the e46 being some what rare compared to others on the road. I lusted after this car for three years before purchasing.I have had my M since February, and I am a bit disspointed with the amount of ridiculous failures seen in these cars. I love driving it and I will be keeping it for a while, maybe forever... I can say the z06 would be in my garage long before the e92, as I feel that is a high hp luxury car more than the drivers cars that preceded it in the M line up.

[SouthTexasE46]

I love the Z06, and nobody can argue the performance. BUT, when I go to those one, there's always a ton of newer corvettes there with older guys in them. They're almost as bad mustangs with younger guys.....
I say keep the M. Try to find a better solution to your problems.

[AP3X_FTW]

Although the Z06 makes ridiculous power I could never find myself owning one. I feel like the natural progression from the e46 M3 is to either a new M3 or make the jump to a GT3.

[WyattH]

I think it's rash to base your decision to change cars on the M3s inadequate cooling system. You have OEM cooling parts in a car making over 50% more power. As others have mentioned, if the inability to track your car (because of overheating) is the root of your desire to upgrade, then perhaps the most economical step is to try an AA fan clutch, a different thermostat, and a new/bigger radiator.

[Muskalade172]

I regretted selling my M3 the first time. Never again...

[normcaldwell]

Originally Posted by krell

OP, curious why you didn't go to an aftermarket radiator, say Zionsville or the one from Bimmerworld.

Just had installed the Bimmerworld CR radiator, AA Sport Fan Clutch; along with preventative cooling system maintenance; new thermostat/o-ring, water pump, water temp sensor.
Wow; definite difference.

Before: 90 degrees and higher, especially with a/c on, street driving; water temp gauge eventually moves past middle towards 3/4. Eventually moves back towards middle, and kind of back and forth over driving time.

After: 102 degrees, a/c on, street driving; water temp gauge never moves off just-left-of-center.

Complication: The CR radiator is nearly an inch wider than stock or Zionsville stock replacment. Will need to custom fabricate some kind of mounting clamps at the top to pull the radiator assembly towards the front of the car by hopefully about 1/2 inch. Too close to the s/c belt for track right now.
Another forum member (I'll post his member name when I find it) has already noted that he needed to to this kind of thing on his installation.

[WERKD]

a cammed z06 is sick

but the only upgrade = GT3

[WyattH]

Norm: We have surprisingly similar cars!! (CB/Cinn, OE CSL boot, VCSL diffuser, SC, RACs, etc). My Dinan blower came with a new radiator and no problems with overheating yet!