99 vs 01 M3 - BMW Forum

BlackBimmer · 08-04-2004, 09:00 AM

Hey all bimmerheads,

We own a 95 318is and a well modified A4 and love both cars dearly...

I am not that familliar with this forum and not all that familliar with BMW's. I searched to find comparisons betweent the E36 and E46 M3. I know that HP for the 95 M was 240 and I believe that figure jumped up to 280hp in 98. Am I wrong? The 2000 and up models are putting out 333hp, is it worth saving for an E46 or settle for a 99 well maintained example. I am in Canada so pricing is a little different.

Is there a spec sheet or site that compares the two cars, I also believe that the 99's only had 5 gears....

What are the reliability issues on both cars?

Thanks in advance,

Blackbimmer

Gulelin · 08-04-2004, 06:08 PM

It stayed 240 until the new engine I believe.

rmxpete · 08-14-2004, 11:06 PM

are we talkin ground or flywheel hp??

cause it does make a differance u know!!

SHAHAB323IS · 08-14-2004, 11:32 PM

those are flywheel numbers, i would save and buy an e46 if you could just because it has the true m engine, not like the us spec m3's from 95-99 the real e36 euro spec m3's had 321hp at the flywheel

the us spec e36 m3's put out between 195-198 hp to the rear wheels, and the new m3 put out between 265-270 hp to the rear wheels, so i would go for the new m3 again cause it has a true m engine and its a newer more luxurious car

BlackBimmer · 08-15-2004, 09:24 AM

We're talking flywheel HP, because its easier to get the data... I personally think that the newer 01' + models will be the car I eventually get. I am not sure if I should wait until 06' since the new bodystyle will drive the prices of the E46 down.

I saw an e46 M3 beside an 2003 B5 S4, there is no comparison. The Bimmer takes it all, it has the nicest rear end. Even on the newer 2004 S4, The BMW still takes it, I saw both, and drove the S's. Still haven't driven an M3...

But if it performs the way it looks, I won't be disappointed. Interior finish and texture is nicer on the Audi...

my 2 cents...

e36_m3_Turbo · 08-15-2004, 01:51 PM

from 95-99 it was 240hp. euro spec models from lik 92-95 it was 280hp, and 96-99 it was a 321bhp engine