E36 and E46 M3 owners - BMW Forum

k.sidlosky · 07-06-2009, 03:20 PM

I would like to know what flaws either of these cars have. Trying to get my research done so I know which one would be better overall. Right now I feel as though I am more set on the E46. I like the 04's alot and they seem to be selling for around 16k-19k depending on miles. Now I know bmws last forever, my 325 has over 250k miles and still runs strong. Just what do you think, opinions.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 07-06-2009, 03:49 PM

I Just went through this when car shopping I decided on the e36 M3 vert cause it was:
1)10k cheaper
2) Had about the same miles as all the e46 counter parts
3) Had better driving feel and seemed sportier
4) was alot more nimble
5) The e46 seemed more like a comfy crusey car...
6) Feels like a freaking gocart

7) It was 10k cheaper

e36 negitives:
1) No 6 speed option(Really should have been

)
2) Many Poor examples out there
3) typically known as the "ricer" of bimmers.
4) the e36 auto top preforms sub par(Slow and never works 100% right)

the e46 had:
1) Newer
2) Low mileage cars were more common(but costed a lot more)
3) More comfy
4) Full auto top standard(didnt see one without it....)
5) Some have a really nice deep red/brick colored interior thast is just Awsome
6) SMG or 6speed available

The e46 negitives:
1) Lack of steering feel compared to the e36
2) High cost of matinace and the car itself
3) More "boat" like feel(Not real bad just not as good as the e36)
4) Is a bigger car/less Go kart like

Thats all i can think of for now....

k.sidlosky · 07-06-2009, 04:01 PM

Thats what I was thinking about the bigger body. But then with a newer car comes more reliability.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 07-06-2009, 04:05 PM

^ not so true..... My friend is always having issues with his e46 m3... then some people dont have any... It really depends on the individual car and the Prevous owner

k.sidlosky · 07-07-2009, 09:56 PM

I don't know , the go-cart feeling is nice. Which ever one pops up and what ever the bank will give me for a loan.

k.sidlosky · 07-07-2009, 10:04 PM

I love the body style of the e36's but he lux, power and smoothness would be nice also. Just have to wait and see. I bet the e36 has better aftermarket support to. Time will tell.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 07-08-2009, 02:05 AM

^ yes it does

RoadsterMadness · 07-10-2009, 12:59 PM

The E46 M3 has lots more power and PLENTY of agility. This car turns so well its radius is nearly that of my true go-kart supecharged Z3! There are plenty of aftermarket mods out there too. I would focus on a later model year in the run (2004-2006) as they usually work out most of the kinks by that point. One issue that is frequent to be aware of is the coolant system reliability. The plastic top and bottom radiator is notoriously a problem, also causing issues with the AC. Like any car, you just try and minimize your issues...

k.sidlosky · 07-11-2009, 08:00 PM

What should I expect to spend on either one. I've noticed that the e36 runs around 6k and the e46 most of them have been around 15k.

aashu · 07-31-2009, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpineSixAndSeven

I Just went through this when car shopping I decided on the e36 M3 vert cause it was:
1)10k cheaper
2) Had about the same miles as all the e46 counter parts
3) Had better driving feel and seemed sportier
4) was alot more nimble
5) The e46 seemed more like a comfy crusey car...
6) Feels like a freaking gocart

7) It was 10k cheaper

e36 negitives:
1) No 6 speed option(Really should have been

)
2) Many Poor examples out there
3) typically known as the "ricer" of bimmers.
4) the e36 auto top preforms sub par(Slow and never works 100% right)

the e46 had:
1) Newer
2) Low mileage cars were more common(but costed a lot more)
3) More comfy
4) Full auto top standard(didnt see one without it....)
5) Some have a really nice deep red/brick colored interior thast is just Awsome
6) SMG or 6speed available

The e46 negitives:
1) Lack of steering feel compared to the e36
2) High cost of matinace and the car itself
3) More "boat" like feel(Not real bad just not as good as the e36)
4) Is a bigger car/less Go kart like

Thats all i can think of for now....

Yeah! it was a nice post. It was quite informative.

Jubeski · 08-01-2009, 06:13 PM

E36 all the way baby!!! But if you decide on the E46, stay away from the SMG. Its a joke.

drz · 08-02-2009, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k.sidlosky

What should I expect to spend on either one. I've noticed that the e36 runs around 6k and the e46 most of them have been around 15k.

E36 M3 from $8k - $15k+
E46 M3 from $22k - $36k+

Ballpark figures

BimmerE39 · 08-02-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jubeski

E36 all the way baby!!! But if you decide on the E46, stay away from the SMG. Its a joke.

The SMG is far from a joke...have you driven one or are you just going along with what everyone else says?

k.sidlosky · 08-02-2009, 07:56 PM

I think I'm going to stray away from the m3 and try and find like a 02 325ci. Whats the major differences with the 325 328 and 330 ci's. I've seen all three and they all "look" pretty similiar. On the sad side I'm putting the e30 up for sale. pm me if intrested. not in a real hurry to sell it.

drz · 08-02-2009, 09:22 PM

The major difference is the engine. Some options may have come standard on the 328/330 that didn't on the 325. Also, if you get a model year 2004 - 2006, then you get the facelifted version:

325Ci => 184hp, 175 ft-lb, MY 2001 - 2006
328Ci => 193hp, 206 ft-lb, MY 2000
330Ci => 225hp, 214 ft-lb, MY 2001 - 2006