[///M330]

Hello All,

As you can see this is my first post, but I have been around BMWs my whole life. I am looking to get a used car in about a few months, but am having a hard time choosing between my 3 options I have narrowed down to.

1) Find an older (2001) E46 M3

2) Find an E90 330i Sedan

3) Pick up a 99 E36 M3

My dad manages a BMW dealership so I can get a good deal from him, and finding a car will not be a problem. Each Choice should cost me between the 10-18 (mayby a little More) G mark......

I will possibly be tracking the car about 2 to 5 times a year...(if that)

The biggest Problem with Me getting the E46 M3 is the cost issues (it will prob be more than the 330 and E36)

The biggest problem with me getting an E36 M3 is that most used ones out there are in the 85-120K mile zone, and from looking in the forums, some major components might need to be replaced

And Lastly The E90 330i sedan, I dont know how it stacks up to the E36 M3 performance wise, im sure the E36 handles waaaayyy better, so my biggest issue with the 330i is performance.


What Is My Best Bet Here Guys

If anyone can convince me that the 330i is a performer, i may take that choice more seriously

Thanks In Advance

[AndrewAZ]

Insurance will kill you on either coupe especially an M car.

First year M3's had a lot of problems

I would get the E90 330i since it will be the cheapest of the bunch to run factoring in all costs, and I think you will enjoy it more. Trust me its no fun to have an M car with problems you dont want to visit the dealer every other month for stupid little issues.

[OC Guy]

How about a ZHP E46 330i if you are looking for something cheaper than an E46 M3? Affordable and good performance.

[Cabby]

Don't get a 2001 E46 M3, loads of issues. Take it from someone who had an early 2002 but was still in the VIN range for the bearing recall among other things...

[vAnt826]

If your dad manages a BMW dealership, you should be in at least a 335i

[BMW F22]

An E36 M3 will fit in your 10-18G budget.
A used E90 will be in the high 20's/low 30's. This also goes for a typical E46 M3 as well. Sorry I couldnt be of more help.

[elucas730]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

A used E90 will be in the high 20's/low 30's.

Even that's pushing it. The cheapest E90 on autotrader has 8K miles and is at $38,941. The only way you're going to see low 30s is if someone is desperate to get rid of their no option E90 as fast as possible. Even then, it'd be hard to get down that low.

[canucklion]

you guys are forgetting that his dad manages a BMW dealership though, I'm sure he can get killer deals through his dad.

[sblument]

I'd say go for the E36 M3...check out the current issue of Bimmer magazine for a great review of what to look for in these cars.

[ward]

I had an E36 M3 and it was a great car

[kevbh]

I don't have experience driving an e36 M3, but I've been quicker than most of them at the autocross events I've been to. And mine is just a 325i. If you're worried about performance, I think the e90 is superior to the e36 M3. Two generations of technological improvements, after all. Just my two cents. Good luck - sounds like a win, win, win situation to me...

[BK]

On paper, the E90 330i has about the same performance as the E36 M3. You'll find some reports online from people who have driven or owned both. Generally, people say that the E90 330i, which is heavier, feels its weight. The E90 is also quieter, a bit softer, and a bit more tame. The brakes are bigger on the E90, but braking performance should also be about the same because of the weight difference. Interior quality and fit and finish is much better on the E90. Bottom line, for tracking, I'd pick the E36 every time, and for a DD, I'd pick the E90 every time. I'm very happy with the 330i performance as a DD.

Is the 135i supposed to come out next year? If so, you might want to wait for that. Better choice than any of the ones you list, and should not be all that expensive.

[ward]

Originally Posted by BK

On paper, the E90 330i has about the same performance as the E36 M3. You'll find some reports online from people who have driven or owned both. Generally, people say that the E90 330i, which is heavier, feels its weight. The E90 is also quieter, a bit softer, and a bit more tame. The brakes are bigger on the E90, but braking performance should also be about the same because of the weight difference. Interior quality and fit and finish is much better on the E90. Bottom line, for tracking, I'd pick the E36 every time, and for a DD, I'd pick the E90 every time. I'm very happy with the 330i performance as a DD.

Is the 135i supposed to come out next year? If so, you might want to wait for that. Better choice than any of the ones you list, and should not be all that expensive.

I sold my E36 M3 to get my E90, trust me the M3 whooped the 330 in terms of acceleration feel. That's why I got the 325, since both the 330 and 325 felt slow compared to the M. Handlingwise the M3 was slightly more neutral (but I had the 95, non staggered tire setup, later cars are probably more like the E90)

The E36 M motor has a great power delivery and sound, the E90 is more electronic and isolated.

[ward]

Originally Posted by kevbh

I don't have experience driving an e36 M3, but I've been quicker than most of them at the autocross events I've been to. And mine is just a 325i. If you're worried about performance, I think the e90 is superior to the e36 M3. Two generations of technological improvements, after all. Just my two cents. Good luck - sounds like a win, win, win situation to me...

drivers skill is a much bigger factor than car type in auto-X

http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Lists/2006/stockc.html

E36 M3 is in B-stock
E90 is in D-stock

the SCCA thinks the M3 is a better autocross rig.

[karliejai]

does ur dad manage or own the bmw dealership?

[nimamilani]

wow, that is a very very very huge debate. of course, it is more important than other important debates that have been raised throughout history.

jk, get the e90 which is the newest one.

[///M330]

Ok so......

After thinking about what other people posted, (thx for helping me BTW!).....ive decided to cross the E90 off my list.....but my question is this

Would it be better getting a first year (2001) E46 M3

Or a 98/99 E36 M3........what would give me more problems? Wich one is better for the money.....???

(thanks again )

: dance:

[BMW F22]

If I were you I'd get the E46 but it must be model year 2002+.

[HyperM3]

IMHO I would get the e36m3. Parts are much easier to find if you need replacing. Everything that can be done or fixed is quite possibly documented on any given forum.

I cannot for the life of me part with my M3, no matter how many offers Ive had. It is truly the essense of the Ultimate Driving Machine. I love how connected to the car and the road I feel in it. They lost that a little bit with the e46 and e90 platforms.

[///M330]

Originally Posted by ///M330

Ok so......

After thinking about what other people posted, (thx for helping me BTW!).....ive decided to cross the E90 off my list.....but my question is this

Would it be better getting a first year (2001) E46 M3

Or a 98/99 E36 M3........what would give me more problems? Wich one is better for the money.....???

(thanks again )

: dance:

???

[elucas730]

Where in NY are you?
There is a nice looking E36 M3 at my dealer: http://www.gaultautosportbmw.com/ind...oryID=15527439

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by OC 335i

How about a ZHP E46 330i if you are looking for something cheaper than an E46 M3? Affordable and good performance.

I second that.