E36 or E46?

[VIP]

My little cousin is looking to join the BMW family with either a 99 M3 with VERY low miles or an 02 or 03 M3. Which one would you rather drive in terms of all-aound drivability, performance, and reliability?

[Punter]

Geez.....that's a no brainer, 240HP or 333HP, hmmmm.....

[BimmerBert]

Originally posted by VIP
My little cousin is looking to join the BMW family with either a 99 M3 with VERY low miles or an 02 or 03 M3. Which one would you rather drive in terms of all-aound drivability, performance, and reliability?

Well, a few months ago, I'm sure I would have said E46 without a doubt. However, there has been a lot of news recently about E46 M3 engines failing... also, its very hard to modify the S54 (it's basically maxed out when it comes from the factory). If he's into modding cars, I'd suggest he goes with the E36, as you can do all kinds of mods with that car, and the engine seems to take mods much better than the S54. Also, the E36 will be cheaper (of course), and there is probably a substantial wait still to get a 2003 M3 (I'm not sure though). I also, I like Dakar Yellow a lot, and I'd probably get a 99 Dakar Yellow E36 M3 (not that that's really relevant).

[VIP]

Originally posted by Punter
Geez.....that's a no brainer, 240HP or 333HP, hmmmm.....

uhh...lots of people dont like the new one because its not as fun to drive as the old ones. The M3 lost a lot of its fans because of that. Just cause a car has a lot of HP doesnt mean its fun to drive.

[SickFingas]

is it a trick question what?
if he has money for 03 m3 that will not affect his bank account than e46. if he will have to just work for e46 m3 24/7, than e36 m3

[SickFingas]

actually I agree with some points on e46.
Yeah I heard that new m3 engine got problems.
also new m3 handling sucked on the Car and Driver test.
so I don't think that e46 can outperform e36 in handling.
About modding, just wait more time more mods will come out.
e46 m3 is still a new car.

[Suneal]

So, if you get te E36, wil you be plannin on moddin it? If not, stick to the E46.