e36 M3 or e46 323,325,

[LordGop]

I might sell my car and get either a e36m3 or e46 325 preffered or 323i.
Which one? or keep my current car? (has 110,000 miles on it) here are my concers.

1. Is getting an older car worth having m3 power? I'm worried my insurance will be way to high...

2. The e46 looks very nice but it does seem to have the over all performance that my current e36 has. I'm worried that if I get the 323 or 325 (e46) that it will not have the same sporty feel and performance (not just speed but suspension as well) as my 325is e36 has now.

Also what is the difference between the e46 325i and the 323i if they both have a 2.5?

Help what should I do?

[bmwm3n528]

obvious answer...m3

theres no diff. between the 325i and 323i

[kevln]

m3 fo sho

[LordGop]

anyone else with some more input?

[nickmpower]

i think there are a few people pn this board that have gone from 330s or 328s to an e36 m3

[Vitolo]

To answer your question, the E46 will *not* feel as sporty. You can mod it, but it just wont be as crisp feeling as an E36. This is simply due to the E46 chassis being more rigid as well as updated amenities that "dull" the driving experience (ie drive by wire throttle, softened steering racks, better sound insulation, etc). Getting an older E36 doesnt really matter as the mileage and maintenance are bigger factors in determining the cars reliabilty. AFAIK, there is no noticeable difference between a 323 and 325

[LordGop]

Thanks for all the input if anyone else has anything at all please say it this is a major purchase thanks

[BLACKTAPE]

Stock e36 M3 and Stock e46 3series... I take the M3

[petar7408]

e36 m3, no choice... the insurance will not be much more for the M because its older and the newer 325 will be considered a "new" car and it will jack you that way... the m3 has an engine that is indestructable dont worry about maintenance too much

edit: the m3 will be about 100X more fun as well as it will get you more women then a regular 3 series

[calystar]

e36 m3 for more power, a sportier ride, more fun, and i guess it's more chick-magnet-ish (but i'm sure you're a chick-magnet, so the car shouldn't matter! )... e46 323i/325i for advanced safety features and an updated look! which year's e36 m3 were you considering? the e46 323i and 325i both have the same 2.5L engine, but the 323i/328i was produced from '99-'00 while the 325i/330i was produced from '01-present. the '02+ sedans have the newer more agressive front lights, the coupes generally follow a year after ('03). personally, i would opt for the e46 325i because of my recent accident......i totalled my car so i think safety first! also, the 325i/330i will have less electronic bugs because they have been worked out. you could get an e46 and get a coupe or a sport package to make it "sportier," and as always, you could mod it! just my $0.02, hope it helps, but of course, get whichever one you want!!! good luck with your big decision, i'm sure you'll have fun with either one!

[drivingmachine]

e36 MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM 333333333333333333333
thats not even a question

[Agaru_Vala]

yeah E 36 M , rather than getting a E 46 and trying to get it to stock M3 power. Get a low mile like 95er. As far as safty just be a good driver lol. As long as you know how to drive then you just have to worry about the others on the road, and the M3 will eat them up.

[mannin32]

I am buying a new car right now and trying to decide what to get but I think in the end I am looking for a newer car w/ a warranty so I am leaning towards a 01+ Audi A4 or a 01+ BMW 325i or Ci. I really like the E36 M3 but at this point in time I don't want to have to deal with repairs and older looking interior etc. so I am going to get a nice daily driver and then down the road I really want an E36 M3 for a weekend racer, fully built out for auto/x. Anyway you really need to just think about what you want, and yeah either the E36 or E46 should pull chicks I am assuming since it is still a BMW. Later

[ReNNeN_PiNoY]

this depends if on how far you are goin to mod. i would go with the e36 M3 if you plan on purchasing lots of mods, especially for performance. for everyday drivability, i'd choose the e46 323/325.

i have an e46 325, but i am giving it to my wife so i can get my e46 m3.

[Iwannadinanm3]

the m3 is considered as a sports car under insurance company's categories. A 323 wouldn't be a bad choice, it's newer, could still get it under warranty, and it's not all that slow as people make it out to be, most of those people haven't driven them. And if you mod up e46's, they look damn good.

How much are you looking to spend? And you are looking for a 5 spd right?