Hi, I'm new to DTM, but not the community.

[M-Theory]

I just wanted to say hi and that I am on the hunt for a new car. Possibly e36 M3 or e46 328/330 either coupe or sedan.

Chris

P.R. Edit - I can't post anywhere but here.

[James]

Chris - welcome to DTM! The restriction on your posts will last for another 4 posts or 48 hours. Please post or PM any questions!

[M-Theory]

Well thanks for the info. We'll see how this whole board thing goes. I had my arm twisted into rejoining a forum.

[James]

No problem - where in Pennsylvania are you from?

[NSM]

Welcome chris!

[Aaron318iS]

Welcome

[M-Theory]

I hail from the suburbs of Philadelphia, but I'm in hick ass State College (PSU) for school.

[Alan]

Welcome Chris. I might be the one who twisted his arm...

Chris used to have a really really nice Purple M3 with Ground Control. I'm sure his next car will be just as nice.

[NSM]

Glad you twisted his arm.. More members the better!

Any pics of the previous daytona violet m3?

[M-Theory]

Technoviolet (technoviolence), and of course...

[SpecialK2k8]

Nice, she's beautiful.

[motorsports_3]

Welcome. Let us know when you find a car...

[BadGTho]

welcome...

i think that you are looking at drastically different cars. you'll need to drive both and then see which suits your taste..

not by just searching for something in a given price range.

[M-Theory]

Originally Posted by BadGTho

welcome...

i think that you are looking at drastically different cars. you'll need to drive both and then see which suits your taste..

not by just searching for something in a given price range.

Oh I have driven all three.

I don't really want a 328, its just in the running if I find one I really like. The M3 and the 330i are actually pretty close in performance, IMO, the 330 is quick enough and the suspension wouldn't stay stock for too long. I really want another M3, but people are asking such high prices for them and I'm at the point where I don't believe I should spend 17k on a 9 year old car with like 80k miles, no matter how long it will end up lasting me, because the e36 especially always has small issues. So, they're all not in exactly the same price range, the question I have to ask myself is if I truely want to return to an M car and all that comes with it or do I want to get something a little newer...

[BadGTho]

Originally Posted by M-Theory

Oh I have driven all three.

I don't really want a 328, its just in the running if I find one I really like. The M3 and the 330i are actually pretty close in performance, IMO, the 330 is quick enough and the suspension wouldn't stay stock for too long. I really want another M3, but people are asking such high prices for them and I'm at the point where I don't believe I should spend 17k on a 9 year old car with like 80k miles, no matter how long it will end up lasting me, because the e36 especially always has small issues..

the 330 is quick.. but the handling is sloppy compared to the E36 M.

the E36 is a far more reliable car than the E46... hands down. they have alot of the same issues, but the E46 adds some really nice window regulator, dual vanos and water leakage issues. cmon.. they are both used bimmers.. they will both give you problems. the E36 is a much easier car to DIY and i would argue that makes it less costly to own.

17k for a car with 90k? how much do you think a 330 costs?

i would argue that the pricing of the E36 M might be less in some cases.

Originally Posted by M-Theory

the question I have to ask myself is if I truely want to return to an M car and all that comes with it or do I want to get something a little newer...

i think thats a valid point. that is a question that you'll need to ponder, because ultimately thats what it comes down to.

i mean you can see my sig.. you know the choice i made, and i feel it was right for me.