Assistance/Advice needed?

[WyKiD]

Greetings all, the sale of my e36 convertible is just about finalised - sad to see her go.
I need the practicality of a 4 door saloon, cars being considered: e36 - 328i individual/ e36 - M3 4door/ e46 - 330i(maybe a 325i).

The car will be used as a daily driver, I would like some info wrt maintenance/running costs and overall durability of vehicles taking into consideration the average age and mileage of these cars.

I am keen on the M3 but hesitant due to perception of significantly higher maintenance costs compared to regular e36 models, is this accurate? Cars I have looked at have mileage between 130000km - 160000km, are the motors still ok at these sort of mileage?

I know that this is a subjective post as everyone will have their personal favourite, but I am basically looking for some advice on a car that is going to be reliable with reasonable maintenance costs and still offer the option for some occasional spirited driving...

 

[Jandre]

My money would be on the e46 330i as a daily drive. Unless you make peace with slightly higher maintanance, then i would have the m3

 

[///Marksman]

i agree with Jandre, the 330 is a very good DD especially for the occassional spirited drive, a bit boring but it still has some good kick when revving the (insert word here) out of it. I would say general maintenance costs are fairly low along with services which should cost roughly 2.5k - 3k on average

The M is a whole 'nother drive all together, if you constantly seek that little extra thrill this is your best bet. But, good luck trying to find an M car that has been beaten like sh*t, these cars were designed and made for that but it is up to the owner to ensure that everything is kept healthy from the first "break-in" 2000km service all the way through its life span. There are too few genuine enthusiasts who take good care of the rides. If you do find one in good con, you will find yourself with a constant grin on your face... like permanent viagra for smilling

Again, like J said - if the extra maintenance costs is within your range, then its a no brainer really:thumbsup:

 

[Twinz]

i'll take both...

 

[///Marksman]

^ yep and only after stacking the motors of both will you have a worthy competitor for twinz:thumbsup:

 

[msm]

i'll take both...

Been there, done that

Ended up driving the 330i as a DD, since it was auto and I drove in heavy traffic daily.

 

[///Marksman]

i'll take both...

Been there, done that

Ended up driving the 330i as a DD, since it was auto and I drove in heavy traffic daily.

:drool::drool:

 

[WyKiD]

Thanks for the responses guys. My head is telling me that the 330i would be the more sensible choice, factoring in they are a later model and maintenance more reasonable.

But I do have a preference for the e36's, and I am still leaning towards attempting to find a clean M3. I do not do alot of mileage so the higher maintenance costs can be negated. My concern is really with the actual mechanical reliability of the car esp. the motor, taking into account that the cars would have been driven hard. Not entirely sure on this but i have heard that the original 3.0 coupe motors were prone to running bearings and leading to major engine failure if driven hard and abused???

What I would like to establish is, if I were checking out prospective 3.2ltr M3's (and I would not rush this process). Are the motors also prone to this "issue" or any other recurring problems.

Or would it be a case of, if all appears to be in order and the car is making all the right noises that the car should be ok? Also should I consider taking the car for an AA check or alt to a BM specialist to give the car a once over? Would this be advisable?

P.S apologies for all the questions, but would like to get a decent car and then I can join you guys for meets etc...:clap:

 

[msm]

Thanks for the responses guys. My head is telling me that the 330i would be the more sensible choice, factoring in they are a later model and maintenance more reasonable.

But I do have a preference for the e36's, and I am still leaning towards attempting to find a clean M3. I do not do alot of mileage so the higher maintenance costs can be negated. My concern is really with the actual mechanical reliability of the car esp. the motor, taking into account that the cars would have been driven hard. Not entirely sure on this but i have heard that the original 3.0 coupe motors were prone to running bearings and leading to major engine failure if driven hard and abused???

What I would like to establish is, if I were checking out prospective 3.2ltr M3's (and I would not rush this process). Are the motors also prone to this "issue" or any other recurring problems.

Or would it be a case of, if all appears to be in order and the car is making all the right noises that the car should be ok? Also should I consider taking the car for an AA check or alt to a BM specialist to give the car a once over? Would this be advisable?

P.S apologies for all the questions, but would like to get a decent car and then I can join you guys for meets etc...:clap:

Generally speaking, M motors are fairly strong and if maintained properly should not really give you much trouble. However, another factor to consider is that your average E36 is now 10 years+ old, and things will need replacing no matter how well the car was pampered. Whereas something "newer" like the E46 would give you a bit more peace of mind.

Even though my E36 M3 was immaculate, I always had that nagging feeling that something might break due to the age of the car. But then again, nothing really did go wrong with it.

My advise is to go test drive all the cars you possibly can, and go with your gut feel.