E36 3.2 M3 or E46 330i

[Diablo Jnr]

afternoon all,

I was thinking of getting an E36 M3, 97 or 98 model, just concerned about the reliability of a M that is 13 years old. I have heard that the E36 M3's are bulletproof, but don't really know anyone who has one. My other option would be to get an E46 330i individual.
I know all the guys with M3's are going to say go for the M3 and they guys with 330's will rave about their cars. hopefully someone will be objective:dunno:

 

[avi]

hozit. i jus bought a e36 94 m3 2dr. my opinoin wud b u shud drive both n then decide. at the end of the day any car can b bulletproof it al depends on what u buy.

 

[clutchplate]

nah dude, buy buy the E36 M3 .... you won't regret it man... those cars are LEGENDARY ... the 330i is cool however, and more modern... but the E36 is way more fun
also, the M3's value will grow, the 330's value will decrease with time ....

 

[ClassicB]

Depends on what you want it for.

Reliabilty as a daily drive doing a fair bit of driving go for the 330i. If not i would take the ///M.

The reason i say take the 330i if it is a daily drive, and you are doing a fair bit of driving is purely based on maintenance costs. Also remember ,though older, the insurance could be considerably higher on the ///M depending on your age.

But if your heart wants an ///M, the 330i although a brilliant vehicle will not cut it, or fill that void you are looking for.

 

[Peejay]

I agree. It depends on what your looking for....330i is better as a Daily driver, but definately m3 would be more fun. On the maintance side I think both would be more or less the same. Just did a service (inspection 2) on my m3 cost R 3 100.

 

[naushad]

M is M fullstop!!!! the 330i is much more practical especially if theres more than 1 driver meaning the wife. 330 muchmore refined and not shy of power, more 4giving on ourshit roads, Im a big fan of the m, but personally id buy a 330i individual, a good balance of power and looks!

 

[Lev]

I dont own an M, but it boils down to your need/want, if your daily mileage is fairly low, then I say go for the M. But if you want a family sedan that packs a punch I would say 330i Individual.

But honestly the E36 is way more FUN ( :mmm: keeping watch for the E46 owners :mmm: )

 

[M3power!]

e36 m3 lots of fun i drive mine to work everyday 80km and its cool , make sure you get it in a good conditions. check youtube and you will see what to look out for before buying it! 330 great as well I just love the legend "

 

[Diablo Jnr]

Thanks for all the advise guys, makes things so much easier...:thinking:
Will be using the 318ti at the daily runner, only have her for a year and really like that car so won't be selling her any time soon. My major concern is the realiabilty of the M3 vs 330i, daily runner or not. 330 is much younger than uncle M3.

 

[Sankekur]

I would go for the ///M3, the reason: Its an ///M, yeah you don't need more reason than that. Yes the 330i is an awesome car, I should know , but seeing as you are considering an ///M it means you are also looking for thrills and that the ///M will you buckets loads more than any non-///M

 

[Phumi]

i see u say you'll be using the 318ti as the daily runner, in that case you should go for the ///M, maintenance won’t be such a hassle & you'll enjoy it to the max....oh the ///M is a head turner anywhere you go

 

[Chavoos]

Howzit

I Had an E46 6 cylinder BMW prior to my E90. The maintenance costs are quite high compared to an E36, of which I had a few.

The M3 motor is extremely strong ( I belt mine on the weekends and it can really take a beating), however have the motor checked before buying bacause it's an older car and guys f**** it up especially by not warming the engine sufficiently, using nitrous , etc etc

Personally I would go for the M , it will put a smile on your face

 

[clutchplate]

dudes, the E36 M3 motor is far better/more reliable than the M54B30 from the E46 330i

 

[obbzie]

Question, E36 M3, power and torque output is?

E46 330i is 170kw/300NM, how close can you get it to the similar or same power as the E36 M3?

And then what mods you looking at?

 

[clutchplate]

E46 330i wheel kW is no where NEAR that of the E36 M3...
the drivetrain losses on an E46 330i is Huge ! ..

M3 FTW !

 

[4u2nv]

It depends on what your looking for....330i is better as a Daily driver, but definitely m3 is much much more fun... Yes it is a bit steep on the pocket.... but u njoy the power, any time!
Its worth it if you can find a clean one.