E36 M3 OR E46 M3 ?????

[Nadz786]

Hey ppl

Im new to this forum so please mind my questions if they do sound stupid. Not sure if this was posted sumwer else but this tng is huge !

I currently have a golf 1 which wil be paid off soon and i have my eye on an M3 German Spec 2door or E46 6MT (which i always wanted ! )

Problem is, there's not alot of ppl out there who speak the truth! And i really dont want to but some ones headache as i am not that rich to just replace an engine or gearbox the next day !!

Having said that, im sure BMW did not build a "SISSY" car when it came to the M3. The car was built to handle what ever the driver had in store but unfortunatley u do get ppl who just abuse them and want to sell thier crap to others.

The other issue is motor plan / warranty which im sure i wont get on the E36 but with the E46 i would if the model is 2003 upwards.

So.......my questions below :

1. Is the E36 more reliable than the E46 ?
2. Which has a cheaper maintanance cost between the 2 ?
3. What components should i look for when buying the above pre owned M3's.
4. Is milage a real problem ? what milage is good to buy ?

Thanks a Million

 

[Prev]

You have a better chance of finding a good condition E46 M3 than you do of finding a good condition E36 M3 coupe.

 

[Phumi]

You have a better chance of finding a good condition E46 M3 than you do of finding a good condition E36 M3 coupe.

+1

 

[Fordkoppie]

http://www.autotrader.co.za/makemod...-id/at8a6e6a3e35aa06290135ad72a5421bec/advert

This one looks really nice, but that price... :fishwack:

 

[Technician]

You have a better chance of finding a good condition E46 M3 than you do of finding a good condition E36 M3 coupe.

+1

+1:rollsmile:

 

[sidewayz]

i would go for the e36, if you can find a good one

 

[Technician]

The other issue is motor plan / warranty
- don’t know if you are going to get many E46's with a motor plan and extending it is going to cost you and doesn’t cover everything, and sometimes it isn’t worth the price.

1. Is the E36 more reliable than the E46?
- reliability and age and maintenance go hand in hand, an old abused E36 isn’t going to be as reliable as a well looked after E46, but the same can be said the other way around.

2. Which has a cheaper maintenance cost between the 2?
- People hear M-power and you are going to pay more, general maintenance is similar between the models.

3. What components should i look for when buying the above pre owned M3’s?
- Previous Post on Check lists.

4. Is mileage a real problem ? What mileage is good to buy?
- That’s personal preference, really depends what you are looking for and how deep your wallet is.

Low mileage will cost more, but could be less to keep on the road, high mileage will cost less but might need more TLC. its a gamble really.

 

[ClassicB]

What are you looking to spend?

This could also tell you which direction to go.

 

[Gizmo]

M3 parts are the most expensive parts I have ever come across. The dealer adds a zero to the price when the part is for a ///M, I kid you not!!:nonono:
Going from a golf 1 to a M3 you are gonna be in for the shock of your life when its time to replace parts...:bangdesk:

 

[Technician]

Going from a golf 1 to a M3 you are gonna be in for the shock of your life when its time to replace parts...:bangdesk:

Also thought the same thing. If you going to keep the Golf, then its ok, if the M3 can sit if you need to search for parts or dont have funds.

But if the M3 is your everyday car then you need to give it the right care and that usually means $$$$$$$$

 

[Doomsdaya]

Going from a golf 1 to a M3 you are gonna be in for the shock of your life when its time to replace parts...:bangdesk:

Also thought the same thing. If you going to keep the Golf, then its ok, if the M3 can sit if you need to search for parts or dont have funds.

But if the M3 is your everyday car then you need to give it the right care and that usually means $$$$$$$$

Those are golden words !!! use it wisely !!!

I too have a VW & was looking at getting an E36 4 door M3 as a daily car, because I couldn't find a clean/decent M3, I settled for an E36 328i.

Today lets just say I'm glad I never sold my VW, because it still serves me well & parts are literally dirt cheap compared to BMW parts, & remember I have a 328i, right now im broke.... if I had an M3 I'd probably end up selling my Kidneys.

IF YOU ON A TIGHT BUDGET DONT BUY A BMW

my 1 Zim Dollar Advice

 

[SPIDER]

Going from a golf 1 to a M3 you are gonna be in for the shock of your life when its time to replace parts...:bangdesk:

Also thought the same thing. If you going to keep the Golf, then its ok, if the M3 can sit if you need to search for parts or dont have funds.

But if the M3 is your everyday car then you need to give it the right care and that usually means $$$$$$$$

Those are golden words !!! use it wisely !!!

I too have a VW & was looking at getting an E36 4 door M3 as a daily car, because I couldn't find a clean/decent M3, I settled for an E36 328i.

Today lets just say I'm glad I never sold my VW, because it still serves me well & parts are literally dirt cheap compared to BMW parts, & remember I have a 328i, right now im broke.... if I had an M3 I'd probably end up selling my Kidneys.

IF YOU ON A TIGHT BUDGET DONT BUY A BMW

my 1 Zim Dollar Advice

Thats so true but dam BMW drives veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy nice no a cup of tea is nice . it drives awesome:joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy:

 

[wikk3d88]

Dont buy a car you cant afford to maintain

 

[nephew.tim]

Are the E36 parts cheaper than the E46? If so, I feel ripped off by my mechanic... :yuck: