Buying an ///M - Page 2 - United Bimmer Community

**Alpine328i** · 07-13-2006, 08:15 PM

xsperf, do you know what the sock HP stats are between the E36 and E46?

If the E46 is better, than I'll just get that.

Let me clarify one other thing... I'm not just a "rich kid" ut I can afford the E46 if it's a better car, know what i mean? I was thinking like a 2002 or a 2003 ///M.

**Chris** · 07-13-2006, 08:20 PM

If you can afford the E46 M3 and know how to handle it, by all means, go for it. Its generally accepted that the E36 is built for handling, where the E46 handles great and has some power behind it.

We don't have the best classified section here, but go over to bimmerforums or some place and snoop around their classified section. If i was to buy an M3 i'd buy it from an old guy that babied it, or another enthusiast that isn't going to destroy it and make poor choices with mods and maintenance. Additionally, if you buy it from someone on a BMW forum, you can typically look back through their posting history and find out so much about the car than you would from a seller from autotrader.

And oh yeah, if at 25 you're buying an E46 M3, you're a rich kid, but thats okay because i'd assume that you're out of college and can afford it. In that case, more power to you.

**xsperf** · 07-13-2006, 08:34 PM

yea, stock figures at the crank for the e36 are 240 while the e46 is 333, trust me thats a world of a difference and a hell of a fun difference too.. but then again, it comes with responsibility, i have never driven one but i can just imagine what it takes to bring the back-end out

**Chris** · 07-13-2006, 08:39 PM

Actually, let me say this. Don't buy it because of the difference in HP. They are btoh two totally different beasts and you'll have to drive them both before you can really find out which one you like.

**Alpine328i** · 07-13-2006, 09:01 PM

Well, I've driven both. The E36 was like a friggin go-kart. It cornered like a friggin monorail, lol. The E46 was just GO GO GO with pretty good handling too.

Anyone know if there's a "Common problems" document (like in the E36 knowledge base) for the E46 M's? I'd like to take a look. I was a victim of the crap plastic impeller of the water pump in the E3 and didnt know about it till I read about it, after the fact.

Also, I'm not a rich kid... MSRP on a 2002 E46 M3 is like $35k, you dont need to be rich to buy a $35k car dude. With a decent down payment, it's only like $400.00 a month if you have credit.

A 1995 M still books for like 12K (which is a lot, i think, for an 11 year old car)

Wow, my 96 328i books for $8150.00... cool, lol

( I was on www.nadaguides.com)

**Chris** · 07-14-2006, 02:49 AM

^^^

seems that we've gotten off on the bad foot these past few days. Don't take it personally, i'm just playing devils advocate.

You've owned BMW's so 0don't think i think you're idiotic, i'm just reiterating...... its not buying a BMW that makes a statement, its being able to afford the upkeep that makes a statement. Shortly after my brother got his car i wanted to find out exactly how much the difference was. So i called a quick lube to inquire about a air conditioning recharge. I don't even know what i was quoted, but it was one flat rate for the service on any non-SUV. I called back the next day and asked about an AC recharged on a BMW 328i and the price was exactly double. Now we all know that the letters BMW add a premium to EVERYTHING and the letter M just increases that premium. Just keep that in mind.

In all honestly Alpine, I'm glad you're looking into getting an M. I'm just playing devils advocate because i've seen more than one person buy a car they could afford to buy and drive but didn't look forward enough (not because they weren't capable, but because they neglected too or were too impatient) to realize that they couldn't afford the premium on service and upkeep.

**Alpine328i** · 07-14-2006, 10:26 AM

Well said Chris. I agree with everything you've said.

Who got off on the wrong foot? You and I? How? I wasnt aware, lol...

**Alpine328i** · 07-15-2006, 09:13 PM

So going back to my previous question, is there a "common problems" article on E36 M's?

Anyone?

Bueller?

**coolhandryan** · 09-09-2006, 06:51 PM

Tell you what..i like reading all of your opinions on the 95 M3, i my self own one and it rides perfect, i have 101 k on it. I normally go on other forums for issues and members opinions on the 95 M3. Majority of e36 m3'3 owners which have newer versions trash the 95 which make me sick, but reading this thread makes me happy on members positive comments on the 95 m3. Take care guys

**cainchapman** · 09-10-2006, 03:56 PM

As the US M3's aren't really the performance versions. I can't really offer advice.

A real E36 Evo 2 is a great car. The S50 was a great motor. With a torque curve as flat as my V8's.

You got robbed and have to put up with the M52TU.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 09-10-2006, 04:27 PM

e36 M3s are for the birds.

Just buy an e46 M3. 333hp, used around $30K-$35K for a decent one. We've got 3 used M3s. 2 SMG, and 1 manual.

2002 M3
Price: $35,990
Exterior Color: IMOLA RED
Interior Color: BLACK LEATHER
Miles: 39,447
Engine: 333 HP INLINE 6
Transmission: MANUAL 6SPD
Options: Manual, Moonroof, Leather, 19" Wheels, Titan Shadow Trim

Once you've driven an e46 M3 you won't go back.
If you want a better feel for the car, get the manual.
If you like to press buttons and flick your wrist, get the SMG.

nick_318is · 09-10-2006, 06:38 PM

^but i can get a really nice e36 for 20K less.

**Alpine328i** · 09-11-2006, 08:31 PM

And the point of the original thread was probably to get an OBDI so as to upgrade more things that you can on an ODBII.

In any event, I just bought a new drums set, so I'm not in the car market any more.

I'll still look at ///M's next season though. I def want one.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 09-11-2006, 09:42 PM

Annnnnd,

How much was this drum set?

**Alpine328i** · 09-13-2006, 08:43 PM

Peal Masters kit, 21" Sabian AAX stage ride, 16" Zildjian A Custom projectin crash, 18" Zildjian A custom crash, 6" Sabian AA splash, 10" Paiste 302 splash, All DW hardware....

$3100.00 ish...

And I just bought a new net os snow tires for the Bimmer ( to put on my stock st of BMW rims)

So I'm a little tapped right now.... plus saving for an engagement ring....

So the ///M is next year :-)