F87 M2 vs E46 M3
Discussion
Hi guys,
Im very stuck with my next car choice. I have always loved the E46 M3 and thought of it as a bit of a dream car, however, with recent E46 market changes (its gone f***ing mental) and the factor of the ridiculous potential running costs, ive found myself looking at an F87 M2. I dont mind spending some money on running an old car, youd be naive to think you dont have to spend money on an old car, but with rear arch rust being a very expensive factor now and adding to the big 3 (which these days is more like the big 10), i cant help but feel like buying a 46 M3 in 2026 is a bad idea. This is where the M2 has come to my attention, I think stock for stock the M2 appeals a touch more, will be more usable on the road (I have a Clio 182T for trackdays so wouldnt be looking to track the M).
Has anyone else had this dilemma? If it was a case of both would cost a similar amount to run with less risk of a huge bill, id go for the E46, but when you factor everything in, the F87 looks to appeal more. Its a case of head vs heart i think.
Im very stuck with my next car choice. I have always loved the E46 M3 and thought of it as a bit of a dream car, however, with recent E46 market changes (its gone f***ing mental) and the factor of the ridiculous potential running costs, ive found myself looking at an F87 M2. I dont mind spending some money on running an old car, youd be naive to think you dont have to spend money on an old car, but with rear arch rust being a very expensive factor now and adding to the big 3 (which these days is more like the big 10), i cant help but feel like buying a 46 M3 in 2026 is a bad idea. This is where the M2 has come to my attention, I think stock for stock the M2 appeals a touch more, will be more usable on the road (I have a Clio 182T for trackdays so wouldnt be looking to track the M).
Has anyone else had this dilemma? If it was a case of both would cost a similar amount to run with less risk of a huge bill, id go for the E46, but when you factor everything in, the F87 looks to appeal more. Its a case of head vs heart i think.
LTW_Yup said:
Hi guys,
Im very stuck with my next car choice. I have always loved the E46 M3 and thought of it as a bit of a dream car, however, with recent E46 market changes (its gone f***ing mental) and the factor of the ridiculous potential running costs, ive found myself looking at an F87 M2. I dont mind spending some money on running an old car, youd be naive to think you dont have to spend money on an old car, but with rear arch rust being a very expensive factor now and adding to the big 3 (which these days is more like the big 10), i cant help but feel like buying a 46 M3 in 2026 is a bad idea. This is where the M2 has come to my attention, I think stock for stock the M2 appeals a touch more, will be more usable on the road (I have a Clio 182T for trackdays so wouldnt be looking to track the M).
Has anyone else had this dilemma? If it was a case of both would cost a similar amount to run with less risk of a huge bill, id go for the E46, but when you factor everything in, the F87 looks to appeal more. Its a case of head vs heart i think.
I think in this situation, aside from the turbocharging in the M2, you are basically getting a modern E46 M3, with more power and a better chassis. Im very stuck with my next car choice. I have always loved the E46 M3 and thought of it as a bit of a dream car, however, with recent E46 market changes (its gone f***ing mental) and the factor of the ridiculous potential running costs, ive found myself looking at an F87 M2. I dont mind spending some money on running an old car, youd be naive to think you dont have to spend money on an old car, but with rear arch rust being a very expensive factor now and adding to the big 3 (which these days is more like the big 10), i cant help but feel like buying a 46 M3 in 2026 is a bad idea. This is where the M2 has come to my attention, I think stock for stock the M2 appeals a touch more, will be more usable on the road (I have a Clio 182T for trackdays so wouldnt be looking to track the M).
Has anyone else had this dilemma? If it was a case of both would cost a similar amount to run with less risk of a huge bill, id go for the E46, but when you factor everything in, the F87 looks to appeal more. Its a case of head vs heart i think.
The E46 is one of my favorites and it was a reason I gravitated toward the M2 when they came out. The cars are similar in many ways, but with the M2, you should be much better off on maintenance and reliability.
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