bmw e36 m3

[minibm]

Hi there

Currently own a e46 330 sport, previous to this i had a e36 316, ive now finally saved up some cash and am now after a m car however really fancy a e36 again, problem is there seem to be none for sale at the moment (ones that are are over 10k which really i think is just to much for one of these, ideally im after a estroil blue coupe but am open a little on the colour as long as its not silver or purple lol. Not fussy on mileage or really whether it is an evo or not (would prefer an evo) but do want a rust free car. So what do you guys think i should be paying for one of these and is any one thinking of selling? Live in plymouth but am prepared to travel, only ones i have seen recently which looked really good have all been in ireland frustratingly which is a bit to far! Also has any one owned both the e36 m3 and e46 330 and can tell me the difference in how they drive? May have to give up and buy e46 m3 but even good ones of these seem thin on the ground.

Thanks in adavance

[bennyboysvuk]

I think due to the rarity of good ones coming up for sale, prices are being set higher. They are getting to an age where people will pay these prices too.

In terms of how they drive, I've not owned an E46 330i, but I've driven a few. The E46 330 is quiet, refined, has too much rubber on the road (in M-Sport guise) and is very mild-mannered. The M3 has more NVH, more feel, it runs rougher when cold, the clutch is heavier and it has smaller rear tyres and much more power. This all adds up to a wonderfully balanced, responsive car. I still miss mine even now.

[bigalx]

Ive had both the a 330CI M-Sport Coupe and currently have an E36 M3 Evo Convertible.

The 330ci was an auto but whilst quite fast it was a cruiser which when pushed had something in the bends and was a fantastic car it was 80% of the M3.

The M3 isn't as much of a cruiser in so much as its just aggressive! Its screams when you push it and it only has ABS so you need to look after yourself (which can be quite fun.

The 330ci and the M3 are both incredibly easy cars to just use them to go somewhere and keep up with daily traffic - I was surprised how easy the M3 was to drive! The difference is in the sound and aggressiveness the M3 has over the 330ci.

I also currently have an E90 330i saloon and whilst its similar to the 330ci the M3 really is special in every way.

But I would caution - there is the "M" tax and they are a car which you need to invest in - you need to spend the money on them to keep them mint and running well - which can be done yourself on many things - knowing the expertise of some things will require an expert to assist.

Hope this helps!

[Shaoxter]

bigalx said:

The 330ci was an auto but whilst quite fast it was a cruiser which when pushed had something in the bends and was a fantastic car it was 80% of the M3.

Hmmm it really isn't! As with any M car the chassis difference is noticeable as soon as you drive off. But totally different cars anyway... yes they're both straight sixes but one of them is optimised for smoothness and the other much revvier and generally more urgent as mentioned above.

And actually in terms of M tax the E36 M3 isn't bad compared to other M models.

[S3_Graham]

Shaoxter said:

bigalx said:

The 330ci was an auto but whilst quite fast it was a cruiser which when pushed had something in the bends and was a fantastic car it was 80% of the M3.

Hmmm it really isn't! As with any M car the chassis difference is noticeable as soon as you drive off. But totally different cars anyway... yes they're both straight sixes but one of them is optimised for smoothness and the other much revvier and generally more urgent as mentioned above.

And actually in terms of M tax the E36 M3 isn't bad compared to other M models.

I agree. The engine in the M is angry and brilliant. The x30 engine is smooth. Mine drove like crap unless it was up to temp. It was lumpy, raw but give it some revs and it was glorious.

As for prices, sadly. £10k seems to be where these are headed! There are quite a few on AT at the moment around 6k mark. For context I sold my immaculate low mileage but CAT C Evo convertible for £6100 in Feb - prices have moved up since then! Rust will will be the killer, most have some sort of corrosion these days. As they get rare the prices go up. Engines go for silly money these days, vadar seats are nearly £1000.

Estoril isnt the colour for me, too common. Dakar with alcantara vadars or Black with tan seats would be what i'd look for.