E46 M3 vs. E92 M3: which is "best"?
Discussion
For as long as I can remember, my dream "attainable" car has been an E46 M3 coupe. It was just the car to have in the early 2000s in my early days of driving, I know you could get an Impreza/Evo but the E46 M3 was a whole level or two above. I know there's Porsche but I've never been that into them (although in fairness I've never driven one) and the M3 was always cheaper, more practical and had more power than the equivalent 911 (probably cheaper to run too).
I currently drive a 2016 Golf TSI, which has been a fantastic car but having owned it for 6 years now, it's time for a change. I should really be looking at something newer but to be honest, nothing sub 30k really appeals and most of the newer cars that I have driven with all the touchscreen/ADAS stuff I like less. I know there are some great performance cars out there within that budget (Golf R/RS3/M2/C63) etc and even F8x M3s/M4s are available for well below that budget now but for me they just seem more mainstream and less "special" than previous M3s.
A good E46 M3 coupe manual is probably 25-30k now and a nice E92 M3 probably about the same. The E46 is probably more iconic and "the one" but they are old cars with old car problems now (like rust), so perhaps the E92 M3 is the better buy? The E46 3-Series looked good in every guise but I never really loved the styling of the E9x 3-Series, especially the coupe, with the exception of the M3 (plus it's the only one with the V8). Stiffer opposition at the time with the B7 RS4 and original C63 but I think the E92 M3 is still the one that I would go for of those 3. I know the S65 V8 has some issues with rod bearings/throttle actuators etc but relatively cheap to sort preventatively if they haven't been done already and less old car problems like rust? I've also seen some reviews that claim that the E46 M3 was a little overrated. People say that the V8 lacks torque but on paper it still has more torque than the E46 (but more weight)? And the manufacturer's claims for the V8 power/torque figures are a little optimistic? If I went E46, it would have to be a manual coupe but I'm more open to manual/DCT on the E92. Perhaps the DCT suits the engine better?
So maybe now is the time to buy before prices go the same way as other cars that I have lusted after in the past (E30 M3/Integrale Evo/Sierra/Escort Cosworth etc,) as I only see the prices of nice ones going one way. I don't think this would be a "daily" car for me, I'll just get an older 2-3k car (probably diesel) for the daily commute, as it's not a hugely exciting commute and 30 miles each way, so as long as it's economical, comfortable, cheap to run and practical enough then I'm not too bothered but it would be nice to own a car that I've always dreamt of owning (M3).
So, which is the best bet for 25-30k, E46 or E92 M3?
I currently drive a 2016 Golf TSI, which has been a fantastic car but having owned it for 6 years now, it's time for a change. I should really be looking at something newer but to be honest, nothing sub 30k really appeals and most of the newer cars that I have driven with all the touchscreen/ADAS stuff I like less. I know there are some great performance cars out there within that budget (Golf R/RS3/M2/C63) etc and even F8x M3s/M4s are available for well below that budget now but for me they just seem more mainstream and less "special" than previous M3s.
A good E46 M3 coupe manual is probably 25-30k now and a nice E92 M3 probably about the same. The E46 is probably more iconic and "the one" but they are old cars with old car problems now (like rust), so perhaps the E92 M3 is the better buy? The E46 3-Series looked good in every guise but I never really loved the styling of the E9x 3-Series, especially the coupe, with the exception of the M3 (plus it's the only one with the V8). Stiffer opposition at the time with the B7 RS4 and original C63 but I think the E92 M3 is still the one that I would go for of those 3. I know the S65 V8 has some issues with rod bearings/throttle actuators etc but relatively cheap to sort preventatively if they haven't been done already and less old car problems like rust? I've also seen some reviews that claim that the E46 M3 was a little overrated. People say that the V8 lacks torque but on paper it still has more torque than the E46 (but more weight)? And the manufacturer's claims for the V8 power/torque figures are a little optimistic? If I went E46, it would have to be a manual coupe but I'm more open to manual/DCT on the E92. Perhaps the DCT suits the engine better?
So maybe now is the time to buy before prices go the same way as other cars that I have lusted after in the past (E30 M3/Integrale Evo/Sierra/Escort Cosworth etc,) as I only see the prices of nice ones going one way. I don't think this would be a "daily" car for me, I'll just get an older 2-3k car (probably diesel) for the daily commute, as it's not a hugely exciting commute and 30 miles each way, so as long as it's economical, comfortable, cheap to run and practical enough then I'm not too bothered but it would be nice to own a car that I've always dreamt of owning (M3).
So, which is the best bet for 25-30k, E46 or E92 M3?
Edited by white_goodman on Saturday 12th July 06:11
Mr Tidy said:
An interesting conundrum.
FWIW E46 M3s also seem prone to boot floor cracking.
If you don't need rear seats you could buy a Z4M with the S54 engine and some E46 CSL parts as standard for considerably less!
Thanks. I had heard about the boot floor cracking issue. You make a good point, I do like the Z4M/Z3M and a V8 SL also appeals but I do still have young kids at home and it's my favourite thing to spend time with them when I'm not working, so I do kind of want the rear seats so that they can come along for the ride. Z4M is great value though, more likely been better looked after than an M3 and isn't "just a 3 Series" when you're sat in traffic though.FWIW E46 M3s also seem prone to boot floor cracking.
If you don't need rear seats you could buy a Z4M with the S54 engine and some E46 CSL parts as standard for considerably less!
I guess your Z4 shares the S54 engine with the E46 M3 though. Have you had any issues with yours or has it been reliable? You also have an E90 3-Series as your practical car? Any thoughts on E90 vs. E46 or have you not owned an E46?
Edited by white_goodman on Saturday 12th July 06:15
I have an E46 M3, never driven an E92 in any guise though.
I've had it 18 months and I suppose the biggest question is, would I have still bought it knowing what I know now?
YES!
First off, mine had all the big jobs done before I bought it, subframe, main bearings and vanos. So I would consider it a very well sorted example.
It also has 19" CSL wheels and Bilstein B12? Suspension.
The engine is the star of the show, I'll never get tired of opening it up in 2nd or 3rd, 4th doesn't pull too bad either, but you are getting in to licence losing territory there.
Handling is superb, steering doesn't have as much feedback as normal E46s, not sure why. Suspension is also much stiffer than a normal E46, not sure what they are like on normal suspension.
Easy to live with, if you want to do your own maintenance, plenty of support out there and lots of free software to use to diagnose, modify with etc.
As you said, I think if you buy a good one, and look after it, you won't go far wrong.
I've had it 18 months and I suppose the biggest question is, would I have still bought it knowing what I know now?
YES!
First off, mine had all the big jobs done before I bought it, subframe, main bearings and vanos. So I would consider it a very well sorted example.
It also has 19" CSL wheels and Bilstein B12? Suspension.
The engine is the star of the show, I'll never get tired of opening it up in 2nd or 3rd, 4th doesn't pull too bad either, but you are getting in to licence losing territory there.
Handling is superb, steering doesn't have as much feedback as normal E46s, not sure why. Suspension is also much stiffer than a normal E46, not sure what they are like on normal suspension.
Easy to live with, if you want to do your own maintenance, plenty of support out there and lots of free software to use to diagnose, modify with etc.
As you said, I think if you buy a good one, and look after it, you won't go far wrong.
It's an interesting question, especially as this will be a fun only car. I have written the below based on experience of trying to figure out what I want, having been a die hard manual only to having now had an automated manual, torque converter, and now a DCT.
For they you need it to be interactive and fun, so I'd be a little cautious about defaulting to DCT. These are quite refined cars and with a smooth gearbox too, they become amazing daily cars and brilliant at covering ground fast, but they also lose some of the fun element. Yes you can use the paddles, but it's not the same as it's easy speed. For a long trip to the South of France then yes, but for a blast it loses something.
I've never actually driven an E46 M3, but I have an E90 and owned an M6 with a similar engine. I currently have the V8 RS5 which is similar to the E90 in ethos, but without the RWD fun. Highly effective, but not a Sunday morning car once you are used to the V8.
I would go drive them, only way to know, but you should also drive a manual Boxster / 911 to benchmark against for pure fun. Don't get hung up on speed and torque, just focus on feel and fun.
For they you need it to be interactive and fun, so I'd be a little cautious about defaulting to DCT. These are quite refined cars and with a smooth gearbox too, they become amazing daily cars and brilliant at covering ground fast, but they also lose some of the fun element. Yes you can use the paddles, but it's not the same as it's easy speed. For a long trip to the South of France then yes, but for a blast it loses something.
I've never actually driven an E46 M3, but I have an E90 and owned an M6 with a similar engine. I currently have the V8 RS5 which is similar to the E90 in ethos, but without the RWD fun. Highly effective, but not a Sunday morning car once you are used to the V8.
I would go drive them, only way to know, but you should also drive a manual Boxster / 911 to benchmark against for pure fun. Don't get hung up on speed and torque, just focus on feel and fun.
MikeM6 said:
I would go drive them, only way to know, but you should also drive a manual Boxster / 911 to benchmark against for pure fun. Don't get hung up on speed and torque, just focus on feel and fun.
I have spent quite a lot of time in an E46 M3 and have also had a few Porsches. The M3 is a nice car and the engine is incredible but for handling/fun it doesn't come anywhere near a Porsche.It feels to me like a nice family car with a great engine whilst the Porsches feel like scalpel sharp sports cars. For pure enjoyment, there would be no doubt in my mind which I'd choose. For practical purposes (eg. Getting kids in the back) the M3 makes a lot more sense and we've done a few road trips in one with two kids (youngish - 8 and 6).
Also worth saying that the M3 I drive has 35k miles on it whilst I have a Cayman a few years younger that now has 115k miles on it. The M3 interior is disintegrating whereas the Porsche one still looks really good
LennyM1984 said:
I have spent quite a lot of time in an E46 M3 and have also had a few Porsches. The M3 is a nice car and the engine is incredible but for handling/fun it doesn't come anywhere near a Porsche.
It feels to me like a nice family car with a great engine whilst the Porsches feel like scalpel sharp sports cars. For pure enjoyment, there would be no doubt in my mind which I'd choose. For practical purposes (eg. Getting kids in the back) the M3 makes a lot more sense and we've done a few road trips in one with two kids (youngish - 8 and 6).
Also worth saying that the M3 I drive has 35k miles on it whilst I have a Cayman a few years younger that now has 115k miles on it. The M3 interior is disintegrating whereas the Porsche one still looks really good
I guess you’re talking about the E46 M3 interior-wise. I can vouch for the E92 interior (although not M3) as I did nigh on 100k miles in mine and it was in fantastic, solid condition when I sold it. It feels to me like a nice family car with a great engine whilst the Porsches feel like scalpel sharp sports cars. For pure enjoyment, there would be no doubt in my mind which I'd choose. For practical purposes (eg. Getting kids in the back) the M3 makes a lot more sense and we've done a few road trips in one with two kids (youngish - 8 and 6).
Also worth saying that the M3 I drive has 35k miles on it whilst I have a Cayman a few years younger that now has 115k miles on it. The M3 interior is disintegrating whereas the Porsche one still looks really good
Back to the original question. As mentioned, I think you really need to drive a few examples of each to reach a conclusion because they’re both very different in their execution. If you can find a good one, I reckon either will give you a lot of pleasure.
I should declare an interest, I drive a 2012 E92 M3 Competition Pack and I love it. No direct experience of E46 M3's however.
I suppose it depends what you want from the car - as you say, it won't be a daily driver. I think the E92 M3 is a brilliant compromise. It's not a razor sharp sports car, nor is it hugely practical (it's OK but no more) and it is expensive to run (VED and fuel especially). Then again, it sounds wonderful, is plenty quick enough, handles beautifully, has an excellent DCT 'box and IMO is very well screwed together. It's rewarding to take out for a weekend blast, but will happily pootle to Tesco, can do track days if desired and copes really well with long distances. It even looks fantastic, but that's subjective. Great car.
If you do look at an E92, watch out for the following: rod bearings (£1500), throttle actuators, vanos covers and fuel injectors (a few £ hundred each). The other issue starting to affect lots of these cars is a corroded rear subframe and probably some rust in the boot floor area (not structural like the E46). Fixing both of those will be £2500 or more at a decent specialist.
Find a car that's had those jobs done and you'll get a fabulous vehicle that's got bags more character than any more recent BMW (M2 excepted, perhaps) and will hold its value fairly well. A really good example will be north of £25k. Or buy a £18k car and spend a chunk of cash getting it fully sorted. Buy on condition, service history and preventative maintenance as above. There's a lot of dogs out there but some excellent ones too. M3Cutters is a really good resource and has some lovely cars for sale too.
Happy hunting!
I suppose it depends what you want from the car - as you say, it won't be a daily driver. I think the E92 M3 is a brilliant compromise. It's not a razor sharp sports car, nor is it hugely practical (it's OK but no more) and it is expensive to run (VED and fuel especially). Then again, it sounds wonderful, is plenty quick enough, handles beautifully, has an excellent DCT 'box and IMO is very well screwed together. It's rewarding to take out for a weekend blast, but will happily pootle to Tesco, can do track days if desired and copes really well with long distances. It even looks fantastic, but that's subjective. Great car.
If you do look at an E92, watch out for the following: rod bearings (£1500), throttle actuators, vanos covers and fuel injectors (a few £ hundred each). The other issue starting to affect lots of these cars is a corroded rear subframe and probably some rust in the boot floor area (not structural like the E46). Fixing both of those will be £2500 or more at a decent specialist.
Find a car that's had those jobs done and you'll get a fabulous vehicle that's got bags more character than any more recent BMW (M2 excepted, perhaps) and will hold its value fairly well. A really good example will be north of £25k. Or buy a £18k car and spend a chunk of cash getting it fully sorted. Buy on condition, service history and preventative maintenance as above. There's a lot of dogs out there but some excellent ones too. M3Cutters is a really good resource and has some lovely cars for sale too.
Happy hunting!
I've just bought an E90 M3, I've wanted one since I was 17 and decided since my mileage in my car is so little now I can justify one, plus the price of them is only going up so I wanted to get one while I can afford one! I had a 340i with 420+ bhp, it was quicker than the M3 but ultimately a bit too easy to go quickly without much drama or engagement. My mate bought a Cayman GT4 and after a drive in that I realised that outright speed wasn't what I was wanting, I wanted noise, feel, excitement so it tipped me over the edge to look at selling it for the M3.
I'd driven the E46 M3 years ago, from memory it was a lovely car and IMO you're comparing two of the peak M cars ever made so either way I think you'd be happy. I noticed when I was looking for mine that there's not much between a clean E46, E90 or F80 now. I think ultimately rust gets to every car, the E9x is a little younger but they still have crusty subframes etc so I wouldn't let that sway you one way or the other. Power and torque wise I don't feel short changed in mine and that's coming from a modern turbo engine with torque from 1500rpm. Of course if you want to get a move on it needs revving but thats part of the charm and you're rewarded with a fantastic sound when you do. The interior and size is a sweet spot for me too.
I think either way they're not easy to run on a budget. I know the E46 has areas to be addressed and the E9x has a few issues to be addressed too but they're mostly able to be done as preventative maintenance and not horrendous cost wise.
After buying mine 8 weeks ago and not using it much until it went in for some work at Everything M3s, I've just picked it up Thursday and I'm itching to get out in it!
I'd driven the E46 M3 years ago, from memory it was a lovely car and IMO you're comparing two of the peak M cars ever made so either way I think you'd be happy. I noticed when I was looking for mine that there's not much between a clean E46, E90 or F80 now. I think ultimately rust gets to every car, the E9x is a little younger but they still have crusty subframes etc so I wouldn't let that sway you one way or the other. Power and torque wise I don't feel short changed in mine and that's coming from a modern turbo engine with torque from 1500rpm. Of course if you want to get a move on it needs revving but thats part of the charm and you're rewarded with a fantastic sound when you do. The interior and size is a sweet spot for me too.
I think either way they're not easy to run on a budget. I know the E46 has areas to be addressed and the E9x has a few issues to be addressed too but they're mostly able to be done as preventative maintenance and not horrendous cost wise.
After buying mine 8 weeks ago and not using it much until it went in for some work at Everything M3s, I've just picked it up Thursday and I'm itching to get out in it!
I adored my E46 M3 and like the original poster it was a bit of a dream car for me. I actually owned two but the first was written off after a couple of months when someone t boned the car whilst I was stationary at a junction. The second I bought at 35,000 miles and was perfect apart from a lot of the interior plastics which I had recoated prior to purchase. I couldn t fault the car, it drove superbly, the engine never failed to put a smile on my face and I did a wonderful tour of Europe in it. Unfortunately the SMG gearbox decided to die at 43,000 miles and a job change meant I didn t have the income to plough money into a fun car. I sold the non running car back to the supplying dealer at quite a loss. I could have hung on to it but worries about Vanos, boot floor etc swayed my decision.
Fast forward to more recent times, good income and I bought myself a 2007 AM V8 Vantage.
Similar money to a good E46 M3, 37,000 miles one owner and almost immaculate. I didn t think in my dreams I could afford one but it s been surprisingly reasonable over the past year, apart from petrol which it loves! Each to our own and all that but for E46 M3 money I d consider the AM V8 with the assumption you don t need four seats.
Fast forward to more recent times, good income and I bought myself a 2007 AM V8 Vantage.
Similar money to a good E46 M3, 37,000 miles one owner and almost immaculate. I didn t think in my dreams I could afford one but it s been surprisingly reasonable over the past year, apart from petrol which it loves! Each to our own and all that but for E46 M3 money I d consider the AM V8 with the assumption you don t need four seats.
Edited by SR on Saturday 12th July 12:18
Edited by SR on Saturday 12th July 12:21
1/ Find an E46 M3 ( Manual ) and get it pre purchase inspected, this is Absolutely vital unless you are hands on and know these cars inside out.
You Don t need to spend £25 grand on a trailer Queen.
The market is Dire ATM, with very few buyers for these cars.
2/ E46 M3 is way better looking than an E90 M3
3/ E46 is lighter at circa 1,540kgs than the nose heavy E90 M3 and it has a 51 / 49 weight distribution it is also way less complicated.
When I had a dice with an E90 in my 170,000 miles E46, the E90 was barely any quicker. When I stupidly sold the car in June 17 it was on 179,000 miles and was just as fast as it was on a fraction of that mileage.
I ran it on Fuchs Titan Super Synth 10/60 which is a superb oil.
4/ Fit a Purple Tag steering rack, it absolutely transforms these cars, why the factory didn t do this is beyond me .
Avoid a sun roof car - Awful buffeting unless the windows are cracked open, all that Extra weight carried up high, just where you don t need it, the sunroof is glass, for gods sake, hideous things. And look at any classic BMW ( E3 / E9 / 635 / blah blah that has a factory sunroof and the horrific roof rot that they suffer from .
5/ Fit Bilstein or Koni shocks on fresh OE springs. Make sure all bushes are in A1 condition, inc the trailing arm bushes.
6/ Run it on Conti M6 tires, they really suit the car and are superb.
18 inch alloys save weight and they drive better on them.
7/ As for choosing a Porsche instead way more fun and better handling, seriously ?
8/ I stripped out some of the boat anchor heavy interior from my old 53 plate one. It made a Huge difference to the way it drove etc - I m trying to convince my son to strip out the interior of his newly bought one. 1,350kgs is the target.
9/ As for a Z4, yes they have their fans, but yee gods, has BMW ever made anything else that is So fugly.
10/ As for the Aston, I was seriously considering one ( A 4.7 ) but way too heavy / horrific £££ parts tax on these, let alone it’s fuel consumption, rotting rear subframes, the 4.3 lacks torque, £££ clutch & flywheel issues.
Not a “ drivers car “ either.
I almost bought a nice blue 2004 Maser 4200 manual, I liked it, they are a Bargain, but I just couldn’t live with its weight.
11 / Once you have found your ideal E46 M3, point it at the Route Napoleon and let it rip ..
You Don t need to spend £25 grand on a trailer Queen.
The market is Dire ATM, with very few buyers for these cars.
2/ E46 M3 is way better looking than an E90 M3
3/ E46 is lighter at circa 1,540kgs than the nose heavy E90 M3 and it has a 51 / 49 weight distribution it is also way less complicated.
When I had a dice with an E90 in my 170,000 miles E46, the E90 was barely any quicker. When I stupidly sold the car in June 17 it was on 179,000 miles and was just as fast as it was on a fraction of that mileage.
I ran it on Fuchs Titan Super Synth 10/60 which is a superb oil.
4/ Fit a Purple Tag steering rack, it absolutely transforms these cars, why the factory didn t do this is beyond me .
Avoid a sun roof car - Awful buffeting unless the windows are cracked open, all that Extra weight carried up high, just where you don t need it, the sunroof is glass, for gods sake, hideous things. And look at any classic BMW ( E3 / E9 / 635 / blah blah that has a factory sunroof and the horrific roof rot that they suffer from .
5/ Fit Bilstein or Koni shocks on fresh OE springs. Make sure all bushes are in A1 condition, inc the trailing arm bushes.
6/ Run it on Conti M6 tires, they really suit the car and are superb.
18 inch alloys save weight and they drive better on them.
7/ As for choosing a Porsche instead way more fun and better handling, seriously ?
8/ I stripped out some of the boat anchor heavy interior from my old 53 plate one. It made a Huge difference to the way it drove etc - I m trying to convince my son to strip out the interior of his newly bought one. 1,350kgs is the target.
9/ As for a Z4, yes they have their fans, but yee gods, has BMW ever made anything else that is So fugly.
10/ As for the Aston, I was seriously considering one ( A 4.7 ) but way too heavy / horrific £££ parts tax on these, let alone it’s fuel consumption, rotting rear subframes, the 4.3 lacks torque, £££ clutch & flywheel issues.
Not a “ drivers car “ either.
I almost bought a nice blue 2004 Maser 4200 manual, I liked it, they are a Bargain, but I just couldn’t live with its weight.
11 / Once you have found your ideal E46 M3, point it at the Route Napoleon and let it rip ..
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Saturday 12th July 12:32
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Saturday 12th July 12:33
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Saturday 12th July 12:40
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Saturday 12th July 12:44
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Sunday 13th July 00:18
Interesting that many posters have only driven one of the cars. I’ve owned neither but driven both a lot. For my money the E46 was a much more involving car. The E90 was standard and I’ve heard that some tasteful mods bring it alive. As standard it felt like a comfortable bmw that went fast. The E46 was no sports car but it came alive more easily. They were plentiful so hopefully a good one exists?
HTHAre either of these actually that much fun on road in the UK?
Decent fast saloons but not sure they are truly great? Also presume any E46 will be boot floor looking at/repair, potentially new suspension etc.
I would bank on £8-10k to get it up to standard if at the lower end of the market.
Decent fast saloons but not sure they are truly great? Also presume any E46 will be boot floor looking at/repair, potentially new suspension etc.
I would bank on £8-10k to get it up to standard if at the lower end of the market.
911Spanker said:
Are either of these actually that much fun on road in the UK?
Decent fast saloons but not sure they are truly great? Also presume any E46 will be boot floor looking at/repair, potentially new suspension etc.
I would bank on £8-10k to get it up to standard if at the lower end of the market.
Yes they are Fun.Decent fast saloons but not sure they are truly great? Also presume any E46 will be boot floor looking at/repair, potentially new suspension etc.
I would bank on £8-10k to get it up to standard if at the lower end of the market.
And how about the engine horror stories IMS / bore score etc with the 996 / 997, these also rot as well.
I took mine over to Scotland last year ( I'm based in Ireland).
Compared to the roads in Ireland I have to say it was huge fun in Scotland.
Given the stiffness of the suspension, they do prefer a smoother road. As others have said though, they ride better on the 18s than the 19s.
They are all 20+ years old now, so definitely but on condition. Rust id the biggest issue, check the rear arches very carefully and remember, what you can is generally only 10-15% of what is there.
Mechanically, they are pretty tough, if the main bearings haven't been done, budget to get them done.
People mention the cooling system, but they are easy to check and easy to DIY if you are that way inclined.
Basically, if you have to pay someone else to fix everything, probably not the car for you, they can be a labour of love, but very easy to work on and very rewarding when going well.
Compared to the roads in Ireland I have to say it was huge fun in Scotland.
Given the stiffness of the suspension, they do prefer a smoother road. As others have said though, they ride better on the 18s than the 19s.
They are all 20+ years old now, so definitely but on condition. Rust id the biggest issue, check the rear arches very carefully and remember, what you can is generally only 10-15% of what is there.
Mechanically, they are pretty tough, if the main bearings haven't been done, budget to get them done.
People mention the cooling system, but they are easy to check and easy to DIY if you are that way inclined.
Basically, if you have to pay someone else to fix everything, probably not the car for you, they can be a labour of love, but very easy to work on and very rewarding when going well.
SS427 Camaro said:
911Spanker said:
Are either of these actually that much fun on road in the UK?
Decent fast saloons but not sure they are truly great? Also presume any E46 will be boot floor looking at/repair, potentially new suspension etc.
I would bank on £8-10k to get it up to standard if at the lower end of the market.
Yes they are Fun.Decent fast saloons but not sure they are truly great? Also presume any E46 will be boot floor looking at/repair, potentially new suspension etc.
I would bank on £8-10k to get it up to standard if at the lower end of the market.
And how about the engine horror stories IMS / bore score etc with the 996 / 997, these also rot as well.
25k-30k? Surprised they are that much, I would be getting a nice z4m coupe for less than that. I just don't get the obsession with either of these, both are good cars but not at that money/age, they are daily drivers really and feel that way. If you want a weekend car, there are far better options, Evora, Cayman S, Z3/4 Coupe to name a few.
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