E36 Or E46 M3

[205jsy]

Been looking at getting an m3 as my next car. Im not sure weather to go for the e36 or e46. The e46's seem to be around 6-10k more but are they worth the extra money? Another thing is the e39 m5 is priced inbetween the 2 (and the e39 m5 in Le Mans Blue with the blue and black interior is one of my dream cars). The reason i havent just chosen the m5 is the running costs seem to be higher. Has anyone had any experience with 2 of them or all 3?

[Trellis]

I've owned 3.0 and 3.2 E36, an E46 M3 and E39 M5.

E46 is worth the extra over an E36. The E36 has its fans, (and at the time I was one of them!) but the E46 is a step on - its still a proper modern car, and is much more engaging and exciting to drive. The E36 feels a little dull these days (dodge the bullets to come!)

E46 M3 vs E39 M5 - ignore the running costs difference idea - each car will succeed or fail on its own merits. Buy a good one of either and you'll not be crippled. Buy a dog of either and it will cost thousands to make it really really right.

When it comes to choosing between these two you need to drive both and decide which floats your boat the most. Both are great cars, but if the M5 is your dream car - they are currently an absolute performance bargain. Fine one with a proper history, thats been well looked after, and get it inspected by someone who knows their stuff - then enjoy the immense grunt, sublime handling, and Q car presence! Definitely one of the best cars you can buy for the money right now surely.......!!:-)

Good luck!!

[Patrick Bateman]

I'd be after the M5, for what it's worth.

[Trellis]

Its rare you come across a car that will humble a good E39 M5 - its in 911/Aston performance league - yet costs much less to buy and run. The other bonus with them is the length of the service intervals, and the engine/transmissions ability to do serious mileage, so a 100k car is really not a scarey proposition.

[205jsy]

Thanks for the help. The thing with the m5 is the pricing seems to be all over the place. Some cars are 6k whereas others with similar age/miles/condition are nearer 16k. If i did go for the m5 it would have to be the blue with blue interior and the tv and phone so it may take a while to find one. Had a few bmws before with high milage (one was over 220k) and it ran better then one of my other ones did at 60k (same engine) so high milage doesnt put me off aslong as the service history is good. I have a feeling that the e46 may be more fun to drive with its smaller size and straight 6.

[williamp]

The E36 M3 has a bad rep. There are too many 316i with m3 badges out there, and far too many very bad E36 M3 currently playing around housing estates. I've not seen this with the E46 M3 yet, so I'd go for this. Well, in fact I will be looking for one this autumn

[Trellis]

205jsy said:

Thanks for the help. The thing with the m5 is the pricing seems to be all over the place. Some cars are 6k whereas others with similar age/miles/condition are nearer 16k. If i did go for the m5 it would have to be the blue with blue interior and the tv and phone so it may take a while to find one. Had a few bmws before with high milage (one was over 220k) and it ran better then one of my other ones did at 60k (same engine) so high milage doesnt put me off aslong as the service history is good. I have a feeling that the e46 may be more fun to drive with its smaller size and straight 6.

er yeah - you really need to drive both. But to be honest if you think the M3 might be more fun to drive with its smaller size and straight six, then praps you should also have a look at a golf gti, clio sport etc!! The M5 handles as well as the M3, and in some ways is easier to drive at speed even on twisties!

6k=a dog for an M5.

You need to spend c.£10k+ for a good one, and get a facelift.

You need to spend £12k+ to get a good M3.

There will be no appreciable difference in running costs if both the cars are gooduns.:-)

[205jsy]

Im pretty sure its the m5 im going to go for. Ideally i want to spend around 10k (seems to be the price for a good one) but would pay abit more for one in my ideal spec and better condition. Is there any companys that you can pay to go and view a car for you as i dont want to make a trip to the mainland to look at one and find it isnt as described or just not the right car. If anyone on here is thinking of selling one in the next few months pm me.