Daily driver: E36 M3 or E46 M3?

[m3f_voodoo51]

Hello.

Which M3 (E36 or E46) would be better as DD (+ very rare trackdays)? And why?

The most important for me is driving pleasure.



Thank you.

[m3f_propchef]

Miata.


Either of your choices are continuous money pits. Pick your poison.


Sent from my retirement community clubhouse

[m3f_voodoo51]

I also like Porsche 997 (S or 4S). But it's far more expensive.

[m3f_kyrix1st]

Whichever you like becauseM3.

[m3f_pbonsalb]

Id buy the newer, more modern car. But be prepared for more expensive maintenance and repairs with the more powerful E46 M3. You could also look at 335i, 135i, E46 330i, and others.

[m3f_scoobiedoo2029]

im not in the e46 camp, the e36 is a more fun car to own as a super beater. you can get junkyard parts, ive found cool things like door coin holders and stuff in junkyards, it feels amazing on your hands with a few mods, and in real world street driving a e46 isnt faster until your driving like a scumbag, it can pull about a car length in spirited driving, not much more (drag racing aside...), its also more maintenance intensive then a e36. meaning more down time, and purchase price is higher, so if your planning on modifying the car youll get more capability out of a e36 for the money. the 997 is an amazing car, but its price range puts you into other options, like a brand new sti or similar. its hard to beat a DD with a warranty and a loner car...

[m3f_kyrix1st]

Well the advantages of E36 M3 is

1. that it is lighter in weight (vs E46)

2. wire throttle for better response (vs E46 electronic throttle)

3. Substantially no subframe trunk tear unlike E46

4.track modification is easier tnx to having less electronics onboard

5.generally cheaper in retail price


Disadvantages would be

1. getting harder to find parts (at least in my country)

2. less modern interior+ electric devices

3. steering wheel position is hardly adjustable(mine does not go in and out, only vertical)

4. worse fuel economy

5. stock brakes suck for track day

6. VANOS needs frequent overhaul

7. possibly more wear and tear on the drivetrain due to mileage

8. OBDII is not accessible underneath driver's seat on euro spec M3s.

9. Less S50 engines available compared to S54 engines.


Seeing that you live in the U.S. (which means virtually no euro spec), I would go for E46 for daily convenience.

[m3f_fiveightandten]

Hello.

Which M3 (E36 or E46) would be better as DD (+ very rare trackdays)? And why?

The most important for me is driving pleasure.



Thank you.

They're fairly different animals. Go drive each car and you will almost certainly gravitate towards one or the other. For most people, it's an easy decision. There are E36 guys and E46 guys. Few people don't have a preference either way. It won't be difficult for you to figure out what your preference is after a short amount of seat time in a well sorted example of each.

[m3f_M3AN]

There's no comparison between the US E36 M3 and the E46 M3. The E46 is a substantially better vehicle.


If you have access to a Euro E36 M3 then that's the better track car, the E46 M3 is the better daily driver.

[m3f_voodoo51]

Sorry, I live in Russia. So I have access to euro M3 E36.

[m3f_kyrix1st]

Sorry, I live in Russia. So I have access to euro M3 E36.

As I said、e46 will be better for DD, no question.



However, considering that all E46 need rear subframe reinforcement due to design flaw(which is why Z4M went back to E36 M3 design for rear suspension) Id say E36 costs less to buy and maintain. S50B32 will have nearly identical performance as E46 stockwise due to its lightweight and low end torque.

[m3f_twentyseven]

E46 330 is the best of both. I prefer the sedan because the body dimensions make it feel a little more like an E36. For some reason, E46 coupes feel significantly wider when inside..


But if we are talking Euro E36 M3 vs. E46, go for the E46. It is basically just a better version of the same car.

[m3f_cracky]

Neither these days.

If it has to be one or the other. Test drive both and buy best example you can

[m3f_cracky]

There's no comparison between the US E36 M3 and the E46 M3. The E46 is a substantially better vehicle.



If you have access to a Euro E36 M3 then that's the better track car, the E46 M3 is the better daily driver.

[m3f_M3AN]

[Smilie: Rofl3]