Daily driver: E36 M3 or E46 M3?

[m3f_voodoo51]

I also want Porsche 997 S/4S. What do you think, is it much better DD than M3? First of all I mean driving pleasure.

[m3f_Olemiss540]

Porsche has a COMPLETELY different driving dynamic. You HAVE to test drive them to ensure it is for you. The BMWs will be more FUN but the Porsche more capable and much nicer interior (and more to maintain, and less functional DDing).


Have a Porsche 996tt as they are a TREMENDOUS value for the money right now, but the e36 is my track toy. E36 will not kill you or put you in jail, and you know what they say about it being more fun driving a slow car fast....


E36 is too much fun, e46 is harsher and faster in every way. The way you are talking, I would go for a euro e36 m3 for a fun car and a e46 m3 or 996C2 for a DD

[m3f_kyrix1st]

I also want Porsche 997 S/4S. What do you think, is it much better DD than M3? First of all I mean driving pleasure.

IMS failure ruled out for me.

[m3f_Solaris99]

If you're considering a Porsche, I'd look at a 987 Cayman S and expect to upgrade the IMS bearing. I would much rather have a mid engine RWD over a rear engine anything.

[m3f_Cha5en]

If you live in the country with an exciting drive/commute, then the E46 cant beat. If you live in a city/suburbs, then E36 really shines. That's been my take of it after a decade of owning both, and living all over the country.

[m3f_EricSMG]

If you live in the country with an exciting drive/commute, then the E46 cant beat. If you live in a city/suburbs, then E36 really shines. That's been my take of it after a decade of owning both, and living all over the country.

I would agree with this. The high-precision and cantankerous nature of the 46 are better suited to aggressive driving and can overload the senses in more ordinary scenarios. This car is too harsh for a true DD unless you're under 30.



The 36 is muted and relaxed comparatively and so easier to deal with by a small but notable measure. It's also very playful in the 30-80mph zone. It's quite fun here. But, this car is getting old so I would never recommend it as a true DD.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

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

Euro's are all OBDI.

[m3f_SunD3v1L]

Miata.


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


Sent from my retirement community clubhouse

[m3f_Kalahari]

I've been DD'ing my E36 in a city for five years. It is pretty great at it. The E46 feels noticeably larger and less agile/nimble when going back-and-forth between the two, which to me, makes the 36 a better DD in the city/burbs. The E46 can be pretty boring below 50-60mph or so, but I can have plenty of fun in my E36 below the same speed.


That said, the E46 is much more presentable, can be purchased with more creature comforts, and the interior seems like it will hold up much better over time. Rattles and squeaks in my '36 can wear on me day in and day out.


My 46 is much better on the highway, but that may be because my 36 is a US spec. I imagine the Euros have no issues given their 6 speeds and much higher HP rating. In fact...I can pretty much guarantee it since my dad's 01 M Roadster is an absolute highway monster.

[m3f_EricSMG]

I've been DD'ing my E36 in a city for five years. It is pretty great at it. The E46 feels noticeably larger and less agile/nimble when going back-and-forth between the two, which to me, makes the 36 a better DD in the city/burbs. The E46 can be pretty boring below 50-60mph or so, but I can have plenty of fun in my E36 below the same speed.


That said, the E46 is much more presentable, can be purchased with more creature comforts, and the interior seems like it will hold up much better over time. Rattles and squeaks in my '36 can wear on me day in and day out.


My 46 is much better on the highway, but that may be because my 36 is a US spec. I imagine the Euros have no issues given their 6 speeds and much higher HP rating. In fact...I can pretty much guarantee it since my dad's 01 M Roadster is an absolute highway monster.

Yep, the 46 is dramatically more presentable. While very cool looking in an old car kind of way, the 36, today, just flat looks old. The 46, somehow, still looks modern and expensive and grown up (unless it's slammed on super wide wheels).


And you do have a point about squeaks and rattles. The 36 isn't bad but the 46 is rock solid. My current 04"s interior literally doesn't make a peep, ever.


But the 36 is cheap and cool and handles super good - I'd forgotten how good, in fact.

[m3f_suaveflooder]

Daily, E36


Occasional and fun car, E46.


Yes, I've had both. But then again, so has Eric, lol. They have different personalites, and as pointed out earlier in the thread, will be a money pit (to some extent) no matter what. pick your poison. You will have fun either way

[m3f_Cha5en]

A euro E36 isnt as good of a DD as the USA E36, and its awful compared to E46. Some of you put the euro E36 on much to high of a pedestal without really knowing how cheap they have become.

[m3f_M3AN]

A euro E36 isnt as good of a DD as the USA E36, and its awful compared to E46. Some of you put the euro E36 on much to high of a pedestal without really knowing how cheap they have become.

You've obviously not an expert. Nor are you living in 2016 apparently.

[m3f_Cha5en]

You've obviously not an expert. Nor are you living in 2016 apparently.

How about instead of responding with an emotionally loaded post, you counter my statement? Interested in having the debate about it

[m3f_M3AN]

How about instead of responding with an emotionally loaded post, you counter my statement? Interested in having the debate about it

Explain your reasons why rather than making sweeping, hard to accept statements and I'll decide if you have anything worth agreeing with (or debating).



No sane person that's experienced any two of them would believe what you said the way you've written it.



I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and allow you to convince me.