Daily driver: E36 M3 or E46 M3?

[m3f_Cha5en]

lol didn't think I'd get people so up in arms over it. Oh well, didn't bother me before that most overrated the euro e36, and it certainly isn't worth debating with closed minded owners.


I've enjoy/ed owning all but the latest, and driven a euro, having nearly acquired one imported to Mexico, years ago. Wasn't the end all, specially compared to the us e36 and 46 I had at the time.


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[m3f_M_Parallel]

Let me guess, it was a Pinto with an M3 badge on it?

[m3f_Cha5en]

Let me guess, it was a Pinto with an M3 badge on it?

Ahh, cant comprehend how someone can not believe your car choice is the best. You pick up some ice for that butt, yet?

You've gotta realize why he asked E36 M3/E46 M3 comparison for daily driver. He obviously does not want comparison between normal E46 with M3s. It's all about which M3 is relatively better for DD. He obviously wants more performance than non M series but wants to know which is better for DD, so end of the story for E46 ZHP (no offense, but it just isn't comparable).



And since the acceptable daily driver differs from one to another, I gave which one is objectively harsher (stiffer suspension , handling characteristics, throttle response, engine response, problems and maintenance, etc.)



I've said it on the other post, but torque band is actually broader on S50B32 (look it up) than S54B32 so

1. it gives faster acceleration around the track

2. torque is very usable on the street.

3. E36 does not suffer from subframe trunk tear.



nor does it have tremendous amounts of problems to become "more costly" to maintain compared to US M3 other than VANOS rattle, from which all M3s suffer.



I've driven both E36 M3C and E46 M3; although I agree that chassis is overall better on E46 and it is definitely more comfortable ride, heavier weight of E46 (nearly 100kg difference) does help E36 to even out.



I don't know what "minor" advantages you refer to regarding E36, but the above three points seems more than minor to me.

An e46 ZHP out performs in every measurable way to a E36 M3..



Also, I cant recall enough of how well the euro rode, but the US e36 defiantly rides more comfortable than the E46M3.. In fact, as far as comfort goes, the E46 has been the least comfortable M3 Ive owned.

[m3f_SunD3v1L]

TLDR - where does OP live? Quote this with reply please.


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[m3f_NolliM3]

and still have the 2002 .

That's my all time favorite BMW car.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

This is a good point and one I thought of as I was writing that. But some of these are more easily found on E46s, and E46s can be specced with Navigation, PDC, bluetooth, etc... Not big things, I agree, but some people car about this. I don't, so it is a moot point, personally.


There's not really a way to objectively measure this, so I won't argue with you, but my impression from seeing a lot of E36s and 46s over the year is that the 46 is generally better when it comes to interior quality.

Exactly. I'm all for a good debate, but with facts.


If you really want to be picky...I see I forgot some. PDC was actually an option here for the E36. So was navigation. Yes, the E36 actually had an in-dash navigation system available. No, I'm not talking about a headunit with navigation function.

Not a nice full-color screen system like the E46, but a navigation system nonetheless.


And yes, some of these are much more common on E46's. Try finding an E36 with lumbar support. That'll be a tough one. But it was an available option.


So was carphone, auto dimming mirror, heated mirrors, electric mirrors.


There really is not much that the E46 had available, that was not an option on the E36. Bar more modern/upgraded versions of said tech.


Can't even think of much. Side bolster lumber to adjust seat width is one of them. And the E36 had no memory seats available.


And because of GM4 vs GM5, no remote closure/opening of window/sunroof/convertible top.


An in general, yes more E36's will have worn interior. The E36 has been a cheap entry level car for many teenagers that did whatever to them. The E46 might just be reaching that pricetag now. Simply a matter of time. But any model getting older, the previous model will be even older.

...And, there's something about the B-piller being right next to your shoulder that gives a very "tucked in" feeling when driving the car...

True fact. But reverse wise, I like the b-pillarless feel of the convertible, even with roof/hardtop up and windows down. You still have that nice open feel.


And because I'm fairly tall, when I drive in a sedan, I'm almost past the b-pillar, which just doesn't feel right and hinders my peripheral view.

[m3f_usedunderwear]

Well I enjoy having that extra space in the rear (or so it seems) with the ease of having doors to enter the rear. I often shuttle friends and family who are visiting, so on that subjective side, it's better.



I think in my butt dyno there's certainly noticeable difference with the way the rear end plants with the added rigidity. Is it going to matter to most? Maybe not, but I enjoy it. IIRC, the Sedan is also 30 or so pounds lighter.

The sedan is definitely better, but not by a huge margin. The chassis is notably stiffer which is always better for driving dynamics. And, there's something about the B-piller being right next to your shoulder that gives a very "tucked in" feeling when driving the car. In the coupe you're sorta 'sitting out in the open' with such long doors. So from a purely driving perspective it's no question better.



It's also less prone to window problems because window frames, and the doors are much shorter and consequently much lighter so less slamming, etc. There's a more rigid feel

Thanks for the replies, love the sedans - they raced them in BTCC

[m3f_E/M3]

lol e36 us better? doubt it. e46 is best obv but im so sick m cars atm with all of the issues...

[m3f_Cha5en]

Well if he chooses an e46, what's better, 6MT or SMG?


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We all know the answer to this. I may go against the grain often, but SMG was the AIDS

[m3f_Cha5en]

Exactly. I'm all for a good debate, but with facts.


If you really want to be picky...I see I forgot some. PDC was actually an option here for the E36. So was navigation. Yes, the E36 actually had an in-dash navigation system available. No, I'm not talking about a headunit with navigation function.

Not a nice full-color screen system like the E46, but a navigation system nonetheless.


And yes, some of these are much more common on E46's. Try finding an E36 with lumbar support. That'll be a tough one. But it was an available option.


So was carphone, auto dimming mirror, heated mirrors, electric mirrors.


There really is not much that the E46 had available, that was not an option on the E36. Bar more modern/upgraded versions of said tech.


Can't even think of much. Side bolster lumber to adjust seat width is one of them. And the E36 had no memory seats available.


And because of GM4 vs GM5, no remote closure/opening of window/sunroof/convertible top.


An in general, yes more E36's will have worn interior. The E36 has been a cheap entry level car for many teenagers that did whatever to them. The E46 might just be reaching that pricetag now. Simply a matter of time. But any model getting older, the previous model will be even older.


True fact. But reverse wise, I like the b-pillarless feel of the convertible, even with roof/hardtop up and windows down. You still have that nice open feel.


And because I'm fairly tall, when I drive in a sedan, I'm almost past the b-pillar, which just doesn't feel right and hinders my peripheral view.

Sure, but options isn't what most of us are referring to when we say the e36 Intr is of a lesser quality than the e46.


I love the e36 sedan I have now, and I'm seriously contemplating keeping it forever, its that ****ing good (with the US S52, of course)


I'll have to add a nice e46 M3 at a later time, as finding these e36's in this good of shape is a rare thing.

[m3f_voodoo51]

If I choose euro M3 E36 what engine (3.0 l or 3.2 l) do you prefer and why?

Frankly speaking the 3.2 l engine is very rare in Russia. But maybe I should try.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

If I choose euro M3 E36 what engine (3.0 l or 3.2 l) do you prefer and why?

Frankly speaking the 3.2 l engine is very rare in Russia. But maybe I should try.

Some like the 3.0 better. BMW did take a few shortcuts on the 3.2 with no ceramic spacer between head and itb's, but overall, the 3.2 is newer and more powerfull.



Just get the lowest milage one you can find.