Hey everyone, first timer here with some questions.

[Fade2Black02]

Title says it all. I hope to join your BMW family soon, and after discussing with the boss (my wife), I've decided that I'm looking for a 99-04 M3. Some questions, though.

First, I'm a die-hard Manual Transmission. If the car is a creampuff at 10k under MSRP but has an auto, it's a deal killer. I won't read any further into the car. So, how is the tiptronic vs. A manual? Less maintenance, more? Smoother shifting, gas mileage?

An M3 is about power and prestige, but mileage doesn't hurt...does the high torque of the 95-99 M3s offset the 6th gear and extra horsepower of the mid 2000s?

Ideally is there a particular model series around 99 to 2005 that had higher horsepower (such as the E46 chassis) but also included a manual 6 speed?

That's about it for now. You're help is appreciated...excited about finally buying a dream car of mine since M3s inception.

-F2B

[BavarianBeast]

E36 M3 was produced from 1995-1999, though two different engines were used. An OBDI 3.0 I6 S50 for the 95 and a 3.2 I6 OBD II S52 for the 96-99 cars. If you decide to buy an E36 M3, make sure the cooling system has been changed. It's a ticking time bomb and is the achilles heel of the E36. Things like shock mounts and rear trailing arm bushings also tend to fail pretty early in those cars. SMG was only offered in Europe for these. Definitely go with a manual.

E46 M3 was produced from 2001-2006. It has a 3.2l 333hp I6. I've driven my friends 2002 SMG m3 and the transmission was very responsive. Though I would still try to stick with manual. I don't know as much about the E46 M3, though the Rod bearing recall was a big thing for some years.

Like when purchasing any car, I would do your research on specific model maintenance and a PPI at a reputable shop.

[jtq007]

I have very little knowlege about comparing an e36 to an e46 (lack of e46 knowlege). But having had 2 e36's, and driving multiple m's, I can say alittle bit.

If you are looking at an e46 m3, you will be getting an SMG transmission or manual 6 speed. As far as I know, the SMG and tiptronic transmission is two completely different transmissions (correct me if I am wrong). The SMG is basicly a computer controlled clutch vs having the foot pedal clutch and moving the gear shifter yourself. You need to drive a SMG for a longer period then you normally would if your wanting to get a feel for it, I have seen multiple topics about how people love the way it shifts and some that absolutely hate it. I like the feeling of using my leg and arm to shift vs flipping 2 little paddles, but some people like the quickness of the SMG. It depends on what you want to get and what is best for you and whoever else is driving the car.

Depending on which generation you get (e36, e46), you need to get the later years of the generation and research that year of that particular generation. Why? Because every year is different in some way or another, and it usually isn't anything major unless you are comparing a 95 m3 to one of the last e36 m3's made. The mileage can be an issue depending on the previous owner, BMW's can outlast alot of cars if they are maintained properly.

Also, if you are looking at an e36 m3 along with the e46 m3 and can't decide which one you want. Drive them both. The e36 m3 is more of a "feel" car with alot less power then the e46 m3. The e46 m3 has more power but more weight to it aswell, I like e36's because of the way they feel. Also, the e46 m3 has more "comfort factor" then the 36 m3 in my opinion.

Just get what you want and makes you happy. It's YOUR car, not ours.

Goodluck with the car search :buttrock