Should I keep modding my E36 M3 or should i sell and buy the E46 M3?!?!

[97estorilM]

I have been debating this question for the longest time. I have a mint condition Estoril Blue M3, which i love and i always get complimented on. The car is in great condition and never gave me any problems other than mainly maintenance issues. Altho i love this car and it's very very hard to let go, i can't get over the fact of how bad i want the E46 M3. That car is simply beautiful.
My question is, should i mod my current mint condition e36 m3 or hold off on spending any more money on it and possibly purchase an E46 M3 in the future.
There are several cars i have looked at for the past year or so and there are no cars that are worth getting rid of my M3 for other than the E46 M3. I looked at the BMW X5, i looked at the Infiniti G35, i looked at the Mazda RX8, but in my opinion there don't compare to the all around greatness :D of my e36. Besides that, the other thing that turns me off about those three cars is that every time i turn my head i see another one, but i have only seen a hand full of e36 m3's in the 3 or so years of ownership of my car.
As i mentioned the only car i would consider selling my baby for would the be it's newer brother.
WHAT DO I DO!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been considering a couple of little mods for a while now like pullies and the manifold, etc, but the thought of possibly selling this car always holds me back since i don't want to spend anymore money when i won't get any back if i sell it.
I need you fellow M3 owners to help me with your opinions. Give me everything you got to either keep my car or get the other one! :help

[nicom3]

Hard to say, I guess i would consider a couple of factors in your decision, Like is your current vehicle paid off? Are you willing to drop money monthly? if so then why not get the e46. But then again if you do decide to keep the car, A: its already in good condition so its not like you dont know whats been done with the car and plus you'd know it inside and out. B: You can always go FI which can kill your pocket at once but the sheer thrill of hearing a whine of a SC or a pshhh from a turbo could be even more exciting esp coming from an older generation M car. Plus people hardly ever see FI M cars anyways. I've only seen one FI M car so far in the last 4 years.

[318daily]

Get the E46.

You already have the idea in your head and you won't satisfy that void until you buy it.

[97estorilM]

Get the E46.

You already have the idea in your head and you won't satisfy that void until you buy it.


LOL That's what i was thinking but unfortunatley it's not that easy :(

And yes my car has been paid off from the first day i got her. Thanks for the good advice Nicom3.

Keep the pursuasions coming guys!!

[dohermst]

Keep the E36... it's paid for, until you can plunk down the bux for the e46, dont do it... I had the opportunity to go for the e46 (my little woman was even pushing me) but parting with the 35~45K cash stopped me. I'd rather use that for another house...

[97estorilM]

Keep the E36... it's paid for, until you can plunk down the bux for the e46, dont do it... I had the opportunity to go for the e46 (my little woman was even pushing me) but parting with the 35~45K cash stopped me. I'd rather use that for another house...

True, that's why i already bought a house. Well actually i'll be closing in a couple of weeks. So i figure my next purchase would be the car. :)

One thing that i consider about selling the car years from now is that i will not be getting what i can be getting now (obviously, or who knows, maybe it will go up in value like the e30 m3). I know from the car market and from what people tell me that i can still get a pretty penny for my car right now especially with it being estoril blue and the paint is still shining like the first day she was born. :D
I wish i wasn't into cars, (or should i say expensive cars)i would have so much more money for other important stuff. Wait what am i talking about, cars are very important. :stickoutt

[dohermst]

what ever you do... don't buy anything until you close on your house... seen a few deals die because of people buying cars while they are in escrow... (I do loans and RE agent work part time)... helped me to buy the e36 m3...

[Hankdoll]

what ever you do... don't buy anything until you close on your house... seen a few deals die because of people buying cars while they are in escrow... (I do loans and RE agent work part time)... helped me to buy the e36 m3...

Excellent advise. Also, wait a few months after you're in. You'll be suprised how many unexpected things pop-up ($$$) after you move in to new place. As for the e46, is it that much better? Make sure it is...because payments suck.

[97estorilM]

Thanks for the advice. I would definitly wait a while before i would make another large purchase like a car. I am definilty waiting to close on my house and then waiting a while after that before i decide to really do anything. In the meantime i want you guys to help out with my future decision. Since i really want to do some mods now (it's been a while so the mod bug is kicking in again), i just want to hear what you guys have to say before i decide to throw more money into this car.

As a side note, I actually bought the house as an investments property. I will be renting it out and i had half the amount to put down on it so my rent will easily cover my mortgage payments plus keep some in my pocket monthly. Now i just need to find reliable tenants. :)

[ZimDoc]

Can you say Turbo? then go to some car shows, and get some companys to sponser you.

[LeMansGTS]

dont get the e46 IMO. Why? The E90 M3 should be coming out within a few years, so the styling of the e46 will already be outdated. Since our E36s are already the 'older' bodystyle, it doesn't seem as bad that we will soon be grandfathers. Keep the e36, do some upgrades, and later on consider the e90, which will surely be higher performance in the twisties, straight line, etc.

[Keda]

The house issue aside, you should try out the E46 and weigh that experience against your car. I had an E46M on order, with a deposit. After spending a day in a friend's E46M (driving) I realized that the car was not for me. The E46 felt soft and did not excite me like my car does. Luckily, I was able to get my deposit back and cancel my order.

Since then, I have modified my E36 to make it into the car I want it to be. I am almost there and have never second-guessed my decision.

BTW, the E46M is an excellent car (I don't want to make an E46vE36 post), but your personal tastes and expectations will dictate which you like better. The newer cars will always be more luxurious and have the latest gizmos.

[MP525i]

save your money. you never know what could pop up that you will need to fix (house AND car). you got a real clean ride there... don't give that up.

the e46 is nice, but i see a lot more e46 m's than e36. which is why if anyone bought my car, i would get an m coupe...even more rare. but to switch to a e46 m3...i dunno.

give it another 2-3 months and then make a decision.

-mike

[97estorilM]

dont get the e46 IMO. Why? The E90 M3 should be coming out within a few years, so the styling of the e46 will already be outdated. Since our E36s are already the 'older' bodystyle, it doesn't seem as bad that we will soon be grandfathers. Keep the e36, do some upgrades, and later on consider the e90, which will surely be higher performance in the twisties, straight line, etc.

To be honest with you, i don't think i like the route BMW is taking with it's new body styling. I'm sure the E90 M3 will be more powerful and a better handler, etc, but i doubt i'll like the look of it more than the current e46. Taking into account the new M5, the power it will put out will be amazing but i really don't like how it looks. Maybe if i see it in person i'll change my mind or maybe i'll think it's even worse. I could be wrong, but so far i see most of the new bimmers going down in style IMHO (this is just my opinion). A few of them grew on me like the new 7 series and maybe the 5 series (still working that one in) but the E46 M3 never needed to grow on me it was stuck on me the second i first layed eyes on it. LOL

And the other aspect of all this that i mentioned earlier is i don't want the value of my car to drop to much more before i decide to possibly sell it. How much would you say i can get for my car anyway. It has 80,000 miles and it's in mint condition with all reciepts form the dealer and independent mechanics i'v used. All stocks parts are also available. The picture in my avatar is my car. I will post other pics of it tonight when i get home to give you guys a better look at it.

Does anyone have any secret pics of the E90 M3.

[dohermst]

" The E46 felt soft and did not excite me like my car does. ..."
Since then, I have modified my E36 to make it into the car I want it to be. I am almost there and have never second-guessed my decision.



funny this is where I'm at on my old 325is vs the new e36 M3... the m3 is an awesome car but the suspension is too soft for me... have to make it feel like my 325is... which feels like it's glued to the road, front and back and is a blast to drive in the twisties...

[Captain]

I haven't driven the e46 M, but i am sure its a beast. Someone cancelled his order due to the fact that he likes his e36 M better. Another thread i read, a guy drove his brothers e46 while visiting, came back and bought one and sold his e36. As of now i think alot of us are having a grand time modding the hell out of our e36's. As i am sure e46 owners do too, but basically our e36's are either paid off or have really low payments and we mod them and enjoy it. In the end we have an older car, but an older car with lots of goodies, and personalized. I want a modded car right now as opposed to a newer stock one. A lot of us i am sure could sell and move up to something newer/nicer, but then yer starting all over again. I also like hommies idea about keeping this one and enjoying it until the e90 M3 comes out.

[97estorilM]

Keda and MP525i, thanks for your advice. I agree with both of you. I do see more e46 m's than i do e36's. And i like that exclusivity. Also i can just keep the great car i have and mod it to my liking.
Keep the advice coming!!

[LeMansGTS]

yea but IMO these 'secret previews' are inacccurate. I am sure much like all Ms it will look amazing. To tell you the truth, I never liked the E46 M stying until about last year. :shifty Maybe I was crazy or something. I don't think its a good idea to buy a car thats on its way out. How do you know in the next two years something better won't come your way? Keep your E36, I have been in an E46, and i like sitting behind the wheel of an E36 better. I am also not trying to start a flame fest(e36 vs e46)...IMO E36 is just as good.

[m3bakersfield]

I just bought my 98M3 and while test driving the car at the dealership, I asked the salesman (just after hitting 100mph, fun!) man the new E46 must be awesome, and his comment was, "it's not much better than this" <shrug> Was he just lying, or why wouldn't he try to upsell me on it? I could have afforded it.

I'm sure the E46 is a better car etc, with a warranty as well but doesn't the E36 look great and the color on yours is probably the best color. I'm not impressed with the appearance of the E46. I'd wait for the next generation M3 like others have posted.

One more thing, I see a whole lot more E46 on the street than E36s, that's nice.

[///M3ryder NY]

I just bought my 98M3 and while test driving the car at the dealership, I asked the salesman (just after hitting 100mph, fun!) man the new E46 must be awesome, and his comment was, "it's not much better than this" <shrug> Was he just lying, or why wouldn't he try to upsell me on it? I could have afforded it.

I'm sure the E46 is a better car etc, with a warranty as well but doesn't the E36 look great and the color on yours is probably the best color. I'm not impressed with the appearance of the E46. I'd wait for the next generation M3 like others have posted.

One more thing, I see a whole lot more E46 on the street than E36s, that's nice.

dude...you were there testdriving an e36 m3... he'd be a pretty lousy salesman if he bashed the car to you in comparing it to an e46. He doesn't know your financial situation or what you're capable of buying, so he's trying to sell you what you came to look at. :dunno that's my take.

[m3bakersfield]

dude...you were there testdriving an e36 m3... he'd be a pretty lousy salesman if he bashed the car to you in comparing it to an e46. He doesn't know your financial situation or what you're capable of buying, so he's trying to sell you what you came to look at. :dunno that's my take.


It's not as if there weren't E46's on the lot. Why not ask me, let's drive one and find out? No, I don't think he was afraid of losing a sale.

[MP525i]

or he could just be telling the truth.

the e46 m3 is a great car, no question about it. the power, the speed, the handling..and of course, the look. it's a mean looking car. larger fenders, a body kit that really looks like it belongs and a stance that just screams stay back.

i used to dream of this car everyday. until i went to the m driving school in s.c., where i really put this machine to the test. after all the testing, runs and autocrosses i was happy to come home to my e36. it just seemed like a more solid car. the feel was most important.

it's like comparing an e30 m3 to an e36. sure there is a power difference and newer technology in the e36 but, it's the feels that's important which is why some turn to the e30 instead of the e36. i think it's the same principle here.

-mike

[97estorilM]

Something bigger and better will always come out i guess, but i'm almost positive the E90 M3 will definitly not be in my price range. The E46 is barely in that range for me. With a little holding back on other stuff i can probably do it but the e90 will be way out there.
The M's have always looked meaner and better but isn't the New M5 that we have been seeing for a while, the way it will be or is that also a concept and the actual model will look different?? Cause like i said if that's the body styling of BMW's future, i'm not to crazy about it.

How about we get some unbaised people to tell us what they honestly feel about both cars..(only if you have driven both of them)

[ACS S3]

:checkered My suggestion is dont rush and save some money and buy a :cashwalle e46 m3 without selling the e36 m3 :mechstuck :D

:handclap

[Serious]

sell it, warranty is badass.

[97estorilM]

obviously i would sell my e36 first. :confused That's what this whole thread is about. Weather or not i should sell my e36 for the e46..

[///M3ryder NY]

Something bigger and better will always come out i guess, but i'm almost positive the E90 M3 will definitly not be in my price range. The E46 is barely in that range for me. With a little holding back on other stuff i can probably do it but the e90 will be way out there.
The M's have always looked meaner and better but isn't the New M5 that we have been seeing for a while, the way it will be or is that also a concept and the actual model will look different?? Cause like i said if that's the body styling of BMW's future, i'm not to crazy about it.

How about we get some unbaised people to tell us what they honestly feel about both cars..(only if you have driven both of them)

You pretty much hit the nail on the head right here... Unless you're prepared to wait out the e90 and ante up the big bucks at that point, you will ALWAYS be playing catch up. Right now you're in an e36 while the e46 is out there. Next it'll be the e46, while the e90 is out there. I say SO WHAT!!! When I got my car, i had almost 1.5 years left on the CPO....now it's a thing of the past. It's still a fantastic car, which i enjoy driving, but something new calls me daily. It's the e46 m3 which I can't seem to shake from my head. Its been a while since I've driven one, so I do have to get back out there and see how they feel and really put one through the paces...but overall it's what I think I'm leaning towards.

To me there is a point where modifying a 7 to 8 year old car just doesn't seem wise anymore. Could I put 8 to 10 K into a turbo kit...sure, I could. But I think i would rather put that cash towards an e46 M3....extra power, new styling and amenities, and ALOT more remaining warranty. Just my .02!

[maxse01]

Like everyone has said already....depends on which one you like better. Some people prefer the feel of an e36 over e46. Feels lighter...more tossable. On the other hand the e46 is more stable....quieter. The real question is, what are you going to use the car for, and how much money do you want to spend? Once you answer that...picking which one you want should not be such a problem.


get the e46....they are badass :evil2

[MP525i]

money is a B-*#@ sometimes. something things just aren't justified. if you think you'll just be able to keep your head above water with payments on an e46 m3, i say, without a doubt DON'T DO IT. you never know what could happen in your life.

another thing is what the majority will say is different than what us bmw (and car) enthusiasts will desire. like the post mentioned by ///M3ryder NY, you could put all that money into an older car and the majority will think you're crazy. i've learned to tune them out. i still, will buy an e30/e34 (can't decide) one day and really turn it into something classy. i say, put the money into your e36 now and keep those monthly payments as low as possible.

-mike

[jake1sir]

I am in the same boat as you, while I dont own my M3(owe about 10k on it), it became a weekend car over the last year and is in great shape. Just had a leak down test performed and a compression test, my mechanice said it was basically in new condition.

I also am settling on my first house, on Friday actually. I almost bought an e46 this week. But I am taking advice better these days and being more mature.

So I am going to wait a month or two, once I am situated in the house.

But I am having that same burn for an e46 M3.

[agmobb]

Sorry but Im not the one to talk down on someone for barley keeping their head above water. Thats how I live my life and so far Im 22 and own a 400k condo, 99m3 and a bunch of other cool stuff like big tv, fast computer etc. Why? Cuz I put my self in situations where in order to survive I have to step up. That being said get the e46 IF you test drive it and prefer it over your e36. Also why not test out the e39 m5? Newer always has an advantage if you can get a warranty. A turbo e36 would be a dream but imagine dropping 8 grand on it and a month later your motor blows...

[///M3ryder NY]

I am in the same boat as you, while I dont own my M3(owe about 10k on it), it became a weekend car over the last year and is in great shape. Just had a leak down test performed and a compression test, my mechanice said it was basically in new condition.

I also am settling on my first house, on Friday actually. I almost bought an e46 this week. But I am taking advice better these days and being more mature.

So I am going to wait a month or two, once I am situated in the house.

But I am having that same burn for an e46 M3.


A word of advise Jake, wait a little longer than a month or two after that house before considering it. Obviously i don't know your situation personally, but speaking from my experience, there is plenty you will want to do and plenty you will need when you move into your house. I just bought a house in August. A house that I considered to be "Move in condition"...and it was... But once I was there, the list of things I wanted to do was long...and I did many of them.

Now, I'm at a point where I'm weighing my options...sell, and buy an e46....or keep my more cash in reserve for more upcoming house projects. Modifying a house can be never ending, but at least it's an investment that pays off over time.

[Midnight Shark]

To me there is a point where modifying a 7 to 8 year old car just doesn't seem wise anymore.
Explain.


Could I put 8 to 10 K into a turbo kit...sure, I could. But I think i would rather put that cash towards an e46 M3....extra power, new styling and amenities, and ALOT more remaining warranty. Just my .02!
Your right 3 out of 4. Any FI done on an E36 M3 would blow the E46 outta the water.


Sorry but Im not the one to talk down on someone for barley keeping their head above water. Thats how I live my life and so far Im 22 and own a 400k condo, 99m3 and a bunch of other cool stuff like big tv, fast computer etc.
That's your life. Not his.

I agree with what the general consensus was. You don't have any more payments to make on the car, the car is in excellent shape, you're new house has not yet kicked off yet... why risk spending more money on something you do not need at the moment?? when all is well, you have the choice to sell your E36, or better yet, get an E46 as well.

[97estorilM]

Obviously bying a house is a much better investment than buying a car, but sometimes i wish i used the money for the car rather than a house. But that's a stupid way of thinking since a house will always be a good investment and a car will just be a depreciating asset. I wish i was friggin rich.
Than i think you only live once. I mean if i sit down and see what the car would actually cost me and then compare it with my finances i'm sure i'll be a little more than just above water but then i don't know if putting all that money towards a car is worth it.
I really blame BMW for this for all this. It's there fault for making such a desirable car. :stickoutt

Anyone with an e46 willing to do an even trade with my car. :D

[///M3ryder NY]

MIDNIGHT.....What is to explain really?...it's simply my opinion. I think 10K towards a newer M3 is money better spent that 10K in more modifications for my current car. At least with the e46 I'd be buying into a remaining factory warranty, etc.

As for FI on an e36...I never said anything about it NOT outperforming an e46 at that point. But again...with all that power comes additional maintenance and wear and tear. Ask ANY FI guy on these boards...the money needed for upkeep and replacement of wear and tear items due to FI is never ending!

[Midnight Shark]

MIDNIGHT.....What is to explain really?...it's simply my opinion. I think 10K towards a newer M3 is money better spent that 10K in more modifications for my current car. At least with the e46 I'd be buying into a remaining factory warranty, etc.

Most of us can't afford 10K in mods, more so an E46 M3. So our only recourse is to mod what we can afford whether performance wise or for upgraded maintenance. Modding what you can afford is the wiser option for most of us.


Ask ANY FI guy on these boards...the money needed for upkeep and replacement of wear and tear items due to FI is never ending!

Everyone knows that.

[Cosmos96]

i say go fi, the only reason why i would get the new e46 is for the leds tail lights, and some of the interior pieces, otherwsie a fi e36 will kill a e46 and alomost anyother car out there. and its still cheaper than a e46.

[agmobb]

MIDNIGHT, I was just giving my opinion and an example other than the "safe" way of doing things. Ill be the first to admit that the smarter and wiser thing to do is wait and save and all that. I was told not to buy a house yet and to save for a down payment. Why? Life is short so why waste it waiting. If he wants something else to make him happy then by all means get it. Life sucks when your not happy. Different things make different people happy. A turbo m3 might be for you and a e46 m3 might be for him. :)

[97estorilM]

When i get home tonight i will post a few pics of my car so you guys can give me a better opinion. Also tell me what you guys think i can get for it if i decided to sell.

[dohermst]

he did say that the house he bought is going to be a rental, so I'd expect that there shouldnt be major bux spent on it except to put it into rental shape. But, I would wait until the dust settles before making any purchases...

[BuddaLun]

I say...

Keep your mint E36 M3 thats paid off. Then once your settled in the house (3-4 months) mod the SHIT out of the E36. I think that just might satisfy you. I preffer the feel of a highly modded E36 than ANY E46 M3 period. Go FI too if you're really itching for power. But then again, I don't really care for the E46 M3 styling a smuch as you do, I definatley do preffer the E36 styling over E46 so maybe I'm a little biased ;)

[Nova1]

Unless you're thinking Laguna Seca Blue, you're wasting your time even considering stepping out of your Estoril.

I still think the E36M is a more beautiful car, which is why I chose it over the E46. I just don't get the appeal of the car...I dream more of a chance to drive or own an E30M than an E46M.

[2XM3]

I have both and to be quite honest its about a toss up. would I sell my e36 to get a second e46? no, to get a porsche turbo? Yes. Each car has its own strong points both on and off the track. the 46 gets more looks for sure but I like driving the e36 better as with my mods it feels more connected to the road. I also had a e30 m3 and loved it!!! Probably will try to get another someday. I would just put a F/I kit of some type on the 36 and call it good. Oh and its much easier/cheaper to work on the e36

[97estorilM]

he did say that the house he bought is going to be a rental, so I'd expect that there shouldnt be major bux spent on it except to put it into rental shape. But, I would wait until the dust settles before making any purchases...


Luckily i don't have to spend any money on the house other than buying it. There's nothing that needs to be done at all. It in live in condition. So i just have to find a realiable tenant (The easy part :rolleyes).

By the way your car looks good 2XM3. Thanks for your input. I wanted input from someone in your situation.

[///Mr. Three]

Well. its a tough choice. I have owned two e36 M3s and have enjoyed them both. My girlfriend has also had two e46 M3s (one lease, the new one she just bought.) I have had extensive street driving expereince with both. After the initial thrill of driving the "new" M3, I realized that this car wasnt really all that much better than my old M3. Sure it looks cool, is new, has the navigation, and is faster. But that is not the point. I would jump back in my E36 and feel like it drove better. Power is important to me and the E46 just didnt feel that much faster. There are those days where I think my M3 is dated; then I go drive it hard and realize that with the right wheels and some more power it would be my ideal car, almost.

Just watch out for the M5. I have recently drove a few of those and I would trade up in a second. That car has brutal torque and awesome styling. The interior is also much better than the E46 M3, in my opinion. You could have a 2000 M5 for about what you would pay on the E46 M3. Either way, good luck!

[LaduLabkuTasan]

Fellows, I just bought my E36 M3, last Dec. I was amazed by it's power and handling, since I was using Accord LX 93. I’m not selling my M3, until I get bored… It’s gona be awhile. :buttrock

Now, if we just think about this situation: The question is- how much better E46 compare to E36? I'd say 30% (just an average evaluation). But the price you pay is obviously more >> 30% of E36. Meaning you get about 30% satisfaction by spending more that 30%, ahh haa... :evil2

Now, another outlier is there, E90. Since no one have seen it, it hard to predict it’s value and satisfaction differences. But, if you wait you may find out. Since, once E90 is released, E46 will reduce in price, so is E36, but to what ratio... Only the WISE one can tell.... :confused

Peace

[///M3 FX]

as soon as the E90 comes out the price of the E36's will drop drastically, and the E46's will go down as well.

[97estorilM]

Here's a few pics of my baby. What do you guys think i can get for her.

[97estorilM]

another

[97estorilM]

another one:

[97estorilM]

one last one after this

[97estorilM]

Last one. So what do you think i could get for her. better yet, would you guys get rid of her for an E46....

[97estorilM]

as soon as the E90 comes out the price of the E36's will drop drastically, and the E46's will go down as well.

That's another reason for me questioning on keeping this car for a while longer...
But just looking at my own pics right now is making me think if i should sell her????? LOL

[///M3ryder NY]

mileage?

[97estorilM]

mileage?


Good Question. LOL 76,000

[m3mark]

Beautiful car. I would say it's worth somewhere around $17k-$20k. Honestly if there really isnt anything wrong with the car I would hold on to it for at least another year or so. By then the e46 will have dropped in price even more. Good luck

[///M3ryder NY]

It's a very clean car... I'm thinking 19 to 20 perhaps....

[97estorilM]

Thanks for the compliments guys.
The problem with the car is that there IS no problem. That's what makes the decision so hard. Not like i'm upset about that but you know what i mean. The car is very clean as you can see. I guess i'll just really have to think about it.
Anyone else with both cars or expierience with both cars is welcome to jump in and give me an opinion. :)

[Eurogp]

I would keep your car and mod it some more if i were you but you can do whatever you want. BTW your car looks real nice. Just my 2 cents. :D

[m3j0n]

do what im doing.... get both!

[maxse01]

another


Flawless paint...NICE WORK!!

[Midnight Shark]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=98279&stc=1

your car is very nice! what steering wheel is this from?? I've been looking for a 3 spoke that's not as fat looking as the 99 M3's.

[Keda]

That car looks like complete shit! I don't think you'd get more than $9k for it.

...when can I send you the check? ;)

[97estorilM]

That car looks like complete shit! I don't think you'd get more than $9k for it.

...when can I send you the check? ;)

:lol

Thanks for your compliments guys. It really does make it harder getting rid of her.

Midnight Shark, that steering wheel is the Euro M3 Three Spoke Sport Steering Wheel. I found it on Ebay and i lucked out as it is in perfect condition. I didn't expect it to be in that condition since pictures always hide some flaws, but not this time. I'm glad since the rest of the exterior and interior are in near perfect condition. It has the airbag as well. It's pretty expensive and hard to find these wheels. If you do see some on Ebay every now and then, they don't come in great condition the way i lucked out. Since there kinda rare, expect to pay a decent amount for a mint condition wheel.

So you guys think i should keep it? So far the concencus seems to be leaning towards keeping her rather than selling her.

[Quote M3Jon: do what im doing.... get both!]
M3Jon, I hate you!!!!! :stickoutt

[///M3ryder NY]

If you really want to hear BOTH sides of the equation...post this same question in the e46 forum. It's probably a bit biased here in the e36 forum.

[97estorilM]

They'll be baised and say our car is shit!! I guess i'll give it a shot tonight anyway. We'll see what the others have to say.. :)

[raveadelic]

IMO i think that it would be a sin to sell that car, you have spent all the time and effort in keeping it nice and adding mods to it. like most others a FI kit would be sick on your car and then you can smoke all those e46's that you see on the road! :buttrock

[BuddaLun]

Keep that car man. E36s are greatness....

Nice paint and Dove inteior.

[97estorilM]

Keep that car man. E36s are greatness....

Nice paint and Dove inteior.


Thank you!!


I started the same thread in the E46 section. So lets see what they have to say.

[97estorilM]

Maybe i should take back the comment i made about the BMW going down in style. Here's a pic i found in google images of what the New E90 M3 may look like. If this is it then i think it looks amazing. But with it being a v8 and all i don't take back the comment i made about it not being in my price range for a very very long time.

Check out this pic..

http://www.discountpartcenter.com/photos/08-06-04-01-BMW-M3-e90.jpg

[Edgy99]

OK here's another opinion. In fall 2003 I was in a very similar situation -- hurricane Isabel swamped my beautiful green 99, and I knew I was getting a very good insurance settlement. So the decision was, what to replace her with?

I'll spare the entire search story, but I had the chance to get a very clean E46 M3 with only 25K miles for $42K. (remember, 2003) I decided No, it wasn't a better driving experience and it wasn't worth taking out a $12K loan. The insurance check covered 100% of my beautiful replacement 99 -- same color, more options, and only 16K miles! :buttrock

Your car looks fantastic. Sweet steering wheel, I've got the three spoke but yours is even better. I'd keep the car, but sounds like you're leaning to sell.

I hope the opinions help you, but you'll have to decide. Remember mods are usually a negative when selling, you'll never recover any of that money.

Questions for you:

Where'd you get the console switch chrome borders? Nice little interior bling.
How do you like the UUC III SSK?
How much work required to put rims that wide on car? And why do so?

[97estorilM]

OK here's another opinion. In fall 2003 I was in a very similar situation -- hurricane Isabel swamped my beautiful green 99, and I knew I was getting a very good insurance settlement. So the decision was, what to replace her with?

I'll spare the entire search story, but I had the chance to get a very clean E46 M3 with only 25K miles for $42K. (remember, 2003) I decided No, it wasn't a better driving experience and it wasn't worth taking out a $12K loan. The insurance check covered 100% of my beautiful replacement 99 -- same color, more options, and only 16K miles! :buttrock

Your car looks fantastic. Sweet steering wheel, I've got the three spoke but yours is even better. I'd keep the car, but sounds like you're leaning to sell.

I hope the opinions help you, but you'll have to decide. Remember mods are usually a negative when selling, you'll never recover any of that money.

Questions for you:

Where'd you get the console switch chrome borders? Nice little interior bling.
How do you like the UUC III SSK?
How much work required to put rims that wide on car? And why do so?

Thanks for the compliments. And the opinions you guys give really do help. I remember reading your story a while back(at least i think it was your story or someone had the same thing happen to them). Glad you had a happy ending.

I know mods are just lost money that's why for the most part i keep all the stocks parts that can be easily put back.

To answer your questions:

-I ordered the the chrome surround switches from the stealer

-the SSK is a good mod. Have no complaints. I would recommend it. Smooth Shifting. No notchiness

-As for the wheels, there was no work, at all, required to put rims that size. I did it because i like the wide stance. Just get the right offset and right tire size. In my opinion wider rear wheels just make the car look so much better and meaner.

I'm not one to do body work to a car for a mod. If there was work to be done and money to be spent just to fit a wider wheel i would never have done it.

[vik]

As the guys above said, your car is probably worth around $19k. What are the E46 M3s going for these days? Maybe $35k for one as clean as yours? Is the new car Sixteen Thousand Dollars better than yours?

Not in my book but that's why Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors.


-vik

[97estorilM]

Not in my book but that's why Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors.
-vik

:lol

It's snowing out right now so i'm going in my garage to wax my car. :D I love my car. What i will most likely do is wait til next year and see where i am with life and money and see what's going on in my head and the pricing of the e46.

Thanks for all your help guys. I love this forum. I feel like when i'm lonely i can talk to you guys about my car concerns and you really care. :)
I know that probably sounds gay. :D

More opinions are still welcome.