turbo the 99 M or buy 01 M?

[m thrizl]

Do i spend 8 or 10k and have a TT turbo kit or AA twin screw installed on my 99? or should i sell my 99 M3 and buy a 2001 M3?? for me it would probably be close to the same amount of money out of pocket either way.

I will probably have that much money burning a hole in my pocket in another 2 to 3 months, so i plan to save up and make this decision soon before i spend another dollar on my 99.

if i buy a 2001 i will probably only buy a fully equiped M maybe even with SMG which as a dealer i can buy from $29-34k depending on miles. over the long run, if i were to keep either of these cars for 5 or 10 years i think i would be better of in the 2001. damn, i need to drive one again, and ive never even driven or driven in a turbo s52.

[95beema]

Do i spend 8 or 10k and have a TT turbo kit or AA twin screw installed on my 99? or should i sell my 99 M3 and buy a 2001 M3?? for me it would probably be close to the same amount of money out of pocket either way.

I will probably have that much money burning a hole in my pocket in another 2 to 3 months, so i plan to save up and make this decision soon before i spend another dollar on my 99.

if i buy a 2001 i will probably only buy a fully equiped M maybe even with SMG which as a dealer i can buy from $29-34k depending on miles. over the long run, if i were to keep either of these cars for 5 or 10 years i think i would be better of in the 2001. damn, i need to drive one again, and ive never even driven or driven in a turbo s52.

Twinscrew it and keep the better looking and lighter M.

[jasonknezo]

turbo s52 will literally shit on an e46 m3 in a straight line. But the 01 m3 is light years ahead of the e36 in many aspects. I feel unless you can buy an e46 for under 36 wait another year

[Suneal]

If I was in your current situation, I would most definitely go with the E46 M3... however, this is a decision only you can make.

[shawn5096]

turbo s52 will literally shit on an e46 m3 in a straight line. But the 01 m3 is light years ahead of the e36 in many aspects. I feel unless you can buy an e46 for under 36 wait another year

that is exactly what i was thinking :D , then again i love the e36 m3 body style :stickoutt .

[96technoM3]

If you turbo the E36 plan to keep it for a long time. Since E36's are now cheap, trying to unload one for anything close to what you would have in it would be very hard.
The E46 will probably hold its value better, but the looks and driver feel are very subjective.

If it's going to be a daily driver and you like the updated look of the E46 then I vote for the E46.

[giterdone]

yeah it really depends on you. I love the speed (or stated speed, haven't driven or ridden in one) of the e46 m3. But I prefer the looks of the e36. Although I am a materialistic person, and would probably rather have an e46 m3, because it is newer, I still love the e36. Now if they were both going to be around the same speed, it will be hard to decide. But also, in 5 or 10 years, the e36 is going to be a "classic". If you love how an e30 M3 looks, and love to see a nice one, keep your e36, becuase in the said 5 or 10 years you said you will keep one, the e36 will then attain the status the e30 m3 has now. It won't be as fast, but by then, every modding option will be available, and people will know how to tweak and tune them blindfolded, and you will be able to get good speed for probably ALOT cheaper. (pure speculation though)

[markesq]

I would TURBO it!

[Suneal]

But also, in 5 or 10 years, the e36 is going to be a "classic". If you love how an e30 M3 looks, and love to see a nice one, keep your e36, becuase in the said 5 or 10 years you said you will keep one, the e36 will then attain the status the e30 m3 has now. I dissent. In my opinion, the only E36 that might attain this status would be the M3 Lightweight. The E36 M3 was a mass-produced sports car/GT, whereas the E30 M3 was a low production "homologation special".

Then again, with all of the E36 M3 accidents recently...

[nicom3]

Damn such a hard decision. I think if it were I then I would probably get the e46 M3, But becareful with the 01 models. Didn't the 01 models have engine recall problems. You may want to stay away from a 01, but consider an 02 e46 M. The e46 is dead sexy. But the turbo e36 M commands some serious respect on the road and will hand some cars on a silver platter when pushed hard.

Oh who am I kidding. I am training to be an Auto technician, im gonna stick with my e36 M3 and turbo the damn thing :evil2 and ill give the wife the e46 M3 :redspot

[vrsixer]

I say get an e46 m3. turbo project will take a while, and the car will never be perfect after that. nothing like a un-modded e46 m3!

[nitty]

Damn such a hard decision. I think if it were I then I would probably get the e46 M3, But becareful with the 01 models. Didn't the 01 models have engine recall problems. You may want to stay away from a 01, but consider an 02 e46 M.

Is this what you're referring to?
http://members.roadfly.com/jason/m3engines.htm

Looks like the issue spanned a couple of years.

[M3Armand]

I was in the same situation... I decided to stay with my 99 M3. There's no contest in a straight line with my AASC. It wasn't even close due to the weight factor. Also, the engines on the E46 are way "too stressed out". I've seen too many of them blow at the track (even though they weren't in that "serial number" range). If you do a search, you'll find that people are dropping the rev limiter down to 7500ish vs. 8000ish (down to whatever the limiter is for the M Roadster and M Coupe engines which apparently have had NO failures potentially due to the decreased rpm limit).

Also, ask some people who have had both... I know of one person who actually had an E36M3, sold it, got an E46 M3, sold it, got an E46 M3 AGAIN, got an E36 M3 Sedan, and sold the E46 M3 less than 1 year later!!! He states that the E36 does 95% of what the E46 can do, but is much more fun to drive (due to weight). Now, add a TS, SC or Turbo and the decision is made for you...

[Bassmaster]

99 Turbo M3 vs a 01 M3. If the turbo M3 is done right? There will be no comparision to the fun factor that the turbo M3 provides. The additional power is extremely addictive. Looks are subjective. I think the E46 looks better...but not worth the price difference. Another thing you can get an N/A E36 to run almost with or be quicker than a stock e46 m3 with just bolt ons. One thing with the turbo M3 it will require additional maintanence ..so you should be familiar with the turbo and how it works.(read be able to do the simple things required)
Off subject....if I was considering an 01 M3....I would throw that out the window and buy a 993 porsche 911(no doubt)

[giterdone]

I dissent. In my opinion, the only E36 that might attain this status would be the M3 Lightweight. The E36 M3 was a mass-produced sports car/GT, whereas the E30 M3 was a low production "homologation special".

Then again, with all of the E36 M3 accidents recently...
there are not enough of those around to really have a status. Now they will definately be rare, but must more of a "special" status than the e30 m3. It would be like in the same boat as a shelby cobra(you never seen an original). I mean there were only 125(isnt' that the right number) of lightweight made. Most have been wrecked or dismantled now. That leaves a very slim number of originals left. They are definately in a special group, but much more rare than the e30 m3.

Like you said, with all the e36 m3s going to the trash heap, we will have a rare status in no time. :)

[Luke]

I would get the E46 M3...then eventually SC it a couple years down the road :)

[dizzye36M3]

I would get an e46. Partially because I like the fit and finish of the interior better. I think as a daily driver, the choice should be the e46 M.

[surfacewound]

turbo s52 will literally shit on an e46 m3 in a straight line. But the 01 m3 is light years ahead of the e36 in many aspects. I feel unless you can buy an e46 for under 36 wait another year

Pics of E36 shitting or ban.

[m thrizl]

yeah if the twin screw was $5k instead of 7.5k it would be a no brainer, but the costs will add up, i.e. beefier clutch, might aswell add a ltw fly and upgraded cooling systems, ect, ect. but damn 300 to 350 rwtq has got to be sick. my 99 has only 63k miles so its got plenty of life left in it. also, imy 99 is not excatly the most desireable 99, no HK sound or heated seats, and its fern/modena which is really growing on me but is still not excactly my ideal color combo. for the 2001, nav, fact xenons, 6 throttle bodies, 6 speeds are pretty damn nice aswell. i may have to go drive a SMG NAV with 19"s to see how it looks/feels, i would def want to step up into one that is fully tricked from the factory. i really want to experiece the smg especially while in heavy braking/down shifting.

[LAroadster]

buy the newer car, sorry but the e36 is very outdated (styling wise). E46 is a better platform.

[95beema]

buy the newer car, sorry but the e36 is very outdated (styling wise). E46 is a better platform.

You like the new mustang as I saw in another thread. I would not take advice on styling from this fella.

[95DinanM3]

turbo s52 will literally shit on an e46 m3 in a straight line. But the 01 m3 is light years ahead of the e36 in many aspects. I feel unless you can buy an e46 for under 36 wait another year

Wait, so the S52 will LITERALLY defecate on the E46? I had no idea they were capable of pooping. ;) Anyway, its hard to say. I think a turbo E36 would be awesome, but then you have to take into consideration that you will be replacing tires more often, and also have to strengthen alot of driveline components to handle the new power. So I think the price will be more than 10k when done correctly. A E46 will be a more docile track car, and a lot easier to control. And I am quite partial to the styling as well.

[tEckniks]

ive seen e46 m3s selling for $29,000 clean title ...

i would get the turbo m3 tho.. :devillook

[donoman]

If I were you I'd get the E46 hands down. Adding a turbo to your E36 isn't going to add any value to it and in fact will be a pain in the ass to collect all the parts. If you have an E46 it's a lot nicer on the interior but seems like less of a driver's car. I dunno I've driven an E46 M and liked it a lot but it felt a lot taller, softer, and more boat-like. I hope that doesn't offend anyone. Regardless of how the E46 handles, it looks awesome and the ladies will dig it.

Actually if I was you I'd save that cash and buy a miata and turbo it with a Flyin' Miata kit and get suspension and go out there and really kick some ass. 2200lbs and 250hp ain't nothing to f*ck with.

[giterdone]

Pics of E36 shitting or ban.


Wait, so the S52 will LITERALLY defecate on the E46? I had no idea they were capable of pooping.
Yeah I wanna know how much this mod costs, how it hooks up, and how it works. Really, this is quite intriguing. I had no clue my car was capable of such mayhem.

I mean think about it, this would be great, you just beat somebody in a race, instead of throwing the hazards, you fling some turds at his windshield, I mean what a way to add insult to injury. and you know you can't just turn your wipers on to get rid of that; if you do that it just smears all over, and then gets caught all on the blades, and if there is any peanuts in the poop it mgiht scratch the windshield. he is going ot have to drive around with poop smudges on his windshield, until he can pull over and actually clean that bad boy.

[Suneal]

Ask and ye shall receive.

[95beema]

Ask and ye shall receive.


He called the shit poop :lol

[LeMansGTS]

considering all the mechanical/engine problems the 2001 m3 had, its not wise to purchase it, and race it in alot, or your engine just may blow up :)

[Brent_Vino]

I vote for the Turbo E36 M3.

That being said, Plan on keeping this car for a long time... and plan on things breaking due to Forced Induction.

[LAroadster]

You like the new mustang as I saw in another thread. I would not take advice on styling from this fella. Yes, I do like the new mustang, as most of the automotive world does, was that supposed to be a E-cut down?! You cant drive an almost 11 year old car and compare it to new stylings. E36's are nice but theyre 3 body styles old, to most people outside of these BMW forums, they look like boxes. So, I would consider my opinion a little more honest then that of a BMW fanatic who hangs onto 11 year car glory like Uncle Rico holds onto 1983.

[surfacewound]

I say only get the E46 M3 if you supercharge it. But obviously that's out of the price range you were looking at.


He called the shit poop :lol

:rofl

[slcook54]

Turbo no question.

[Croak]

I'd give up video nav, bluetooth, bi-xenon lamps, factory "widerbody", more hip and headroom, more trunk space, sleeker styling, valet cachet, etc. Sure would, and did, give it up because I can afford to purchase a new or used E46 M3 rather than going the route I did.

In return, I have much less weight, much more power, more agility, a clear title, and the pride of owning something I put my sweat and blood into.

A few more years from now, when the E46 M3 is a sub-$20k car and the worst of its depreciation has been paid for by somebody else and the mod market has matured for it, I may look into going that route.

Keep in mind though, I could give a damn about what the average man on the street or chick in a bar thinks about what I drive. I don't own a BMW for status, I own it because it's a solid platform.

That said, I DO get a kick out of impressing fellow gearheads, and personally taking a 15 year old platform and doing what I've done to mine is more impressive to guys like us than just buying a factory designed car, no matter what kind of performance it has off the showroom. Nothing particularly impressive about just writing a check or making a car payment. :)

[rommelrules]

Yes, I do like the new mustang, as most of the automotive world does, was that supposed to be a E-cut down?! You cant drive an almost 11 year old car and compare it to new stylings. E36's are nice but theyre 3 body styles old, to most people outside of these BMW forums, they look like boxes. So, I would consider my opinion a little more honest then that of a BMW fanatic who hangs onto 11 year car glory like Uncle Rico holds onto 1983.

Very true and you're very right... As much as I like my E36 M3 and I admire it everytime I look at it, it's an outdated design.
Plain and simple. From certain angles, *maybe* it can still hold its own, from others, it's starting to look like an eighties car... :(

We are all biased here. It's what a lot of people seem to forget.
There's nothing really that attractive anymore about the E36 M3 to a pair of layman eyes,
but as long as you like it, that's all that matters...

[LAroadster]

Well Stated Croak and Rommelrules....

[rocket808]

...like Uncle Rico holds onto 1983.

lol, but it's 1982.

[m thrizl]

decisions decisions. in all actuality it might be better to buy an e36 already done up with a turbo installed and just sell mine. damn, then i would be on my third e3 m3, you think by then i be happy and content?? 400hp sure. wonder how long it will take for a cherry twin screwed m3 to come up for sale?? that i would preobably jump on if it had low miles and was mint for under $20k to 22k. right now i gotta focus on selling the 95 then i can look into my options.

[jake1sir]

I dont think they made SMG in 01, I think it started in 02. That might help your decision.

[Ubertino]

As of 12:26 p.m. eastern standard time, there have been 371,059 posts for the E36 M3. There have also been 47,113 posts for the E46 M3. And from what I've read in the E46 area, most of those are cosmetic or light mods and people bitching about their warranty. The aftermarket for parts and support for the E36 M3 is night and day larger then for the E46.

It comes down to, do you want some kind of a warranty and a car payment, or do your own work and half the cost? Parts are cheaper too.

To be honest, I drive about 30k a year, on my E36. I would love to have an E46, for all the reasons mentioned by Croak, especially since I'm in the thing so much. But when the E36 makes a noise, or something goes pop, in twenty minutes online I know how to fix it, and parts are easy come. I'd tear through a 100k powertrain warranty in three years max. And the depretiation would cost more then the car.

[badmonkey]

Turbo the '99 M3.


...

[Effervescent]

Actually if I was you I'd save that cash and buy a miata and turbo it with a Flyin' Miata kit and get suspension and go out there and really kick some ass. 2200lbs and 250hp ain't nothing to f*ck with.

There speaks a true friend.

-Eff

[m thrizl]

yeah, miatas are pretty cool cars, but after owning an MGB i would buy another B before buying any other roadster. Moss motors sells a roots type blower for the B that i can buy as a dealer for 2400 bucks..........cheap, i could build/restore and supercharge another B for the price of BMW FI.

i would have to say i would rather have a 10k invested in another toy car than another 10k invested in my 99 M, but who knows, i spent almost that much on my 95, big mistake. a nice project car could be fun, its nice to have two cars, and i my 99 is a great daily driver.


this is my idea of a project car:

[Philipangoo]

i drive a 99 E36 M3 and my brother owns a 02 E46 M3.

let me tell you... even though my car is Stick and his is SMG

I will never ever ever get tired of driving his car. The E46 M3 may not be a track car.. but its a beast none the less. It has killer looks and u get stares from everyone. E36 M3 just looks like your everyday car honestly.
My girlfriend cant tell the difference between E36 models no matter how often I point them out. But she can ID a E46 M3 from like a mile away.

bottom line

The E46 makes my 99 M3 feel so outdated, and cheap. E36 - teh track car
E46 - teh flashy baller car.

[adsingl]

If resale is a factor get the E46. All M's (and all specialty cars) have a narrower market and take a bit longer to sell to get your price. You'll get nowhere near the money out of adding a turbo in most cases, and you narrowed your buyer market even way more. Depreciation on mods is just way, way higher unless you happen to wait and find that perfect buyer, or until the total value drops down to kid-racer affordability.
Also, blowing an engine w/o lowering the non-boosted compression is significantly harder on the engine. Doesn't mean some won't go and go for many miles, but I'd get a top-end, complete solution that has answers for all the right problem area questions, if I went to a blown solution, turbo or SC.

Having said that, having blown torque - you just have to experience it.
My M's not blown, but I had a 99 Lightning. Absolute torque monster.
Like my son said "Dad, I feel powerful just sitting in this thing"!
Even my 1.8T stock passat was impressive for such a small engine once you got up in the boost band.
adsingl

[Philipangoo]

oh heres some side by side pics for comparison. Hope this helps

[giterdone]

oh heres some side by side pics for comparison. Hope this helps
no wonder he gets more looks than you. he has aftermarket rims, aftermarket front lip with those gay litlte metal brackets, and a ricer type wing. You have a bone stock looking M3 aside from velocity splitters.

[m thrizl]

i should have a e46 m3 here on my lot soon, i will need to take a good long drive in one to see if there worth the money to me. still would love a mgb project, not a restoration, but buying a nice solid one and throwing some mods on.

maybe my new decison is weather ro build a supercharged flared fender MGB and keep the 99 M as a DD, or sell the 99 and step up into a 01. wish i still had pics of my 73 B, what a great car, i even had it lowered with a front lip spoiler, mild cam, exhaust, so much fun, id even put it ahead of a datsun 240z in looks/driving experience. wrong forum huh?

[giterdone]

thrizl, in light of your knew aspirations, I would say keep the 99 as a DD and do the MGB project. That sounds like a great plan.