Hello & show me the light(e36 v. e46)

[IANEWB]

Hello all. Name's Justin. I'm new to this forum, also new to BMW's. At this point in time I am a "Honda Head" (throws on bullet proof vest) However, deep down I have always loved BMW styling, performance and class! Have always wanted to own a Bimmer and knew that one day I would. I have finally made the decision that the next car I'm going to purchase will be a BMW. I currently have 3 civics and plan to sell them very soon and start looking for a BMW. Right now I've been looking at the late E36 M3's and the early E46 328ci & 330ci and I've come to a stand still on which model I want to go with. Basically, I was wanting some input on each of these models. Pros, cons of both. Anyone who used to own a E36 M3 and now owns a E46 328 or 330, any regrets or are you content with your choice?

Your input is very much appreciated!

::zips up flame suit::

[Stück]

The only e46 model worth owning is a ZHP packaged 330, or the M3.

The e36 M3 is the best bang for your buck IMO. You get alot more car for alot less money. Unless you need to have a newer car for some personal reason...

[C P Squared]

Welcome

[Sam 330ci]

The E36 was much more geared towards sport than the E46 IMO. You'll find more comfort from driving the e46, but personally I think the E36 is more of a drivers car. If you're looking for more performance and more bang for the buck a 97-99 M3 is for you.

Personally I'd take the E36 M3 over the E46 coupe.

[thundercat]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/SuperWiLd/114xn.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/SuperWiLd/5.jpg
love the look of an e36
its 15 yrs old, but still better than most cars

[CLEANM3whipz]

Welcome

+1

[apollo322]

I bought a 99M3 vert after trying out newer models of the 01/02 330. Drive both back to back, the M3 just feels a lot more alive, handles better, steers better....everything except the interior is better. It's still the best buy out there for 15-17k, no question about it.

[IANEWB]

^^^^ SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!! I was leaning more towards the E36 M3 but just needed some opinions.

[thundercat]

the e36 has those sexy body lines that i just love, specially the back of the car
ppl keep telling me how my car looks like a mafia car, like in some old movies

[jvsantosmd]

The E 36 interior will fall apart, no matter how much you look after it. The E 46 is much better quality in terms of fit and finish. Any E 36 owner will agree with me, no matter how hard core fans they may be. My suggestion: E 46 330.
Go for it.

[Drone]

The E 36 interior will fall apart, no matter how much you look after it. The E 46 is much better quality in terms of fit and finish. Any E 36 owner will agree with me, no matter how hard core fans they may be. My suggestion: E 46 330.
Go for it.

Your very right... but as was said earlier the e36 is more of a drivers car. The e46 is... plush in comparison. That being said however...for someone coming from a Honda background, either car will feel amazingly tight/responsive/fun. I'd strongly suggest test driving both.

[parabellum]

The only e46 model worth owning is a ZHP packaged 330, or the M3.

Wow...that is harsh.

I own an E46 and its amazing. I won't argue that the E36 is the most bang/buck, because I agree.

Personally, I actually prefer the E46 styling to the E36...but that is just me and I'm not saying one is better.

The E46 does have higher interior fit and finish quality, though. Its hard to dispute that. ((It also helps that an E46 is newer)).

I would focus on finding the RIGHT car...and don't worry about E36 vs E46. Just look for one that is clean and very well cared for and either one will make a fine car.

[///Montizzle]

Ask David A which one he prefers:) he went from a 330ci to an e36 m3

[gnarfy]

drive both, you will buy a e36...

I sold my 99 M3 for a 2002 M3 and will sell the e46 next summer to buy another e36..

I hate my e46 ! ;-(

[parabellum]

I drove both E36 and E46s and I found them to be very similar. The E46 felt heavier to me, but I actually like the feeling of solidity it gives you...both series felt very nimble to me.

Can you characterize what differences you noticed? I assume we are comparing stock E36s to stock E46s...right?

[325xi]

Wow...that is harsh.

Welcome to Stück.