Trying To Decide On New Car - E36 M3 vs 330 ZHP vs E46 M3 vert

[GothamKnight33]

Hi, I live in LA. I've owned two E36 M3s as my last two cars (One was an Estoril 98.5 coupe and the other a purple 95 coupe). Those were unfortunately totaled, one under bizarre circumstances (girl reversed into me at a red light :/).

Anyway, I LOVE the look of the E36. I think it's one of the best looking cars of all-time, but is it time to move on? It would be nice to have a nicer interior I suppose. Also could get a convertible. As far as E46 M3s, they seem to be more than I prefer to spend on a car since I'm not as into cars as I used to be so I think the other two are fine...but I have seen some convertible E46 M3s with low miles at good prices (6-speeds). I've seen people complain about E36 M3 maintenance, but I've never experienced anything crazy. Last one had 120k miles and ran great.

So there are some E36 M3s with just over 100k and some convertibles with ~70k vs 330 ZHP w/~75k and E46 M3 Convertibles w/~60k miles. My concern about the convertibles is them being really loud with the top up?

Thinking out loud here and not sure if it'll help. Feel kinda silly for even thinking so much about a car lol

Did anyone go from diehard E36 M3 to E46 and really love it because of the interior?

[Mless5]

330 zhp is not a bad option really without paying extra for ///M cars and parts, especially if you are not exactly a car guy. Insurance will be cheaper too. I have both, e36 and e46 in the family, but I am partial to e36s, wife likes the e46 for more "modern" interior and it is also a bit more quite.

[JakeMac]

I have a friend that owns a 330 zhp 6 speed and a s50 swapped 325. I have had a lot of fun in both cars. The 330 zhp seem like they can be a "good bang for your buck" car for the most part. Although, some seem to overprice them when selling them. For more of a race car purchase I might lean toward the E36. I would definitely have fun DD'ing a zhp.

[White94RX]

Don't get a convertible in either one. Added weight, noise, maintenance, and jeez, chassis flex ugh!!! Stick with a coupe.

[jp5Touring]

No vert. e36 or e46 would be cool. I would look for a really clean one of either. Drive a couple and if you really like one then decide.
Enjoy the search. Some nice examples of both still left.

[pizzaman09]

E36s are awesome cars, granted you have owned two so maybe you want to change it up. I recently sold an e39 M5 with the intent to replace it with an e36 M3 coupe. However I got distracted by a Mini JCW so, I bought one of them instead.

Anyway, back on topic. I have never been impressed with the e46, the interiors are always a let down to me, I guess I just expect more. They feel so cheap. Where as an e36 I expect the cheap interior, plus it is very cozy.
Style wise, the e36 is just beautiful, I agree that it is one of the best looking cars BMW ever put out, certainly the best in the last 20 years.

[pbonsalb]

For a driver, Id go newer. E46M3 or E92 335i.