Long story short, I had an E46 325i but sold it after 4 years or owning it(regret this), leased a 2014 Lexus CT200h and had that for the last 3 years. I just returned the Lexus yesterday but I also bought a 2014 Silverado 1500(a few months back) for a fun truck. Now I am used to having 2 cars and I miss my e46.
Here is what I am thinking of doing to get back to the BMW life:
-Buy an e46 M3 (manual-no SMG).
-Buy an e39 M5 (manual)
-Buy an e46 330i or 330ci ZHP (manual)
My question to you guys is which one do I go for? and why? I am well versed with all the common fixes on the e46 (non M) engines as I did a lot of the work on my 2003 325i when I had it.
Thanks in advance and I look forward to getting back to the BMW life after 3 long years.
*picture of the Ct200h, my truck, and the pictures of my e46 before I sold it
Depends what you are looking for, are you wanting the power of the M cars and willing to pay for it?
BMW M cars are exponentially more expensive to purchase and maintain. I love both the e46 m3 and e39 m5. If i was going to the track id take the E46, If i was heading across the country id take the E39.
Ive owned many 330i's and they are great cars for daily commuting. Enough power to have a bit of fun, that being said they are tuned to pretty much their max, and your not going to get much more power out of it aftermarket.
Last edited by legoman67; 09-16-2018 at 02:02 PM.
Current:
- 09 335i MSport, FBO.
- 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
- 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
- 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
- 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted
Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed
@legoman67 thanks for the info. I am thinking this car would be my "fun car" on the weekends and summer time. As for the initial purchase price, I am looking at cars within the 15k range. I guess the maintenance on M cars do worry me a bit. In your opinion how much more expensive is to maintain an e46 M and e39 M in comparison to a e46 non-M?
If you want lower maintenance costs however maximize features go for the ZHP.
The e46 is a great series since the engine trans and diff maintenance is minimal.
The m3 requires ongoing valves adjustments whereas the non-m has hydraulic lifters thus self adjusting.
Last edited by RobertDenali; 09-16-2018 at 03:15 PM.
Current:
- 09 335i MSport, FBO.
- 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
- 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
- 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
- 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted
Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed
Bookmarks