Winds of change

[gusgar]

Wana switch from my '97 328i to an e46 330i or e36 M3. Which do you prefer and why. Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[MrElussive]

E46 is a newer design, prettier inside and out. E36 is higher performance. The decision is up to you, but personally I would go with an E36 M3...really great car and lots of tuning options.

 

[gusgar]

And cheaper too. Thanks so much Elussive

 

[Akakubi]

And cheaper too. Thanks so much Elussive

Yep, E36 M3 is more fun to drive fast, less comfortable than the E46 though on longer distances. Performance #'s are about the same with the 330's, mods are very similar. I bet insurance is a bit cheaper for the E46 also.

 

[Wadula]

get the M3. of course the parameters are to be right. low mileage, good serviced all the time etc. with anE46, depending on age of the car of course, you might still get the warranty...

 

[gusgar]

@Akakubi

About the same performance if you think of US M3. Here is possible to make a choice between US and German models. As I understand the German one has 260 hp instead of the US 235 hp.

Sorry if I'm wrong.

Comments are welcome

 

[Wadula]

go with a younger E36 M3 and get the full 321 hp!!! that is the real deal!

 

[gusgar]

Wadula, I'll a little confused. Some spec lists says 280hp, some 321. Some 3.0lts some 3.2 lts. Talking, of course, about the German one. Can you spell me that.

GUS[???1]

 

[Wadula]

sure, the early M3 had less hp due to smaller engine. with the face lift of the E36 models the engine was suped up and got 321 horses.

 

[gusgar]

From which year they came with 3.2?

 

[Wadula]

that was in 96. all the ones before were 286 hp.

 

[gusgar]

Very clear WAD

Thanks so much.

GUS

 

[Akakubi]

Correct, missed you were outside US.

UK magazines prefer the S50, the 3.0L version. It has 286hp, but easily tuneable, still OBD 1.They also come with a 5-speed ZF tranny, which is a lot smoother and more reliable than the 6-speed 'box in the 3.2L version. Racers never even changed the 5-speed 'box, but had many failures with the 6-sp ones.

Shop around, try them both, check the history.