Amber Gramps

ya, what he said...

just don't get a 935 cause you will get big hips and a flat chest. but then she would have a turbo.

GG Allin

I've gone from M3 to 911 and back to M3. Before I sold my 911 (RSA) my other car was a 1989 535i. The 535 became less than reliable. I wanted get out of the 911 to save a little cash, but I also wanted to have one car that represented both the 535 and the 911. The answer was an M3 four door. The M3 is just about as fast as my RSA was. With a few bolt ons and some software it will be faster. M cars and 911's are the only cars I can see myself ever owning. Get the 911, variety is the spice of life. My next 911 will be a Turbo.

J. Brinkley

you know
when I said it was slow, I meant in my case.
after driving my 911, I get in the 3 and it feels like a brick,
One thing I will dearly miss is the seats.
I will say this, having a choice between the two is pretty sweet.
hopefully the car I replace it with will be sweeter.

2002M3Drew

I have an E46 M3 and a 911SC.

The 911's felt old when they were new in the 80's, so you have to take into consideration that you are buying a very different type of car with the 911. I would try to drive a couple before you make a decision. They are wonderful cars, and I couldn't see living without one in my garage now. They are a joy on the racetrack. As for ability vs. an M3, as well as I drive my SC, I have problems fending off E36 M3s, let alone E46 M3s...M3s are fast cars. It is hard to overcome a 50 or 140 hp deficit, as well as a modern suspension system (vs. torsion bars). I wouldn't think of taking my M3 to the track again, though, because the 911 is just too much fun. You earn everything when you drive a Porsche 911 well. What's more, learn to drive a 911 well, and you can drive just about anything.

Cost-wise, the 911 is a dead reliable and simple beast. Everything on M3s is expensive by comparison. An E36 M3 can become an expensive car to own and maintain.

Techno Violet is a cool color...a not-so-common M3 you have got there. You can't go wrong whatever your decision between those two cars.

Mike Murphy

That's little scary, because I am considering an E46 M3. Are you saying that you think it might be more expensive to fix & maintain than my old 88 Carrera?

Vino

All I know on the E46 M3's, try to find a 2003+ car. Apparently there were some lower bearing issues first 2 years. They solved the issue by replacing the lower bearings and a 6 year/100k warranty was added to the motor. I love the looks of the E46 M3, some say probably the last good looking bimmer.

Funny my neighbors just traded their 2001 M3 for a 2004 330ic and didn't look back. If you go on Bimmerforums or E46fanatics, a lot of people had lemon E46 M3's. Many are on the market and not for the anticipation of the V8 coming.

I think Gregg jumped ship!

theiceman

yeah ,.. so quick , go buy it back ......

dsmith

i still stand by the e46 330 if someone is thinking of an e36/e46 M3.

gunlover05

I'm anxiously awaiting the BMW 135i...300hp/300lbft, 3100 lbs.....@ $32K

Vino

I don't care how it looks, that thing is going to be a hoot to drive and for the price, unbeatable.

Mike Murphy

Actually, I have forum accounts at bimmerforums.com and m3forum.com and have done a bit of research on the e46 M3. I already know about the bearing failures on the early S54B32 engines, and that's not all that much different than the Carrera valve guide issue (3.2-964-993) or the 996 3.4 engine failures. Sure there is a bit of risk, but when buying new, the failure would likely be fixed under warranty, and when buying used, the recall should have been completed.

I don't think that most people would sell their M3 with 333 horsepower and get a 330 with 231 horsepower and never looking back. That would be like selling your GT3 for a standard 911 and never looking back. I don't see that happening for the majority of GT3 buyers.

Mike Murphy

+1. It weighs 200 lbs less than the 335i with the same engine. Sweet!

dsmith

i agree, but the e46 M3 is nowhere near the price point of the two cars originally discussed, even used. my point was that the 330 is a much nicer car than the e36 M3, basically same performance, newer, and about the same price as an e36 or old 911. it's not as fast as the e46 M3, but for those who can't afford the M3, it's a darn good substitution.

Mike Murphy

My bad, I thought you were talking about the E46. Agreed, the newer E92 330s are twice the car the old E36 M3 is, but if we go back to the E30 M3, you've got a whole different scenrio. The E30 M3 is like an air-cooled Porsche: it has been listed at the top 25 best cars ever produced in the world by Automobile magazine. And the prices/demand is going up for these little 4-bangers!

Vino

They looked back since their 330 (E46) has all but been trouble free. The power is missed but they hated the M3 issues and figured a convertible would bring some fun back and they would stay in the BMW car. They had a pretty tough time selling it. These were older folks, 60+ young so power was not on top of their agenda.
I know a few owners who love theirs but they are newer model M3's 2004 up and no complaints.

As for the 330 (E90) being twice the car of the E36 M3..... No, not quite, maybe in comfort and updates but the car is still heavy and not as nimble. As for the 335i, I would say yes as it really is a special car.