View Poll Results: Which one would you sell?
2004 BMW 330ci ZHP Convertible
57
67.86%
2005 BMW M3 Competition Package Coupe
27
32.14%
Voters: 84. You may not vote on this poll
Which car should I sell?! Porsche vs. BMW
#17
That’s a tough one. How many miles on the M vs the ZHP? Btw, why replace the bearings? BMW had a recall on the earlier ones and newer ones had the upgraded bearings anyway.
I wouldn’t mind a black M3 but have no more garage space
I wouldn’t mind a black M3 but have no more garage space
#18
I've spent a fair amount of money on my E46 M3s using them as daily cars but I've also enjoyed every moment of it. Personally, I'd keep the M3; however, there is a lot of overlap between the M3 and the 911, so it would make more sense to keep the convertible. You also seem attached to the convertible, so it sounds like you know what to do.
The good news is that the E46 M3 is hot right now and yours would fetch a nice price being a manual competition package car. Financially, it's the one to sell with the current market.
The good news is that the E46 M3 is hot right now and yours would fetch a nice price being a manual competition package car. Financially, it's the one to sell with the current market.
#19
I'll be the dissenting opinion - I'd go the other way. The convertible is just a BMW 3 series convertible... The M3 is and will continue to be more of a landmark car for BMW. It has a better engine, butter suspension, better sound, is faster, handles better, sounds better, etc. - when comparing two 2 door BMWs, why keep the inferior one - just because the top goes down? Not me - I'd keep the M3 or sell both and find an M3 convertible or 997 Cab or some other cab if you really want a cab. I wanted one too - bought a 928 one because it's completely different than my 997 - # of cylinders, engine placement, mountain scalpel vs more GT cruiser, etc.
That sounds like an awesome 997 you've found though - you'll love it.
That sounds like an awesome 997 you've found though - you'll love it.
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Rulaxin12 (06-19-2020)
#20
I'll be the dissenting opinion - I'd go the other way. The convertible is just a BMW 3 series convertible... The M3 is and will continue to be more of a landmark car for BMW. It has a better engine, butter suspension, better sound, is faster, handles better, sounds better, etc. - when comparing two 2 door BMWs, why keep the inferior one - just because the top goes down? Not me - I'd keep the M3 or sell both and find an M3 convertible or 997 Cab or some other cab if you really want a cab. I wanted one too - bought a 928 one because it's completely different than my 997 - # of cylinders, engine placement, mountain scalpel vs more GT cruiser, etc.
That sounds like an awesome 997 you've found though - you'll love it.
That sounds like an awesome 997 you've found though - you'll love it.
#21
I will have to respectfully disagree with you on this comment. The ZHP package is a seemingly simple group of components, but on the E46 330ci, they combine to create / enhance a truly exceptional driving experience (in my opinion - and I think shared by many others who have driven a ZHP manual shift E46). The M3 will definitely handle better, out accelerate and out stop the ZHP 330ci. But the ZHP is so perfectly balanced and mechanically / dynamically performs in such near-perfect harmony - a really special car. It absolutely cannot be written off as "just another BMW 3-series convertible."
In the end, the OP is going to sell the one he's less attached to and our votes here won't really matter, but it gives us something to do. Looks like the poll is pretty evenly split at this point, and probably why he's in a quandry.
#25
I’ve had many Bimmers (and Beemers); 3 series and Z’s. I hope you discover what I have. 911 is great daily, and my 997.2 has had only 1 flaw, HPFP which Porsche NA covered. Otherwise only maintenance last 4+ years, God help me I didn’t jinx myself.
Sell both and start looking for 911 cab. I think you’ll find one within $$ reach after selling both BMW’s. People believe P’s are expensive to maintain, but if you can do regular maintenance, you’ll find 997.2’s very reliable and reasonable to maintain. BMW’s cost more for preventive maintenance replacement and fixes; water pumps, radiator/cooling hoses, dash pixels, all electronics, etc. My 911 has been far better. I’ll never return to BMW. OK, if E46 M Coupe falls in my lap I’ll be sorely tempted, but will always be looking for 911 coupe to live beside my cab.
Once you’ve lived with a 911, your car life is ruined, but better.
Sell both and start looking for 911 cab. I think you’ll find one within $$ reach after selling both BMW’s. People believe P’s are expensive to maintain, but if you can do regular maintenance, you’ll find 997.2’s very reliable and reasonable to maintain. BMW’s cost more for preventive maintenance replacement and fixes; water pumps, radiator/cooling hoses, dash pixels, all electronics, etc. My 911 has been far better. I’ll never return to BMW. OK, if E46 M Coupe falls in my lap I’ll be sorely tempted, but will always be looking for 911 coupe to live beside my cab.
Once you’ve lived with a 911, your car life is ruined, but better.
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Ironman88 (06-12-2020)
#26
Throw a badly needed lsd on the zhp and call it a day
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#27
trust me on this, if that was my house I wouldn't be in this dilemma right now...id sell the house in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, those pics are taken in front of my buddy's house.
Tough decisions for sure but if you must get rid of 1, my vote is lose the M3. The new 911 will more than make up for your need for speed, handling & performance.
I lived in Bergen County for 20+ years and recognize some of the locations in your pics. You need to keep the convertible because there is truly no substitute for driving a drop top when the weather cooperates (or with the seat heaters on when it’s a little cool).
I lived in Bergen County for 20+ years and recognize some of the locations in your pics. You need to keep the convertible because there is truly no substitute for driving a drop top when the weather cooperates (or with the seat heaters on when it’s a little cool).
If it were my decision, I would keep the 330 and sell the M3.
I've driven both. I owned an '06 E46 M3 competition pkg car for years. It was an outstanding car, but when things broke on it - boy did the $$'s add up. The last repair that I had to do on it (at 33k miles) was replace the DSC controller and wheel sensors. Cost of that - $3,500. And again, at 33k miles - on a car that was meticulously cared for and maintained.
The enjoyment that you have had driving the M3 will be found (and then some) in driving the 911.
The 330 is a completely different experience from both the M3 and the 911. In the photos, that looks to be the better car - appearance and condition-wise. It's a keeper.
Best of luck with your decision.
(My former M3 - below...)
2006 E46 M3 Competition Pkg 6 Spd
I've driven both. I owned an '06 E46 M3 competition pkg car for years. It was an outstanding car, but when things broke on it - boy did the $$'s add up. The last repair that I had to do on it (at 33k miles) was replace the DSC controller and wheel sensors. Cost of that - $3,500. And again, at 33k miles - on a car that was meticulously cared for and maintained.
The enjoyment that you have had driving the M3 will be found (and then some) in driving the 911.
The 330 is a completely different experience from both the M3 and the 911. In the photos, that looks to be the better car - appearance and condition-wise. It's a keeper.
Best of luck with your decision.
(My former M3 - below...)
2006 E46 M3 Competition Pkg 6 Spd
I will have to respectfully disagree with you on this comment. The ZHP package is a seemingly simple group of components, but on the E46 330ci, they combine to create / enhance a truly exceptional driving experience (in my opinion - and I think shared by many others who have driven a ZHP manual shift E46). The M3 will definitely handle better, out accelerate and out stop the ZHP 330ci. But the ZHP is so perfectly balanced and mechanically / dynamically performs in such near-perfect harmony - a really special car. It absolutely cannot be written off as "just another BMW 3-series convertible."
I’ve had many Bimmers (and Beemers); 3 series and Z’s. I hope you discover what I have. 911 is great daily, and my 997.2 has had only 1 flaw, HPFP which Porsche NA covered. Otherwise only maintenance last 4+ years, God help me I didn’t jinx myself.
Sell both and start looking for 911 cab. I think you’ll find one within $$ reach after selling both BMW’s. People believe P’s are expensive to maintain, but if you can do regular maintenance, you’ll find 997.2’s very reliable and reasonable to maintain. BMW’s cost more for preventive maintenance replacement and fixes; water pumps, radiator/cooling hoses, dash pixels, all electronics, etc. My 911 has been far better. I’ll never return to BMW. OK, if E46 M Coupe falls in my lap I’ll be sorely tempted, but will always be looking for 911 coupe to live beside my cab.
Once you’ve lived with a 911, your car life is ruined, but better.
Sell both and start looking for 911 cab. I think you’ll find one within $$ reach after selling both BMW’s. People believe P’s are expensive to maintain, but if you can do regular maintenance, you’ll find 997.2’s very reliable and reasonable to maintain. BMW’s cost more for preventive maintenance replacement and fixes; water pumps, radiator/cooling hoses, dash pixels, all electronics, etc. My 911 has been far better. I’ll never return to BMW. OK, if E46 M Coupe falls in my lap I’ll be sorely tempted, but will always be looking for 911 coupe to live beside my cab.
Once you’ve lived with a 911, your car life is ruined, but better.
#28
I also wanted to say ....This is exactly why I love these forums so much. It's more than just driving the car, it's being part of the community. Every person has a unique approach and a well thought out response. Thanks everyone for taking out the time to respond and helping me with this decision! You may not think so but it really helps me since I get the perspective of fellow enthusiasts who truly understand that these are more than just cars.
Seems like the votes were pretty dead center 50/50 at first...but looks like zhp might be the car voted to sell.
Keep them coming
Seems like the votes were pretty dead center 50/50 at first...but looks like zhp might be the car voted to sell.
Keep them coming
#29
The e46 M3 can be considered the pinnacle of the M3 and you have a manual one plus you put in the cost of the rod bearing replacement. You can’t really recoup maintenance costs on resale so you might as well reap the benefits of your investment.
coupes are more valuable than convertibles and M3 coupes are more practical than 911s being more of a sedan shaped coupe than a sports car shaped coupe.
if you need to scratch the itch for a convertible maybe get an used Miata some day? Running costs/maintenance would be comparatively minimal.
coupes are more valuable than convertibles and M3 coupes are more practical than 911s being more of a sedan shaped coupe than a sports car shaped coupe.
if you need to scratch the itch for a convertible maybe get an used Miata some day? Running costs/maintenance would be comparatively minimal.
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Fined (06-13-2020)
#30
IF you we're NOT buying another car, I'd keep M3, BUT you're buying a coupe sports car, so in this case, it's a no brainer! SELL M3, keep the 330 for open roof and other daily duties, 997 for more sporty drives. Perfect combo!