I have been thinking of selling my e39 528i and e90 335i to buy a m3 car. I have seen some e36 m3 for pretty cheap. Is it worth it to buy an e36 in 2023? I know they are slow but I just want a car I can beat on and not care. My n54 335 is very capable but I am worried it’s a car that would leave me stranded eventually at almost 210k km. The e39 I simply don’t use maybe I will keep it as a winter beater.
Or is it better to save some more and buy a well sorted e46 m3, e9x m3, e39 m5, e60? Porsche??? I am getting ahead of myself idk what I want at this point lol
Save up and a well-sorted E46 M3. Those are going to explode in value over the next 10 years
E36 is more fun to drive
Is it? As an owner of a e46 m3, it sounds like I need to get my hands on a e36 m3 version
You do you its slower but feels quite a bit lighter and more raw
I’ve owned a E36 and I think you’ll be a bit underwhelmed coming from a E46. The S54 is a much more special motor than the S50/52. Not only that but the steering rack on the E36 is notoriously slow and the suspension (stock) is super soft so it’s kinda like piloting a boat in the corners - Tons of wheel turning with the body rocking side to side haha. I loved my e36 but I think the e9x is a better buy for a better car.
Probably easier and better to just buy a new GR86. I have a 03 5MT E46 330Ci that is just a $5,000 3,000 mile a year fun car and that was a bitch to find. I probably have already too much money into it. I’ve been looking at the spec E46 racing series and to buy the modifications to make it a racecar costs ~25k. Not including installing parts, welding in the cage and chassis support, and gutting the interior. At VIRingia International Raceway the SpecE46 class laps about the same pace as a GR86 Cup Car. (The SpecE46 class is faster than all the E36 spec classes) Putting $3,000 suspension on a 30 year old car and shit like that is just plain dumb to a layman. I’d buy a new Toyota GR86.
25k? Can I know in what? I know You can easily spend 3k in suspensión. Another 3k for LSD…but what else? OP a manual 128i would be good too, there are some builds in the 1 addicts forum.
Where are you located?
well in america theyre basically just a 330i
I owned an e36 M3 and I say that it’s not unless you’re nostalgic, have a FOMO, or love the design. I personally love the interior and exterior design of the e36 coupe, but would rather spend more on an e46 M3 or preferably an e9X. E39 M5 would be cool (not sure if that’s the M5 you meant).
I have a nice e36 m3 and it’s a pain in the ass to upkeep sometimes(when things go wrong) but it’s a true joy to drive and I’d say it’s worth it if you can find one for 15k or less