[Ghost170]

E46 m3 is a great car, great in handling and performance. It's because it's an M. But keep in mind of all factors, a great high strung car= you must maintain it all the time or it will break down quickly and it can be costly. I've owned a e36 m3, great fun car, but had to maintain it alot. The dynamics of an M car is more aggressive than a normal model, so must take closer care of it. 335i would probably last much longer than an e92 M if you don't take care of it. If you have time and money, go for the M! But be patient and do your research.

[chris_1001]

Originally Posted by Ghost170

E46 m3 is a great car, great in handling and performance. It's because it's an M. But keep in mind of all factors, a great high strung car= you must maintain it all the time or it will break down quickly and it can be costly. I've owned a e36 m3, great fun car, but had to maintain it alot. The dynamics of an M car is more aggressive than a normal model, so must take closer care of it. 335i would probably last much longer than an e92 M if you don't take care of it. If you have time and money, go for the M! But be patient and do your research.

So what would be the typical M3 maintenance? I can do a lot of work myself, just prefer not to "have" to work on it...

[Ghost170]

A great site that tells you what you need to do for maintenance is through brracing. But mainly however miles you have, basic replacement is bushings, some engine components, may have to replace radiator, fluids, etc. Somethings can be a pain to replace, esp the bushings. I've worked on m3, m5, 335i. Somethings are just a pain in the ass, and I would bring to a shop. E46 m3 has similar part maintenance as an e36 m3. I got rid of it to get a 335i. The strain was just too much on the e36 M for my daily drive. I was going to opt for an e46 m3, but decided that it be more cost effective to get a 335i(plus under warranty up 100k), and I love it! Like I said before, do the research before you jump into it. If you would like a low maintenance car, then japanese would be the way to go(used work on and own some). Thanks.

[Ghost170]

You know what, if you want to know what is involved in owning an E46 m3, call BRRacing at 408-356-1515, ask for Bruce or Robb. You can even email the owner Bruce at brracing@gmail.com. They are very helpful and quick to respond and have mutiple tuned E46 m3 and race them as well. Thanks.

-Andy

[epbrown]

I've heard nothing good about maintaining a 7-series. The E46 M3 isn't that bad, especially considering its performance. Personally, I like the E60 5-series and the gas price scare lowered the prices on the early ones quite a bit. You might also consider the 135i, if you don't mind the looks.

[darkphantom]

dude..........E46 M3 ftmfw! you'll have the older years to drive a 7......! www.m3forum.net very helpful

[EZ_TUR90]

Originally Posted by ///Mantis

add 3 + 7 = 10, divide by 2 = 5. get a 5 series

GET A 5

[c0nstant]

get an e39 m5

more: http://e39.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156325

[ChrisV]

Originally Posted by chris_1001

Probably the newest one (7 Series) I can afford with reasonably low mi. <50K

I like the e38 versions with the sport pkg. I just figure it will cost a lot (repairs/maint.) and low mi ones would be hard to find.

I figure the 7's would be a bargain buy vs the others.

E38s are not that bad to maintain. IF you know how to DIY. Like all cars, if you have to have it maintained/repaired at a dealer, you'll be out big dollars.

Mine has cost me about $600 in repairs over the last year and 9 months since I got it.

And I don't count mods in the cost...

[chris_1001]

Originally Posted by ChrisV

E38s are not that bad to maintain. IF you know how to DIY. Like all cars, if you have to have it maintained/repaired at a dealer, you'll be out big dollars.

Mine has cost me about $600 in repairs over the last year and 9 months since I got it.

And I don't count mods in the cost...

Awesome looking 7!!! I do love the looks of the E38's...

I did look a bit harder at the 5's.

I'm still not 100% sure, but I still have time... I appreciate the thoughts!!!!