washed down the M3 engine today, sweet as a nut it is, it's missing two thing's though, anyone guess what they are?

 

 

Agreed, the E36 is a much better looking car too.

 

I agree!!!

never been a lover of the E36 TBH

i think there a bit quicker to! well mine was when i raced an E46

i think there a bit quicker to! well mine was when i raced an E46

 

I believe the E46 is faster, better handling and more refined. The E36 is perhaps a rawer driving experience, but if that's what is wanted I would go for the E30 M3 instead, or a E46 M3 CSL.

 

I find the E36 looks dated these days.

 

Im far more a fan of the M5, but can appreciate why the M3 is a popular choice.

Edited September 17, 201114 yr by Yowser

E46 M3 is quicker than both an E36 M3/evo assuming all are standard and healthy and the same driver.

 

I totally agree with you Stellaz, its exactly why I sold my M3 and ended back in a zed again. The M3 any of them are far better cars on paper, almost as fast (well quicker stock for stock), easily handle as well is a far more comfortable, reliable, economical and easier car to live with. But there just isnt the passion, the fun somehow. This is EXACTLY what I found with m E36 M3 Evo, a wonderful car Infact all the car you ever needed if you drove it every day. 321bhp for the weekends, and 35mpg on a run without a fuss in the week.

 

Problem is I drive a boring van every day of the week for 700-1000 miles or so. I didnt want to have to work a car hard at the weekends just to enjoy it, the zed feels special at 20mph. The transmission shunt, its so low, noisy and harsh. Seems so raw compared to modern stuff!

I believe the E46 is faster, better handling and more refined. The E36 is perhaps a rawer driving experience, but if that's what is wanted I would go for the E30 M3 instead, or a E46 M3 CSL.

 

I find the E36 looks dated these days.

 

Im far more a fan of the M5, but can appreciate why the M3 is a popular choice.

 

I concurr mr Yowser,

 

Was looking at E39 M5's just the other day. For what I spent on my engine rebuild I could have bought a M5 with about 100k+ on the clock. Puts things into perspective doesn't it. I know the running costs would be just as high and the car would probably need 2 grand throwing at it over 12 months, but a 400 bhp V8 is proper cool. I was at a track day recently where an M5 rocked up with a sports exhaust - you could hear it from the other side of the paddock.. Awesome bit of kit. Even the V10 M5 is becoming affordable now - about 17k for a cheap un (not affordable to me, but maybe some others on this site!). I don't think we'll ever see another car like that.

 

In the end, I think I'm happy I stuck it out with the zed - but if you're a petrol head, then its highly likely you'll be tempted by one of Munich's finest at some point.

i think the jap cars get a lot more attention than the germans! I get a lot more looks and comments in the zed than i ever did in the M3 although it was a lot of fun to drive i think the zed has the edge, well that is when its running! :lol:

M3's ahhhhhhhhhhhhh my weak point, had three myself loooooooooooooove them next one will be the E92 M3. currently looking TBH. Drove one a few weeks ago and loved it, the E36 M3 evo i had was FAST and POWERFUL, didnt dyno it, but had full exhaust shrink cams and full group N airbox and chip lightened flywheel, and lightweight wheels. estimate about 350hp but was faster then a friends E46 M3.. from what i remeber a guy on the old E36 M3 forum used to make 12.7 1/4 passes on his which was slightly higher specced and stripped...

again over 350 miles to a tank and was an amazing machine.

but the E46.... gorgeous powerful fast, classy. and so masculine looking :-)