OT- BMW E36 vs. E46 'Vert

[fourflys]

OK, so it seems there are a lot of BMWphiles on here...

I'm looking at convertibles because I live in SoCal and need one! :D

I need a 4 seater and was looking at the BMW 3 series. I'm swayed by the looks of the E46, but don't mind the late model E36 either... I've been seeing a lot of '99 M3's for sale, just not sure if they are a money pit or not...

My max to spend is around $15k, so is there one that has less issues overall then the other generally speaking?

Speak to me people! :D

Thanks! :banana:

[goonster]

I'd get an E46 330ci cab because

1. "M3 convertible" is an oxymoron, imho
2. Ownership is cheaper

[witcombusa]

I've got a 2002 330ci (not a convertible). She's been a good car without any big surprises (yet?) 85k. I also had an E36 before it. It too was a good reliable car. The M3 would not be the way to go for a daily driver street use only car imho. You will pay a big premium for the convertible, especially in SoCal. I would personally go with and enjoy the sunroof in the coupe. Look over the maintanence records and perhaps consider having the car inspected by a BMW specialist before the purchase.

[Ken Robb]

call me-I'm in the book.

[fourflys]

Thanks Ken, I was hoping you'd post... I know your other love is cars.... I'll find your #, although I don't think I have a phone book...

Chris

[Ken Robb]

455-7701

[eddief]

if you are used to softer american or japanese cars, a bmw can be way different. i had an e46 330i for a very short period of time. the manual trans and the very firm suspension were not practical for my mostly in city driving on crappy city streets in stop and go a lot of the time.

i know nobody said bimmers were practical. i'm just saying make sure your weenie is not getting in the way of practical decision making.

[eddief]

if you are used to softer american or japanese cars, a bmw can be way different. i had an e46 330i for a very short period of time. the manual trans and the very firm suspension were not practical for my mostly in city driving on crappy city streets in stop and go a lot of the time.

i know nobody said bimmers were practical. i'm just saying make sure your weenie is not getting in the way of practical decision making.

don't forget to wear a hat.

[majl]

I used to own a '99 E36 M3 convertible. Great car. Whole lotta fun to drive. :banana: Not as stiff as the coupe or sedan though and I would notice the flex under hard cornering.

Bought it used with low miles on it (about 20k as I recall) but sold it after 10k more miles two years later. Why? Got tired of dumping money into it. Had a fair number of electrical problems, and then just before I got ready to sell it, the tensioners in the top failed (a common problem) and I was compelled to get them fixed prior to sale. Set me back about $1200 I think.

Bottom line - if you have the cash and don't mind spending money to keep it in shape, then go for it. It's a blast to drive and E36 M3 convertibles are not a car you see everyday.

[Tonger]

FF,

3 words - glass back window

Life is too short to mess with a plastic back window - distorted view, hazing, no defroster, and shorter lifespan. If you can swing it, I'd get the e46 for this reason alone...

Tonger

[ti_boi]

Any time you buy a used BMW, the CPO warranty is something to consider.
With 15k to spend you could perhaps finance the rest. I am not a believer in dumping cash into cars though. I prefer to look at them as a fixed cost of transport.

These cars are wonderful machines and yes I think the M is worth every penny. But you do not want to pay out of pocket to fix these. A new head on my e90 330 cost $7k to replace and the car had 17k miles. Things break. The good news is that they are addictive cars. You will love the handling and the sound that inline 6 makes. I usually just turn off the stereo and listen to the note of the exhaust. *sigh*

[grateful]

I have a 99 M3 Vert (E36) with 105k and absolutely recommend it to anyone. While it does require a bit of upkeep the major components are bulletproof. Also, if you enjoy learning about bicycles then bimmerforums is the same for BMW's.

[hokoman]

the s52 motor of the e36 m3 is bulletproof. electrical sucks on bimmers, but it's something that i have been pretty lucky with, and wouldn't mind shelling out money for when the time comes (i have an m coupe - z3 hatchback). i have been thinking about a convertible for a long time, i just need to figure out a career choice and job before i do anything else with my finances!

[fourflys]

Good info all, thanks! I'm pretty sure I'll go with the E46, I just like the looks better...

As far as what I drive now, it's a 2004 Accord Coupe V6.

I'm not getting a Bimmer for my weenie, as someone suggested... My previous car before the baby was born (hence the need for 4 seats) was a autocross prepped Miata, so I think I'm pretty secure in my manhood... :D

Chris

BTW- going to look at a Serotta Concours today... could be a Serotta owner tonight! ;)

[Ken Robb]

Carl Nelson-LJ Independent BMW Svc. 858-488-1555 for pre-purchase inspection and all-round BMW smarts.

[fourflys]

thanks Ken and I really appreciate the chat today! BTW- I ended buying the Concours... so I'm officially a Serotta owner!

Chris

[Ken Robb]

we need pix and specs of your Serotta ASAP. :beer: