Dilema: E46 M3 vs. E90 330i

A61 · 04-20-2005, 02:25 PM

Here's my dilema, I've dreamed of the E36 M3 for the longest time. Of course at that time I could not afford one. Now I may have the chance to get into a brand new E46 M3 before they're discontinued. The new E90 is a great car on its own right but it just doesn't have the personality of the M3. When the new E90 M3 comes out I'm sure it will be better/faster than the E46 M3 but to me, the E46 M3 will always be special. I prefer the I-6 vs V-8 configuration. Just something about that silky smooth I-6. practicality, 4-door is probably better but if I do get an M3.. it will be a keeper. something that my son will inherit 15-20 yrs from now.

So what do you guys think should I go for the E46 M3 or get the E90 330? or even wait for the E90 M3?

spikes111 · 04-20-2005, 02:50 PM

That's a tough one.. to get your current dream car or to get a future dream car. Are you the type of person who has to have the newest thing? Will you be ok with owning an older generation 3 series for years to come while you drive alongside the new e90? Best of all words is to wait until the e90 m3, but man that's far off. Have you considered getting an e46 m3 and then upgrading to e90 m3 when it comes out?

bozo5521 · 04-20-2005, 02:56 PM

man, just get the E46 and change your mind if you want. The only problem is, once the E90's are out, the E46's will start to depreciate faster. If you have no (or little) intention on selling the E46 M3, then by all means, go getcha' one. I made sure I got rid of my E46 before the E90's got too popular, and I sold it for 1300 bucks more than I paid for it. Remember, most people always want the newest model if they can afford it. If its an M3 you NEED, get the E46 and drive it for a few years until the E90 M3 comes out and decide then. You still wont lose too much $$$. M3 lovers are hardcore. They WILL pay for the E46 M3 when the time comes for you to sell it.

Fat Sound · 04-20-2005, 03:16 PM

Even though I don't typically like to lease cars, this would be the prime opportunity to utilize a lease product versus traditional finance.
BMW has good 24 and 30 month lease rates that would allow you to buy the car at a reasonable sum at lease end if you still find it to be "the" car for you, or if the E90 M3 is out by then and you find it to be your new dream car you will be able to walk away from the E46 M3 and get in to the E90 M3.

Buying a new E46 M3 at this time would definitely mean taking a huge "old model" hit when the E90 M3 comes out in 2-3 years. If you decide to buy one rather than lease I would search for a clean used car. They are all over the place with less than 15-20,000 miles.

I tried to buy one last week, but just missed it. It was a 2003 w/ 12,000 miles, most options and CPO warranty at $43,000

Regardless of how awesome the E90 M3 may be, the E46 M3 will always be considered one of the best GT cars of all time. They are truly exceptional.

a3ndy · 04-20-2005, 04:01 PM

If I had this dilemma, I would think ahead and head for the E90 330. E90 is now and for the future. Although the E46 M3 is a beautiful machine, I'd be worried that in a few months time when more and more E90s are on the road, the M3, yep even the M3 is going to start looking like second best.

Regardless of how impressive the E46 M3 is, it will undoubtedly become more dated (no offence to M3 owners) this year.

Everything changes with time. I've already been there and suffered the pain with my Audi A3.

Just my opinon though. Each to their own.

E90 for me.

A61 · 04-20-2005, 11:04 PM

Thank you for ALL your replies. I have to say that this forum is AWESOME. I value all your opinions. Thanks again.

kchika · 04-21-2005, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a3ndy

If I had this dilemma, I would think ahead and head for the E90 330. E90 is now and for the future. Although the E46 M3 is a beautiful machine, I'd be worried that in a few months time when more and more E90s are on the road, the M3, yep even the M3 is going to start looking like second best.

Regardless of how impressive the E46 M3 is, it will undoubtedly become more dated (no offence to M3 owners) this year.

Everything changes with time. I've already been there and suffered the pain with my Audi A3.

Just my opinon though. Each to their own.

E90 for me.

My thoughts exactly!

YYdoodle · 04-21-2005, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A61

Thank you for ALL your replies. I have to say that this forum is AWESOME. I value all your opinions. Thanks again.

I say E90 but that's cuz I have to have the latest and newest. But I think maybe leasing an e46 m3 and then trading up to e90 m3 in a 2-3 years might be a good alternative too.

Good luck with your decision and let us know what you decide on! By the way do you ever run your car or plan to run your e46/e90 at the Hockenheim track (is it even open to the public like nurburgring)??

A61 · 04-21-2005, 01:11 PM

Terps, Thursdays are normally open to the public at the Hockenheimring. I don't think my MB C240 would do too well on the track. But, I will probably run my future bimmer on the track while I'm here.

Intuition · 04-21-2005, 01:55 PM

I feel that I am in the exact same predicament.

The E46 M3 is so nice that I can't help but lean towards it.

I've wanted one ever since its introduction.

I've had a Z3 since that time but want to move to the coupe since I do alot of highway driving and the roadster isn't always nice on long drives.

Now the decision for me involves a few factors.

Performance -

Although the e46 M3 is a beast it is also a perfect balance between being a torque monster and a daily driver. It can be both your weekend canyon cruiser or your errand vehicle.

Yet, the engine is high strung and many of the e46 M3's I see have developed the whine that comes from sporty abuse (dropping clutch launches, etc.). It also has an raspy exhaust note that I am/would modify so that it is less invasive since I like a sleeper aproach to sporty drivng. Silently blasting by.

The E46 M3's engine has had a few service updates to fix bearings and failures. The latest models 2004-2005 seem to have fixed these issues. The suspension on the e46 M3 also crys out for Polyurethane bushing upgrades since the stock ones are doomed to fail even under normal wear and tear.

With the e90 you have the first model year curse. Which is that as great as it looks and as great as its performance may very well be, having a first model year car is like being a beta tester.

You get all the latest engine technology which, in the case of the 330i is remarkably close to the e46 M3's power for the price difference. With that new tech comes possible unseen problems.

The e90 suspension on the other hand looks to be an improvement on the e46 in all areas. Aftermarket bushings could only improve on what looks like an already great improvement on stock OEM stuff.

LOOKS -

I have seen the posts on here and other forums saying that the e46 already looks dated. Well I can only agree with that when I look at the 99-2000 model year cars as they have the less dynamic bumpers and the kidney grill looks very plain.

Take an e46 coupe from 2001+ and you still see sleekness that look timeless. The kidney grills, like the M3's are still very nice looking compared to anything thats been put on the front of a car. They are clean elegant lines and are simplistic in design.

I actually prefer the A pillers of the e46 since they flow nicer into the hoodlines then the e90. I luv the e90's look alot but the A pillar and hood cuts are disjointed a little bit. Not enough to take away from teh overall look mind you. But in this area the e46 shines like no other car available except maybe the Audi b6 A4. Very very clean and sleek.

What is really great about the e90 is that its first inception (sedan) is very great looking and if the bumper/body kit market options get as popular ast the e46 had it can onl get alot better then it already is. Also why I am waiting to see the coupe model.

The final comparison here would be to have the ability to see the final e90 M3. I don't think any photoshops have even come close to the dynamic that the e90 m3 will actually look like.

Take the picture of the e46 sedan in the "Already dated" thread and put it next to even the first model year e46 M3. HUUUUGE difference.

The e46 M3 will have a timeless quality more so then any car in the last 8 years in my opinion. I know that the e36 really looks dated to me now though. Yet, when I see a really nice one thats tastefully modded they still look realy current and hot as opposed to a bone stock one which cries out as a car from the 90's.

I like the performance enhancements of the e90 alot and really like the looks. If it didn't have the option to get rid of teh active steering I wouldn't even consider it for a second. It would be an easy choice for teh e46 M3. Thankfully BMW left it as an option and the e90 looks really tasty to my highway driving world.

Its a tough call. I'll wait to see the e90 coupe. That brings me to a question that maybe someone here can answer.

How much longer will BMW offer the e46 M3?

IoT · 04-21-2005, 02:37 PM

Intuition, I totally agree with you regarding the e46 looking old or not. To me, the e46 and e36 don't look "old", just different. Unless it's beatup and just looks neglected, I don't think they look old. Like you said an e36 or e46 that's in great condition, with some tasteful bodykit/wheels still makes my jaw drop. True, I'll look at an e90 and know that it's newer (by age), but that doesn't mean if I then look at an e46 back to back, I'll think "oh that's not so good looking anymore because it's been out for a few years longer". Anyways, good luck and thanks for sharing your dillemma.

I dunno the answer to the M3 production question. Anyone??

Jason · 04-21-2005, 05:26 PM

Both are beautiful.. the E46 doesn't look as fresh as the E90 when side-by-side like the pics below, but it's still a looker (especially the M3).

BMWAustin · 04-21-2005, 09:06 PM

Like above suggestion, I would lease the e46 and then trade up in 3 yrs for new e90 M3....

A61 · 04-22-2005, 12:58 AM

unfortunately, leasing is not an option for me here in Germany. I will be purchasing thru the military sales program.

ShihearKallizad · 04-22-2005, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A61

unfortunately, leasing is not an option for me here in Germany. I will be purchasing thru the military sales program.

That's to bad. What advantages does military sales program have?

A61 · 04-22-2005, 02:21 AM

advantages: $4k below us msrp and TAX FREE!!!

voltron1011 · 04-22-2005, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A61

advantages: $4k below us msrp and TAX FREE!!!

Are you going through Pentagon or Military Car Sales? My baby is being produced June 20th!! I can't wait

One other thing to consider is that the E46 M3s will soon be in the hands of the PAKs (Punk Ars Kids), which will seriously deteriorate the image/quality of that generation of 3. Here in Sindelfingen, all the PAKs currently race around in their E36s thinking they are Michael Schuemacher.

Just something to consider.

bozo5521 · 04-22-2005, 08:49 AM

Do they have used vehicles at you guys' military car dealer? Im buying at the tax free sales in the UK, but they dont do used vehicles here!! :mad:

SoCalS2k · 04-22-2005, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A61

$4k below us msrp and TAX FREE!!!

Military personnel get such good deals on things! I bet auto insurance is also much cheaper for you guys? Do you get the $4,000 discount and tax break on both the e46m3 and e90?

BMWAustin · 04-22-2005, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A61

advantages: $4k below us msrp and TAX FREE!!!

You guys deserve it....enjoy....

bozo5521 · 04-23-2005, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalS2k

Military personnel get such good deals on things! I bet auto insurance is also much cheaper for you guys? Do you get the $4,000 discount and tax break on both the e46m3 and e90?

Yeah, govt officials and military get the diplomat rate, and how much you save depends on what car you get. You can pick up a brand new X5 for 40 grand, with all the bells and whistles. The higher you go, the more you save. The military base price for a 330i no options, is $30,495. And NO we dont save on insurance. Especially in the UK. There are so many Americans thatkill themselves everyday, because they arent used to driving a left hand vehicle on the right side of the road. BANG!

But you get nearly the same savings on ED as well now...

eper3z · 04-23-2005, 10:39 AM

http://autocar.co.uk/news_article.asp?na_id=214768

this discussion is irrelavant now, unless ur not patient

04-20-2005, 02:25 PM	#1
A61 Private 11 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	Dilema: E46 M3 vs. E90 330i Here's my dilema, I've dreamed of the E36 M3 for the longest time. Of course at that time I could not afford one. Now I may have the chance to get into a brand new E46 M3 before they're discontinued. The new E90 is a great car on its own right but it just doesn't have the personality of the M3. When the new E90 M3 comes out I'm sure it will be better/faster than the E46 M3 but to me, the E46 M3 will always be special. I prefer the I-6 vs V-8 configuration. Just something about that silky smooth I-6. practicality, 4-door is probably better but if I do get an M3.. it will be a keeper. something that my son will inherit 15-20 yrs from now. So what do you guys think should I go for the E46 M3 or get the E90 330? or even wait for the E90 M3?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-20-2005, 02:50 PM	#2
spikes111 Lieutenant 288 Rep 432 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	That's a tough one.. to get your current dream car or to get a future dream car. Are you the type of person who has to have the newest thing? Will you be ok with owning an older generation 3 series for years to come while you drive alongside the new e90? Best of all words is to wait until the e90 m3, but man that's far off. Have you considered getting an e46 m3 and then upgrading to e90 m3 when it comes out? __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2005, 02:56 PM	#3
bozo5521 First Lieutenant 17 Rep 336 Posts Drives: '04/E53/X5/3.0/PP Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	man, just get the E46 and change your mind if you want. The only problem is, once the E90's are out, the E46's will start to depreciate faster. If you have no (or little) intention on selling the E46 M3, then by all means, go getcha' one. I made sure I got rid of my E46 before the E90's got too popular, and I sold it for 1300 bucks more than I paid for it. Remember, most people always want the newest model if they can afford it. If its an M3 you NEED, get the E46 and drive it for a few years until the E90 M3 comes out and decide then. You still wont lose too much $$$. M3 lovers are hardcore. They WILL pay for the E46 M3 when the time comes for you to sell it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2005, 03:16 PM	#4
Fat Sound Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2005 iTrader: (0)	Even though I don't typically like to lease cars, this would be the prime opportunity to utilize a lease product versus traditional finance. BMW has good 24 and 30 month lease rates that would allow you to buy the car at a reasonable sum at lease end if you still find it to be "the" car for you, or if the E90 M3 is out by then and you find it to be your new dream car you will be able to walk away from the E46 M3 and get in to the E90 M3. Buying a new E46 M3 at this time would definitely mean taking a huge "old model" hit when the E90 M3 comes out in 2-3 years. If you decide to buy one rather than lease I would search for a clean used car. They are all over the place with less than 15-20,000 miles. I tried to buy one last week, but just missed it. It was a 2003 w/ 12,000 miles, most options and CPO warranty at $43,000 Regardless of how awesome the E90 M3 may be, the E46 M3 will always be considered one of the best GT cars of all time. They are truly exceptional.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2005, 04:01 PM	#5
a3ndy Banned 229 Rep 260 Posts Drives: E90 330i SE Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i SE [0.00]	If I had this dilemma, I would think ahead and head for the E90 330. E90 is now and for the future. Although the E46 M3 is a beautiful machine, I'd be worried that in a few months time when more and more E90s are on the road, the M3, yep even the M3 is going to start looking like second best. Regardless of how impressive the E46 M3 is, it will undoubtedly become more dated (no offence to M3 owners) this year. Everything changes with time. I've already been there and suffered the pain with my Audi A3. Just my opinon though. Each to their own. E90 for me.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2005, 11:04 PM	#6
A61 Private 11 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	Thank you for ALL your replies. I have to say that this forum is AWESOME. I value all your opinions. Thanks again.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-21-2005, 01:11 PM	#9
A61 Private 11 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	Terps, Thursdays are normally open to the public at the Hockenheimring. I don't think my MB C240 would do too well on the track. But, I will probably run my future bimmer on the track while I'm here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-21-2005, 01:55 PM	#10
Intuition Private First Class 11 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 2012 128i AW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Marina Del Rey iTrader: (0)	Good Question I feel that I am in the exact same predicament. The E46 M3 is so nice that I can't help but lean towards it. I've wanted one ever since its introduction. I've had a Z3 since that time but want to move to the coupe since I do alot of highway driving and the roadster isn't always nice on long drives. Now the decision for me involves a few factors. Performance - Although the e46 M3 is a beast it is also a perfect balance between being a torque monster and a daily driver. It can be both your weekend canyon cruiser or your errand vehicle. Yet, the engine is high strung and many of the e46 M3's I see have developed the whine that comes from sporty abuse (dropping clutch launches, etc.). It also has an raspy exhaust note that I am/would modify so that it is less invasive since I like a sleeper aproach to sporty drivng. Silently blasting by. The E46 M3's engine has had a few service updates to fix bearings and failures. The latest models 2004-2005 seem to have fixed these issues. The suspension on the e46 M3 also crys out for Polyurethane bushing upgrades since the stock ones are doomed to fail even under normal wear and tear. With the e90 you have the first model year curse. Which is that as great as it looks and as great as its performance may very well be, having a first model year car is like being a beta tester. You get all the latest engine technology which, in the case of the 330i is remarkably close to the e46 M3's power for the price difference. With that new tech comes possible unseen problems. The e90 suspension on the other hand looks to be an improvement on the e46 in all areas. Aftermarket bushings could only improve on what looks like an already great improvement on stock OEM stuff. LOOKS - I have seen the posts on here and other forums saying that the e46 already looks dated. Well I can only agree with that when I look at the 99-2000 model year cars as they have the less dynamic bumpers and the kidney grill looks very plain. Take an e46 coupe from 2001+ and you still see sleekness that look timeless. The kidney grills, like the M3's are still very nice looking compared to anything thats been put on the front of a car. They are clean elegant lines and are simplistic in design. I actually prefer the A pillers of the e46 since they flow nicer into the hoodlines then the e90. I luv the e90's look alot but the A pillar and hood cuts are disjointed a little bit. Not enough to take away from teh overall look mind you. But in this area the e46 shines like no other car available except maybe the Audi b6 A4. Very very clean and sleek. What is really great about the e90 is that its first inception (sedan) is very great looking and if the bumper/body kit market options get as popular ast the e46 had it can onl get alot better then it already is. Also why I am waiting to see the coupe model. The final comparison here would be to have the ability to see the final e90 M3. I don't think any photoshops have even come close to the dynamic that the e90 m3 will actually look like. Take the picture of the e46 sedan in the "Already dated" thread and put it next to even the first model year e46 M3. HUUUUGE difference. The e46 M3 will have a timeless quality more so then any car in the last 8 years in my opinion. I know that the e36 really looks dated to me now though. Yet, when I see a really nice one thats tastefully modded they still look realy current and hot as opposed to a bone stock one which cries out as a car from the 90's. I like the performance enhancements of the e90 alot and really like the looks. If it didn't have the option to get rid of teh active steering I wouldn't even consider it for a second. It would be an easy choice for teh e46 M3. Thankfully BMW left it as an option and the e90 looks really tasty to my highway driving world. Its a tough call. I'll wait to see the e90 coupe. That brings me to a question that maybe someone here can answer. How much longer will BMW offer the e46 M3?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-21-2005, 02:37 PM	#11
IoT Private 11 Rep 53 Posts Drives: E46 ZHP Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Home of the Red Sox! iTrader: (0)	Intuition, I totally agree with you regarding the e46 looking old or not. To me, the e46 and e36 don't look "old", just different. Unless it's beatup and just looks neglected, I don't think they look old. Like you said an e36 or e46 that's in great condition, with some tasteful bodykit/wheels still makes my jaw drop. True, I'll look at an e90 and know that it's newer (by age), but that doesn't mean if I then look at an e46 back to back, I'll think "oh that's not so good looking anymore because it's been out for a few years longer". Anyways, good luck and thanks for sharing your dillemma. I dunno the answer to the M3 production question. Anyone??
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-21-2005, 05:26 PM	#12
Jason Administrator 40700 Rep 21,238 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Both are beautiful.. the E46 doesn't look as fresh as the E90 when side-by-side like the pics below, but it's still a looker (especially the M3).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-21-2005, 09:06 PM	#13
BMWAustin Private First Class 3 Rep 135 Posts Drives: e90 330i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Like above suggestion, I would lease the e46 and then trade up in 3 yrs for new e90 M3....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-22-2005, 12:58 AM	#14
A61 Private 11 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	unfortunately, leasing is not an option for me here in Germany. I will be purchasing thru the military sales program.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-22-2005, 02:21 AM	#16
A61 Private 11 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	advantages: $4k below us msrp and TAX FREE!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-22-2005, 08:49 AM	#18
bozo5521 First Lieutenant 17 Rep 336 Posts Drives: '04/E53/X5/3.0/PP Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Do they have used vehicles at you guys' military car dealer? Im buying at the tax free sales in the UK, but they dont do used vehicles here!! :mad:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2005, 10:39 AM	#22
eper3z New Member 3 Rep 17 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2005 iTrader: (0)	http://autocar.co.uk/news_article.asp?na_id=214768 this discussion is irrelavant now, unless ur not patient
	Appreciate 0 Quote