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#1. Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? - from Shelhart2@aol.com
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Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 18:21:27 EDT From: Shelhart2@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? I'm not sure if the boost is all you're smelling :) If you want to spend the additional coin I guess it's ok but you'll still have a $20k car... The mods I've done to the E46 have actually settled it down a bit for me. Bring your M3 down to Sebring and we'll test 'em out... Shel
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#2. Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? - from Kent Shephard
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Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 16:27:38 -0700 From: Kent Shephard <Kents@kls-consulting.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? Hi all, This is an interesting comparison especially since my last car was an E30. The same things people say about the E36 compared to the E46 are the same things I say about the E30 to E36 comparison. The later car is heavier, less responsive stock, better engine.............. When I drove the E36 for the first time, after immediately getting out of my E30; I thought what a heavy, unresponsive car. YMMV . I think comparing the two will get you no place but confused. Although they all carry the M3 badge, they are all very different. Each generation adds more to the car in terms of luxury but removes some of the visceral feel. The E30 is a race car with a plate. It was purpose designed with a unique engine that for it's time and even now is one hell of a car. That being said, it lacks in the comfort category. The stock suspension was harsh and with sport shocks, runs like it's on rails. The E36 can be made to handle but, it will never have the response, both in steering and in throttle that the E30 has. It was a fun car. The E36 is an advance in comfort and refinement. It takes luxury up a notch but gives up some of the race car feel. It's fun to drive and has more torque at 2500 RPM than the E30 has at peak, but the E30 just felt more balanced and raw. The E46 is another notch up into luxury muscle/supercar. It's got a great engine, air bags and all the goodies, but it more detached from the road than the E36 and very far from an E30. That being said it's not bad, just different. The decision is this. Do you dump money into an E36 (7+ years old) that you will never get back? OR Do you take the E36 and some cash and get an E46 and get out of the box horse power that E36 owners aspire to have? You get a newer, refined car in the process. I chose the E36 route vs dumping money into my E30. I miss the car but not the headache of having an "old" car. At some point I'll trade my E36 for a newer M3 but not yet. I think I'll wait for a V8. The cars are different. So different that a head to head is not fair. Kent Shephard kents@kshephard.com On Jul 5, 2006, at 2:56 PM, Gary wrote: > Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 16:47:31 -0500 > From: "Gary" <probikeguy@probikeusa.com> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? > > I'll stick with my E36 M3...add turbocharging, killer suspension, > and some stoptech brakes. > I think my 95 M3 3.2 turbo, hot rod suspenders, big honking > brakes..etc etc.. will be fairly potent on the track ;-) > > Guess we will see in a month or so! Once I get it finished and > tuned, engine, and suspension. Then its time from some track > testing. I can't wait to pass a few fast P cars, and Z06's! > > The E46 is a nice car but the dash looks HUGE compared to my 95. > Hell the whole car felt huge in comparison to my 95...It felt much > like my 87 535 in raw size and weight. > > Gary > Smelling boost.... > > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Zack Steinkamp" > <thenobot@yahoo.com> > To: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> > Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 4:26 PM > Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? > > >> Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 14:24:15 -0700 (PDT) >> From: Zack Steinkamp <thenobot@yahoo.com> >> Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? >> >> Jason -- >> >> I sold my 1998 E36 Sedan and purchased a 2005 E46 Coupe a year ago. >> The E36 had H&R coilovers, RD Sport swaybars, and 17x9 RGRs all >> around, >> so balance of the stock (brand new) E46 car was a bit >> disappointing in >> stock form. However, a call to Ground Control for their "Street/ >> Track" >> coilover/camber plate kit + front swaybar and a few hours of work >> fixed >> that right up ;-). >> >> E36 Advantages: >> - lighter >> - sexier engine noise (subjective) >> - more responsive handling vs. stock E46 >> - cheaper >> - less of a guilty feeling when flogging it on the track (see above) >> - better autocross car (lighter, narrower) >> >> E46 Advantages: >> - absolutely magnificent engine >> - 6 speed tranny with a real overdrive gear >> - "M-Track Mode" on Competition Package cars (2005+) is actually >> great >> on the track -- not intrusive, but there when you need it >> - Luxury/Convenience (nav, bluetooth, adjustable width seats, etc) >> - safer (a decade of engineering + airbags galore) >> >> For track days I have a set of 18x9 OEM wheels (four rears) that >> really >> make the handling come alive, especially combined with the suspension >> upgrades. >> >> I have not regretted the move. The E46 car is wonderful. I look >> forward to driving it whenever I can. I consider mine the Ultimate >> Daily Driver, Grocery Hauler, Track Moster Compromise Machine. >> >> -zs >> >> --- Jason Olin <jtolin64@yahoo.com> wrote: >> >>> Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 10:25:29 -0700 (PDT) >>> From: Jason Olin <jtolin64@yahoo.com> >>> Subject: e36 v e46 M3; opinions? >>> >>> I'm thinking of selling my 97 M3, and want to see how you folks >>> would >>> contrast an e36 M3v an e46 M3 as a daily driver . I plan to go test >>> drive one, but want to hear from those of you who have more >>> experience than I would get from a 20 minute test drive. My M3 >>> really is a lot of fun (compared to a Mini Cooper S, Saab 9-3, >>> c320). >>> Is the added HP more fun...or hard to control? Is the steering as >>> light? Does the car feel as tossable? Is the gearbox as mushy? >>> Has >>> anyone switched to an e46 and said, "why did I do this?" I recall >>> someone writing a few years back that they disliked the M5 >>> because it >>> didn't seem as much fun as the M3, so I'm curious. I'd probably go >>> for a 2003-2004 model. >>> >>> Thanks, >>> >>> Jason >>> >>> 98K mi; coupe, Koni suspension, Sharked software and intake >>> >>> >>> ************************************************* >>> Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: >>> >>> Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com >>> Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com >>> Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com >>> Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com >>> Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com >>> Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com >>> >>> DIGEST INFORMATION: >>> http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm >>> ************************************************* >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> ************************************************* >> Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: >> >> Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com >> Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com >> Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com >> Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com >> Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com >> Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com >> >> DIGEST INFORMATION: >> http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm >> ************************************************* >> >> > > > > > ************************************************* > Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: > > Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com > Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com > Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com > Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com > Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com > Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com > > DIGEST INFORMATION: > http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > ************************************************* > >
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#3. Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? - from Gary
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Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 18:34:18 -0500 From: "Gary" <probikeguy@probikeusa.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? I may be coming to Sebring later this year with the car after I get it sorted out. 350-370whp, 3200lbs, race suspension, 18x10.5 wheels(on way). I'm pretty confident I can dust most E46 M3's... BLUE TOOTH!! HAAA !!! I even pulled the On board computer out and put gauges in the hole...Since I was getting like 35mpg and it was always -37 degree's outside.... No back seat....but I have a sub woofer...Gotta make compromises somewhere! Roll bar(soon to be cage), AC and stereo! Gary Yes, smelling boost... It will be fast or, "she blowd up real goooood!" ----- Original Message ----- From: Shelhart2@aol.com To: probikeguy@probikeusa.com ; e36m3@bmw-m.net Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 5:21 PM Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? I'm not sure if the boost is all you're smelling :) If you want to spend the additional coin I guess it's ok but you'll still have a $20k car... The mods I've done to the E46 have actually settled it down a bit for me. Bring your M3 down to Sebring and we'll test 'em out... Shel
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#4. Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? - from Gary
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Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 18:41:18 -0500 From: "Gary" <probikeguy@probikeusa.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? Yes, dump truck loads of money...or small loads over a long span of time=one dump truck... I collect crap then put it on my car...I like to call it the "squirrel concept" put all the nuts away until you have all the nuts (toys) then put them on all at one time...makes for a huge change in the car! And the cost is spread out over longer time, not just one load ;-) And you can hide it from the family accountant...... easier to hide a shovel than a dump truck :-) Gary ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kent Shephard" <Kents@kls-consulting.com> To: "Gary" <probikeguy@probikeusa.com> Cc: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 6:27 PM Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? > Hi all, > > This is an interesting comparison especially since my last car was an > E30. > The same things people say about the E36 compared to the E46 are the same > things I say about the E30 to E36 comparison. > The later car is heavier, less responsive stock, better > engine.............. > When I drove the E36 for the first time, after immediately getting out of > my E30; I thought what a heavy, unresponsive car. YMMV . > > I think comparing the two will get you no place but confused. Although > they all carry the M3 badge, they are all very different. > Each generation adds more to the car in terms of luxury but removes some > of the visceral feel. > The E30 is a race car with a plate. It was purpose designed with a unique > engine that for it's time and even now is one hell of a car. > That being said, it lacks in the comfort category. The stock suspension > was harsh and with sport shocks, runs like it's on rails. > > The E36 can be made to handle but, it will never have the response, both > in steering and in throttle that the E30 has. It was a fun car. > The E36 is an advance in comfort and refinement. It takes luxury up a > notch but gives up some of the race car feel. It's fun to drive > and has more torque at 2500 RPM than the E30 has at peak, but the E30 > just felt more balanced and raw. > The E46 is another notch up into luxury muscle/supercar. It's got a great > engine, air bags and all the goodies, but it more detached from > the road than the E36 and very far from an E30. That being said it's not > bad, just different. > > The decision is this. Do you dump money into an E36 (7+ years old) that > you will never get back? OR > Do you take the E36 and some cash and get an E46 and get out of the box > horse power that E36 owners aspire to have? > You get a newer, refined car in the process. > > I chose the E36 route vs dumping money into my E30. > I miss the car but not the headache of having an "old" car. > At some point I'll trade my E36 for a newer M3 but not yet. I think I'll > wait for a V8. > > The cars are different. So different that a head to head is not fair. > > > Kent Shephard > kents@kshephard.com > > > > On Jul 5, 2006, at 2:56 PM, Gary wrote: > >> Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 16:47:31 -0500 >> From: "Gary" <probikeguy@probikeusa.com> >> Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? >> >> I'll stick with my E36 M3...add turbocharging, killer suspension, and >> some stoptech brakes. >> I think my 95 M3 3.2 turbo, hot rod suspenders, big honking brakes..etc >> etc.. will be fairly potent on the track ;-) >> >> Guess we will see in a month or so! Once I get it finished and tuned, >> engine, and suspension. Then its time from some track testing. I can't >> wait to pass a few fast P cars, and Z06's! >> >> The E46 is a nice car but the dash looks HUGE compared to my 95. Hell >> the whole car felt huge in comparison to my 95...It felt much like my 87 >> 535 in raw size and weight. >> >> Gary >> Smelling boost.... >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Zack Steinkamp" <thenobot@yahoo.com> >> To: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> >> Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 4:26 PM >> Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? >> >> >>> Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 14:24:15 -0700 (PDT) >>> From: Zack Steinkamp <thenobot@yahoo.com> >>> Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? >>> >>> Jason -- >>> >>> I sold my 1998 E36 Sedan and purchased a 2005 E46 Coupe a year ago. >>> The E36 had H&R coilovers, RD Sport swaybars, and 17x9 RGRs all around, >>> so balance of the stock (brand new) E46 car was a bit disappointing in >>> stock form. However, a call to Ground Control for their "Street/ Track" >>> coilover/camber plate kit + front swaybar and a few hours of work fixed >>> that right up ;-). >>> >>> E36 Advantages: >>> - lighter >>> - sexier engine noise (subjective) >>> - more responsive handling vs. stock E46 >>> - cheaper >>> - less of a guilty feeling when flogging it on the track (see above) >>> - better autocross car (lighter, narrower) >>> >>> E46 Advantages: >>> - absolutely magnificent engine >>> - 6 speed tranny with a real overdrive gear >>> - "M-Track Mode" on Competition Package cars (2005+) is actually great >>> on the track -- not intrusive, but there when you need it >>> - Luxury/Convenience (nav, bluetooth, adjustable width seats, etc) >>> - safer (a decade of engineering + airbags galore) >>> >>> For track days I have a set of 18x9 OEM wheels (four rears) that really >>> make the handling come alive, especially combined with the suspension >>> upgrades. >>> >>> I have not regretted the move. The E46 car is wonderful. I look >>> forward to driving it whenever I can. I consider mine the Ultimate >>> Daily Driver, Grocery Hauler, Track Moster Compromise Machine. >>> >>> -zs >>> >>> --- Jason Olin <jtolin64@yahoo.com> wrote: >>> >>>> Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 10:25:29 -0700 (PDT) >>>> From: Jason Olin <jtolin64@yahoo.com> >>>> Subject: e36 v e46 M3; opinions? >>>> >>>> I'm thinking of selling my 97 M3, and want to see how you folks would >>>> contrast an e36 M3v an e46 M3 as a daily driver . I plan to go test >>>> drive one, but want to hear from those of you who have more >>>> experience than I would get from a 20 minute test drive. My M3 >>>> really is a lot of fun (compared to a Mini Cooper S, Saab 9-3, c320). >>>> Is the added HP more fun...or hard to control? Is the steering as >>>> light? Does the car feel as tossable? Is the gearbox as mushy? Has >>>> anyone switched to an e46 and said, "why did I do this?" I recall >>>> someone writing a few years back that they disliked the M5 because it >>>> didn't seem as much fun as the M3, so I'm curious. I'd probably go >>>> for a 2003-2004 model. >>>> >>>> Thanks, >>>> >>>> Jason >>>> >>>> 98K mi; coupe, Koni suspension, Sharked software and intake >>>> >>>> >>>> ************************************************* >>>> Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: >>>> >>>> Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com >>>> Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com >>>> Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com >>>> Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com >>>> Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com >>>> Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com >>>> >>>> DIGEST INFORMATION: >>>> http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm >>>> ************************************************* >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ************************************************* >>> Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: >>> >>> Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com >>> Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com >>> Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com >>> Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com >>> Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com >>> Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com >>> >>> DIGEST INFORMATION: >>> http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm >>> ************************************************* >>> >>> >> >> >> >> >> ************************************************* >> Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: >> >> Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com >> Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com >> Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com >> Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com >> Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com >> Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com >> >> DIGEST INFORMATION: >> http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm >> ************************************************* >> >> > >
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#5. RE: e36 v e46 M3; opinions? - from Don Eilenberger
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Date: Wed, 05 Jul 2006 21:07:26 -0400 From: Don Eilenberger <deilenberger@verizon.net> Subject: RE: e36 v e46 M3; opinions? Jason asked: >> I'm thinking of selling my 97 M3, and want to see how you folks would >> contrast an e36 M3v an e46 M3 as a daily driver . I plan to go test >> drive one, but want to hear from those of you who have more >> experience than I would get from a 20 minute test drive. My M3 >> really is a lot of fun (compared to a Mini Cooper S, Saab 9-3, c320). >> Is the added HP more fun...or hard to control? Is the steering as >> light? Does the car feel as tossable? Is the gearbox as mushy? Has >> anyone switched to an e46 and said, "why did I do this?" I recall >> someone writing a few years back that they disliked the M5 because it >> didn't seem as much fun as the M3, so I'm curious. I'd probably go >> for a 2003-2004 model. >> >> Thanks, >> >> Jason I went from a '98 M3C/5-speed with fairly fresh suspension to an '02 M3C/6-speed, stock suspension. Would I go back? No way. The E36 convertible always felt flexible to me.. compared to the E36, the E46 feels like a single block of steel, no hinge in the middle feel. The engine is also just wonderful and capable of getting anyone in a lot of trouble easily. The interior fit and finish is a world better than the E36 (no sagging glovebox door) and the car is quieter. The seats are nice (adjustable lumbar) - but comfort is about on a par with the E36 seats. HVAC system is comparable, and the premium HK sound system wupps'ass compared to the HK that came stock in the E36 (which can be easily improved with a CD43.) I don't find the E46 heavy feeling or ponderous. It is more car than the E36 - doesn't have the go-cart feel of the E36 that made things like lane changes such a treat, but overall handling is as good or better, grip is certainly there and I find it a hoot to drive - especially with the top down. No regrets - and don't see myself going back to the E36.. unless it was mebbe an Z3-M-Coupe with the S54 engine.. I really enjoyed the E36/M3 - and am enjoying the E46 too. Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ JMP#1, PSJ, SquidBOOF#1 deilenberger@verizon.net NJ Shore BMW Riders web page: http://www.njsbmwr.org/ Moderator BMW E39 Enthusiast Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bmwe39 ==================================================================== "Argue with an idiot and he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience" - Dilbert "The difference between intelligence and stupidity is - there is a limit to intelligence" - Anon ====================================================================
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#6. RSM/RTAB Question - from Mark D
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Date: Wed, 05 Jul 2006 21:07:52 -0400 From: Mark D <mdlkml@atari-source.com> Subject: RSM/RTAB Question Hey guys, As you know, I'm welding in some new RSM plates due to the total failure of hte ones that were there. One of my thoughts was if the RTAB's are failing, couldn't the front to back flex help the shock tear away from the mounting? Or does the bushing in the RSM absorb that? I wonder if my possibly failing RSMs (something is definitely causing some strangeness in the handling) caused flex which caused a gap which caused the shock to jack-hammer itself free of the sheet metal. Thanks, Mark
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#7. Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? - from Jay G
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Date: Wed, 05 Jul 2006 15:37:09 -1000 From: Jay G <jguzman@hawaii.edu> Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? then it's settled...S54 in an E30 M3 would make the ultimate M3 :) Kent Shephard wrote: > This is an interesting comparison especially since my last car was an E30. > The same things people say about the E36 compared to the E46 are the > same things I say about the E30 to E36 comparison. > The later car is heavier, less responsive stock, better > engine..............
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#8. RE: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? - from Paul L Fisher
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Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 20:50:57 -0500 From: "Paul L Fisher" <bmw@paul-fisher.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? That would be awesome! Next best would be the new Z4 M Roadster and then a 2001 or 2002 Z3 M Roadster. All of them have the S54 motor and are lighter than the E46. Paul L Fisher 2000 540i 6 E39 M62 TU Titanium Silver Metallic 2000 M Roadster E36/7 S52 Cosmos Black Metallic 1989 325ix E30 M20 Cinnabar Red Elkhorn, WI. -----Original Message----- From: Jay G [mailto:jguzman@hawaii.edu] Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 8:47 PM To: E36M3 Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? Date: Wed, 05 Jul 2006 15:37:09 -1000 From: Jay G <jguzman@hawaii.edu> Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? then it's settled...S54 in an E30 M3 would make the ultimate M3 :) Kent Shephard wrote: > This is an interesting comparison especially since my last car was an E30. > The same things people say about the E36 compared to the E46 are the > same things I say about the E30 to E36 comparison. > The later car is heavier, less responsive stock, better > engine.............. ************************************************* Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com DIGEST INFORMATION: http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm ************************************************* -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.9/382 - Release Date: 7/4/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.9/382 - Release Date: 7/4/2006
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#9. RE: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? - from Scott
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Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 21:37:01 -0700 From: "Scott" <stiles_s@hotmail.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? I agree that the e46 would need fewer mods to reach the same performance level..., though it might be tough/impossible to duplicate the "feel" of the e36 for any price. As far as the total cost of ownership, it's tough to call. Sure, the e36 guys will probably dump more money into mods, but there are a few other $$ factors in the e36s favor: - slope of the depreciation curve for the e36 is much flatter than the e46. Net, it'll vaporize less value over the next 3-5 years than the e36. - insurance is very likely to be cheaper for the e36 - maintenance cost? Not sure about this one... of course the e46 is cheap under warranty, but how about higher mileage cars? Are they as good (reliability wise) as the e36 cars? For me personally, the e46 M3 didn't do a thing for me until the comp package. Not sure why this is -- looks, more technical gadgets on the e46 (less of a pure drivers car), my impression that I was going to have to rev it hard to make power (haven't driven one; not sure). Whatever the reason, I went through 8 (yikes) cars after I sold my '99 M3, only to return to my recently purchased '97 which I (for the most part) love. I flirted w/the e46 m3 a few times during this period, but it just didn't hook me. The e36 just hits a sweet spot for me. If they made a new one, I'd buy it. Scott -----Original Message----- From: Kent Shephard [mailto:Kents@kls-consulting.com] Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? <snip> The decision is this. Do you dump money into an E36 (7+ years old) that you will never get back? OR Do you take the E36 and some cash and get an E46 and get out of the box horse power that E36 owners aspire to have? You get a newer, refined car in the process. </snip>
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#10. Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? - from Scott M
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Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 22:27:29 -0700 From: Scott M <smlists@pacbell.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? Pretty funny, I've been through a few cars since letting my E36 M3 go as well. Before that I tended to keep my daily driven cars ~3 years. Since selling the M3 I'm on my 4th daily driver in 3 years (yikes) E39 M5 - too heavy, plus expensive to maintain Z06 - awesome performance car, lacked practicality for me - could not carry kids, clients or my bike in it CTSV - similar to M5 but better handling, brakes, etc - very well done car especially for the price Evo IX - current daily driver - need to lose the wing, and lacks luxury, but has similar feel to E36 M3 with more power, better brakes, not to mention is nearly as fast on a road course as a C5 Z06 Along the way I came very close to picking up a E46 M3 and getting another E36 M3 on several occasions. The E36 M3 will always hold a very special place in my heart - awesome cars. Scott On Jul 5, 2006, at 9:46 PM, Scott wrote: > Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 21:37:01 -0700 > From: "Scott" <stiles_s@hotmail.com> > Subject: RE: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? > > I agree that the e46 would need fewer mods to reach the same > performance > level..., though it might be tough/impossible to duplicate the > "feel" of the > e36 for any price. > > As far as the total cost of ownership, it's tough to call. Sure, > the e36 > guys will probably dump more money into mods, but there are a few > other $$ > factors in the e36s favor: > - slope of the depreciation curve for the e36 is much flatter than > the e46. > Net, it'll vaporize less value over the next 3-5 years than the e36. > - insurance is very likely to be cheaper for the e36 > - maintenance cost? Not sure about this one... of course the e46 is > cheap > under warranty, but how about higher mileage cars? Are they as good > (reliability wise) as the e36 cars? > > For me personally, the e46 M3 didn't do a thing for me until the comp > package. Not sure why this is -- looks, more technical gadgets on > the e46 > (less of a pure drivers car), my impression that I was going to > have to rev > it hard to make power (haven't driven one; not sure). Whatever the > reason, I > went through 8 (yikes) cars after I sold my '99 M3, only to return > to my > recently purchased '97 which I (for the most part) love. I flirted > w/the e46 > m3 a few times during this period, but it just didn't hook me. The > e36 just > hits a sweet spot for me. If they made a new one, I'd buy it. > > Scott > > -----Original Message----- > From: Kent Shephard [mailto:Kents@kls-consulting.com] > Subject: Re: [E36M3] e36 v e46 M3; opinions? > <snip> > > The decision is this. Do you dump money into an E36 (7+ years old) > that you > will never get back? OR Do you take the E36 and some cash and get > an E46 and > get out of the box horse power that E36 owners aspire to have? > You get a newer, refined car in the process. > > </snip> > > > ************************************************* > Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: > > Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com > Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com > Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com > Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com > Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com > Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com > > DIGEST INFORMATION: > http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > ************************************************* > >