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- Mar 4, 2003
So after getting my last car totalled 3 years ago, I'm finally in the market for another car. I've narrowed my choices down to the E46 M3, and the E90/92 335 (coupe or sedan). My requirements are that it be a 6spd. manual, rear drive (no AWD XI's), mileage under 50K. Looking to spend no more than 30g's.
E46 M3 (2001-2006)
Pros:
- it's an M. Performance (333hp), styling (flared fenders, aero kit, quad pipe dual exhaust
Cons:
-already replaced by newer body style
-I'm guessing parts/repairs would be more costly compared to standard 3 series
-no longer under factory warranty
E90/92 3er (2006-)
Pros:
-300HP
-newer (updated interior/exterior styling)
-'07 and up cars are still under BMW factory warranty, and I can purchase one as a CPO with 6yr/100K
-335 doesn't give up too much in power to the M3, plus the TT is good for tuning upgrades
-choice of coupe or sedan (I have a 3yr. old son, so having a sedan would be more practical)
-for the same money, I can get a newer model year as opposed to a slightly older M3
Cons:
-styling isn't as aggressive
-reliability:reports of electronics/fuel pump issues w/ the 335 TT setup
-would have to spend more money to upgrade parts to match M3 performance (suspension, brakes, etc.)
My heart wants to run with the M3, but smart money would go with the newer 3. A third choice would be to go with an '06 330i- same styling, lower price, but has 255HP. However, I wouldn't have to worry about dealing with possible problems with the 335's twin turbo setup and possible electronics nightmare.
So, what do you guys think?
*Being this is NT, someone's inevitably going to say something dumb or recommend some other car, so before you post something, slap yourself and exit the thread*
E46 M3 (2001-2006)
Pros:
- it's an M. Performance (333hp), styling (flared fenders, aero kit, quad pipe dual exhaust
Cons:
-already replaced by newer body style
-I'm guessing parts/repairs would be more costly compared to standard 3 series
-no longer under factory warranty
E90/92 3er (2006-)
Pros:
-300HP
-newer (updated interior/exterior styling)
-'07 and up cars are still under BMW factory warranty, and I can purchase one as a CPO with 6yr/100K
-335 doesn't give up too much in power to the M3, plus the TT is good for tuning upgrades
-choice of coupe or sedan (I have a 3yr. old son, so having a sedan would be more practical)
-for the same money, I can get a newer model year as opposed to a slightly older M3
Cons:
-styling isn't as aggressive
-reliability:reports of electronics/fuel pump issues w/ the 335 TT setup
-would have to spend more money to upgrade parts to match M3 performance (suspension, brakes, etc.)
My heart wants to run with the M3, but smart money would go with the newer 3. A third choice would be to go with an '06 330i- same styling, lower price, but has 255HP. However, I wouldn't have to worry about dealing with possible problems with the 335's twin turbo setup and possible electronics nightmare.
So, what do you guys think?
*Being this is NT, someone's inevitably going to say something dumb or recommend some other car, so before you post something, slap yourself and exit the thread*