Buying a new car, but need some imput

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epj3

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Buying a new car, but need some input

I'll be replacing my heavy ole' gas guzzler by the end of this month - and I am planning on spending somewhere between $8k-$15k. The cars I'm considering are listed below - with the insurance quote listed for each car.

Let me know what you think - I'll be doing 100% of repairs myself and I already know ALL ABOUT cost of parts. I'm not leaning towards the heavier e46 for the sole fact it seems there are more/better/and less expensive mods for e36's. Only thing that really matters to me is insurance costs, gas mileage (when I'm NOT pushing it hard), risidual value, and fun-factor. (in no specific order)

E36 328i coupe - $160 more per 6 months than my e34
E36 328i sedan - $140 more per 6 months than my e34
E46 328ic coupe - $130 more per 6 months than my e34
E36 M3 coupe - $180 more per 6 months than my e34

Right now I'm leaning towards the E36 328is (coupe) or the E36 M3. The fact the M3 already has chassis reinforcements, limited slip, and larger brakes is a positive for me... stuff I'd end up putting in the car down the road if I got a non-M.
 
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hosagod

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Honestly, I would jump on the E46 328ci, it is the epitome of BMW design in my opinion.

There are so many awesome mods you can do to them also. And the insurance is very reasonable to compared to the other "older" models. It will also have better residual value.

But since you're not leaning towards it...NAB THAT E36 M3!!!
 
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epj3

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The thing with the e46 is it is heavier than the e36's, and when it comes down to it near identical to the e36 chassis and suspension design. Definitely like the look of the e46 though. If I find the car that is ANY of those models.. I'll probably buy. Thanks for your input! I'd like to drive an e46 328i/c before buying - have only driven a plain 323i.
 
selavia

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those insurance increases seem high;

personally, if it were me, I'd go with the 328is. I gather from how much you did to your e30 that you actually enjoyed doing the bitch work of modding; sometimes that's half the fun of owning a car. An M3 is obviously superior, but is that really all it is about?

(Also, I thought the 328is had an LSD; am I wrong?)
 
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epj3

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Nope only cars to have limited slip in the US anyways, were 325is and M3. The m52 in the 328is is a very good and capable motor when it comes to modding.
 
adrean8j

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epj3 said:
Nope only cars to have limited slip in the US anyways, were 325is and M3. The m52 in the 328is is a very good and capable motor when it comes to modding.
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That E36 328is came with single VANOS in that year right? I dont think it got double until '98-'99. The thing about the M52 motor is that there is only so much you can do before you HAVE to go with forced induction(if you are planning that anyway then this is a moot point). Lets see a list of engine mods on the M52 engine

1. CAI 2-5hp(maybe)
2. Exhaust 5-10hp
3. "Chip tuning" 5-12hp(big maybe)
4. Schrick Sport Cams 30hp w/chip (for sure w/-23i, not sure about the gains w/-28i...)

Probably more but not any huge gains aside from the Cams. I personally would go with the M3. They hold their value better than any of the others. Messing with the motor should keep the gearhead in you happy. If not the M3 go with the E46....you said something about the weight difference...exactly how much of a difference i wonder..hmmm...gotta go do some research now 'cause i am wondering.....
 
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epj3

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adrean8j said:
That E36 328is came with single VANOS in that year right? I dont think it got double until '98-'99. The thing about the M52 motor is that there is only so much you can do before you HAVE to go with forced induction(if you are planning that anyway then this is a moot point). Lets see a list of engine mods on the M52 engine

1. CAI 2-5hp(maybe)
2. Exhaust 5-10hp
3. "Chip tuning" 5-12hp(big maybe)
4. Schrick Sport Cams 30hp w/chip (for sure w/-23i, not sure about the gains w/-28i...)

Probably more but not any huge gains aside from the Cams. I personally would go with the M3. They hold their value better than any of the others. Messing with the motor should keep the gearhead in you happy. If not the M3 go with the E46....you said something about the weight difference...exactly how much of a difference i wonder..hmmm...gotta go do some research now 'cause i am wondering.....
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Yea I'm definitely leaning towards an OBD1 M3 right now... we'll just have to see.
 
E30m42cab

E30m42cab

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The problem with older M3's is that people tend to drive the life out of them, as I would expect. If I had an M3, I'd be driving it hard as much as I could. I wouldn't buy a used M3 off of myself... but I would buy a E36 328is off someone like my friends mom who has probably never even chirped the tires before, let alone drifted it around corners (like I would with an M3). My friend let me drive it once... I blasted up to 160kmp so fast, I brought it to a stop, turned the key off, and got out and told him never to let me drive that car again!!! Fast enough for me!... I'd kill myself if I had an E36 328is.... I'd kill myself even worse with an M3.
(but still, I want an M3, and so do you... so find a good one!)

Cheers
 
frolf

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i dont' know about that dude, i have an m3 i'm sort of waiting for from a friend, he is nearing 60 years old and bought it new in 1995, the car has less than 60000miles on it, and has probably seen 5krpms maybe 3 or 4 times a year
 
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epj3

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Yea i'm leaning towards what frolf said, just need to find one owned by a boring business man or something. Not worse by any means than finding a nice e30 M3 which could have had 3 or more owners beat on it. Definitely trying to keep from having my heart set on an M3 but I think i'll find one.
 
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epj3

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Tom said:
That's a great looking ride Eric and the price isn't too bad either.
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Yea that's what I'm thinking. I hate anything but black interior - but I guess the dove gray isn't too bad, especially with the avus blue. It's more a matter of keeping it clean than looks. I'm going to look into that car, knowing my luck it'll be sold already but I'll see.
 
adrean8j

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Oh wow Eric that is CLEAN....the color is ehhhh...you know i am partial to red but it DOES look really good. I say go for it if everything as far as maintenance, upkeep, etc is up to date.
 
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epj3

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adrean8j said:
Oh wow Eric that is CLEAN....the color is ehhhh...you know i am partial to red but it DOES look really good. I say go for it if everything as far as maintenance, upkeep, etc is up to date.
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Heheh My main goal is to end up with a car OTHER than red... I'm tired of red, and on an M3 will only grab the wrong person's eye even sooner.
 
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