1999 M3 vs 2001 330ic?
 

I'm looking for a used convertible to serve as a summer car. Looks like I could get a 1998/99 E36 M3 for slightly less than a 2001 E46 330, with equivalent miles (both around 100k) and both in great condition. Any advice on which one to pick?

(also posting in 3-series E46 forum)

M3!

Actually, for reliability, I'd go with the 330Ci. It has a glass rear window, too, so that would be easier to keep in good shape.
If it's fun and nimble-ness you want, get the E36 M3.

Cheers!

thanks. I'm only going to drive it occasionally in the summer (probably <2k miles per year), so fun and nimbleness trump reliability (as long as I'm not stuck with something that is totally unreliable).

At that rate their reliability will be on par. Just make sure you move from mileage based preventative maintenance to time based (i.e. oil change every year instead of every 6k miles).

E46 probably retain better value since it's later than the E36 M3. I doubt the M3 would provide that much more fun than the 330ci.

M3 would be much more fun that 330.

Better suspension, lighter car.

E36 M3 is a more fun drive than an E46 M3. And the E46 M3 is much better than the 330.

I find it interesting that you said that. I have never driven an E46 M3, but I thought it would be more fun to drive for some reason. I wonder how many people agree with you

The E36 is more connected feeling, more tossable feeling. The E46 M3 is MUCH faster, but bigger, heavier, more solid feeling.

But for the true summer car for top down motoring, the real answer is a Z3, preferably Z3 M Roadster. :)

E36 M3 is more fun then the E46 330 (in my ZHP point of view :D ) only because the latter is missing LSD, which is a PITA :tsk:
however stating that the E36 is more fun then the E46 M3... define fun :D

It is more fun, because it feels smaller and lighter. Yow feel more connected to the car. It is more tossable.

But while I have driven a standard E36 M3, most of my time is in my M3 LTW.

All E36 M3 drivers! :D

On a more serious note, a lot of E46 M3 owners that previously owned a E36 M3, agree too!

But if I had to have only one car, it would be the E46 M3.

that's more like it :p

I own a 1995 M3 and a 2002 M3 and they both drive amazing. I cant say that either handle better than the other because when I bought the E36 m3 it needed suspension so I upgraded the suspension.