2001 330ic vs 1999 M3 as fun summer car?

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 M3 forum)

A 13-year-old M3 (particularly a ragtop) *might* have lived a pretty rough life, depending on the number and responsibility of the previous owners. Be sure to get a *thorough* PPI done, whichever car you choose. Good luck !

I think the M3 would be more fun, all things being equal (which they never are...)

An '01 E46 convertible is sort of a pig.. Nice easy top operation, though, assuming it works properly... 20 seconds, and you are ready to go..

thanks both--very helpful

E36 M3 unless you go E46 ZHP.

E36 M3 for a "fun" car, though I vote hard top. They are more raw, more fun, and more tactile. Not the greatest things for a daily driver, but incredibly fun for a weekend car.

Originally Posted by smolck

e36 m3 for a "fun" car, though i vote hard top. They are more raw, more fun, and more tactile. Not the greatest things for a daily driver, but incredibly fun for a weekend car.

+1

I would never own a Vert. But the 330 is just as fast as a E36 M3. Just sayin.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

I would never own a Vert. But the 330 is just as fast as a E36 M3. Just sayin.

No. On paper maybe.

Originally Posted by smolck

No. On paper maybe.

Meh. E36 M3 may have more of a torquey feeling since it's got a more aggresive diff. But put the same kind of diff on a 330 they'll stay side by side from 0-100 I'm sure.

thanks all. 330i with ZHP would be out of my price range (since it didn't exist in a convertible until 2004). And I'm not going to be making any modifications regardless of which car I choose--that would be beyond my skill/knowledge.

Both options are plenty fast for me; I'm assuming the M3 will have better handling, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Convertible is a requirement. I understand that standard coupes perform better, and I'd prefer one if it was going to be my daily driver, but I'm looking for a summer car that is good for cruising as well as fun to drive.

Originally Posted by brianUU

thanks all. 330i with ZHP would be out of my price range (since it didn't exist in a convertible until 2004). And I'm not going to be making any modifications regardless of which car I choose--that would be beyond my skill/knowledge.

Both options are plenty fast for me; I'm assuming the M3 will have better handling, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Convertible is a requirement. I understand that standard coupes perform better, and I'd prefer one if it was going to be my daily driver, but I'm looking for a summer car that is good for cruising as well as fun to drive.

Yeah, it`s hard to beat an E46 ragtop (especially in 330CiC form) for a great summertime ride....nothing like cruising with the top down and no pants on....