Please give your opinions to a maybe soon to be owner

[macinnis]

Hello everyone, my first thread to r3vlimited. Although, I have many on bimmerforums.
My question is simple.

I am in a big need of a daily but I will be also taking my car to the track. My question is, should I search for a nice looking E36 M3 or a E30 325i?

I have found a 1991 325i in NC that has a replaced valve job, new alternator, starter, fuel pump, radiator, fan clutch, all new coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, plugs, timing belt, and aux belts.
The price is fair at- $2,995

OR

I could find a nice E36 for my dd and track car.

Please give me your honest opinon. I am sure it will be biased but I am just wanting some other car enthusiast's opinions.

btw... I would go forced induction (turbo) if I get the E30. ;)

[nando]

To b honest - stock for stock, the e36 m3 will be faster, handle better, and more comfy as a dd. They also have a bigger aftermarket and likely less maintenance.

The e30 is certainly capable, but requires mods (and money) to be on the same level.

[ANDRÜ]

e36s are dime a dozen. Bimmerforums is 98% e36s, seeing the same thing over and over gets very old. You have taste if you have an e30 ;)

[bmwstudent]

e30 all the way

[redsubdivisions]

you're on an E30 forum. what do you think the general consensus is going to say? lol

[dec1184]

you're on an E30 forum. what do you think the general consensus is going to say? lol

Exactly. lol

[macinnis]

lol I knew it was going to be biased towards the e30. Thanks for the comments guys... I am leaning toward the e30.

[macinnis]

To b honest - stock for stock, the e36 m3 will be faster, handle better, and more comfy as a dd. They also have a bigger aftermarket and likely less maintenance.

The e30 is certainly capable, but requires mods (and money) to be on the same level.

Those were my exact thoughts. I am just going to play it by a ear and see what happens.

[macinnis]

e36s are dime a dozen. Bimmerforums is 98% e36s, seeing the same thing over and over gets very old. You have taste if you have an e30 ;)

Very true my friend! Unfortunately, where I live there aren't very many cool cars except the "bad ass's" in their v6 mustangs.

[89 e30]

e30's done right are a 1000000 times better than any e36 imo.

[Massimo]

Just going to leave this here.



Hope DinanM3atl donsn't mind me using his picture.

[evandael]

How much daily driving? Over 20 minutes one way and I would get an E36 M3.

[CrusherCurtis]

e36 m3 is better than e30. Would I ever touch another e36...........no chance in hell. Get the e30 and s50 it for the same cost as e36 m3. You'll be super happy with the results.

[GAbOS]

How much daily driving? Over 20 minutes one way and I would get an E36 M3.

I've driven mine to work maybe 4 times in the very short time I've owned mine. Already gotten a thumbs up from a passing 2002. Doubt he woulda if I was a bluetooth wearing e36 owner. :) Oh, and I plan to drive it more once I get it back together. Hoot a ride I tell ya.

I'm 24 miles away from work.

[evandael]

See, the thing is, if a 2002 owner can't recognize an enthusiast driving an E36, or an E46, or even an E60 or E82 or F30, then that 2002 owner is a douche. It's not the car, it's the owner that really makes the impression.


My original point was this; the dude lives in SC. It's fucking hot and humid down there. If he wants to arrive to work in relative comfort from Monday to Friday, be able to soak up miles on the highway, drive a lady around in air conditioned Bavarian goodness, then be able to tear ass around a track on the weekends, then there is no better car than an E36 M3 at this price point.