another 'which BMW' thread....e30...e36 m3....e46

[worangejuice]

So I have $5000 to spend from insurance settlement
here's what I'm looking at

1987 5 speed 4 door e30 180k new head belt, etc. $1600
2000 e46 4 door 5 speed 150k 'runs good' $4400
99-2000 5 series auto looking at a couple $3500-4200
1996 M3 160k 5 speed 2 door $5500
2000 Maxima auto 140k about $3000-$3500

Thinking e39 5 series for about $3-4k and get a e30 for $1500

or

E46 for $4-5k and just try that for a bit (I know I cant help it!!!!)
I know all the problems associated with the e46 but Theyre so damn pretty!!!

or

'96 M3 because I've always wanted a M3. for $5000 (ish) It's an M3!

or 2000 Nissan Maxima for $3000-$3500 and a e30 on side or other project car.

So all input is appreciated guys!!!
I know its been covered 100 times over but lets get opinionated!!!

[Holland]

I personally would probably go with the E36, but I'm not sure that's the best choice.

[TurboJake]

If you buy a maxima, do NOT buy an auto. I own a 4th gen maxima, and they're quite fun cars. the 5th gen is a little better.

When they're a manual.

Sadly, my maxima is pretty much dead. It runs and drives fine, but I lent it to a friend a couple years ago and he proceeded to drive it into a parked van. It had rust to begin with so it's not worth fixing it. But here's a picture of what it looked like in it's prime.





The VQ is as reliable as a russian hammer. They get damn good gas mileage for the power, and they're very capable cars for DD or track duty.

[worangejuice]

yeah, the transmission went out on my 96, then i got a 2000 and 4-5 started not shifting right before the accident. but they are spacehip super reliable cars aside from that. Radiator was only other thing i replaced on '96 and 2000 i had to change the iacv and the power steering started going.

[TurboJake]

Well if you buy another 4th gen, I have a bunch stuff I'm looking to sell off my max before it goes to the scrapyard.

Cattman intake and exhaust
Jim Wolfe ECU
H&R springs
KYB AGX shocks
Full 5-speed setup (With LSD)
Shaved, ported and polished heads.

More I'm sure.

[slammin.e28]

My e36 M3 has been a nightmare, but then again I knew it was going to be one buying into it.

[InuFaye]

E36 m3.

[slammin.e28]

E36 m3.

I concur.

[worangejuice]

So what things to look out for on the e36 M3?

[5ickride]

depends what your needs are. Do you have a second car? I like E39s, if you can find a manual one that be nice. I had a 2000 528i non-vanos back in the day and i loved it.

Here she is...damn! I miss her :(

[5ickride]

So what things to look out for on the e36 M3?

Cooling system usually. Interior breaking down. And they're a dime a dozen.

[Wschnitz]

id stay away from a 5k e46, its gonna have a ton of issues most likely.

[dnguyen1963]

Stay away from the 5 Series...ugly! I would buy the Maxima and use the left over money for an E30 to be used as your fun toy.

[N2MYE30]

id stay away from a 5k e46, its gonna have a ton of issues most likely.

yup, then there, done that. The next car im looking into is another e46 and I am willing to pay extra for a low mileage car. All the auto are out in my book and an 87 4dr has no value to me. Sooo...i guess its the M3...from your list. I could think of other BMWs to throw 5k at.

[10Toes]

Stay away from the 5 Series...ugly! I would buy the Maxima and use the left over money for an E30 to be used as your fun toy.

You have no taste... E39 are kinda plain looking but they are not ugly.