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

[agent]

I had an '01 IS300. Great car, but I outgrew it both literally and figuratively. Despite having four doors, it's not a four person car. I had it serviced exclusively at the dealer, but I can assure you it wasn't monthly. I sold it and bought my '02 E39 530i with nearly identical mileage for less than a grand more.

[dannyyisntt]

Why choose? Buy one of each

[accident]

E36.

[mr.vang]

5 series seems to be the responsible DD as well as fast and easy on the eyes. I've always wanted one. The e30 would be the stupid fun car. I love the Maximas, but we always want a new car right?
the e36 M3 is super tempting, but dont know how rewarding it would be? I've always wanted a M3 as well. The e46 has had no good feedback so far :(
I'd like to be responsible and at least have a car I can take out of state no problem.

honda

[Kershaw]

e36 m3.

every time i drive my brothers 95 325is i want to buy an e36.

[worangejuice]

I had an '01 IS300. Great car, but I outgrew it both literally and figuratively. Despite having four doors, it's not a four person car. I had it serviced exclusively at the dealer, but I can assure you it wasn't monthly. I sold it and bought my '02 E39 530i with nearly identical mileage for less than a grand more.

so did you like your time with the 5?

[worangejuice]

soni drove the e46. those things are super heavy and feel so plasticy and disconnected to drive. when shifting from 1st to 2nd, car would 'pop' like crazy the guy said it was a bad engine mount. that the engine shifted back cause of engine mount being out/bad. pretty bad though. there smooth and powerful. but that pop (clunk) was just not good. I can defenitely feel the e30 lightness and connection now.

[Ryann]

E34 5spd + E30.

[Vivek]

Cooling System, RTABS, Interior, Vanos Rattle, FCABS.

Nothing major.

95s also needs the primary timing chain tensioner changed out.

What's the cooling system stuff like? All hoses, rad, expansion tank...a weekend? The bushings should be no harder than an e30 I would think. As far as i can remember, I've only really been in 1 e36, and it felt like it was going to fall apart. But it was just a 325i and it was pretty damn fast.

[dannyyisntt]

What's the cooling system stuff like? All hoses, rad, expansion tank...a weekend? The bushings should be no harder than an e30 I would think. As far as i can remember, I've only really been in 1 e36, and it felt like it was going to fall apart. But it was just a 325i and it was pretty damn fast.

You can change the cooling system stuff in an afternoon. Remember to upgrade to a metal t-stat housing if it hasn't already been done.

I've driven my 95 325is daily during the summer months for going on 6 years and close to 100k miles with few complaints. Just like all BMW's, you take care of it and it will take care of you.

[InuFaye]

What's the cooling system stuff like? All hoses, rad, expansion tank...a weekend? The bushings should be no harder than an e30 I would think. As far as i can remember, I've only really been in 1 e36, and it felt like it was going to fall apart. But it was just a 325i and it was pretty damn fast.

Radiator, Thermoastat Housing, Expansion Tank, Stewart Imepllar, Hoses, and Fan Clutch.
Take you and afternoon and like 400 bucks.
Never worry about it again.

[slammin.e28]

Radiator, Thermoastat Housing, Expansion Tank, Stewart Imepllar, Hoses, and Fan Clutch.
Take you and afternoon and like 400 bucks.
Never worry about it again.

Don't forget dat Vanos rattle!

[agent]

so did you like your time with the 5?

Still do - I drive it every day. ;)

Immediately after I bought it I put some money into it. I replaced the cooling system and related parts, the OFH gasket, the VCG, rebuilt the VANOS, and did most everything else on the Inspection II list. The PO sold it knowing all that stuff needed to be done, so I got a great deal. The only unexpected expense was the torque converter replacement (the Steptronic ZFs have a known seal failure issue).

[evandael]

worangejuice, i'd try to stretch your budget to $7K and get a better-kept e36 m3. probably a perfect all-rounder car out of all of those.

[BoxDriver86]

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Seems legit.

I've been in the same boat recently. I am a huge fan of the e39, but after driving one just after an e34, I felt more connected to the e34. We're probably going to end up getting an e46 wagon although I agree it feels less solid than my e30.

That being said, try out a clean e34 and see what you think. A decent e46 can be a great car, but I doubt you can get a decent e46 for $5K that won't have crazy mileage and a slew of issues.