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

[Wschnitz]

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

[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.

[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 :(

[worangejuice]

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

[slammin.e28]

E36 m3.

I concur.

[InuFaye]

E36 m3.

[slammin.e28]

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

[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.

[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]

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.

[Holland]

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

[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!!!