E93 M3 to E36 M3??

[Dynasty_E93]

I currently have an E93 M3 DCT and been thinking about selling it for a 98' or 99' E36 M3.

Couple reasons
1. Use the difference to save up for a house (I'm currently 19yo)
2. Originally wanted an E92 M3 but thought I'd be happy with a vert. Will eventually want to get back into an S65 but a coupe next time.
3. Cheaper insurance
4. Cheaper on gas

Would love to hear what you guys think.

Thank you!

[Oreo Cat]

''Will eventually want to get back into an S65 but a coupe next time.''
Just sell it and get a coupe.. E36 M3s cost way too much money these days and IMO, they are not worth the price at all.

[nycplumber]

Better of getting GR86 over the E36. Better gas mileage, has a warranty and probably faster when reasonably modded. Will also be 10x more reliable and cost a lot less.

[MP0W3RD]

I am fortunate enough to own both an E36 M3 sedan and an E92 M3 coupe.

More often than not, I actually prefer driving the E36. It has a lot of character, is relatively inexpensive to modify (especially compared to the E92), and still feels like a pretty quick car.

Just make sure you find a nice example that doesn’t have rust.

[bogotaM3]

Great thinking the way you do wanting to get into a house. If you are single by a duplex. After a year or two start to rent it out and then get into a single family home. I've been investing in real estate for over 30 years. Best investment you can make. Starting out early you can retire when you're 40-50 years old if you keep buying properties. Do a couple of fix and flips as well as long term holds (Rentals) to build your portfolio. Then you can buy any type of BMW you want with cash. Good luck.

[pbonsalb]

If you can’t DIY, a 25 year old car may not be the cost saver you think it is. If you can DIY, consider it. I have had my 99 M3 for 18 years. Had an E90 M3 for 10 years as well.

[DukeofAlexandria]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

If you can’t DIY, a 25 year old car may not be the cost saver you think it is. If you can DIY, consider it. I have had my 99 M3 for 18 years. Had an E90 M3 for 10 years as well.

I mean…he chose a depreciating asset over possible appreciating real estate…you think we’re DIYng up in here pbon haha?!?

-Duke

[Hagasan41]

I’m fortunate to have N E92 and E36. Both M cars compliment each other and both offer a very different driving experience. Since finances are a consideration, I would skip a 20 plus year old car and consider selling the E93 that you aren’t totally happy with. Pick up a Civic or maybe a 335/340i and call it a day.

I love my E36, but as others have eluded, having a 20 plus year old car won’t be cheap to maintain.

Good luck!

[CPWINCH]

you are not actually saving money really in this scenario. Either sell your e93 and get a prius or keep them e93

[kyrix1st]

E36 M3 needs a lot of care and love, but that's the beauty of it. If you are fine with spending a lot of time but would rather get the proper M3 experience (which sadly doesn't come from a 1700kg convertible) I would say go for it.

[chocstraw]

Originally Posted by nycplumber

Better of getting GR86 over the E36. Better gas mileage, has a warranty and probably faster when reasonably modded. Will also be 10x more reliable and cost a lot less.

lmao

~~~~~

US E36s are better than people say they are. Chassis is really nice IMO, engine isn't great though.

But they're not worth it anymore. I'm so upset with myself for not getting one when they were ~$5k.

you can't really get any car worth a damn for under 12k nowadays it seems.

[W///]

Originally Posted by chocstraw

lmao

~~~~~

US E36s are better than people say they are. Chassis is really nice IMO, engine isn't great though.

But they're not worth it anymore. I'm so upset with myself for not getting one when they were ~$5k.

you can't really get any car worth a damn for under 12k nowadays it seems.

Not sure I agree with this comment. I have an S54, S55 and S65, and while the S52 doesn't quite compare, I would still consider it a great engine IMO. Sure, it doesn't rev out like the S54 or S65, but it's got a very decent amount of torque and matches great to the E36 chassis IMO.

While you are correct that $12k will not even come close to getting you a decent one, I'd like to know what under $20k cars come with a better engine than the E36 M3. I know I've driven a BRZ and ND Miata, and I much prefer the S52 to those engines, but I know that's completely down to personal preference.

[Hagasan41]

Originally Posted by chocstraw

lmao

~~~~~

But they're not worth it anymore. I'm so upset with myself for not getting one when they were ~$5k.

The market would say otherwise as evidenced by recent sales statistics. Even just using BAT as a reference the chassis hasn’t shown signs of slowing down in value. It’s a modern day classic and well sorted ones will fetch a premium but even the high mileage examples are selling at a premium so plenty of people think they’re worth it. Personally, I don’t think the E36 will catch the current E30 values but you never know.

[Dynasty_E93]

UPDATE:

Just want to give a quick thank you to everyone that drop their 2c. I ended up selling the E93 for a pretty good amount and got back most of the money I spent on it. Picked up a pretty clean 2005 330ci 5spd. It's not as fast as the DCT E93 but the 5spd just makes driving it a lot more fun compared to the E93 if I'm being honest. Hopefully I'll be back in the E9X M3 chassis again soon. Once again, thank you yall for dropping a quick comment!

[2one3E90]

Originally Posted by Dynasty_E93

UPDATE:

Just want to give a quick thank you to everyone that drop their 2c. I ended up selling the E93 for a pretty good amount and got back most of the money I spent on it. Picked up a pretty clean 2005 330ci 5spd. It's not as fast as the DCT E93 but the 5spd just makes driving it a lot more fun compared to the E93 if I'm being honest. Hopefully I'll be back in the E9X M3 chassis again soon. Once again, thank you yall for dropping a quick comment!

Do you like the m54 engine? Does it have more torque than ur e93? For example they designed those engines to be better for everyday driving.

[pbonsalb]

A 3.0L M54 with 221 lbs peak at 3500 rpm is unlikely to have more torque than a 4.0L S65 at any rpm and certainly has less torque multiplication through gearing. The S65 has 244 lbs at 2000 rpm. Don’t have the number for the M54B30 but it will be less than at its 221 lbs peak.

The E46 probably does weigh about 500 lbs less than the E9x. That brings the torque per lb closer but the E9x is still ahead.

[kyrix1st]

Originally Posted by 2one3E90

Do you like the m54 engine? Does it have more torque than ur e93? For example they designed those engines to be better for everyday driving.

I had a Z4 SMG with the M54B30 engine. The car felt like it had 231whp, pulled hard all the way to the redline. I also recall reading Z4 used a sportier exhaust than a regular 3 series, so maybe that accounts for it as well.

[GinTonic]

With the current price of e36 m3s, move on you're not missing anything. Better off finding a e46 ZHP. inexpensive insurance and easy to maintain. Same driving experience as e36 m3 minus the rear LSD. Better interior quality, better build quality, etc.