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      09-09-2018, 09:36 AM   #1
cvstar9M3
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High mileage E92M vs. e46M

I sold my e90MZcp earlier in the year and bought a 2014 Jeep srt. Im wanna get back into an M car (really want the F80 zcp but not ready for 50k car right now). I wanna spend 20k. Question is e46M v. E92M w 100k miles, which would be easier on maintenance. Both with 6 speed manual. Which would be the better car to have and enjoy. Keep in mind I might eventually turn into a track oriented car.
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      09-09-2018, 11:21 AM   #2
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I had both together and honestly, the e46 was just a bit too "dated" for me. The e90 felt better, a bit more refined, better interior, better sound (subjective, I know), faster, etc. The e90 won out so that's the car I kept.


some things to keep in mind - a 20k e90 and a 20k e46 are two very different cars. a 20k e90 will likely need quite a bit of reconditioning and may end up costing more in the long run. A 20k e46 should be in great to excellent condition, provided it's not a unicorn. Most major items should be taken care of. Still, at this point, the oldest versions are 15+ years old.

If you plan turning it into a track car, I'd buy a less expensive e46 (like 12-15k range) with some mileage and imperfections and put the rest of the money into track upgrades and maintenance.

For reference, my e46 had 143k on it when I sold it. it was in great condition but clearly was an almost 15 year old car.
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      09-09-2018, 03:31 PM   #3
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At 100k miles both cars will need some work. If DD then E9X is better, else it’s just subjective.
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      09-09-2018, 05:44 PM   #4
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Any late 2010+ e92 M3 with 100k mileage is a steal at $20K depending on condition, color, options, setup and mods. Most of the 2008 to early 2010 pre LCI are priced on the lower end these days, but have some slightly dated tech designs and options (i.e. Navi, iDrive, Tail lights, also detection of a possible Rod Bearing issue "working out the kinks in the early years" etc...).

Depending on how the car was driven and taken care of, these cars are very reliable and an experience in any year.

With a Rod Bearing replacement and up to date service, drive the e92 to 200k+. Although I love the e46s, go e92, but account for a professional Rob Bearing service in the range of $1500-2500 or use that as negotiation with the owner if it hasn't been done. What else has been said above is spot on.
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      09-10-2018, 08:37 AM   #5
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I've put 100k miles on an E46M

I find the difference in reliability between a 100k E46 and a 100k E9X is large. The E9X is the most reliable M car, more reliable in fact that non-M cars as well

Definitely the E9X
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      09-10-2018, 11:11 AM   #6
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E46 is more fun and playful, IMO.
E90 is more versatile and composed, outright faster.
Both offer a good value but it depends on how you use it. I think the E46 is more DIY friendly. If you aren't a garage DIY guy, I think the E90 would hold up better over time.
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      09-10-2018, 11:16 AM   #7
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at that price for me, the e46 would need to have the rear subframe already reinforced, suspension and cooling system refresh.
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      09-10-2018, 11:21 AM   #8
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Thanks everyone. I taste drove an 02 e46M w only 70k miles yesteday. Only 2 previous owner so def clean car. I forgot how much pick up the car has. Wow. I swear these cars feel quicker than the e9x at the lower end. But it also felt dated. E92 manual is the way to go. Anyone has a toddler for the back seat w theirs? My 3 year old daughter is the reason I got the e90M before but gotta have the coupe now, particularly in manual. Thanks again.
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      09-10-2018, 11:47 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cvstar9M3 View Post
Thanks everyone. I taste drove an 02 e46M w only 70k miles yesteday. Only 2 previous owner so def clean car. I forgot how much pick up the car has. Wow. I swear these cars feel quicker than the e9x at the lower end. But it also felt dated. E92 manual is the way to go. Anyone has a toddler for the back seat w theirs? My 3 year old daughter is the reason I got the e90M before but gotta have the coupe now, particularly in manual. Thanks again.
My sister's daily driver is a manual 330Ci. She has two kids.

Once the kids are old enough to crawl into the back and buckle themselves up it is perfectly doable. Before that it is more of a PITA, but still worth it
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      09-11-2018, 09:07 PM   #10
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A lot of e46's seem over price. You have e46's that are almost in the same price range as some e9x. I think a lot of people think very highly of their e46.

A 2003 with 38k just sold on bringatrailer for $33,500

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      09-12-2018, 04:24 AM   #11
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You can't go wrong with either good luck
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      09-12-2018, 08:09 AM   #12
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I'd get a manual 335i over e46.
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      09-12-2018, 10:12 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wyatth View Post
E46 is more fun and playful, IMO.
E90 is more versatile and composed, outright faster.
Both offer a good value but it depends on how you use it. I think the E46 is more DIY friendly. If you aren't a garage DIY guy, I think the E90 would hold up better over time.
Agreed on all counts.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cvstar9M3 View Post
Thanks everyone. I taste drove an 02 e46M w only 70k miles yesteday. Only 2 previous owner so def clean car. I forgot how much pick up the car has. Wow. I swear these cars feel quicker than the e9x at the lower end. But it also felt dated. E92 manual is the way to go. Anyone has a toddler for the back seat w theirs? My 3 year old daughter is the reason I got the e90M before but gotta have the coupe now, particularly in manual. Thanks again.
Stock for stock, no question about it. 46M is a peppy little mother.
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