E36 v E46 for a simple fun 2nd car with tuning potential?

[hewlett]

I'm at a stage where I want a car to play with, something that'll give me some thrills at the weekend and on the occasional trip to Le Mans, that's reasonably civilised and has tuning potential. I'm not worried about purchase price nor resell value, nor losing money on tuning, i just want the most fun car for the money. I'd be happy to completely revitalise on E36 if it'd end up a better car than a newer E46. And finally, which model (of either) is the best to go for/avoid? All advice greatly appreciated.

[exboxster]

Have a look on here - www.BMWtrackdays.com
There seem to be a few guys dedicated to stripping these out and running them as track-day specials

[hereward]

I wouldn't rule out an E30 M3 in good condition. Perfect for tracking.

E30 aside I'd go for a 6-cylinder E36.

[Adom]

After driving a couple of E36 328 sports, I have plumped for an E46 328 saloon with sports suspension. This however is more to do with my proposed use of the car which is to pound the motorways for work and some B-road jaunts, rather than focussed B-road usage and the odd trackday (leave that to the 911). If I were in your shoes it would be either an E30 325 or E36 328, lighter and more involving methinks.