Late E36 328 sport or E46 328?

[IN_2_THE_RED]

I have got myself into a bit of a dilemma.

I currently own an e36 328 sport on an s plate.
What a car it is but the problem i have is that i got a quote on some bodywork that i want done on it, and it works out just as much as me getting a newer one T reg.

My car is on 140k miles and still see's triple figures easily. This is why i want another one.

So i will now be putting my car up for sale

The thing is, do i buy a mint e36 328 sport on a T reg (only a year newer than mine) or do i go for a fair conditioned e46 for the same sort of money?

If any one can give me some pointers, that will be very helpful

Dave

[m3evo2]

Thats a question. It has to be down to which you prefer shirly. If you can pick up an E46 sport I'd be tempted to go that route, more modern design, build etc. But I do love the E36 looks and never felt my 318is needed anything else other than a bit more power obviously Go drive an E46 if you haven't already see what you think. No forget all that, just had a look out the window and my E36, get another 328i sport

[paoloh]

Oh come on, an E46 all day long. The E36 started in 91....... That's nearly 17 years old. Think about residuals???

[m3evo2]

Yeah and the E30 started in 82 or something but doesnt stop me from wanting one, it's not all about residuals especially at this end of the market. New doesnt always equal better. Early E46 compared to late E36, at least all the bugs had been sorted with E36 and just opening the door on the E46 and it's issues.

[paddy27]

m3evo2 said:

Yeah and the E30 started in 82 or something but doesnt stop me from wanting one, it's not all about residuals especially at this end of the market. New doesnt always equal better. Early E46 compared to late E36, at least all the bugs had been sorted with E36 and just opening the door on the E46 and it's issues.

Very true, oftern better to buy an end of line car than the new generation, at least witht the e36 all the bugs will have been sorted by then.

[m3evo2]

exactly it's the same with nearly all products, people who rush out to get the latest PC software soon have to patch or upgrade to resolve issues, same with cars, look at the recalls and issues people have who must have the lastest thing on their drive only to be dissapointed when it goes wrong. No matter how much development and testing goes on it's not until the product goes to market does the manufacturer really understand the product and it's problems. Must I mention early E46 M3 engine woes, or early 7 series elecrtic gremlns etc etc etc etc etc.

Edited by m3evo2 on Thursday 10th May 19:48

[driftdaddy]

if you just want to cruise round get the e46, if you want a lighter car with a hell of a lot more potential and a roarer nicer feel go for the e36 as its single vanos and can be modded with the m50 manifold and bbtb etc and has the potential of 240+ bhp for relitvly cheap where as the e46 twin vanos system you stuck with the stock power i'm afraid a filter might improve it a bit

[m3evo2]

driftdaddy said:

if you just want to cruise round get the e46, if you want a lighter car with a hell of a lot more potential and a roarer nicer feel go for the e36 as its single vanos and can be modded with the m50 manifold and bbtb etc and has the potential of 240+ bhp for relitvly cheap where as the e46 twin vanos system you stuck with the stock power i'm afraid a filter might improve it a bit

Good point.

[IN_2_THE_RED]

Ok thanks everyone.

I have had a brief look, and i am going to have to get another e36. It would be nice to see how the 328's go after that manifold mod, i mean they go well enough already!

Watch this space .....

[paddy27]

IN_2_THE_RED said:

Ok thanks everyone.

I have had a brief look, and i am going to have to get another e36. It would be nice to see how the 328's go after that manifold mod, i mean they go well enough already!

Watch this space .....

Don't forget, we want pics and details!

[mat205125]

paoloh said:

Oh come on, an E46 all day long. The E36 started in 91....... That's nearly 17 years old. Think about residuals???

But we're talking about a top class old model, or a mediorce example of the successor.

[mat205125]

IN_2_THE_RED said:

Ok thanks everyone.

I have had a brief look, and i am going to have to get another e36. It would be nice to see how the 328's go after that manifold mod, i mean they go well enough already!

Watch this space .....

It would be rude to post links to your old car for sale, but you could always let us know when it does hit the classifieds. If it's in ok condition, runs and drives well, and is sensibly priced, let us know

[m3evo2]

paddy27 said:

IN_2_THE_RED said:

Ok thanks everyone.

I have had a brief look, and i am going to have to get another e36. It would be nice to see how the 328's go after that manifold mod, i mean they go well enough already!

Watch this space .....

Don't forget, we want pics and details!

[Shropshiremike]

IN_2_THE_RED said:

Ok thanks everyone.

I have had a brief look, and i am going to have to get another e36. It would be nice to see how the 328's go after that manifold mod, i mean they go well enough already!

Watch this space .....

Don't forget the "other mods" you can do on an E36 like the quick(er) rack and LSD using OE parts - not sure if you can do that on an E46?

[IN_2_THE_RED]

Thanks for all comments.

I'm going to put my car in classifieds when i get the chance so keep an eye out. The main issue with the car is that the bodywork isn't too brilliant.

Ypu will see in the pics when i get a chance to post them up.

Dave