Which BMW M car?

[4vCoupe]

I’ve decided that i want a fun weekend car. Want to get some opinions from TRF. I narrowed down my choice to a BMW M car from the late 90s early 00s.

Here are my choices

1. E36 M3 coupe.
2. Z3 M coupe.
3. E39 M5.

I know these cars are very different from each other but any previous or current M owners want to share options?


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[mrN]

I’ve owned all of those and I would definitely go with an M3 E46 cabriolet, either 6-speed manual or SMGII depending on your preferences.




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[zama]

As a fun car M Coupe, nothing better than a breadvan, the Z4M not bad either.

[Ballzzz]

Don’t get SMG and if possible I would get a:
1. e39 ///M5
2. e46 ///M3
3. e36 ///M3

1/2 are ALOT more expensive than 3 so all are nice m examples but 1/2 are legends

[MARTIN1264]

E36 M3 coupe

[andromeda160]

E36m coupe or an e46 coupe would be my choices. The Cabs are nice but wouldn’t want the additional weight or chassis flex from a car I would want to track.

[tjs00]

Originally Posted by 4vCoupe

I’ve decided that i want a fun weekend car. Want to get some opinions from TRF. I narrowed down my choice to a BMW M car from the late 90s early 00s.

Here are my choices

1. E36 M3 coupe.
2. Z3 M coupe.
3. E39 M5.

I know these cars are very different from each other but any previous or current M owners want to share options?


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I owned a 2004 M3 - fantastic car - defintely my pick of the three. I only sold it after 9 years because I missed the v8 roar usually have. Post pics when you get something.

[nick c]

This will be my choice. E36 M3 IMG_2150.jpg


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[1William]

I have looked at the M's several times over the years and every time I get serious I do my research and talk to my local BMW dealer. A Salesman that will speak the truth and I will not do it. I have owned a couple of 650's instead of the M's and a number of 7's. Look at the YouTube video's on pre-owned M's and the associated costs, service and depreciation. If that is what you want then go for it. But I do not like tinkering with cars nor do I like service time beyond the normal. Good luck.

[ckaynyc]

Why not an E90? The E46 is my favorite generation but you may find that it is a bit slow given how quick cars are today. The E90 is an awesome driving experience all around.

[enjoythemusic]

E36

[ckaynyc]

Originally Posted by 1William

I have looked at the M's several times over the years and every time I get serious I do my research and talk to my local BMW dealer. A Salesman that will speak the truth and I will not do it. I have owned a couple of 650's instead of the M's and a number of 7's. Look at the YouTube video's on pre-owned M's and the associated costs, service and depreciation. If that is what you want then go for it. But I do not like tinkering with cars nor do I like service time beyond the normal. Good luck.

Each of the cars the OP had posted have already bottomed out on depreciation and actually appreciating a little bit. I think from a financial impact of ownership it is quite possible to have owned the car for little to no expense. You mention depreciation but the 6 & 7 Series sink like a rock in value and never have a period of inflection in value.

As for maintenance, each generation has their issues but they are well known allowing a prospective buyer a list of things to inspect prior to purchase. Finding the right independent BMW shop will help you keep your eye out on the key points of failure.

[Fencer]

E36 hands down, stay away from the E39 - too many expensive issues.

[np2016]

I've always loved the E46 M3 inline 6 engine but that E39 M5 is a complete bad ass with that NA V8.

[Danny83]

#1 of you dont listen the shop bills will cost more than the car

[Ballzzz]

Originally Posted by ckaynyc

Why not an E90? The E46 is my favorite generation but you may find that it is a bit slow given how quick cars are today. The E90 is an awesome driving experience all around.

You don’t want to own that s65 and throw a rod/bearing.

The S54 in the e46 is bulletproof.

Listen all three listed cars are solid machines with there faults and age related items that will need attention.

If you find a well cared for example you will have a great paint job after all these years and an AMMMAZING driving experience unlike any modern day car. No, it will not be the fastest but it will be the most visceral engaging rewarding drive available that you can daily.

Modern day cars have too many regulations and too many computers making everything so numb it’s sadly a different world.

I daily a 01 330i and I LOVE it it kills me to think about the day I need to replace her because I just can’t think of much new to replace her. Possibly an M2 but even so there a bit missing. The e46 generation is automotive perfection imho.

[Fencer]

Originally Posted by np2016

I've always loved the E46 M3 inline 6 engine but that E39 M5 is a complete bad ass with that NA V8.

E46 is not on his list (great car, we had two of them), and the M5 is indeed great, when it runs... but too many problems with that motor, many of them very expensive to fix.

[Wesley Crusher]

Of the 3 that you listed, the E39 M5... BY FAR.

[aa909]

Get the E46 M3 6-spd manual, I owned it and it is a fantastic car. avoid SMG unless you get a very late model with the improved software.

Do NOT get the E36 M3 US Spec car, it is waaaaaaaay under powered. BMW neutered it for the US and did not us the same engine as the Euro spec'd version.

[RW16610]

Based on your list I would for sure go after the E36 M3. One of the best sounding engines they ever made really and the cars are great. Years ago I had an E36 328is that was pretty much an M3. I had so much fun with that car, it was unreal. Was also my first car too.

[c41006]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Of the 3 that you listed, the E39 M5... BY FAR.

Agreed

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by 4vCoupe

I’ve decided that i want a fun weekend car. Want to get some opinions from TRF. I narrowed down my choice to a BMW M car from the late 90s early 00s.

Here are my choices

1. E36 M3 coupe.
2. Z3 M coupe.
3. E39 M5.

I know these cars are very different from each other but any previous or current M owners want to share options?


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Do some extra research on your second choice. IIRC, those suffered from weak welds in the trunk area impacting safety and longevity of those examples.

[4vCoupe]

Originally Posted by Ballzzz

If you find a well cared for example you will have a great paint job after all these years and an AMMMAZING driving experience unlike any modern day car. No, it will not be the fastest but it will be the most visceral engaging rewarding drive available that you can daily.



Modern day cars have too many regulations and too many computers making everything so numb it’s sadly a different world.

This is exactly why I want an older M car. I’m after the driving experience, it doesn’t need to be the fastest car.

I used to daily drive an E30 then an E39 touring and both were great. I’m not worried about basic maintenance and up keep items as I can do my own work.

I have looked at the E46 but had not seriously considered it yet. The other dilemma I’m finding myself in is do I buy the cleanest, lowest mileage example I can afford? Or do I look for a higher mileage car with tons of maintenance records?



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[Ballzzz]

Originally Posted by 4vCoupe

This is exactly why I want an older M car. I’m after the driving experience, it doesn’t need to be the fastest car.

I used to daily drive an E30 then an E39 touring and both were great. I’m not worried about basic maintenance and up keep items as I can do my own work.

I have looked at the E46 but had not seriously considered it yet. The other dilemma I’m finding myself in is do I buy the cleanest, lowest mileage example I can afford? Or do I look for a higher mileage car with tons of maintenance records?



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I would try and find a happy balance, lowest mileage garage queen can have unknown demons. You want a driver that is in good shape with a competent owner.

E36 or e46 are both great! The e39 is amazing also but a bit more to handle with the 8 and all. I would LOVE to own any of the three so good luck!

[Fencer]

BTW, if you like the idea of E39 M5, consider the 2003 540i M Sport. It has many of the same wonderful elements as the M5, but without the engine problems. Only that year, and only the one with 6 speed manual.

[s14roller]

On the list, E36 M3. I'd also go E46 M3 if possible. One of the best cars I've owned. Daily drove one for years.

[FLGatorM5]

The S62 V8 in the E39 M5 is something special. Pretty sure it’s been making appearances on racetracks all the way until a few years ago. Yes, you will probably need to do rod-bearings and things like that aren’t cheap. But if you want to own a classic European super sedan, you’ll figure it out. Go into it eyes wide open, do you research, and budget accordingly.

...It’s sort of like a cheating girlfriend that you keep going back too but the other guy is your mechanic. And you pay him. A lot. Willingly. Because it feels so good.

[Mr.Rolex1]

E46 and I dont mind SMG

[ckaynyc]

Originally Posted by Ballzzz

You don’t want to own that s65 and throw a rod/bearing.

The S54 in the e46 is bulletproof.

Listen all three listed cars are solid machines with there faults and age related items that will need attention.

If you find a well cared for example you will have a great paint job after all these years and an AMMMAZING driving experience unlike any modern day car. No, it will not be the fastest but it will be the most visceral engaging rewarding drive available that you can daily.

Modern day cars have too many regulations and too many computers making everything so numb it’s sadly a different world.

I daily a 01 330i and I LOVE it it kills me to think about the day I need to replace her because I just can’t think of much new to replace her. Possibly an M2 but even so there a bit missing. The e46 generation is automotive perfection imho.

I would do preventative rod bearings if I went E90. As for best daily, every time a clean ZHP comes up it really tempts me.

[ian.thomas]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Of the 3 that you listed, the E39 M5... BY FAR.

Another agree on this.