[DJSF3014]

Aight you guys ive been on the hunt for I would say over 6 months for a 340i and haven't found the perfect spec for me some are close but just can't bring myself to pull the trigger as well as the crazy high prices for every used car that being said I started looking into e46 m3's and I would love to get one only thing is that I think I would miss the power although I didn't really use it with my last build I like knowing it's there. If anyone has any input on the two and help with swaying my decision please let me know I know the cars are almost two separate cars to talk about just wanna hear experiences thanks

[BMWILUVU]

Look, the 340i has more modern tech, immediate low-end torque, fun to drive, and somewhat reliable. Didn't the e46 M3 have bearing problems?

[dmaxdmax]

I miss my e46 328i after almost 2 covid years of my f30 340i xD, 6-spd. You're in an f30 already, so if you like that, you'd probably like the 340. Me? I find the platform too comfortable, stable, and controlled. A lot of power, but little of it you really need unless you're constantly drag racing.

[DJSF3014]

Originally Posted by BMWILUVU

Look, the 340i has more modern tech, immediate low-end torque, fun to drive, and somewhat reliable. Didn't the e46 M3 have bearing problems?

Yea I don't really care for tech in fact I usually look for the low tech packages I prefer the driving experience which is why manual of course and yes they did but bearings can be put in fo keep the engine healthy and e46 would have well documented maintenance history there are problems with both vehicles but those are things you know before buying.

[DJSF3014]

Originally Posted by dmaxdmax

I miss my e46 328i after almost 2 covid years of my f30 340i xD, 6-spd. You're in an f30 already, so if you like that, you'd probably like the 340. Me? I find the platform too comfortable, stable, and controlled. A lot of power, but little of it you really need unless you're constantly drag racing.

I had my f30 335i bb 3.4 turbo kit sold it the wife has a auto 340 now and I do love it and I would love to find one I'm at the point where I want my own car again vs the wife's and family car. Never driven an e46 but imagine they are raw and fun and yes I completely agree I had all that power on my 335i but only used it to data log and maybe little burst here and there.

[skinnyroots]

I think it depends on your intentions for the car. Is this going to be a daily, or a fun weekend car? If you're looking for a daily, then obviously the answer is F30. But if you're in the market for a collectors car, then the E46 is the way to go. The NA engine is a riot, its looks are classic, and it will feel more raw and visceral than most modern sports car.

You might have to shell out more on the E46 for maintenance in the short term, but it could potentially be worth more in the long run too. I wouldn't say it's reached the level of the E30 M3, but it's on the way.

[AspektUSA]

E39 M5 > E46 M3 if you want to go classic BMW route, imo.

F30 340i is easily better than an E46 in terms of daily use and safety.

M5 is a more special car that deserves its place.

[Randy Johnson]

For me it would be the 340. E46 is too old. More potential for problems. You just got to figure out how to replace the horrible bumper cover on the 340. Better yet just get a 440 msport. Much better bumper.

[therealm3]

This is a bit of apples to oranges. The 340 is a great daily and can be fun. I own one with a manual and THP. It has a good amount of space for four people and taking on a back road is entertaining as well.

The e46 m3 is more of a weekend car at this point. Yes you can daily one, but do you really want to? As others have noted, their values continue to go up and good, clean, well cared for examples are not easy to come by. You will easily pay a lot more for one than a nice 340.

With that said, I too have recently thought about selling my 340 and picking up an e92 or e46 m3. But each time I think about my true use case for a car, I just don't think I am totally done with needing a daily driver yet. And unfortunately the budget won't allow for both.

[DJSF3014]

Originally Posted by skinnyroots

I think it depends on your intentions for the car. Is this going to be a daily, or a fun weekend car? If you're looking for a daily, then obviously the answer is F30. But if you're in the market for a collectors car, then the E46 is the way to go. The NA engine is a riot, its looks are classic, and it will feel more raw and visceral than most modern sports car.

You might have to shell out more on the E46 for maintenance in the short term, but it could potentially be worth more in the long run too. I wouldn't say it's reached the level of the E30 M3, but it's on the way.

Thanks I'm looking for a daily/ weekend car we currently have 2 cars so I can take those but on days I feel like driving the m3 take that and then have it for weekends not really for racing as I never find time for it even when my last car made around 550 whp never got to use it was only a daily. As for e39 haven't really looked into them but just might. I've found some clean examples of e46 with 100k t0 150k miles. Intern yes it has some issues but with good maintenance records would be not that hard to tell if needed work ASAP or not. The f30 340 market is crazy right now I can't find the spec I want so I was thinking get the m3 for a few years it will go up in value and all others prices will normalize then grab a f30 later on or move to f80.

[DJSF3014]

Originally Posted by therealm3

This is a bit of apples to oranges. The 340 is a great daily and can be fun. I own one with a manual and THP. It has a good amount of space for four people and taking on a back road is entertaining as well.

The e46 m3 is more of a weekend car at this point. Yes you can daily one, but do you really want to? As others have noted, their values continue to go up and good, clean, well cared for examples are not easy to come by. You will easily pay a lot more for one than a nice 340.

With that said, I too have recently thought about selling my 340 and picking up an e92 or e46 m3. But each time I think about my true use case for a car, I just don't think I am totally done with needing a daily driver yet. And unfortunately the budget won't allow for both.

Yea exactly I just can't find the spec I want and just depends where you are and what you want. Ima pm you but just getting the itch to get my own car again and start another modding journey who knows might tear down and build the whole thing idk plans for it yet.

[AndrewC1989]

Both. 340 for dd, E46 on weekends.

[DJSF3014]

Originally Posted by AndrewC1989

Both. 340 for dd, E46 on weekends.

I mean technically me and the wife already own a 340 although I myself would love to have 2 cars having 4 isn't practical for us

[celsdogg]

I'm pretty sure I'm old AF now. I've wanted an E46 M3 since they came out. I can be driving anynewer F chassis and see the M3 (or almost any other clean E46 honestly) and I lust after it badly.

every platform has it's pitfalls. if you really know E46's then you know theirs. I can live with them!

[NYBulldog]

If you’re spending 340i money on an E46 M3 you will have a fantastic car. However you will feel bad driving it and putting too miles on it. So I would say get a higher mileage E46 M3. It’s a more rewarding driving experience. But plenty of higher mileage E46 M3 are usually beat up. If you plan to daily drive it, no question get the 340i. There is no bad choice. Depends on your needs. To me, the E46 M3 is a top 5 BMW to own. Is it super fast? No. But such a fun car.

[j2dad5389]

One thing I've learned is that going faster (slower) is more fun, If that makes sense. E46 in manual is the way. While the 340i is blistering fast compared to it, I think you will have more fun in what is arguably BMW's pinnacle era of their cars.

[PhizzurpF]

340i without a second thought. M3 would be a fun garage queen to have, but it doesn't sound like that's your intentions.

340i delivers more than enough power as a DD and you'll be driving a modern, great looking car. The E series is really becoming quite dated if I'm being honest..

[Polo08816]

If you have only one car, get the 340i. If you are looking for a weekend fun car, E46 M3.