10-13-2021, 03:58 PM | #1 |
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E46 m3 or 340i
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
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10-14-2021, 07:23 AM | #3 |
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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.
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10-14-2021, 12:54 PM | #4 |
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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.
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10-14-2021, 12:55 PM | #5 | |
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10-14-2021, 02:52 PM | #6 |
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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. |
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10-14-2021, 03:14 PM | #7 |
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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. |
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10-14-2021, 03:30 PM | #8 |
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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.
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10-14-2021, 03:44 PM | #9 |
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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. |
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10-14-2021, 05:59 PM | #10 | |
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10-14-2021, 06:01 PM | #11 | |
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10-14-2021, 06:02 PM | #12 |
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Both. 340 for dd, E46 on weekends.
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10-14-2021, 06:03 PM | #13 |
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10-14-2021, 08:46 PM | #14 |
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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!
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KIA - '91 E30 325i AT (146k) | '02 E46 325i MT (212k) Bring back the purple M stripe |
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10-14-2021, 09:21 PM | #15 |
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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.
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10-15-2021, 12:03 PM | #16 |
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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.
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10-15-2021, 12:32 PM | #17 |
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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.. |
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