Offtopic? E36/46's?
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
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'97 E320
Offtopic? E36/46's?
Not sure if we're allowed to post O/T topics here.. But I was just wondering what the MBworld consensus was on BMW e36 and early 46's(99-01).
Early models of our w210, w202's and those beemers above usually fall into the same price bracket used, and just for comparisons sake.. wanted to get some input from my MB brethren.
Early models of our w210, w202's and those beemers above usually fall into the same price bracket used, and just for comparisons sake.. wanted to get some input from my MB brethren.
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Toledo, OH
88 535is, 89 318iT
Well, I have a W210 now, but have been a BMW CCA member and massive BMW fan for 15 yrs. How big of a fan? How about a 350hp e28 M5? I've owned 5 BMWs.
The e36 is a cost cutting piece of junk that I would never suggest someone own. Unless it's a well cared for, low mileage M3, I wouldn't even bother.
The e46 is a much better car, one of BMW's best, but it would be best to stick to the later years, say 2002 to 2005. The interiors hold up well, as does the rest of the car. Get the sport package and manual trans or you'll miss the real fun in ownership.
Maintenance wise, in comparison to the MB's you've owned, expect to replace suspension bushings and brakes twice as much, cooling system every 80k, engine gaskets, fluids and electrical problems are about the same, and tires every 20-30k.
Driving dynamics, most people like MB or BMW. I haven't met anyone passionate about both. You either lean toward track car handling or not.
I miss my e46 (my e30s even more) every time I drive my w210, but I decided to keep the car that wouldn't Break My Wallet commuting 150 miles per day, so I sold my rare sport package wagon and kept the E320.
The e36 is a cost cutting piece of junk that I would never suggest someone own. Unless it's a well cared for, low mileage M3, I wouldn't even bother.
The e46 is a much better car, one of BMW's best, but it would be best to stick to the later years, say 2002 to 2005. The interiors hold up well, as does the rest of the car. Get the sport package and manual trans or you'll miss the real fun in ownership.
Maintenance wise, in comparison to the MB's you've owned, expect to replace suspension bushings and brakes twice as much, cooling system every 80k, engine gaskets, fluids and electrical problems are about the same, and tires every 20-30k.
Driving dynamics, most people like MB or BMW. I haven't met anyone passionate about both. You either lean toward track car handling or not.
I miss my e46 (my e30s even more) every time I drive my w210, but I decided to keep the car that wouldn't Break My Wallet commuting 150 miles per day, so I sold my rare sport package wagon and kept the E320.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 94
From: MD
w210 AMG or S213
I have both. I have an 03 wagon, hard to compare the two they each have strong points. But I have to say I prefer the handling of the BMW.
If you plan to get an e46 get a newer one, the older ones had more subframe issue and other problems.
If you plan to get an e46 get a newer one, the older ones had more subframe issue and other problems.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 126
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From: Lower Alabama
2000 E320 Original Owner 2007 CLK550 Cabriolet 2015 S600
Awesome cars. I would pick a 3 series over a C class. If you are looking into a late 90s early 2000s 3 series, make sure you do some research on some BWM forums. Those years has some subframe problems probably because they were driven so hard but many had the problem. I was getting ready to trade my E320 for one but the owner decided not to honor her deal.
