'06 E46 M3 or '06 E90 330i???

E36_325i · 09-21-2005, 01:53 PM

Guys and Girls:
I am torn between the e46 M3 and the e90 330i. I have driven the e90 and find it to be a great car. I have not driven the M but know it is a great car and the e46 M body style is absolutely stunning. I keep going back and forth on these 2 cars. Here's what it comes down to:

I like the styling of the e90 and can get it optioned out nicely for around 42K (military sales). On the other hand, the M is a beautiful car and it can get it bare bones and a few options (NAV/Xenons) for around 6K more than the 330. So the big question is, do I splurge for the M or get the 330. As for my driving style, I dont track my cars and pretty much use them as daily drivers. But I like to get on them once in a while when the conditions permit. I konw if I got the 330 i'd be happy, I just dont want to be saying "I wish I'd gotten the M!" I know ultimately its my own decision but I'd like to hear everyone opinion.

I'm not comparing these cars performance wise, the M obviously is a true sports car and the 330 is a sports sedan.

Another question, is the M going to be practical for a daily driver. I know the 330 will be. Any M drivers out there have any input on this. Thanks!

ryan330 · 09-21-2005, 02:04 PM

Personally I would go with the M3 for that deal. But I think a lot depends on whether or not you have to use your back seat for carrying passangers. I find the back seat in the M3 to be very small and so it is impractical if you need to carry passangers in the back seat often. The ride isn't as smooth as the 330 but the performance difference more then makes up for it.

Good luck making the very hard decision, either way you go, you won't regret your decision, both are great cars

Ryan

obLu · 09-21-2005, 02:13 PM

Ditto. M3 if you don't need a backseat. On the other hand if you don't need a backseat why not a boxster/ used 996?

Daily driver? Sure if you don't expect ultimate appliance reliability. My buddy that's got an M3, he lives in an apartment (admits he spends all his money on toys) with no garage, says it can be a little tempermental on cold mornings.

longtran · 09-21-2005, 02:14 PM

fock it, buy both.......

E36_325i · 09-21-2005, 02:22 PM

Ha Longtran, being a contractor in Kuwait has given me the opportunity to only get one. Too bad. The lack of back seat isnt really an issue for me since I dont plan to haul anyone or anything. And I do have a garage. Trust me, my E36 is a SOB to start when it drops below 12 degrees F so I know how that goes.

As for the Porche suggestion, I am loyal to BMW and have not even fathomed owning another brand of car. I know they are great cars, but I need something that will have a warranty. A Porche in the shop isnt easy on the pocketbook.

09-21-2005, 02:26 PM

Get a loaded up 330i, you won't be sorry. I absolutely LOVE the E46, but it's just not as practical for day to day driving IF you need a back seat--which I do. And by the way, an E46 that's loaded is 64K and they (generally) don't deal on them either.

peakpro · 09-21-2005, 02:37 PM

M3 is in another league when is comes to driving dynamics.

EVO_S4 · 09-21-2005, 02:55 PM

like you say, if you need the extra room I go for the M3. I wanted to get the M but couldn't since I need a 4doors

ward · 09-21-2005, 03:16 PM

GET THE M3

if you've been in the CCA for over a year you can get 2 grand off the M
pricing could be right there with a new 330 (if you find an M with reasonable options, compared to a retarded loaded 330)
3 series is nice, but an M is special

Oz · 09-21-2005, 03:24 PM

They are both great cars but M3 will definitely make you stand out from the crows and the performance (i'm assuming) is amazing!

But if it was me, I would get a loaded E90 just because it's the new body/design.

But do you guys think current M3 would lose it's value once the new ones come out? Does that usually happen with M series?

ward · 09-21-2005, 04:05 PM

M3's will always hold their value well since so many people want them regardless of new styling.
it's going to be WAY easier to sell down the road than a 330

plus the new M is still 2 years away

GET THE M3

stressdoc · 09-21-2005, 04:11 PM

Too bad the 335i is not out yet -- that would seem the best of both worlds...

lux.sh · 09-21-2005, 04:37 PM

You will want the E46 M3 if you drive it after E90.

I drove E46 M3 before E90. I could've gotten either one, but I picked
the E90, just because it was new. But the performance and sound from
M3 is just crazy. NOTHING like quiet E90. Its like big daddy and little kid.

Im just waiting for the new M3 to come out. E90 is just replacement until then..

peakpro · 09-21-2005, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

M3's will always hold their value well since so many people want them regardless of new styling.
it's going to be WAY easier to sell down the road than a 330

plus the new M is still 2 years away

GET THE M3

I agree. No problem with the resale of any M3.

Nikki · 09-21-2005, 05:16 PM

I'd get the e90 or hold out for the new M3.

Oz · 09-21-2005, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

I'd get the e90 or hold out for the new M3.

This is what I would do as well.

This might be a newbie question but does M3's only come in manual?

tima · 09-21-2005, 05:34 PM

If you have the slightest tiniest speck of an inkling of desire to own the M3 - buy it.

My E36 M3 was the best most fun car I've ever owned and I still miss it to this day.

If you love Bimmers, at least once in your life you owe it to yourself to own an M.
.

chris · 09-21-2005, 05:46 PM

What a predicament! I was in this position as well. Well, more along the lines of buying a used e46 M3 or a new e90 330i. It was a tough decision because an M3 was literally my dream car. Only problem was that the insurance would be real high and the fact that it would be a used car.

After picking up the e90, I am very happy since I am diggin the new look. However, if you are truly an enthusiast and can fork out the dough for an M3...I wouldn't miss that opportunity.

ward · 09-21-2005, 06:18 PM

Insurance for my E36 M3 was the same as insurance for my E90

not sure how the E46 insurance rates are/were

chris · 09-21-2005, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

Insurance for my E36 M3 was the same as insurance for my E90

not sure how the E46 insurance rates are/were

there was a huge difference when I talked to my insurance company. i am not sure how they rate it? maybe the amount of HP or something?

pharmb · 09-21-2005, 07:26 PM

Here's a pic of my E46 M3. My advice is skip the SMG, get the manual if you decide to go the M3 route. The m3 is an awesome car, but just begs for you to drive the hell out of it. I live in FL, where we have all flat, straight roads, so there weren't a lot of places I could drive it the way it was meant to be driven. It's not really a daily driver in my opinion.

I'm picking up my E90 in a couple of weeks at the performance center. The ship is at the port in SC today!!

E36_325i · 09-21-2005, 08:40 PM

Thanks for all the great responses guys. Another few questions:

If i'm not mistaken, even if you get the Xenon lights for the M, they still dont have angel eyes do they?

As for the Nav in the M, is it the same interface as the 330 NAV? I know the physical layout is different and the lack of iDrive, but are the maps and software functionality the same?

09-21-2005, 01:53 PM	#1
E36_325i Private First Class 9 Rep 142 Posts Drives: E36 325i + '06 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	'06 E46 M3 or '06 E90 330i??? Guys and Girls: I am torn between the e46 M3 and the e90 330i. I have driven the e90 and find it to be a great car. I have not driven the M but know it is a great car and the e46 M body style is absolutely stunning. I keep going back and forth on these 2 cars. Here's what it comes down to: I like the styling of the e90 and can get it optioned out nicely for around 42K (military sales). On the other hand, the M is a beautiful car and it can get it bare bones and a few options (NAV/Xenons) for around 6K more than the 330. So the big question is, do I splurge for the M or get the 330. As for my driving style, I dont track my cars and pretty much use them as daily drivers. But I like to get on them once in a while when the conditions permit. I konw if I got the 330 i'd be happy, I just dont want to be saying "I wish I'd gotten the M!" I know ultimately its my own decision but I'd like to hear everyone opinion. I'm not comparing these cars performance wise, the M obviously is a true sports car and the 330 is a sports sedan. Another question, is the M going to be practical for a daily driver. I know the 330 will be. Any M drivers out there have any input on this. Thanks! __________________ '06 M3 \| Jet/Cinn \| ZPP \| Xenons \| NAV \| Military Sales. Last edited by E36_325i; 09-21-2005 at 01:57 PM.. Reason: Additional info
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09-21-2005, 02:04 PM	#2
ryan330 New Member 0 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 330 soon Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: ontario iTrader: (0)	Personally I would go with the M3 for that deal. But I think a lot depends on whether or not you have to use your back seat for carrying passangers. I find the back seat in the M3 to be very small and so it is impractical if you need to carry passangers in the back seat often. The ride isn't as smooth as the 330 but the performance difference more then makes up for it. Good luck making the very hard decision, either way you go, you won't regret your decision, both are great cars Ryan
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09-21-2005, 02:13 PM	#3
obLu Major 50 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: 330i 6MT ZSP Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Kirkland, WA, USA iTrader: (1)	Ditto. M3 if you don't need a backseat. On the other hand if you don't need a backseat why not a boxster/ used 996? Daily driver? Sure if you don't expect ultimate appliance reliability. My buddy that's got an M3, he lives in an apartment (admits he spends all his money on toys) with no garage, says it can be a little tempermental on cold mornings.
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09-21-2005, 02:14 PM	#4
longtran Lieutenant General 1433 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	fock it, buy both.......
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09-21-2005, 02:22 PM	#5
E36_325i Private First Class 9 Rep 142 Posts Drives: E36 325i + '06 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	Ha Longtran, being a contractor in Kuwait has given me the opportunity to only get one. Too bad. The lack of back seat isnt really an issue for me since I dont plan to haul anyone or anything. And I do have a garage. Trust me, my E36 is a SOB to start when it drops below 12 degrees F so I know how that goes. As for the Porche suggestion, I am loyal to BMW and have not even fathomed owning another brand of car. I know they are great cars, but I need something that will have a warranty. A Porche in the shop isnt easy on the pocketbook. __________________ '06 M3 \| Jet/Cinn \| ZPP \| Xenons \| NAV \| Military Sales.
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09-21-2005, 02:26 PM	#6
CMD Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	Get a loaded up 330i, you won't be sorry. I absolutely LOVE the E46, but it's just not as practical for day to day driving IF you need a back seat--which I do. And by the way, an E46 that's loaded is 64K and they (generally) don't deal on them either.
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09-21-2005, 02:37 PM	#7
peakpro Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 290 Posts Drives: ex-Z4; now looking Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	M3 is in another league when is comes to driving dynamics.
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09-21-2005, 02:55 PM	#8
EVO_S4 Colonel 117 Rep 2,232 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: TN iTrader: (28) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2009 BMW [8.24]	like you say, if you need the extra room I go for the M3. I wanted to get the M but couldn't since I need a 4doors __________________ 2016 M3 2016 Audi Q5 3.0T
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09-21-2005, 03:16 PM	#9
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	GET THE M3 if you've been in the CCA for over a year you can get 2 grand off the M pricing could be right there with a new 330 (if you find an M with reasonable options, compared to a retarded loaded 330) 3 series is nice, but an M is special
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09-21-2005, 03:24 PM	#10
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	They are both great cars but M3 will definitely make you stand out from the crows and the performance (i'm assuming) is amazing! But if it was me, I would get a loaded E90 just because it's the new body/design. But do you guys think current M3 would lose it's value once the new ones come out? Does that usually happen with M series? __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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09-21-2005, 04:05 PM	#11
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	M3's will always hold their value well since so many people want them regardless of new styling. it's going to be WAY easier to sell down the road than a 330 plus the new M is still 2 years away GET THE M3
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09-21-2005, 04:11 PM	#12
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Too bad the 335i is not out yet -- that would seem the best of both worlds...
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09-21-2005, 04:37 PM	#13
lux.sh missing two turbos. 577 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [0.00]	You will want the E46 M3 if you drive it after E90. I drove E46 M3 before E90. I could've gotten either one, but I picked the E90, just because it was new. But the performance and sound from M3 is just crazy. NOTHING like quiet E90. Its like big daddy and little kid. Im just waiting for the new M3 to come out. E90 is just replacement until then.. __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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09-21-2005, 05:16 PM	#15
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	I'd get the e90 or hold out for the new M3. __________________ Nikki
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09-21-2005, 05:34 PM	#17
tima Custom User Title 17 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 330i ZSP/TiAg/Blk Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	If you have the slightest tiniest speck of an inkling of desire to own the M3 - buy it. My E36 M3 was the best most fun car I've ever owned and I still miss it to this day. If you love Bimmers, at least once in your life you owe it to yourself to own an M. . __________________ tima get off the phone and drive
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09-21-2005, 05:46 PM	#18
chris Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 281 Posts Drives: Jet Black e90 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	What a predicament! I was in this position as well. Well, more along the lines of buying a used e46 M3 or a new e90 330i. It was a tough decision because an M3 was literally my dream car. Only problem was that the insurance would be real high and the fact that it would be a used car. After picking up the e90, I am very happy since I am diggin the new look. However, if you are truly an enthusiast and can fork out the dough for an M3...I wouldn't miss that opportunity.
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09-21-2005, 06:18 PM	#19
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	Insurance for my E36 M3 was the same as insurance for my E90 not sure how the E46 insurance rates are/were
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09-21-2005, 07:26 PM	#21
pharmb Enlisted Member 0 Rep 47 Posts Drives: X5 4.4i/ 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (0)	Here's a pic of my E46 M3. My advice is skip the SMG, get the manual if you decide to go the M3 route. The m3 is an awesome car, but just begs for you to drive the hell out of it. I live in FL, where we have all flat, straight roads, so there weren't a lot of places I could drive it the way it was meant to be driven. It's not really a daily driver in my opinion. I'm picking up my E90 in a couple of weeks at the performance center. The ship is at the port in SC today!!
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09-21-2005, 08:40 PM	#22
E36_325i Private First Class 9 Rep 142 Posts Drives: E36 325i + '06 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the great responses guys. Another few questions: If i'm not mistaken, even if you get the Xenon lights for the M, they still dont have angel eyes do they? As for the Nav in the M, is it the same interface as the 330 NAV? I know the physical layout is different and the lack of iDrive, but are the maps and software functionality the same? __________________ '06 M3 \| Jet/Cinn \| ZPP \| Xenons \| NAV \| Military Sales.
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