How do these two cars compare to each other in terms of maintenance and up keep. Is one more easily repaired and maintained than the other? Special considerations given to their respective engines?

Just curious.

 

M series or the other models? I know the E46 M3 requires periodic valve adjustments and unique engine oil.

 

www.m3forum.net

or

forums.bimmerforums.com

The stickies at the top of each section have everything you need to know if you are looking to buy either one.

For a simple answer, the e46 is more expensive to maintain, especially if you are talking m3.

 

Is that still true, given the E36's age? Everyone I talk to who owns an E36 says lots of parts are wearing out.

 

My E36 M3 has been one of the most reliable cars i've owned. Just change the oil every 5-7,500 miles and no problems.

Main things i've replaced:

Flex Disc (Guibo) - in drive shaft
Radiator - plastic gets old after 10 years
Water pump - plastic one replaced by metal
Front lower control arm bushings - cheap easy to do
Suspension - 10 year old car
Cam position sensor

..pretty much it.


And I don't 'baby' her either, I DRIVE it!

 

[QUOTE=Billj747,Feb 14 2010, 10:51 AM]Main things i've replaced:

 

You are right to a certain extent, but keep in mind e46's are aging rapidly as well. I have a feeling that if the OP is cross-shopping the two, he's looking at an early e46 which is only a few years removed from an e36.

 

True -- good point.

 

e46 > e36

I traded my 01 330ci for this s2k im driving now, and a while before this car I owned a 95 m3. As far as repairs go the only damn thing I had to change was the PS pump and that cost a cool 300 for parts alone (re-manufactured). Oh and control arms and bushings, another 300 at 85k on the clock. When I sold the car it had 153k on it, and driven very hard it's entire time with me from 60k on.

It is by far one of my favorite car to have ever driven. The m3 I owned was beaten pretty bad too (I was young and had a very heavy foot). That car just because of the M badge cost at least another 20% more in parts alone. Yea they recommend you use special oil, but I've never had any issues running 5w-30 synthetic.

The interior is much more refined with the e46 as well. If you look at all the previous bmw models you can see the progression between functionality and beauty. I'd vote for the e46 if I had to do it over again, it's a great car all around and you won't be disappointed.

I would also recommend the 330 model, the 3 liter motors are bulletproof. I was able to also get 33 mpg on hwy only driving being mindful of the gas pedal so if you drive it nice it will pay you back dividends.

 

10W-60 engine oil is what the E46 M3 uses. 5W-30 is fine for the E36 M3, but not the E46 M3.
Well, it looks like the OP abandoned his thread. He'd be better off asking on bimmerforums anyway.