Which 3 series is best

[mouled]

I own a 535I se and love it but would like to add a 3 series to replace our domestic second car. Which models are best. The 318 seems too small. An M3 appeals to me, but finding one that has not been abused seems hard. I don't mind rebuilding something thats worth it, but the car would see daily duty quickly. No winters.

[bimmerdog]

Hey there...all I can say personally is GET THE M3!!!! So much power....so much fun...A number of these cars see some track time so make sure you or somebody look them over well...several of these cars are still available and if you look long enough and remain patient, you will find your treasure. It took me 9 months and 2 trips out of state before I found mine and no regrets :-)

[Eli at Pelican Parts]

I'd say that this is a question only your budget could answer. Let us all know what you are working with and we will give you an idea of what you can expect.

[notoriousM3]

An m3 is definitely the most fun of the 3 series e36 or e46. But it may NOT be the best daily driver. While it has lots of power and handles fantastic the ride is harsh and maintence cost if its out of warranty are very expensive. If you drive a lot of miles a 328 or 330 might be a better choice. I've owned a 98 M3 sedan a 97 328i. I now drive an 02 M3 and my wife drives an 01 530i so I have some experience to back up what I say.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I agree that an M3 really isnt the best car to have as a daily driver. Get the 330, it has a perfect mix of power and reliability.

[notoriousM3]

obviously I'm partial to M3's but I couldn't agree more.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

An M3 is too rough a ride for a daily driver. All i can say is try driving around the relatively terrible roads in Los Angeles and you will know exactly what i am talking about.

[notoriousM3]

I use an M3 as a daily driver most of the summer here in upstate ny without too much difficulty but I'm used to the ride. I'm willing to trade off ride comfort for handling excellence. you should see some of the roads here. potholes you could lose a vw beetle in.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Trust me, it cant be as worse as Los Angeles.

[Eli at Pelican Parts]

Here in Los Angeles there are pot holes so big you have to pay a toll just to go through…….

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

In New York you dont have to worry about the asphalt melting in the summer and getting thrown up on the sides of your car. There is also the nice black coat of sulphur dioxide burnoff you get from the refinery across the street. The refinery actually has a day per week where local residents can have their cars detailed for free, lol.

[notoriousM3]

hehehehehe no refineries where i am BUT....we suffer through 6 months of sub-freezing temps with a lot of salt dumped on roads this weakens asphalt . snow plows (ever seen one?) scrape asphalt creating potholes. when pot-holes do occur they usually cannot be repaired till spring. Its a very nasty process which is why most people with nice cars(myself included) store them for half the year. roads are extremely hazaradous to vehicles with low profile tires and alloy rims like the M3. I drive the NYS thruway everyday 45 miles to work. this road normally is in pretty good condition (partly due to the fact its a toll road) I noticed today that even parts of it have nasty pot holes. It does get pretty hot in ny during the summer. usually a couple of weeks with 90 plus temps so asphalt does melt somewhat.
peace mates

[bimmerdog]

Snow sucks...salt sucks and having to store your pride & joy for 1/2 a year sucks too...

[Eli at Pelican Parts]

Notorious,

Move to CA, the roads are not as bad as we lead on, unless you drive in downtown Los Angeles then be expecting those "dips". The sun is always shinning the weather is great and you don’t have to garage your car for more than a few days a year.

Just my opinion for the car enthusiast

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Im a little biased as to how i feel about LA weather. Personally I love cold weather. Guess Im just cold blooded. Give me a cold day in the Scottish Highlands and Im a happy man.

[notoriousM3]

I'd love to move to LA. I've been there a couple of times and I love the weather...The cars...and the ladies!

[notoriousM3]

Bimmerdog....I can't imagine what it must be like to drive my car ALL year round....must be heaven!!!

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

You can have the weather and the ladies, (stuck up IMHO) just let me keep the cars!

[notoriousM3]

I don't really want the ladies (happily married) I just like looking at the scenary...lots of eye candy from what i remember!

[bimmerdog]

..Buddy of mine lives in Orange Co. & loves it. I've been all over SoCal & I really dig it. We drove on the "Taco" Hwy (Ortega Hwy) on the way to Vegas & the scenery was just unbelievable.