Help me pick my next car - E36 M3, 964 C2, 964 C4

frencjas · 12-04-2006, 10:58 PM

So I'm selling my E30 M3 after several months of ownership. It is a fine car, well balanced, fun at the track, a real looker, but my car A.D.D. has gotten the best of me and I am selling it and looking for a new ride. I really like the balance of the M series cars, so an E36 M3 would be an obvious choice. I also like the 964 series, and the C2 would be a better choice for a track car, and a C4 for more daily use, and I could even use it for skiing when my Audi S4 is down.

My new car has to be good for daily use, and also be decent for light duty track use, 3-10 track days a year. the reason I am considering E36 M3 and 964 series cars is that they aren't too rare that I wouldn't feel bad about bastardizing them a bit, which is the reason I am getting rid of the E30 M3, too rare to modify IMO. They are also new enough to be pretty reliable, ABS, and a car my wife wouldn't mind riding in. Oh yeah, they are in my price range.

YOur thoughts are greatly appreciated. Any other suggestions for another car for me are greatly appreciated.

suntoys · 12-04-2006, 11:12 PM

I'be had the privelege of owning both the e30 and e36 m3, (both Euros) I've also owned a 964 carrera 2. I never had the opportunity to own or drive a four though. The best car that I had was actualy the e30 m3. I didnt enjoy the 964 or the e36. Sure they were convenient, powerful, comfortable (important for wife) but their character and personality was pretty generic for me. The ironic thing is that I just sold my e30m3 coz of my new toy, a 72E RS Clone. Why dont you consider a boxster or a Honda s2000?

deathpunk dan · 12-05-2006, 04:41 AM

You will be bored with an E36 M3 unless you drive it like a maniac. It's not a ton more rewarding to drive daily than a 325i.

Jims5543 · 12-05-2006, 04:42 AM

What are you looking to get for the M3?

frencjas · 12-05-2006, 05:17 AM

Hmmm, I guess I'll have to go drive some of these cars. E30 is raw, but definately fun. Wife is definately excited that it is going, almost worth it seeing the look on her face. She won't be too excited to see another 911 in the garage, but that is what I'm leaning towards. The search begins!

frencjas · 12-05-2006, 05:18 AM

Oh yeah, the E30 is selling for $12,500. Ad in pelican, bimmerforums, and s14.net. It is likely selling today, 2 VERY interested parties.

wludavid · wludavid's Garage

12K is a good price for a sorted e30m3.

You may regret selling it, but I can certainly sympathize with Automoble ADD.

frencjas · 12-05-2006, 07:23 AM

Maybe I'll find my way back to E30 M3 someday - for now, I'm leaning towards another Porsche.

onewhippedpuppy · 12-05-2006, 01:25 PM

If it were me, I'd get the Porsche. The M3 would probably be a more practical choice, as it's larger and probably a bit cheaper to maintain, but the 964 sure sounds like more fun.

Scooter · 12-05-2006, 01:35 PM

I really liked my 964 for daily use and spirited driving. Never took it to the track, but I am sure it would have been a blast. The 964 was a great mix of old school with modern day amenities.

dd74 · 12-05-2006, 02:04 PM

I've talked to a lot of Bimmer guys who think the E30 M3 to be the last of the real BMW drivers' cars. I'd hate to see one leave my driveway.

frencjas · 12-05-2006, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dd74
I've talked to a lot of Bimmer guys who think the E30 M3 to be the last of the real BMW drivers' cars. I'd hate to see one leave my driveway.

Seeing it go is bitter sweet. It does have its issues, cosmetic and otherwise, which softens the sting. It is definately a fun ride, and great at the track even with no modifications. I may just keep my eye open for an E30 M3 that's already been developed for track use so I don't have to hack up a good driver. I was at first excited to replace the car, but I think I'm just going to hang out and if something really cool comes along at a good price, E36, E30, 964, etc..., I'll be ready to buy.

dd74 · 12-06-2006, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by frencjas
Seeing it go is bitter sweet. It does have its issues, cosmetic and otherwise, which softens the sting. It is definately a fun ride, and great at the track even with no modifications. I may just keep my eye open for an E30 M3 that's already been developed for track use so I don't have to hack up a good driver. I was at first excited to replace the car, but I think I'm just going to hang out and if something really cool comes along at a good price, E36, E30, 964, etc..., I'll be ready to buy.

There's an E30 M3 stroked to a 2.5 that I've seen a few times at the track - and it is wicked fast. The car is at least as fast as some of the Vipers and Vettes.

If I didn't like the Porsche 911 so much, the E30 M3 (not the later ones), would be at the top of my list as it reminds me so much of a 911 - purpose oriented toward driving, simple, reliable, and nice readable gauges.

What more is there to want?

wludavid · wludavid's Garage

Another way it's like a 911 -- engines are $$$$ to rebuild.

They are wicked fast in the right hands though. The 2.5L without cat makes about 220 hp I think. Not bad for an engine designed circa 1980.

frencjas · 12-06-2006, 07:54 PM

Unfortunately the cars I like are not cheap to a. buy or b. maintain and c. track. There is a ****eload of E36 M3's, so replacing an engine or tranny if necessary wouldn't be the end of the world from a cost standpoint compared to a 911 or E30 M3. When I had my 911, I had a 3.6 put in as it was more economical than rebuilding my 3.2. Cheap it was not, but I know all too well the costs of owning and maintaining p-cars. I still have my Audi S4 to tweak with and keep me occupied until I fill the empty garage stall. I've been misfiring a bit lately under full boost... off I go to check my plugs... :-)