[95avblm3]

I owned a '95 M3 that was a weekend toy. With the exception of the interior and the power steering hoses and reservoir, the car was bullet proof. It was simple, quick and a real joy.

The leaky power steering issues was a simple DIY fix... part of that fix was replacing a reservoir that seems to be a common part to many German cars. My 944S, 924S, M3, 740iL, and I believe M-roadster (not all owned at the same time and all purchased used) all used the same crappy part. Good news, it was less than $20.

My M3 was nearly perfect cosmetically and as such, I spent some money to fix up the interior. IMO, it wasn't the vinyl material that was crappy, it was the glue that affixed it that sucked. Between two front door panels and a headliner, I think is was $1k but it was factory-fresh, brand new looking. Certainly, there are less expensive ways to fix those issues too.

As far as rattles, the M3 had its share but not surprisingly, most went away when I replaced the worn-out, noisy tires.

I have not personally owned an E46 but have a couple of family members that have. Interior materials and assembly is arguably better but they have their own issues. My brother has an '00 323iT, sport M/T that he bought with 116k and now has close to 170k. It is in need of some good maintenance but seems to chug along just fine.

My point: E36 and E46 cars both have quirks, most of which are in the eye of the beholder. Give them a little love and you can't go wrong with either. E36s are simpler, E46s offer more creature comforts.