Fwiw, the 97 E36 M with 110k miles had a nicer, tighter interior with less rattles than the 30k mile 09 Kia that replaced it....


I've heard a lot of gripes about the E36, but id buy another in a heartbeat.

I have owned both e36 and e46 both 325's, the e46 is much improved over the e36, however I really liked my e36. I thought the e36 was a better looking car, and was a better driving car when I really wanted to drive the car. the e46 is more refined, quieter, simple, and a better daily driver.

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.

Well said.
I've owned 3 E36's. A 318is and 2 M3's.
Compared to the rest of the cars built in the late 90's I think they are at the upper part of the list as far as quality ride etc.
Not sure where the comments are coming from making them sound like a POS.
I'm currently looking for an M46 M3, but that is because as a DD I need a newer car (and 333 HP :D )

And you will not be dissapointed. Had mine for about three weeks or so and love it. It can be extremely docile around town. I have an SMG and in 'auto' mode the car just purrs along, you would'nt even know that it was a pure animal underneath. And the sound of the motor winding up to 8K is...well.....