posted 04-19-2001 07:11 PM            

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hi, my name is Brian and I am in the market for a new car. I am very interested in an M3. Considering the price of the e46, which one do you like more? I've heard of problems w/ the e36's not having a 6th gear. I am relatively new to driving real cars. (I've had a toyota solara and a lexus RX 300, but was awakened to "real" cars by my Saab 9-3 turbo). I have heard good things about the steering feel of the e36. I would love to get the e46, but is it worth the pricetag, insurace cost, and wait? Thank you.

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posted 04-19-2001 07:12 PM            

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hi how are you? This is Frank. Good choice on your interest in the M3! It is THE best overall "sports" car at ANY price...no I dont work for BMW

Your question is a good one and I think it's a fairly easy one; find a nice used E36 M3 in the five speed coupe! (stay away from convt as they have way too much body flex). The E36 steering feedback is nothing short of an automotive miracle...the best way i could describe it would be imagine closing your eyes and running the palm of your hand on a highway...the tactile feel is the feedback from the steering..and the amazing part is that it has a fairly compliant ride.

The E36's are geared alittle short and if you do alot of highway driving it could get alittle irritating...personally I liked it...plus you get great top gear acceleration.

The E46 M3's steering Im afraid has lost some of it's feedback...I have only driven it for 400miles so not 100% sure..but that's my initial impression...and it has picked up some other handling idiosynchrocies (one could be due to 18 inch wheels with wider tires) They have lightened up the steering quite a bit with the E46.

You can probably pick up a fairly nice example of an E36 M3 for under 30k.

Good luck and let me know what you ended up deciding.

Regards,
Frank

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2001 Imola Red/Blk Lthr 6spd w/ Premium Pkg/Xenons