Since I am kinda lazy and figured there are tons of you that can recite this info at will.... I am looking at a 1999-2001 3 series and can't figure the differences between 323, 325, 325i, etc. Can someone help with this? Looking to spend about $18k

Next question is tougher. I really like the looks of the E46 body, but I am a gearhead at heart and the E36 M3 is sooooo tempting. How much of a difference is there between the cars performance wise? What about maintenance/reliabity. I won't be making it a track car, just something to haul the family and have fun doing it. I will have to sell my 81 911, which is a true drivers car but is not fun on trips.

Thanks,
Ben

Looks like I should have read the "Read this before posting".... Sorry about the redundant questioning. I am interested in hearing opinions on the latter part of my question though.

The 323's are actually 325's (it's got the 2.5 ltr in it) Ci's stand for Coupes (or convert.) I's are the four door models. 330's have the 3.0 ltr units in them.

If it's performance you are looking for then go with the E36 M3. They are quick cars and can be bought for around 18K. 330's are close to if not on par (if modded) with E36 M's, but to find one around 18K it may be hard.

'99 - '01 E46 (323/328) have diffferent motors than that of the '01 - '05 (325/330)
323/328 have M52 motors which were 2.5 and 2.8 liters respectively
325/330 have the M54 motors which are 2.5 and 3.0 liters respectively

The M54 motors feature drive-by-wire as well as an increase in horsepower of 10 to over 20 horses. The M54s recieved a host of goodies, such as alumimum block versus iron. In the 330's the internals are forged. And with the recent ZHP models an additional 10 horses were added via revised camshafts and software via the M division.

If you're looking for a driver's car, then the E36 M3 is your car although your family will most likely travel a lot more comfortably in a E46.

Wow,
I guess you learn something new everyday. Thanks Motor! Things I never knew.
(I'm being serious by the way)

www.e46fanatics.faq I hate to say it, but that is the most comprehensive list of differences there are. Right down to the fact that 323s dont' have trunk releases inside the car.

www.e46fanatics.faq I hate to say it, but that is the most comprehensive list of differences there are. Right down to the fact that 323s dont' have trunk releases inside the car.


Hey Silverbeam, is that santa monica in your background? That's pretty cool looking.

Hey Silverbeam, is that santa monica in your background? That's pretty cool looking.

It is actually Irvine off the 405. Thanks.