Do you guys think I should get an E92 335i [no mods, it would be a lease under my parent's name and my name] or an E46 M3? I woulds spec the cars accordingly:

E92 335i:

Jet Black on Black Leatherette, Aluminum Trim, Sport Package, iPod/USB Adapter

E46 M3:

Carbon Black on Black Leather, Aluminum Trim, 6-Speed Manual, Extended Warranty

If I can find an M3 for under $30,000 it's mine.

Where should I look, and would I be better off with a new car, or an old(er) M?

An M is an M

DEFINITELY the m3 because you are actually going to own it. I think leases are horrible...i'd rather own the car, but that's just me. Also, with a lease, you can't really mod it. Plus you have many other restrictions.

Do you know what a limited slip differential is? It's one thing that people should consider when choosing between these two cars. If you plan on swinging the tail out at the track (and empty, wide country-roads) you might just prefer the M3. The engine is definitely more racey and IMO is more suited for performance driving. The 335i isn't as involving to drive, but of course upgraded suspension and tires can make a world of difference.

Another question, how old are you? If you young, like yours truly, get the M3. Sounds the like 'rents are footing some of the bill, might as well make it a memorable ownership experience and get the M. Keep in mind the service costs will be pricey, and you will not be finding many M3's with extended warranties for under 30k.

I was in a similar position, and opted to replace my beloved E36 M3 with a 135i. The warranty and ease of tuning won me over, but I'll probably still be a tad bit jealous when I see a M rolling past.

My 2004 jet black on black M3 6-manual is for sale....it has 28800 miles...

The 335i has the pull of an M3 in a straight line, but the second the twists show up, you'll know the difference between an ///M and the rest of BMW's lineup. Yes, I mean the 335i sport package.

I found the paddle shifters on the 335i to be particularly annoying, so if you do get one, get a 6MT

I test drove both, and there was no question that the M3 was the better car. (But that's an opinion only)

Street: 335
Track: M3

Anyone driving either of these cars near their respective potential on the street is a public danger. Personally, I'd take the extra bit of comfort and civility of the 335 for daily driving.

Would I trade my M3? No way, since it mostly sees track.

Do you know what a limited slip differential is? It's one thing that people should consider when choosing between these two cars. If you plan on swinging the tail out at the track (and empty, wide country-roads) you might just prefer the M3. The engine is definitely more racey and IMO is more suited for performance driving. The 335i isn't as involving to drive, but of course upgraded suspension and tires can make a world of difference.

Another question, how old are you? If you young, like yours truly, get the M3. Sounds the like 'rents are footing some of the bill, might as well make it a memorable ownership experience and get the M. Keep in mind the service costs will be pricey, and you will not be finding many M3's with extended warranties for under 30k.

I was in a similar position, and opted to replace my beloved E36 M3 with a 135i. The warranty and ease of tuning won me over, but I'll probably still be a tad bit jealous when I see a M rolling past.

Yes, I know what an LSD is. I love drifting, and, I'm going to be getting an E46 M3. I just need to find the right car, with the right mileage. Carbon Black, Black Leather, 6-Speed Manual. Nothing else matters.

I am 17 years old and a Senior in High School. I am not limiting myself to these two cars, however. I would also love to own a E36 M3 or an E34 M5.

90's BMW are godly.

Yes, I know what an LSD is. I love drifting, and, I'm going to be getting an E46 M3. I just need to find the right car, with the right mileage. Carbon Black, Black Leather, 6-Speed Manual. Nothing else matters.

I am 17 years old and a Senior in High School. I am not limiting myself to these two cars, however. I would also love to own a E36 M3 or an E34 M5.

90's BMW are godly.

17 + E46 M3 = BAD. Seriously, don't do it. Wait till you're in your early 20s, out of college, and settled down to get such performance-oriented--and EXPENSIVE (in all connotations: initial purchase price, maintenance, insurance, gas, etc.)--cars. Take it from me, an 18-year-old with an E46 M3 (bought myself). Do not make a mistake!

I know it's hard to wait, but do yourself the potentially life (and definitely money) saving favor of waiting it out.

I don't know.... I started slowing down when I turned 30 I think.
Maybe driving fast has to do with the driver's sex drive.:eyecrazy I still occasionally speed.

Maybe driving fast has to do with the driver's sex drive.:eyecrazy

The two likely are not mutually exclusive. :devillook

They are also fun when used together.

I agree with ohnoes. Purchasing an e46 M3 is something not everyone can handle, and especially at a young age. Its maintenence alone will make even a regular BMW owner cringe, and I wouldn't even think about owning one if I was still in college/just out of high school.

I agree with ohnoes. Purchasing an e46 M3 is something not everyone can handle, and especially at a young age. Its maintenence alone will make even a regular BMW owner cringe, and I wouldn't even think about owning one if I was still in college/just out of high school.

Yeah. Not a good idea to buy one of these while still in school if you have ANY desire to lead any semblance of a social life. :lol

You won't like my answer but I'll save your parents the headache and say it anyway...neither!!

The e36, e46 M3s and 335i is alot of car for a young driver to handle. Especially inexperience driver pushing the car at its limit then doesn't know what to do when the car barks back. Instead, buy a e30 or e36 325i and learn how to handle a RWD car properly. Take a couple of DE or autox school locally and really learn how to drive the car. You'll ended up a better driver and when you can afford to buy a high end car, you'll know how to drive it properly..

Yeah. Not a good idea to buy one of these while still in school if you have ANY desire to lead any semblance of a social life. :lol

I have to go with the same point. I've had both - the 335i is a beatiful, brilliant car in sedan or coupe - maintenance is much better than the M3...now with Kumho tires on the market, it isn't as bad but it is alot of expense with an M3. In terms of quickness, about the same, in terms of personality, the M3 wins hands down - very, very fun to drive, but again, both are very quick.

Good luck

You're 17, this is an insane amount of power for you. I don't even let me brother drive my E36 M3 just for this reason. I tell him its too much power and he thinks its not, you see the invincibility complex show up. I'm not saying everyone's like that, but it truly is a GREAT deal of power.

IFF you end up getting one, send me a private message. i host a small back country driving group in san diego dude-we just have fun, no racing, we go out BACK country...im talkin no cell service....

note, not recomended for inexperienced drivers...my dad almost got in trouble...and he has been driving a LOT more than either you or me...

I will just chime in briefly here.

I will be turning 40 this year. I have been driving for a long time (obviously). I have ridden motorcycles (sportbikes) for 15+ years and used to road race them. The E46M3 is not the fastest car I have owned.

However I NEED to get this thing to a driver's school to learn how to handle it. The car is amazing, and has more than adequate power to get you in big trouble. The limits of the car are also apparently quite high, while not feeling like you are really pushing it (until you get in trouble).

I have turned off the DSC perhaps twice since I got the car approximately 18 months ago. I was amazed at how much work the DSC must be normally doing, mostly unobtrusively, in the background.

I bought my first 900cc+ sportbike when I was ~21 years old, and had approximately 1 year of riding experience. In most cases, most experienced riders would have considered that a quick recipe for an obituary. However I feared and respected the bike, and never got myself in over my head (although I came close).

If you get a car like this, approach it with respect, and check your bravado and machismo at the door. Do not EVER take your friends out in it and try to impress them with anything other than how cool the car looks and sounds. Then, and only then, can you remotely consider having a car like this at your age a reasonable thing to do. You cannot fall to temptation, unless you are prepared to sacrifice your life, and perhaps that of others, to your temptation.

I could not have even imagined owning a car like an E46M3 when I was 17, but please remember that you are mortal, just like the rest of us...

I will now climb off my soapbox.

well im sure if you're willing to put down that much for a car, then you're banking enough to afford the maintenance, if you're squeezing every penny, eating ramen noodles everyday, drink tap water, and has college fully paid off/ scholarship, then definitely dont step up to a car with such high caliber, but the fact that this car has alot of power, and your ability to control it, well todays standards have high power anyways. its like when you're on your growth spurt, u buy shoes a size and a half larger to grow into them, you'll easiy grow into a car with alot of power, just always remember safety is first.

You're 17, this is an insane amount of power for you. I don't even let me brother drive my E36 M3 just for this reason. I tell him its too much power and he thinks its not, you see the invincibility complex show up. I'm not saying everyone's like that, but it truly is a GREAT deal of power.

You are kidding right? You think I'm just some other kid who is spending his daddy's money?

My father has an E60 M5 and my brother has an E46 M3. I've driven both and taken both to the track. I can handle the power fine, and I know my limitations. I'm not some irresponsible, unappreciative kid. The question was 335i or E46 M3.

And, while we are on the matter of E36's, my brother and I have an E36 that we are making into a track car. It's a stock black/black M3 with a manual gearbox, and we're going to lighten it and put better rims/tires.

So, please, don't try and give me a lecture. I just won't listen. And, no, 330-HP is not THAT much. I've been in Lamborghini's and Ferrari's many times and the fastest car I've driven is a modded M6 which had... Roughly 550 Rear-wheel Horsepower.

I appreciate your concern; but, no thanks.

well im sure if you're willing to put down that much for a car, then you're banking enough to afford the maintenance, if you're squeezing every penny, eating ramen noodles everyday, drink tap water, and has college fully paid off/ scholarship, then definitely dont step up to a car with such high caliber, but the fact that this car has alot of power, and your ability to control it, well todays standards have high power anyways. its like when you're on your growth spurt, u buy shoes a size and a half larger to grow into them, you'll easiy grow into a car with alot of power, just always remember safety is first.

Money is not really an issue, my dad offered to get me a used E55 AMG; but I'm a BMW person. About school, my parents and I have money for college/dorm/food/insurance/gas. My only responsibility is my car. I would rather not say how much money I have, but, I could afford an E46 M3 without having to eat ramen and drink tap water for the 4-years I'm going to be in College.

Also, thank you for your time and concern. I'll be careful will either car I get. I really, really like the E36 and E46 M3's. They are easily my favorite cars, and, I really want one/both.

No matter which car I get, I'll drive safely (at first) to find my limits and to adapt to the car.

Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their posts and their time.

I will just chime in briefly here.

I will be turning 40 this year. I have been driving for a long time (obviously). I have ridden motorcycles (sportbikes) for 15+ years and used to road race them. The E46M3 is not the fastest car I have owned.

However I NEED to get this thing to a driver's school to learn how to handle it. The car is amazing, and has more than adequate power to get you in big trouble. The limits of the car are also apparently quite high, while not feeling like you are really pushing it (until you get in trouble).

I have turned off the DSC perhaps twice since I got the car approximately 18 months ago. I was amazed at how much work the DSC must be normally doing, mostly unobtrusively, in the background.

I bought my first 900cc+ sportbike when I was ~21 years old, and had approximately 1 year of riding experience. In most cases, most experienced riders would have considered that a quick recipe for an obituary. However I feared and respected the bike, and never got myself in over my head (although I came close).

If you get a car like this, approach it with respect, and check your bravado and machismo at the door. Do not EVER take your friends out in it and try to impress them with anything other than how cool the car looks and sounds. Then, and only then, can you remotely consider having a car like this at your age a reasonable thing to do. You cannot fall to temptation, unless you are prepared to sacrifice your life, and perhaps that of others, to your temptation.

I could not have even imagined owning a car like an E46M3 when I was 17, but please remember that you are mortal, just like the rest of us...

I will now climb off my soapbox.

Oh... I do drifts and burnouts in empty parking lots... Quite... Often... Currently. <Insert Grin Here>

Dude,

All I can say is "nice edit"!

:D

I read your reponse in the email notification and I came on here with the flamethrower locked and loaded!

Decent save though, just be careful. The tone of your original post is too similar to others that have gone this way before, with very bad outcomes...

Dude,

All I can say is "nice edit"!


I read your reponse in the email notification and I came on here with the flamethrower locked and loaded!

Decent save though, just be careful. The tone of your original post is too similar to others that have gone this way before, with very bad outcomes...

I wish I could use smileys, haha.

Anyway: I'm a decent driver, I've been to BMW Performance driving schools, and I've been around 4-500hp cars all my life. Growing up my dad took me to school in an 400hp V8 M5. My brother got an '04 M3 when he turned 18 and I'm looking to follow in his steps with my E46 M3.

Thanks everyone for their thoughts, and I will drive carefully.

Pimp Star

Whoa dejavu, after reading through some posts in this thread I just remembered what happened to those kids in that M5 that flew off that embankment...

335 Ftw

I think it's kind of ridiculous to say that young drivers can't handle a powerful car. Sounds like you're implying that you need to be afraid of it, and THAT'S how people get in accidents. That's not to say you shouldn't respect it.

When I was 17, my H22 turbo civic had 354whp. Im still alive today.

Not every young kid is an idiot behind the wheel.

Back on topic, I say m3.

Well, the E46 M3 is better looking, hands down. The 335 looks exactly like every other 3 series coupe of same vintage. Go look at the new M3, preferably parked next to the 335 and you'll not think much of the 335, I promise you that. Can you say BORing??

The E46 M3, on the other hand, is absolutely stunning in looks AND performance AND price. Plus, it's a true driver's car and not NEARLY as refined/plush as the 335 but certainly refined enough.

What else do you want?

Don't listen to these guys, how old is Graham Rahal? It is all about experience, which you have. Rock on, Pimp Star.

Meh. I'm a few HP short of an M3, but far more than enough to get me into trouble. I'm 17 aswell. Believe me, just respect the vehicle, know when the conditions are ideal to have a bit of fun and you can be okay.


Granted though, I started with an E30 325is and learned my powersliding in that car that cost me $1800. Just keep it cool and either car will be plenty fun. I still haven't even let the 540 out in its stomping ground, the highway. Waiting to buy some new Z tires after I wear out the Hs before I do that...

My vote is the M.

Sounds like Paris Hilton (sorry I could not resist:lol) knows how to handle a car and there are a few exceptions out there who were fortunate to drive nice vehicles in their adolescence and not make a mess.

Enjoy the ride and be safe. Try not to get too many snail tracks all over the fine leather.:redspot

Don't listen to these guys, how old is Graham Rahal? It is all about experience, which you have. Rock on, Pimp Star.

Thanks man

I decided to get.... Neither! I'm going to get an E36 M3. It's pretty much my favorite BMW, and thus my favorite car.

Thanks man

I decided to get.... Neither! I'm going to get an E36 M3. It's pretty much my favorite BMW, and thus my favorite car.

Congrats and be safe. Let us know what E36 M3 you end up getting. :)

FWIW, I am 18. But I bought my M3 myself. It's modded and has about 360 hp, so it has enough power to get me into trouble... which it already has. :(