Just remember that Bimmers have notorious reliability issues.....but i think the car is sweet anyways. Just something about the evo though like the obnoxiousness of it all i love when people hate it

 

Owned an e36 M3 and currently a IX MR. M3s are more refined, luxo GT car. Evo is more raw, faster, and I think better handling w/ awd and quicker steering. Also, Evo's total cost of owning is a lot lower than bimmers.

 

I tried both ...had the M3 with smgII ...bought it new...very nice car...but performance wise...an EVO wins with flying colors...you have an IX man...with TBE, MBC, and Tune you will DOMINATE over an E46 M3...to me ...bad trade...sorry.

People with Evos lusting over the M3 are chasing the luxury factor and the brand name...nothing wrong with that...but you are giving up performance...and thats not ok in my book....I know the M3 can do good on a track...but try fixing that thing when things break...not pretty at ALL...and guess what..your straight line performance will stay the same...why?...because your not going to buy the 10K supercharger or turbo kit and risk hurting an expensive high compression motor.

In other words...good chance you will stay slow and stock for too long...remember...performance offerings these days are crazy...Vettes, mustangs, and g37..etc...they are all getting very fast compared to the outdated M3....the new M3 is out now...so even the status game your not actually wining.

I hope that helps...good luck

 

Decided to wait till the new m3 comes out and see how the E46 prices are.

I just hate daily driving my evo on San DIegos harsh roads and the attention it gets from RICERS and pigs. I'm also tired of its high ugly roofline. Other than that I love my evo. I got gsc s1 cams coming in and maybe an alky + 20g too. I love the cheap power and easy handles of the evo but lately I just want to cruise and not drive crazy anymore... It begs to be abused but when you do it is fun as hell. I know I will miss the boost rushes but I won't miss the laggy 2.0 feel when daily driving around the harsh city roads, making so much exhaust noise and attention.

New G37 coupe looks too bulbous and boring. Plus those new altima coupes kinda ruined the G series for me.

In the end I want both! I'll play with my cams for now...

 

Considering the mileage, I think waiting is a good bet.

 

DONT DO IT!! i have an e46 and your going to buy it for 29k and end up spending just as much in maintanence!! this car has so many problems its not even funny! i wouldnt recommend unless your going to baby the car and get extended warranty because its going to be in the shop a lot. ive had my e46 break down on me atleast 4 times within that past year. think about it.....

 

oh i might add, ive been driving euros for a long time now and thought they were they best things ever, but when i got in an evo, my whole perspective changed. yes you might not get the luxuries, but you seem to change when you drive BMW's. the evo community is a whole lot better.

 

and another note... bmw's do not hold value whats so ever. 2003 m3 on a lot for 26k with 59k miles.... against an 2003 evo 8 with 59k miles for 23k. 3 k difference but the m3 brand new is like 50k+. you do the math. as you can see i cannot emphasize more about the fact that this car will put you in hell and back in a matter for 20k miles....

 

well i think it all depends on what you do with your car. I was looking at both when I bought the evo, and went with performance over luxury/look. I track my car and love it. The evo is a great track car stock. The M3 needs help for track days, but is definitelly a better car for luxury and look... It all depends on what you wanna do with it.

 

I am a BMW guy and have owned 4 M cars and my Evo so I am not biased.

The E46 M3 is a great looking car with a great engine. It is great on the highway and comfortable around town. It is not a perticularly fast or quick car compared to the other options or the Evo but if you want quiet, comfortable and great looks, go for the M3.

I bought both an '02 M Coupe and an '02 M Roadster as the S54 is WAY more fun in a small and agile chassis. If you don't need the extra 2 seats, maybe you could consider an '01 or '02 M Coupe.

 

evo=sports car to push to limits

m3=sports car but more sutible for daliy use

 

M3s are panty droppers

 

Evos are asain panty droppers. But you can probably PIITB easier with an M3..

 

Are M coupes reliable? Those are starting to grow on me, but I like my evo way too much.

 

keep your evo, you'll spend more making a 10 second m3 than a 10 second evo...
plus evo = less gas
and more fun to drive