Classic.com has mentioned that the average used car price of the E36 BMW M3 in pristine condition is around $24,000, which is pretty cheap when compared to other generations. You could also find a running and driving example for as low as $6,000. This is much lower than the average price of $74,500 for the E30 M3.
I've had both an e36 m3 and e46 m3. The e36 probably handles better and has a torquier motor, but the e46 is overall a lot more fun thanks to the high revving, more powerful motor. If we're talking about euro spec cars, this might change, but I've never driven a euro spec e36. I will say the E36 would make the better daily driver of the two.
During this author’s first trip to Michelin’s Laurens, South Carolina, proving ground nearly 10 years ago, I spotted a personal automotive hero: the 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight. For me, that car
I'm not too familiar with VW but I always heard that the Mk4 Golf/Jetta and the late 90s-early 00s Passat (not sure what generation it was, but it was our first one in NA) had the same kinds of electrical and build quality problems as E36/46-era BMWs. My understanding is that this reputation is not shared in Europe.
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