Hey, I know this question has probably been asked before but...I am looking into buying a car this spring and have been looking into the e46 M3 and the Z.

I had my mind set on the M3 but the maintenance issues (sub frame failures) have somewhat dampened my interest.

I know this is a Z site so there may be some bias or al ot haha. but what are your guys opinions on this.

I am 24 years old, this will be my daily driver. If I were to get a Z I think I would go for a 07-08 touring or and 06 grand touring. Also is the New HR engine worth going for a 07-08? I am looking to spend about 22-25K

thanks for your input!

 

Can't go wrong with either. I have a 08 Z now and hads a 2005 M3 before.

The M3 is a better car. The high strung I6 and better handling and refinement makes it really fun. The suspension is stiffer, and you can feel the road better. That's good and bad.

The Z wins in maintence costs though. I had 4 years free maintence with the M3. If I had to pay for the maintence, it would've been an arm and a leg.

 

I had the same dilemma years ago. Insurance + maintenance + extended warranty costs swayed me to the Z. I would say if you get a Z, get a 2007-08 for the power and updated looks inside out. A standard VQ35 will hold its own against an M3, and with a few mods will be quicker, but a VQ35HR is arguably a hair quicker stock for stock.

Still, if you can afford the extended care programs BMW has, or if the M3 comes with a warranty good for the next 4 years and up to 100k miles, I'd get the BMW. If it's to be your DD, the extra 2 seats in the back will be usable.

 

Canada? All wheel drive with snow tires for sure.

 

i love the E46's but if you can get an 08 Z i would go for it, as the previous post suggest maintenance being the biggest factor.

 

i personally would go for the M3 if money wasnt a factor, but since it is the Z is a better chose to pick since its better in my opinion all around

 

M3 if maintance is no prob for you!

 

Yeah, M3 if you have the extra monthly cash. Although, if you have the extra monthly cash, why not get the Z and throw some extra parts on?

 

The M3 is probably a better car, but it's also a lot more expensive. use 07-08 Zs sell for under 20k. A 06 M3 is nearly 30k. About 50% more expensive. You'll get more bang for your buck with a Z.

 

i would try to find a new 08 z since you'll be getting it for like the price of a used 04 or 05 m3 and all the maintenance that comes along,you'll find some killer deals man i got a new 08 base for 23k otd

 

M3 Certified 6 yr 100k mile warranty DO IT... Just make sure you buy through a BMW dealership not those POS little car dealership on every other block..
My friend just got a 04 BMW Fully Loaded 745i 52k miles Certified 6 Yr 100k for 26 K... Car s aint worth **** now best time to get a higer end car...

 

I own both e46 (01) and 350z (06) , both cars are nice to drive/own.
Take some test drives.

 

for a daily driver i say the m3...for a second car i still say m3...Sometimes I wonder why I never got an m3.

 

as everyone stated the m3 is the better handler, and a bit more usable in terms of backseats/trunk space. but, i opted to go for an 07ZGT (versus an 03-04 m3) for the cheaper maintenance and to me, the Z has nicer styling. also, in terms of acceleration at least, the HR-Z's seem just as quick...

 

I had same dilemma buying my car. Money wasn't the problem, but since Z is so rare here (not more that 5 in whole region) and you can see BMWs (coupes most of the time) every 2 minutes here - decided to stick with the Z. And love every minute driving it.

 

M3

 

M3 = More Power
07+ 350z = Style, and some power too.

But as for the DD, I say go with the M3 since it has 2 more seats.

 

m3 for performance
350z for reliability and cost

 

The 07-08 will beat the m3 instraight line performance, tested this many of times, at 130 the m3 will not even keep up just loses complete speed, 350z will just walk away thos speeds. M3 does have a really nice 1st gear, thats why it pulls off a better 0-60 time and many people think m3 is faster and will pull way the entire time when its not true. They both have similar quarter mile times, which also shows that the m3 loses speed. The 350z is better for the buck, and the extra money you can put in and will destroy an m3. For everyday driving i also recommend the 350z because it feels nicer and the seating arrangement is more comfortable, while the m3 you sit up high (people say for track purposes, you feel like your as high as the minivan infront of you). And i know this cause i own a 06 350z and a 04 m3, never used my car but used my buddies 07 cause his and m3 are stock. Plus the i love the looks of the 350z more.

 

I'd say save a little more money and get the new 370Z.