e36 vs e46 for the same price?

V

vnisme

New Member
Hello, sorry if this topic has been beaten to death. I still can't decide. I'm looking to get into drifting. I have a Honda accord as my daily driver already. Right now on craigslist, most e36's I see are not that much cheaper than e46's. If they are, there is something broken about it. Most e36 I see have 150-200k miles, while the e46 are around 160k. The e30's are the same price as well. I'm looking around the 3k USD range. Still confused on what to get to start learning how to drift. I am aware that this car might become damaged when drifting, but if the e46 body can be had for around the same price as the e36 body, it's a tough call because I really like the e46 body. The e36 body is starting to grow on me as well. I am not mechanically inclined, but am motivated to learn if I get a project car. What should I expect out of these cars today when buying around this price range? Should I expect the e36 and e46 to be equally reliable? I am aware the e36's have stock LSDs? or the possibility to have one, but I dont mind welding the differential of the e46. I am willing to put extra money in to make sure the car runs well. Opinions?
 
E30 for cooools. But really id go for the 36. The 46 has week rear subframe mounting points on the body and are prone to tearing out from abuse (has happened to me and alot of mates) the 36 is better to mod. Stick some e46 lca on it, get some modded hubs off ebay for like 100 bucks and weld the diff. Strip it all out and put a set of budget coilovers on it again maybe 250 bucks in the states? Once you start getting better stick a hydro in and a decent seat to stop you sliding about and youve got a decent skidder.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
 
Finally a response... Thanks! What if the e46 was reinforced? I read that the potential of the e46 engine was less capable than the e36's? for the e36's, what model should I look at?
 
IMO, at the moment there is no difference. e36 will be much much cheaper to start with (obviously, mods - car can be more expensive than e46).

What model to choose? That is your personal preference. You will have to choose between 325/328 e36 which is expensive like hell now and hard to find. e36 with smaller engine with intension to swap. Remember only - pay less - pay twice rule here!
 
I've recently sold a e46 330 saloon and own a e36 318is coupe. The e36 in my opinion is miles more controllable and forgiving. Ok suspension set up, tyres ect all come into it but I can't fault the e36. I do agree the 2.5 and 2.8's are starting to get quite expensive for a nice one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top