which version of M3 is better (racingwise) the E36 or E46?

Answer 1

Check out http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/forumdisplay.php?f=63

Stock to stock, the e46 is far superior. But it's expensive, and it's expensive to modify. To take an e46, gut it, put in a roll cage and racing seats/harness, and upgrade brakes and suspension (and necessarily wheels and tires) will take the better part of $100K. Doing the same to an e36 probably costs less than the base price of an e46. Given the likelihood of wrecking or damaging a track car, many people go the e36 route.

Dinan is one of the more expensive tuners (and is not well regarded in some circles), but it's the only one that doesn't void the warranty, so for sake of comparison, there are Dinan upgrades for the e46 to supercharge the engine, add 15" Brembos with lightweight wheels, JRZ suspension, etc. All that will run about $25K over the base price, UNinstalled. http://www.dinancars.com/Series.asp?Series=14&Chassis=10&Model=9 Their similar package for the e36 runs about $10K. http://www.dinancars.com/Series.asp?Series=14&Chassis=11&Model=25

Couple those numbers with the base prices for the cars, and you can see the difference. But there is no comparison between performance; for comparison, the supercharged e36 makes about the same power as a stock e46.

Answer 2

The E36 is a tighter car overall, however the E46 is not shabby at all on the track. Realize that the power to weight ratio is better for the E36 and it has a more responsive suspension so it is a better car for the track. If you want to go straight-line racing pick the E46.

Answer 3

Ignore those #s$%sD-holes who said the E36 is better. They are simply... clowns.

"Stock to stock, the e46 is far superior." <-- That is an absolutely true statement. The E46 will DESTROY an E36, period, done, end of story.

Racing-wise, Driving-wise, Appearance-wise, the 2001-200X E46 is a superior machine in every single respect.

Answer 4

well, if you like racing and driving and don't want to waste a lot of money, i should say the E36 is better, it's the apogee of BMW's ultimate driving machine. but if you like racing an driving, and also comfort and refinement, pick the E46. but according to some magazines, the E36 is better than the E46. hope this helps...