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That's exactly my point though. The kinds of problems that can arise are so numerous that you need to be aware how expensive it is to fix many of those problems. Some simple ones are a $25 seal that requires the entire engine to be pulled to get access to it, or entire boost side hose systems that leak. Being cognizant that it's potentially a very expensive car to maintain will help OP decide if that risk is worth taking on.
oh yeah, but that goes for the m3 too. With the OPs two choices, I assumed they knew that already. To me this is a lot better of a comparison then what most of em are on here, but I have seen these two cars compared SO MANY TIMES.....
I was pretty much 75% set on having m3 but there's just this itch about having the B5 S4 in the garage because the price is cheaper and I've seen a lot of better condition S4 for sale. So I thought about grabbing one around market price and work on them. Now I have to look for a M3 that's not been molested or beat up for around market price. I thank all here who offered tips.
Consider spending some time on internet forums specializing in each respective model. Regulars on those forums will presumably be partisan advocates, but will also have insider tips. There may even be classified ads in those forums, for pristine (but not the cheapest) examples for sale.
Offering yet another opinion, the E36 deserves its reputation for being engaging to drive aggressively. However, it doesn't have the low/midrange torque that is now associated with a performance car. To some people, this is irksome and unpleasant. To others, it is totally irrelevant. I bought a used E36 M3 some years ago. It still runs on occasion, but mostly I keep it reposing in the garage. It is becoming fragile, and I'd rather keep it functional, by spare use, then to enjoy it enthusiastically.
The reason I want a E36 M3 because I just want a timeless design and simpler German performance car than newer models that have a lot of electronic issues. Late 90s and early 2000 cars are good value right now because many are not over 15 years old and prices have dropped to affordable rates and parts are still available.
BMW is always the answer for anyone who's driven more than one car of both makes.
I've had two of each. Bought an S4 last year.
To each his/her own...
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