1999 C2 or 2002 M3

Which it is gonna be? 1999 C2 or 2002 M3 I want to spend around $30,000 I wanna hear everything good and everything bad, spare me no details!

I had the same choice about 2 years ago and 10k more. I drove the m3 then drove the 996. I didn't give it a second though other than the newness and more room in the rear. Once I drove the cars in the canyons the M3 is no comparison. The INS on a 996 is disgustingly expensive I am 28 and it costs me 3k every 6 mo.

$3000 for 1/2 a year of insurance? That can't be average. Do you have a plethora of violations? What do you think it would cost to insure a 2002 M3 in comparison?

Do you really think you are going to get people on this board to say "get the M3 over the 996". I would ask specific questions about the 996 here and specific questions about the M3 over on an M3 board to come to your own conclusion. The question that would probably net you the best answers here is to solicit owners of both cars and have them compare and contrast. But still, you are not going to get M3 friendly answers from the people on this board to sway you that way. Maybe a thread title "Anybody own a 996 and a M3?"

dayum!!! i only pay 1500/year

Fair point, perhaps your post will intice people to share their thoughts.

OK, I'll toss out the opposing viewpoint. If you are really restricted to $30k, I think you can get a much nicer M3 than 996. The M3 is fun to drive, better than 99% of the cars out there.....of course not including a 996.

Although I do own a 99 996, I was very excited to drive my friend's Laguna Seca Blue 2002 M3 when he bought it new. He lives north of Milwaukee, WI so the roads were perfect to spend a weekend trading cars. To my surprise, I really did not enjoy the M3 and found my 996 to be a lot better drive overall. My buddy, unfortunately for him, thought the same thing. After spending about 6 hours in eachother's car, he got out of his car and scratched his head saying, "I guess I didn't make the best decision, did I?" I'll never forget that. Since then, I have driven 2 other E46 M3s on the track (student's cars) and I still can't think of one thing on the M3 that I like better.

Well I would like to offer my two cents worth. I have driven both, a 2001 C4 Cab for about 3 months and have owned a E36 M3 and E46 M3 as well as many other BMW's and also currently own a E46 Coupe. Being a Porsche fan since I was 12 and currently working for BMW, I have had the priviledge and honour of piloting both. I must say between the two cars, the C4 Cab and the E46 M3, the Porsche is a much more enjoyable drive. It is more responsive and just so much fun. However, having the vehicle for 3 months, you get a feel for owning a Porsche. I think it depends on what you are going to do with it. An E46 M3, even Cab, has one main advantage over a Porsche Cab or Coupe. In my opinion it is the rear seats. As an everyday driver I would go with a E46 M3, the car is also enjoyable to drive and very responsive. It is a performance oriented vehicle and driving it daily will be enjoyable since you can be aggressive or conservative. I agree a P car is the same, but the one thing that sways me is the rear seats. Having the C4 Cab for 3 months really made me realize how nice it is to have the room, even if you do not put things in there or carry passengers, the extra space is nice and you also get a full size trunk. You get outstanding performance and plenty of room. The 50/50 weight distribution in the M3 definitely helps the handling and the inline 6 is definitely enough motor to pull any driver deeper into the seats. But then I again, I did just buy my own 2001 C2 Cab a week ago..........

I really, really wanted to like the new 04 M3cab more than the 01 C4cab, as it has a larger back seat. After back to back test drives, there was no contest, the 996 is so much better sports car.

You can always buy the M3 and put a Carrera emblem on the trunk.

Hey Monabaker I currently own both of the cars you speak of. I have a 99 996 C2 coupe and also a 2002 M3 coupe. So feel free to ask any questions you may have. I'd be happy to assist you in your decision. As for me; I like em both. Each one does something a lil different and better than the other one. So if you can pick up both of em...by all means do. It's kinda like having the best of both worlds since both of em are dream cars I've always wanted. I got the 996 1st and had it along with at 2001 325xi. Loved both cars and the 325xi was my daily driver but the Porsche spoiled me so with power and ride quality that I next thing you know I am trading it for the M3 to get as much power as the 996 gives me. I find the Porsche is just plain smooth! Drive, shifting, transmission and all. It makes me smile and sometimes the thought of driving it will get me out of the M3 and into the 996 the next day. The M3 is more harsh but has nice power and will go as fast as the 996 will go and does alot of thing better. It is my daily driver and is very practical vs the 996 for that use. It has a trunk, a usuable back seat for picking up my 2 lil ones daily, gets a lil better gas mileage, and has xenon, navigation, full leather, and a few things my 996 doesn't. Also maintenance and insurance aren't as bad as my 996 and since I got it Certified Pre-owned...I basically just pay the note, gas, and insurance. Repairs are covered and parts aren't that expensive (many are interchangeable with the 3 series; some are not) Can't say that for my 996. Already has cost me $3k in repairs and mods already. I don't track my cars by the way so can't help you there. So like others have said; it's a choice that depends on a lot of things and what you want it to do and can afford. $3k in insurance? My god I pay about $2k and that's for both my M3, 996 and CK500 (wife's)...what are you doing street drag racing! LOL

Well, it would NOT be a daily driver. I have a 1999 Suburban which I use for work and when the weather is bad. This would be a FUN only car on GOOD weather days. I really can't afford more than $30k and even that would be a big stretch. I'll be using whatever my 951 sells for, as soon as someone buys it, as the deposit and just financing the rest. I've had 2 Porsches and REALLY love them but just don't know where my money will be spent best. It looks like the M3 is going to be driveable more days, cost less in repairs and less in insurance, and is 3 YEARS newer.....but just not going to be as fun or as fantastic as the 996. Sigh.....dunno what to do. I test drove a 2002 Leguna Seca Blue M3 today which had like 60,000 miles and they were asking low 30's for it....

WOW! You really need to re-think your priorities here then. It is crazy to finance a car that is 7 years old and out of warranty when you can't afford it. Invest the money and when you can afford it go buy one. Hate to say it, now is not the time to buy the car. Or any car for $30K when you are really stretching yourself thin to buy it. What happens if there is something major to repair in the near future? Not a wise gamble.

I just don't want to buy a "beater" or "fixer-upper". I want something with power, handling, style, class, and luxary. I'm sure $30k can buy those things with limited risk and fear of major maitenence issues.

What about an SC? $10K on an older 911 will buy you everything you are looking for. Not to mention the envy of most of us here!

I'm not too familiar with the SC actually. But I was shopping for something much newer. I had an '84 944, and now the '86 951 and I think I'm just ready for something near 2000.

Do you subscribe to Excellence? If you do (or know somebody who does) they have great "market surveys" at the end of every issue that describe a specific model, the years it was produced, which ones are better in the line, fair market price, etc.

Sadly no, I am not a subscriber, nor do I know anyone who is. I will definitily look into it though. Thanks.

Where are you located? I am sure there are plenty of Rennlisters that would have some back issues for you to look through.

Just North of Boston in a town called Marblehead.

There are a few guys in that area.......Don W is from that area. Maybe he can help out. Are you active in your local PCA chapter? That is always another good resource.

Use 30k to buy an investment property - a year from now, refinance it and pull money out for the Porsche - you can refinance the property and maybe you'll only be $200 underwater each month on the property, but...it's less than a car payment, you're building wealth, and you have the car - Porsche vs BMW is not a competition - I own both and while BMWs are great, you already understand the feeling of a Porsche. A good mentor of mine once said "let your investments fund your toys." Plus, if you're stretching to buy a 30k car, what if something goes wrong? Neither car is cheap to service and you will have it sitting in your garage while you save up for a repair.

Assuming the two cars are in identical condition, I'd take a 996 over M3 unless you want more practicality such as rear seat room. Most likely though, the 99' 996 will be in poorer condition since it is older. I am not sure about Boston area but here in CA, $30k won't get either car. You'll pony up $35k for ones that have at least 30k mi. 996 has RMS issue while M3's engine is covered under recall for 10yr. 996 sounds better. M3 lacks torque.

I agree. With the 996 my friend who owns a corvette gave me some sound advice....repairs and maintenence he said can be so costly for major problems that he advised me to open my own separate credit card and to dedicate it just to the Porsche for things that may come up...like he did with his corvette. For instance if you live in Boston area you will get winter weather I assume...that means tires dedicated for winter unless you plan to store it (that's another cost there albeit a small one). Tires alone on my 99 996 cost me $850 for a set of Pirelli's mounting included. I had to replace a coolant tank that was another $500 and a clutch would cost you $2500 easy and those are independant Porsche mechanics prices. So I agree if you're stretching to get a $30k car then you might want to re-think it. Otherwise make sure you get a car that has a PPI and warranty to cover you in case anything goes wrong. You can probably find one for mid $30k but you'll likely have to give up a few things in the process such as low miles and options. But yes there are cars to find. As for the M3 I got mine with 105% options for $38k and that was in March 05. You have to bargin a lil but if the dealer knows you're willing to walk out...then they'll meet you somewhere in the middle for a sale...otherwise drive off in what you came into the dealer with. Let us know what happens...hope this helped.

I'm not THAT worried about the possible repairs and maitnence. I have pretty much become used to the fact it will cost me at least $2k a year to keep my "fun car" working in good order, and another $1k for my Suburban. These expenses are budgeted into my life. I have no need to worry about winter storage as I have a garage nor will I ever use what I buy in bad weather, so no need for tire expense. PS. I know about clutch expense, I just put one in my 951 this past spring for $2700.

Wanted to chime in... The M3 is a fanstastic car. Period. However, (appearance wise) it is just like every other bmw 3 series you see on the road. If you are looking for shock and awe...The 911 is the way to go.

Ohh and one more thing....make sure your girlfriends/ wifes father is a Porsche Mechanic...

Get the M3! edit: oops, over the 996

$2500 for a clutch! You need to find another indy. I paid under $600 for my RMS seal repair. While they had the tranny out I had a new clutch and light weight fly wheel installed. Clutch kit and RMS seal parts were under $500.

Monabaker: I have had both. This year in fact. Out of the two, I currently own a 2002 M3 coupe. I had a 1999 Porsche 996 Aerokit coupe. I love them both, but for different reasons. Here is the comparo: M3: Good: The car IS a true driver's car. 50/50 balanced and will even make the worst driver look good. However, if you are a good driver...you will be rewarded. IMMENSELY. As for comfort, the M3 has it. I am 6'6" and this is the first sports car I have owned that I have it all. Legroom, headroom, etc... Now the power. Simply put - AWESOME. And tunable to over 400 normally aspirated horsepower. I am currently at 350hp (crank) and quite satisfied there. Bad: Weight. She is a heavy girl. At 3500# she needs to go on a diet. Some can be done cheaply, but to do it properly will take $$. Chassis problems. The rear subframe on the E46 chassis might pop through when the suspension is modded. I have not seen this problem myself, but others have. (Very few M3's mostly 330's). Styling - yep...it's rather bland in comparison to the Porsche. But, it is certainyl more functional. Porsche 996: Good: It's a Porsche. nuff said. Bullet proof drivetrain and track worthy. The handling (when properly set up is phenominal) It will take some getting used to. There is a lot of weight swinging around back there, but once you master it...she WILL be fast. Interior - look for the all leather interior. It is gorgeous and make the dash much, MUCH nicer. The drviing position is very comfortable as well. Great power and slightly tunable. Big money (super charger) = big power. Lastly...it's a Porsche. Bad: Possible RMS (Rear Main Seal) issues. Mine had a slow one developing, but nothing major. Supposedly, Porsche has resolved this issue. Parts pricing = $$$$$$. A coilover suspension for my M3 was $1500. The very SAME suspension for the 996 = $2300. Stupid as it was practically the very same strut design. In conclusion, I bought my M3 to accomodate me and my newborn. I needed to the room while still having a car I could take to the track. At the moment, the M3 has been fantastic. However, my heart yearns for another 996. Someday. Both are a special taste. Both are in fact, fantastic cars on and off the track. It's simply a matter of taste. Either or, you can not make a bad choice with either. My advice. Go out and drive each one. Trust when I say...you will certainly be smiling. Good luck. Chad

put it this way: if this is your only car. M3 if this is your 2nd/3rd car, porsche.

For 30k get a 99c2 and drive it into the ground as an everyday car!

I can only add that I had an M3 convertible and it is not the same car, nor worthy of the same name, as the M3 coupe . The coupe however is a damn fine, tight car. Not as much bling-bling, but those who know what the gills mean, know the car. Also Imola Red is about the sweetest tone of red I've ever seen on a car. That among all others is my most regrettable loss after having sold the convertible.

I had an '02 M3 until last year. Now I'm in a '02 C4S. I love the C4S, especially since I added Porsche's sport exhaust. But now that I've scratched this life-long itch, I now know that I could live happily with the M3 if it was my only car. The M3's driving dynamics and thrills are right up there with the 911, yet it is more practical, comfortable, and arguably safer. A few quibbles with M3. The stock shifter sucks. The throws are long and the feel is very mushy. The engine sounds magnificent, but the exhaust sounds like a weed wacker. These can be improved with mods, obviously. Then there's the fact that the car looks too much like an ordinary 3-series. And (please don't flame me...just being honest here) it has a "racer boy" image which may or may not matter to you. Just my two cents.

Chad is right the cost to mod you p car will definitely be more than your bimmer, I am realizing that now. Aftermarket and OEM parts for the bimmers are cheap compared to p cars. BUT its a PORSCHE. I agree with a lot of the members here, if it is your first car - M3, if it is your second - Porsche. You said it yourself, you have had 2 p cars and would miss it if you did not have another. I think you have answered your own question, you just need someone to push you over the edge.

I really don't like the styling much of the 99 996 because the front looks too much like a boxster. Meanwhile, I love the styling of the aero kit! I wonder if that's feasable in my price range. I mean, I could go 993, but they seem to be more saught after, and therefore, the same amount of money, for 5 years older.

Sandoval...wow that is a deal. Even the light weight flywheels (aftermarket) I found online were about $700. Clutch and pressure plate and labor and re-surfacing/inspecting my old flywheel to see if it could be re-used was about $2k to $2.5k unfortunately though. Man who does your work? And does he travel!