What cars am I considering?
BMW M3s
Well I think an easy choice is the E46 M3, but I’m also considering a E36 M3 or E90 M3. I’ve always liked the E90 M3 and the E46 M3, but since I’m mostly familiar with the E46 platform, I’ll speak on the latter.
Having an E46 non-M, getting an E46 M3 should be a no brainer since it will likely share the same basic maintenance that I performed to my 330ci that totals about $13K. This would consist of a full cooling system overhaul, suspension overhaul (shocks/springs + RE plates, guibo, RTABs, RTAB limiters, LCA, LCAB, etc), engine/trans mounts, and shifter bushings (will probably just use my RTD for this tbh). I have calculated M3 specific maintenance to be about $9K, which would include Rear Carrier Arm Bushing (subframe reinforcement) with Vincebar, Rod Bearings, and VANOS rebuild with Besian Systems.
While the E46 M3 would be an amazing car, for its daily ability and track, I’m just not sure if I want to spend the next 4 years of my life doing maintenance again. All the other M3s listed above are in consideration as well, just the same issue of maintenance.
Justin really got down what I was saying, his response is top notch:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Simplex123
Completely agree with that. And ITR really is perfect for the track where it feels most at home. With the needs he listed though, I don't feel it's the perfect car for him though.
For the M3, a very basic reinforcement with plates welded is definitely going to crack (again) - especially if you are planning on tracking the car. 90% of the time you won't be able to see the cracks until you drop the whole rear. If you were to go with the M3 route, you'll definitely need to pony up more $$ to catch up on all of the past due work. 25k examples will get you one in good physical condition and maybe 6spd - but the maintenance department will still be lacking. I don't think I've seen a properly sorted out E46 M3 for sale locally - they all need a lot of love to get it to the point where you are comfortable tracking it.
If you had a DD and this is your second car, I would tell you to get an ITR right away - but if you want a single car to both go to the track AND look professional, I'm not sure the ITR would be the one. Non-car people will not look at the ITR and think anything of it like enthusiasts. It comes down to how much you care about how your car may portray yourself to your client.
If you wanted to stay with BMW I would recommend an E82 or E90 330i. Of course, you win some and lose some. With this route you lose the raw feeling of the ITR chassis but still would be a good compromise at the track. Those two have come down so much in price that you can get it for way less than 18k You can then use the rest of the money to mod and prep for the track. On top of that, they will still look professional enough to meet clients in.
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E90 M3 would be cool cause 4 door M3 LOL