I wouldn't consider a $25K-28K low mileage 2006 M3 an "old" car. If you buy the used BMW at the dealership, it will be certified for 10yr/100K miles. Also, the E46 3 series, the even the M3, is quite reliable. BMW has made great strives over the past 5 years and now thier in the same league as Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, etc with regards to long term dependability. Now if we were talking about 5 and 7 series BMWs, I'd agree with you that thier expensive to maintain and the 7 series isn't terribly reliable.

To each his own though. I think the E46 M3 has a timeless design and it regarded by many as one of the best cars in the world at any price. No matter what you do to a G, it's still not going to other the overall package the E46 M3 can deliver. Sure, you can make the G faster or handle better, but it's just not going to have that feel and driveability the M3 can offer. There's there's the E92 M3. Wow! I'd take that over a GTR.

 

Straight line? Shatter an ego? How about an SS with a insane 427ci LS6 engine? Guaranteed to blow the Bluetooth ear piece off every M3 driver.

 

+1 on the e46 m3 I don't think the car is that dated yet, lots of aftermarket parts out there 8,000 rpm redline Itb's and a mechanical lsd makes for a fun ride I've driven a few m3's stock and modded and it does feel like a different animal than my g, now the e9x m3 is another story 4.0 v8 high reving and a carbon roof! IMO the best looking m3 yet I really want one.... I better start saving my loose change.

 

Yep. I think it will be just like the E36 M3. I don't know about you guys, but clean E36 M3 still catch my attention. Now that's a great project car. Cheap parts, easy to find, low used price, killer track car, and a huge aftermarket.

 

+1, i am gonna own that car in the future. I loved that car since i got my license,

 

I love mine!

 

Who cares, it's a chevy...

 

Nice I'll take mine in white.

 

I have a E36 M3 and a G35 coupe.

The SS's only purpose in life is to address attitudes like that. Yeah it is just a chevy... and it just blew you away. Thats the point.

The great equalizer with cars and ego is the fact that there is always someone faster than you.

 

but its still a pos chevy at the end of the day. and it can be the fastest car in the world but its still a chevy so they lose.

and to the op just spray, have all the daily driver capabilities and reliability but then be able to race your coworker and give it a spray and watch him fade away

 

My point exactly. ^

 

Very True, If we all had the same car I think we can all agree that it would be very boring.

To the OP. What your looking to do is not for the faint of heart. In the end I think you would rather have went a different rout. IMO, buy a different car that is already in the same class stock and do simple bolt on mods that you can enjoy comparing with your buddy. Also, the resale will be much easier as well. If you do decide to take the plunge, good luck and do your homework. Talk to reputable shops and make sure you both understand what your goals are.

 

ur nissan is still a nissan.