Ok I am a cerified car fanatic and have owned a lot of different performance cars including corvettes, porsche 911's and a lot of american musclecars. After owning a 911 I am sold on german engineering and a quality built car. I currently own a mini cooper and after it finds a new home I am contemplating buying a BMW. I will have a budget betwwen 15-20K. I wanted some opinions on say a 95M3 compared to a 325 or 328. I do want a 2 door coupe with a 5speed. How do the M3's and the 325/328 compare? What would the difference in power be? Last but not least are there any maintenance issues with these cars. The car would be a weekend pleasure car not a daily driver. Opinions wanted...thanks.

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I think you are making a good choice with getting a BMW. Obviously, the cars are not cheap to maintain. I have a 95 325is that I bought second hand with 48k miles for $17500. So with your budget you can get something nice. Possibly a 95 M3? The geater HP in the M3 is the obvious differentiator from the 325/328. Also the beefed up suspension and greater handling capability. Both cars are impressive though.

Goodluck!

I'd go with the M3, especially if its going to be just a weekend fun car.

Check out this (long) review of the current E46 from a long time BMW owner. Bimmerfest review (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=402)