1999 BMW 3 Series Consumer Discussions Page 7

Buying a Used 3-Series

Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]

Written by: div2 on Aug 10, 2006 06:51 PM

Wouldnt the m3 have better handling or better tranny or brakes then the 330ci? Yes, the handling and braking of the E36 M3 is better. It is also less "idiot proof" than the 330i; you have to know what you are doing in order to extract the best performance from it. I mean arent the mechanical parts of the m3 made to handle more power then the 330ci if I put on lets say a chip ... Read More...

Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]

Written by: quattroporte12 on Aug 10, 2006 03:28 PM

The m3 is made to handle more power, but, you have to remember that it is a generation older than the 330ci, which means when the 3 series was redesigned, the parts in the new one were much better than the old generation's parts, which means the parts in the 330 are probably as good or better than the ones in the old generation m3 because of the new technology. I dont know ... Read More...

Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]

Written by: fdg07 on Aug 10, 2006 03:05 PM

Would a chip(add more power) lower the life of the engine such as the supercharger does? would a turbo lower the life of an engine as well? Read More...

Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [quattroporte12]

Written by: fdg07 on Aug 10, 2006 03:01 PM

Oh ok thank you very much for your opinions, its taking a lead on me, so far 330ci sounds like a better buy, anymore comments will be very appreciated! Wouldnt the m3 have better handling or better tranny or brakes then the 330ci? I mean arent the mechanical parts of the m3 made to handle more power then the 330ci if I put on lets say a chip or turbo?? im also wondering ... Read More...

Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [div2]

Written by: quattroporte12 on Aug 10, 2006 11:13 AM

I have not driven the E36 M3, i know only what i have read and observed. in MY opinion, i would go with the 330ci. ;) Read More...

Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]

Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Aug 10, 2006 09:06 AM

I think the 330 is the better buy. There's no reason why an used M car should cost so much--historically they are not particulary good at holding their value, asking prices notwithstanding. And an old BMW out of warranty makes a person nervous anyway. If you could find a certified 330, maybe a 2002 and up, that would be the way to go. Read More...

Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [quattroporte12]

Written by: div2 on Aug 10, 2006 07:07 AM

Interesting observations. How many E36 M3s have you driven? What about E46 330is? Read More...

Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]

Written by: gordonwd on Aug 10, 2006 06:42 AM

I would also expect that the M3 has been flogged harder than the 330. People don't generally buy M3s unless they expect to drive them hard, or else why buy an M at all? Read More...

Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]

Written by: div2 on Aug 10, 2006 06:33 AM

I think that you need to drive both and make your own decision. An E36 M3 offers a more visceral and involving driving experience, but don't take my word for it-similar comments were made by Car and Driver, Car, BMW Car, and Roundel, just to name a few. Since an E36 will cost less you might well have more money available for performance upgrades. On the other hand, ... Read More...

Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]

Written by: quattroporte12 on Aug 09, 2006 10:19 PM

THE 330ci BY FAR!!! It is a generation ahead, which means you get much netter looks, and as far as the performance goes, the 330ci is a VERY peppy car with performance very similar to the previouis generation m3 (whenever a new generation model comes out, it always has improved performance, so the newer 330ci may be equal to the older m3). Dont just go for the older ... Read More...