1999 BMW M3 Consumer Discussions

Buying a Used 3-Series

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

Written by: backy on Feb 22, 2009 01:15 PM

I think posting URLs to dealerships is against the membership rules?? Anyway, with a handle like that, you should WORK for this outfit. Or maybe... you already do!!! ;) Read More...

BMW M3 Maintenance and Repair

Re: new m3 owner needs advice [gmonkies]

Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Jan 05, 2008 09:43 AM

This is a good book: http://www.amazon.com/BMW-E46-Service-Manual-1999-2005/dp/0837612772 What's a euro valve? Power steering hose is easy (usually) but $$$. BMW power steering hose prices, for the pressure side at least, are really expensive for a quality item. Return lines don't cost too much, maybe $40-60 bucks. Read More...

Buying a Used 3-Series

330ci vs e36 m3 Review

Written by: quattroporte12 on Aug 18, 2006 09:54 PM

Was just reading a review of a 2001 m3 and saw this quote comparing the old one (e36)and 330ci. Thought i should post it...from edmunds.com reviews. "When the last BMW M3 was sold in North America (from 1995 to 1999), it was an emasculated version of the car available across the Atlantic. While Europeans were ripping about in 321-horsepower M3s, we made do with ... Read More...

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

Written by: dsurti on Aug 16, 2006 08:11 AM

I had a 325ci that i traded for a s2000.. i really wanted the M Roaster/Coupe but i coudln't afford to make the jump... i picked up a used s2k for a few grand less than what i sold my 325ci for the s2k, m roaddsters/coupes, m3.. real sport/performance cars imo Read More...

Re: ///M vs. 330ci [fdg07]

Written by: dave330i on Aug 15, 2006 09:24 PM

Um is the "CDV" a bad thing? is it really a pain? Yes. It's in all modern BMW with manual transmission. It makes it easier for novice to shift, but makes "spirited" shifting more difficult. It's a pretty easy thing to eliminate though. Does anyone here know if maintaining and repairing a E36 M3(1999) is more expensive than a 330Ci They are going to be about the same. ... Read More...

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

Written by: dave330i on Aug 14, 2006 07:20 PM

I used to own a 2001 330i, 5 sp, with sport & premium package (basically 330ci with 2 extra doors). At the end of 2004, I traded it for 1999 E36/8 M Coupe (basically, M36 M3 in a modified Z3 Coupe body). If you're looking for performace, go with M3. If you're looking for more luxury, go with 330ci. Read More...

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

Written by: fdg07 on Aug 11, 2006 11:59 AM

Hey guys thanks alot for your comments and support!It really does help me :) Well here are my priorities: performance!!! But my problem is that will i have to sacrifice performance for reliability and maintanance? I mean the m3 is a performance car and Im wondering which car will be cheaper for repairs? Lets say i get both cars with 50,000 miles, which will be more ... 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 08:20 PM

A newer generation or a car = newer technology and engineering. Period. Why would BMW redesign a car and put the same old technology and engineering into it??? The m3 MAY be harder to repair, because it is MORE likley to be driven hard then the 330ci, and ordering parts involves WAITING, which can be an inconvenience. 330ci is a newer, all around better car. ;) ;) ... 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 07:10 PM

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 Interesting. Which E46 parts are better? And in what way? What "new technology" are you referring to? Double VANOS? i would say that the m3 is going to be more expensive ... 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 06:57 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? A chip-actually an ECU reflash for OBD II cars-will not affect engine longevity to on a normally aspirated car. A turbo or S/C is more likely to shorten engine life due to the increased loads placed on the engine. A lot depends on ... Read More...