Tiggs

at the 25k range which is the better bet?

new M3 to pricey!

Tiggs

polarbearit

Personally I think £25k is too dear for an old shape M3... At £15-18k for a 98/99 depreciation will be slow, but at £25k I think it won't hold value.

I've got a 6 month 330iSE at the moment and its a very 'good' car, but totally dull. I wouldn't spend my money on one, it just doesn't feel special or exciting - I'd hope an M3 would!

Tiggs

fair point, i'll rephrase! is a 25k 330 convertible a better bet than a 18k M3 one?

polarbearit

My perception of the 330 is its not that fast and I don't find it much fun, but its well put together and seems solid. I hear that about half of the old shape M3's suffered from VANOS problems from as early on as 40k so I'd try and find one with BMW warranty as I think its between 1-2k to fix.

Still I've seen a few E46 M3's at 30k (coupes not convertibles) and thats probably where my money would go or perhaps an M5, but if you want a soft top then I'd probably find an E36 M3 with some warranty left.

M3 Evo

E36 M3 no doubt!

Make sure it has the extended BMW used warranty though as the double VANOS is a pain in the **** and 2k to fix - free though under warranty.

Go over to BM3W.co.uk and go into the "previous generation M model discussion" loads of first rate advice in there!!

Tiggs

hmmm, the old M3 is looking very old now that the new 330's and M3's are about.

Freak

I drive an e36....was after an e36 M3 next....but now the e46 is about....i will probably get a 330.
Not dated as such, but park the e36 next to the e46....and it just looks better i think.
Thats my opinion now anyway...ill have to flip a coin

Tiggs

freak- my dilema is the same......do you not think a 330 will be a BIG performance drop to an old M3 (although it will look newer!)

TopBanana

I drove a 330 coupe a while ago and wasn't that impressed - nice car but not very exciting for the money. I personally wouldn't buy the E36 M3 either - look too bit dated, especially the interior

Tiggs

bloody hell! back to the evo VII again then!

TopBanana

Save up for the new M3

M3 Evo

I dont think it looks dated at all





[img]http://gallery.bm3w.co.uk/albums/SimplyRed/Upload12.jpg[img]

Great car but what you know you really want is one of these

M3 Evo

But you know what you really want...

Dunk

iTrader: (1)

Maserati Ghibli Cup is what you want.

D

Mmmmm

330 cab

Very nice to drive sporty progressive handling, actually quicker than figures suggest a-b. Has a glass rear screen and a hood thats better than most tin tops for sound insulation, the 3 litre engine is silky smooth right up to the red line, it's also got near linear power from the bottom end up. The suspension is pretty good, it gives a better ride in the non sport version (worth considering). The E46 is a better cruiser than the E36 and the interior is bigger with some leg room for adults in the back for the odd trip. With the hood down you and the Wind delfector in place you can still have conversations above 100 mph and its so well designed that even in cold weather you can drive with the hood down and still be warm (get heated seats). Loads of kit, standard air con, cruise control, etc Excellent traction control allows you to rag it in the wet without fear. Should still get one with a warrenty and the chance to extend, good resale values.

It will do 0-60 in around 6.7sec and 0-100 in about 18 sec. Auto is slower but silky smooth and has a not bad manual function.

M3

The E36 M3 driving postion isn't so good offset pedals, the steering was pretty good, still very involving drive, really fast a-b, but not as easy to drive. The Hood isn't as good with a plastic rear screen, body is less rigid shows on some surfaces. No traction control more than enough power to make a mess in the wet. Not as quiet a cruiser, virtually no rear leg room, smaller cabin. Pretty good with the hood down but nots as good as the E46.
Some have had Vanos problems and the servcing for the engines can be very pricey.

The M3 is much faster, super car fast.
0-60 5 odd secs and 0-100 in 13secs.Never driven an SMG 1 car but thye do get some negative comments , best to try for yourself

The 330 a fast open toped GT for 4, will be nicer day to day and less worries with a warrenty and a lower tuned less maint engine (service 15000).
The M3 is an almost 4 seat super car. Will still roast most things on the road and as long as you are half decent would leave the 330 standing in almost all conditions.

If its to be your main car I would be tempted to get the 330 (more practical). If however you have and alternative car I would get the M3.

My old 330sport great car


[Edited by Mmmmm - 6/30/2003 3:00:24 PM]

Freak

I WILL have to flip a coin i reckon...

going to buy a sheddy calibra for work/scruff/runaround use

but the main BMW is a mystery....

The E36 M3 doesnt look dated as such.....until you park it next to the E46....
Certainly wont look dated with 19"s on anyway.
Dont get me wrong, they are all stunning, and i like my own E36, but just feel like something more 'current' maybe, little bit newer, and some of the scary things ive heard about some of the problems on the M....well, scary stuff.
I honestly dont know- for every pro about one, there is a con
Anyway, the way E46 M3 prices are tumbling now, i reckon i will be able to get one of those soon enough.....
m3 is definately a supercar tho.

P.s have a hunt around tiggs, you may be able to get an e46 m3 for less than you think.....and if you spending 25k...you can get an M5 for that.....or an alpina or....ill stop now.....



[Edited by Freak - 6/30/2003 4:19:52 PM]