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Buying a Used 3-Series

758 messages,  Last post on Dec 17, 2012 at 9:34 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW M3, BMW 3 Series, Motorsports, Engine, Suspension, Car Buying, Coupe

Messages Page 3 of 77

#13 of 758 Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07] by div2

Aug 10, 2006 (6:57 pm)

Replying to: fdg07 (Aug 10, 2006 3:05 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?
 
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 the maximum boost as well as how long the engine operates at high boost pressures.
 
To reiterate: Either car would be an excellent choice. If you are a hands-on kind of driver you'll find that the E36 M3 makes an excellent street/track car which can be tweaked or modified to your heart's content. The 330i will be equally as quick only smoother and more civilized. You really need to drive both, evaluate YOUR priorities and then YOU need to make the call.

#14 of 758 Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [quattroporte12] by div2

Aug 10, 2006 (7:10 pm)

Replying to: quattroporte12 (Aug 10, 2006 3:28 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 and harder to repair 1) because it is older (may have to order parts for it, versus having them in stock)
 
That's funny; my dealer stocks almost any E36 specific part I've ever needed. As for ordered parts, they cost the same as stocked parts. An E36 is no more difficult to repair than an E46.
 
it was probably driven harder than the 330ci and could have much more wear.
 
Possibly, though I've run across more than a few thrashed E46 cars. Either car should undergo a thorough PPI from a good BMW tech.
 
You should look at each car's technical specs to find out about braking, but, once again, the 330ci probably has equal or better braking due to its newer technology.
 
And that "new technology" is?

#15 of 758 Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [div2] by quattroporte12

Aug 10, 2006 (8:20 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Aug 10, 2006 7:10 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.

Messages Page 3 of 77

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