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Buying a Used 3-Series

466 messages,  Last post on Dec 03, 2009 at 1:44 PM

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

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#23 of 466 Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [quattroporte12] by fdg07 Aug 11, 2006 (10:59 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 expensive to repair? is it the m3 cause its a performance car? By the way I like the E36 m3's style versus the E46 style 330ci because it looks more aggressive and seems to have more of an aggressive stance. thank you all for your help!!
#24 of 466 ///M > 330ci by dsurti Aug 11, 2006 (11:22 am)
performance hands down i would say E36;   M3: -heavier steering -LSD (limited slip diff) -a good clutch, not a "self adjusting" garbage clutch like the 330ci -does NOT have the CDV like the 330(clutch delay valve.. also garbage) -M3 is faster   for smoothness/luxury.. 330ci   edit: i'had a 2001 330xi automatic, 2002 325ci stickshift, and my cousin used to have a e36 M3 so i do know what i am talking about   edit2: i just saw in another post of yours that you are looking at AUTOMATIC BMWs.. if that's the case, then my comments about the M3 and 330 gearbox do nto matter; i do not know much about the e36 auto tranny, but i do know the e46 auto tranny has had high rates of failure due to BMW's lifetime fluid.. in reality, it should be changed every 30k, but once the tranny has reached a certain age, doing a tranny fluid flush would probably do more harm than anything   IMHO, you are nto really looking for pure performance if you want an automatic Replies to this message: div2 (Aug 11, 2006 2:12 pm) fdg07 (Aug 11, 2006 2:54 pm) div2 (Aug 11, 2006 5:53 pm) and 2 more... dave330i (Aug 14, 2006 6:21 pm) dsurti (Aug 16, 2006 7:06 am) dave330i (Aug 16, 2006 8:28 pm)
#25 of 466 Re: ///M > 330ci [dsurti] by div2 Aug 11, 2006 (2:12 pm)
Replying to: dsurti (Aug 11, 2006 11:22 am) Good points; your hands-on experience demonstrates the important differences between the two platforms. I forgot about the LSD on the M3. That's a BIG issue if performance is a consideration. And that CDV is "new technology" that almost everybody wants to get rid of. As for the ATF flush, most of the techs I know say that 60K is the upper limit for a change interval. That said, I waited until 100K on my wife's E39 and at 140K it is still going strong. As for automatics and performance, I think that ///M cars should all come with a third pedal. Replies to this message: fdg07 (Aug 11, 2006 2:54 pm) div2 (Aug 11, 2006 5:53 pm) fdg07 (Aug 11, 2006 6:08 pm)
#26 of 466 Re: ///M > 330ci [div2] by fdg07 Aug 11, 2006 (2:54 pm)
Replying to: div2 (Aug 11, 2006 2:12 pm) I see, well i would go for a manuel but the problem is that these days m3s will come with at least 50,000 miles, and if i get a manuel with 50,000 or more miles wouldnt that be stupid in a sense? i mean would the clutch be worn out and all? plus i heard its very expensive to replace a beemer clutch, and i dont know how to drive stick and i fear ill damage the m3's clutch since i am a beginner if it comes with manuel. does anyone know how long it takes to learn to drive stick well?? thanks!! Replies to this message: div2 (Aug 11, 2006 5:53 pm) fdg07 (Aug 11, 2006 6:08 pm)
#27 of 466 Mabie an S4...?? by quattroporte12 Aug 11, 2006 (4:47 pm)
I wouldnt rule out cars that arent BMW's, unless you are dead set on one (which is not a bad thing, BMW's are great cars). I think an S4 blends the qualities of an m3 and a 330ci very well. Mabie give it a look...??
#28 of 466 Re: ///M > 330ci [fdg07] by div2 Aug 11, 2006 (5:53 pm)
Replying to: fdg07 (Aug 11, 2006 2:54 pm) I've driven several BMWs to over 100K miles and I haven't had to replace a clutch yet. In any event, a good indie BMW tech can install an OEM quality clutch for a very reasonable price. And please... Bimmer=BMW Automobile Beemer=BMW Motorcycle Replies to this message: fdg07 (Aug 11, 2006 6:08 pm)
#29 of 466 Stick vs Auto by quattroporte12 Aug 11, 2006 (6:06 pm)
I wouldnt worry about getting the "Beemer" in a stick, if you are worried, go with the auto "Beemer", and once you've got the "fast" driving down, you can upgrade to a stick "Beemer". You could even participate in "Beemer" driving school to help you learn the stick.

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