- #4 of 460
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Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]
by gordonwd
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Aug 10, 2006 (5:42 am)
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Replying to: fdg07 (Aug 08, 2006 2:17 pm)
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?
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- #5 of 460
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Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [quattroporte12]
by div2
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Aug 10, 2006 (6:07 am)
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Replying to: quattroporte12 (Aug 09, 2006 9:19 pm)
Interesting observations. How many E36 M3s have you driven? What about E46 330is?
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- #6 of 460
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Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
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Aug 10, 2006 (8:06 am)
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Replying to: fdg07 (Aug 08, 2006 2:17 pm)
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.
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- #7 of 460
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Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [div2]
by quattroporte12
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Aug 10, 2006 (10:13 am)
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Replying to: div2 (Aug 10, 2006 6:07 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. 
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- #9 of 460
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Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [quattroporte12]
by fdg07
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Aug 10, 2006 (2:01 pm)
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Replying to: quattroporte12 (Aug 10, 2006 10:13 am)
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 which one has the better braking and which one requires more maintanance and is more expensive to repair and maintane despite its age( I know a 99 is not going to last as long)? thanks guys, this is what makes this a great site, your support!!!
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- #10 of 460
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Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]
by fdg07
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Aug 10, 2006 (2:05 pm)
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Replying to: fdg07 (Aug 10, 2006 2:01 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?
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- #11 of 460
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Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]
by quattroporte12
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Aug 10, 2006 (2:28 pm)
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Replying to: fdg07 (Aug 10, 2006 2:01 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 much about chips or turbos so i cant help you there, but i would say that the m3 is going to be more expensive and harder to reapair 1) because it is older (may have to order parts for it, versus having them in stock) and 2) because it was probably driven harder than the 330ci and could have much more wear. 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.
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- #12 of 460
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Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]
by div2
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Aug 10, 2006 (5:51 pm)
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Replying to: fdg07 (Aug 10, 2006 2:01 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 or turbo??
Almost any vehicle will need a brake upgrade if you add forced induction. The E36 M3 is no exception. The best bang for your buck would be a Conforti Shark Injector and CAI.
im also wondering which one has the better braking and which one requires more maintanance and is more expensive to repair and maintane despite its age
Maintenance and repair costs will be roughly similar as, unlike the E30 and E46 variants, the US E36 M3 uses a 3.2 liter version of the garden variety BMW six cylinder engine.
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- #13 of 460
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Re: What is a better buy: 1999 BMW M3 or 2001 330ci (same mileage each) [fdg07]
by div2
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Aug 10, 2006 (5:57 pm)
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Replying to: fdg07 (Aug 10, 2006 2:05 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.
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