bmw 330ci vs m3

st1979

Ok lads have a 02 330ci at the moment. And well just thinking about what my next car should be. Could easily go for a diesel bangernomic but sometimes i wonder what it would be like to have an m3 for a while. But then a friend of mine drove my car and he has also driven an m3 and he didnt think the m3 was significantly quicker. But he only had a spin in both never owned either. My old bus is lovely and cost very little. But i would have to spend a bit to get a 02 m3. I am just scared it will be a let down.
Maybe i should bite the bullet and finally grow up and buy an m5. Either that or go for a mondeo diesel.

robertxxx

M5 the 501bhp one.

corkgsxr

Mm **** the m3. Either a m5 or 530d

ciarsd

The 330 and M3 are poles apart. It's not just a couple hundred extra cc's either. Lengthy test drives of both will prove that more than any forum post.

toetatoe

Having owned an m3 and driven a few 330ci's, I can safely say the m3 is a totally different beast. There is no comparison. If you're looking at a 02 make sure to get it checked over well as issues could be very costly. The best car I've owned. Miss it dearly.

Matt Simis

Whats misleading about the M3's S54 engine is it needs to be revved hard, high and fast to come alive. Its going for a "race car" vibe. So if you hop into one expecting low RPM push back in the seat antics you get out disappointed. Get a V8 for that!
But it is very fast and it climbs the RPM range (and mph) at absurd rates.


I had a M54 3.0 engined BMW and pretty much hated its power delivery, its nothing like an M3 whose delivery isnt my preference either, but way better.

MetzgerMeister

Consider a 335i if you like the E92 or if you're sticking with older BMWs, it's really either an M3 or stick with the 330i.

keithsfleet

M3 for then win.
Had a 323 328 330 and M3 Evo (all e36's) in the last 5 years and there is a big big difference between all of them, especially the 330 and M3.
As said though really do invest in a decent mechanic if you do decide on a 11 year old M3. There not the easiest to work on and parts aren't the cheapest.

Idbatterim

the m3 is significantly quicker! It drives like a normal car until you put your foot down, E92 335 mite be a good option. Ive driven an m3 and simply wouldnt be paying that tax, performance car insurance, fuel and bear in mind it was a near 100k performance car, its maintenance costs etc will still reflect that...

Tea 1000

keithsfleet wrote: »

M3 for then win.
Had a 323 328 330 and M3 Evo (all e36's) in the last 5 years and there is a big big difference between all of them, especially the 330 and M3.
As said though really do invest in a decent mechanic if you do decide on a 11 year old M3. There not the easiest to work on and parts aren't the cheapest.

There was no E36 330!
/Pedantic....

keithsfleet

Tea 1000 wrote: »

There was no E36 330!
/Pedantic....

Sorry M3.... Its not an m3 unless its an Evo when it comes to the e36 though. Big difference!