bmw 330ci vs m3

st1979 · 12-01-2013 12:07AM #1

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 · 12-01-2013 12:12AM

M5 the 501bhp one.

corkgsxr · 12-01-2013 12:14AM

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

ciarsd · 12-01-2013 12:19AM

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 · 12-01-2013 12:21AM

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 · 12-01-2013 12:29AM

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.

12-01-2013 01:46AM

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 · 12-01-2013 01:51AM

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 · 12-01-2013 02:23AM

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 · 12-01-2013 01:00PM

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 · 12-01-2013 07:26PM

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!

bmw 330ci vs m3

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