looking to purchase my first ferrari

The 3x8 cars are all going to feel slow compared to your M3. I think the 348 is a little more than 0.5 second slower to 60MPH than your M3. The 348 has around 10-30 HP less than the M3 depending on the 348 series.

The 355 is going to be the oldest modern Ferrari to get past your M3. The 3x8 cars are at best 8 years older technology than your M3.

 

Keep your BMW or buy a Porsche.

 

Have a browse about the forum for a few weeks. I've never owned or driven a Ferrari either, but my time browsing the forum has quickly shown that these are expensive cars to fall in love with.

Many consider the purchase price to merely be the 'down payment' on the car and the maintenance bills are what really sets these cars apart as exotic and beyond the reach of many... they can, reportedly, "eat $10k at the drop of a hat". As long as you know that in advance and feel ok about it, then you're looking at the right car.

If you want to buy something for outright performance, then perhaps a 3x8 or even a 355 is not the car for you. Remember, some 348s are now 20 years old and some 355s are 15 years old... they're classic cars and should be thought of and enjoyed as such. I've not driven a Ferrari, but have driven a 1959 Triumph TR3A... performance-wise, it sucked compared to even a budget modern car - but it was an absolute hoot to drive it. The performance differential is not going to be anywhere near that with this era of Ferrari (348/355), but you get the idea.

Welcome to the forum and have a browse.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

It sounds like you don't want a Ferrari.Or slow with money.Its not all about 0 to 60.Ferrari's are art.your e46 is a,model down in BMW land. The e92. BMW m3 new car v8 413 hp.Made your car a 20k car at best.Get you a rice bucket or a viper its all you can afford.Ferraris are about class.not posers.
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Funny that you mention the word "class".

 

its all about the ferrari feeling brother. drive a ferrari and u will be instantly in luv.
bmw m3 is fast but wat else. its just a bmw.
sorry no offence

 

Enough said. You cannot purchase a 355.

 

bravo marcello

 

sembra che devi essere italiano to appreciate una ferrari.
se non sei italiano compra una bmw che fanno schifo confronte una ferrari.

 

If you are not prepared for a 10K repair bill, don't buy a ferrari.

 

If you have some mechanical ability and or are willing to work on your car, then a 328 or a 348 can be very affordable. But with a 348 you should be ready to pay about $6,000 every 5 or so years to have the engine removed, timing belt changed, water pump, valves adjusted, hoses, filters, etc. You should take your time and find a nicely maintained car. I would stay away from the 355 unless you can come up with a larger budget (possibly $20K-$45K over 5 year period). The 355 has some potentially serious/very expensive issues that could require a complete engine rebuild if you are not careful about observing the car. Most of the BMW M3 owners I've met are not very mechanical at therefore, must pay $$$ to a mechanic for minor service issues. One thing is FOR SURE most people have no idea what a M3 is (looks like any other BMW), but EVERYONE knows what a Ferrari looks like and sounds like. Enjoy the hunt! Make some mechanic friends. Try to avoid cars that have had more than 3 or 4 owners.

 

My goodness, such pessimism.... If you take your time and perform the required due diligence (e.g., a proper PPI with compression/leakdown testing, borescope examination of the combustion chambers, etc.), a well-sorted Ferrari can be reasonable to own. Many times, once these problem areas are addressed, they stay fixed for a very long time or even permanently. Moreover, if you're capable of performing some maintenance yourself, quite a bit of money can be saved on maintenance.

IMO, you would be best served getting a well-sorted 328 - fairly bullet-proof and simple to work on yourself (i.e., no engine-out majors). They look great and are reasonably quick.

With regard to acceleration times, top speed, etc., while certainly not unimportant, owning a Ferrari is about a total experience. It really is "rolling art". Sure there are faster cars out there costing much less, but the sight, sound, and exclusivity makes up for this issue in spades.

Good luck with your search and TAKE YOUR TIME AND DO IT RIGHT.

 

Come on Marcello, this Post was uncalled for.

 

As the others have posted, you definitely need to be prepared for some startling maintenance/repair bills, even with the 348.

As far as your other question, I also have an '02 E46M3 (bone stock) as my daily driver. Even though it is more than a match for my 348 in a straight line, there is absolutely no comparison in the twisties. The 348 drives like a go-kart. It feels like it is on rails, and you can feel what each contact patch is doing through the steering wheel and through your butt. Compared to that, the M3 feels heavy, floaty and disconnected. I think of the M3 as more of a grand tourer than a sports car.

Also, even in a straight line, the 348 feels faster than it is, partly because of how low you sit to the ground, and mostly because of the sound -- nothing sounds like an Italian V8 at full song.

- Eric

 

If you find a car you're interested in, if possible, post the information in this section (assuming it's a 348/F355). You may find someone who is familiar with the car's history, previous owner(s), etc. Very valuable info.

 

Stretch your comfort zone and go for a 360 or 430.

You will not be dissapointed.

 

Agree.

Kid is not ready for a Ferrari. At least not a F355 that he wanted, for now anyways.

I too graduated from two M3's and moved on to Pcars and to Turbo Pcars before I jump into a Fcar. It seems like a natural progression for many also.

 

If you can do the engine-out maintenance yourself (many on here have done so; some without previous experience), then you can greatly reduce your maintenance costs.

 

Maybe you can take a stop in Porsche 911 land until you are able to get a 360 or even better, a F430? Many do so.

 

I too have an e46 M3. Mine happens to be convertible and bone stock. I also have a 348 Challenge and considered both 328 and 308QV.

M3 and 348 are night and day. Very very different cars. Similar in power but very different on dynamics, care, cost, sound, experience, etc. There is a real feel that you must learn to master the 348 where in the M3, anyone can drive it.

My suggestion is to go sit in a 348 and a 3x8. They are very different. You also have to consider a/c, rust and other modern conveniences. I sat in a 308 and it just was not comfortable for me. A 348 fits like a glove, even with Challenge seats.

Good luck in your search.