1998 M3 or 2001 330Ci...which would you buy?

the newer car.

 

The E46. The newer car.

 

i would think the performance of the 330 meets or exceeds the previous generations m3. also, those e36 m3's seem to be pretty pricing in relation.

 

I'd say 330ci, I had a 328ci and it was a terrific car. I drove a 330i on loan for a day as they fixed something with the 328ci. The 330 has one sweet engine. The interior is much newer looking but still classic, very updated.

 

the e46.
First, they are way better looking IMO. Also, as the owner of a 2004 325ci I can tell you it is just about the best driving experience ever.

 

The E46 uses a lot nicer materials, the build quality seems better. It’s generally more comfortable and refined.

The E36 M3 is a great car (I drive one), it’s getting a little dated. It’s reliable, reasonably comfortable but definitely rawer than the E46 cars. I'm fairly confidant that an E36 M3 outperforms the E46 330, it has more power and less weight, I don't know how much of the difference the gearing makes up since the 330 has 6 speeds vs. 5.

As a daily car, I would recommend the E46, for an inexpensive fun car the E36 M3 is great.

 

I know people still love the E36's (I've had two), but that design is 15 years old! The newer cars are much better in every way.

 

My background--had a '97 M3, then a Maser Spyder, then an '03 M3, and am now back to a '98 M3. Everything above is true. My reasons for going back are the following:

1) Less weight (and the improved handling, snappier acceleration, etc. that comes from this).

2) Better reliability (increase electrical complexity in German cars, for me anyway, equals more repair issues).

3) Better on the track.

But mostly, it is because it is an excellent driver's car. Not that magazine reviews are gospel, but Car & Drive in '98 rated the M3 as the best handling car in the world. Of everything I have driven on the track, nothing is as telepathic and easy to hang at the limit.

Sure it has drawbacks. No tilt wheel, weak rear suspension mounting points, etc. And they certainly aren't depreciating very much. But that could be good as well. Good luck, and I'd be happy to answer any more specific questions about the M3.

 

I have '95 M3. Absolutely terrific. It's modded, so it's a little different than the two stockies... but if you ever see yourself modding, you should really go with the M3. As for me, with a pretty decent amount of mods I can happily say my car outperforms my dad's 996 . And if you find a nice example and throw some wheels on, I think it looks better than most run-of-the-mill E46's. Here's a pic of mine.

-Joe
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Sure 2001 330ci. It is new
You can make some tunes on it even a supercharger about 350hp's even beat the e46 M3

http://www.da-motorsport.com/projeler/panos330tci/index.htm


check the link you will get very surprised

 

I'd take the E36 M3. Not as smooth of a ride, but much more fun to drive, IMO. I also slightly prefer the look of the E36 M3 to the E46 330. Just don't get one that's been driven to death. Looking at an 8-year old car increases your odds that it's had a hard life.

 

Weekend fun car: E36

Daily driver: E46

 

I was also torn between the two cars and went with the '98 M3... and have not been sorry. And my wife prefers her E30 over my E36... and I fully understand. But then I also chose a '78 308GTB against a myriad of newer Ferraris as well....

Bill

 

I don't know about the E36 M3, but I drove my uncle's old E36 328is (manual transmission) and good lord it was so much fun, and not only that but it had a lot of thrust that was incredibly noticable when you launched the car - especially for having just 194HP. My dad still has a 1996 328i (auto) and despite being an auto, it's much more of a "driver's car" than any E46 I have driven (tested 325ci and a 330i).

I can easily say the E36's had a much more raw feel, and it wasn't uncomfrotable in the least - even on trips lasting over an hour or two. The E36 seemed so much more planted to the road too, and it in a word, it was much more fun. However, between the E46 and E36, you compromise in looks and interior look too.

I'm very satisfied with my father's 328i (I think it has the sport package since it just stays so planted and the suspension is quite stiff when you weave the car through some turns) interior, since it has a truckload of LEDs and signs all over the center console . IMO it makes it look more teched out than it really is! I've had someone say the dash and center console is like an airplane because of all the switches and displays lol.

The E46 cars seem too refined for my tastes. Don't get me wrong, the E46 are phenomenal, but from a driving perspective give me the keys to an E36 M3 anytime, anyday.

As mentioned before, you might have a little tougher time scoping out an E36 M3 that has not been abused very hard. I'd try looking from an authorized BMW retailer just for some peace of mind.

Now for the important part - from a financial perspective, it would make more sense to buy the E46 simply because it hasn't depreciated that hard yet, and you will be able to pick up a lower mileage car for roughly the same price range. Moreover, it will be easier to unload the E46 if you decide to sell it later as it won't have racked up ridiculous amounts of mileage as the M3.

Whichever trigger you pull, you can't go wrong. Picking from one of these two will only result in a wide grin on your face every time you push them to the pavement. Question is, which one extends that smile past your ears ?

Hope this helps, and good luck with your decision! We expect pics once you're done signing the cheque

 

E30 M3

 

Have you considered an early '01 or '02 E46 M3? They've come down alot in price.

If you want the sportiness of the E36 M3 but really can't overlook the fact that it is quite dated, then the current M3 is the obvious choice.

Personally, if I had to choose between the two you mentioned, and it was to be my only car, it would depend on my priorities.

Do I want something raw and with more performance, at the expense of the latest technology, less mileage, etc

or

more of a refined luxury coupe

Maintenance on the M3 will be more expensive, but it won't necessarily be more unreliable just because it is 3 years older.

 

In terms of driving, the E36 M3 is ahead in acceleration, handling and braking. I've driven numerous 330's and it's a fantastic car, but it has more of an emphasis on luxury rather than sport. The 330 with the performance package is right up there with the E36 M3, not really doing anything better, but matching the E36 M3. I love the E46 M3 design, but not really fond of the 325/330 so I still think an E36 M3 has nicer lines than the 330. Also there isn't too much of a difference between the maintenence cost and part prices between the two.

 

If you want top end racing umph! M3

For everything else the 330

 

I love my '96 E36 M3, I also use it for a daily driver without issues. Has a few modifications to make it more...... interesting