Well me and my wife are looking into getting a BMW convert. We have had our hearts set on an M3. It's just that these things are way expensive. The money's not really an issue but if the 330's with zhp compare at all with the M3, we think why not get that. What are your thoughts on this? If money's not an issue should we go ahead and get the M, or is the 330 comparable in some ways? We have owned SC400's and she's currently driving a Jag XKR convertible. Will she and I be satisfied with a 330 is really what we would like to know? Thanks.
I know that.....but as far as if we were to get it, would we be wishing that we got the M3. My brother has a 325 convertible, and it's slow a hell, my old 95 SC could have taken it. But what about the 330 with the ZHP package? What's the 0-60 times. Remember were kinda used to driving this XKR that has a 0-60 time in the low 5's. I really don't mean to offend anyone about the 325 being slow, but I'm a pretty big performance buff, it's pretty important to me. Thanks
If you have the $$ to throw out at an M3 and are looking for low 5's or 4's in performance, you better get an M3. I dont think the 330 zhp will satisfy your hunger for power.
I have the ZHP. It is really cool. It does 0-60 in high 5s. I like it a lot. however, if money were no issue, i would go with the M as well. Only you may have more trips to the shop as I understand an M has more maintenance issues.
Before I purchased my 5, I test drove several 3's. imo, the 3's, being smaller, cannot attain the same ride as the 5's. On the M, everything is geared towards performance and being that it is a smaller car, the ride is very stiff, non-luxury like. The performance package will be similiar, just slower. Both will do everything you ask of them but neither will have the nice, comfortable ride the XKR has in addition to the performance.
So it's not just a matter of raw power. It's also a matter of concept.
It sounds like you should be test driving a 2004 545. 0-60 in about 5.6.
Here's a link to an excellent review.<---
It seems that the 545 may satisfy your power requirements and provide the ride your accustomed to.
I chose the 530 with lots of goodies. While it doesn't accelerate as fast as the 545, it is fast enough for all situations except drag racing. Since I don't race at all, it's definitely a great ride. The sport package and the 18's do make the ride much stiffer but I knew that going in so that's okay. It sticks like glue to the road, has great sounds, is very comfortable and roomy and basically is like driving around in a well appointed living room.
Since I've drive bimmers for over 10 years, I don't think you'll be dissatisfied with any of them. It's nice to be able to pick the one you like more than the one you can afford.
330 zhp is WAY slower than m3, although quite adequate for regular driving (i bought one). to my hands, the handling is better in the zhp than the m3, but you are stepping away from luxury (i.e. veru soft) cars so any bmw will be better.
3 IS SMALL. this however offers a big advantage in handling over the 5, which you can feel the weight.
Originally posted by begone@Jun 5 2004, 08:51 PM Well me and my wife are looking into getting a BMW convert. We have had our hearts set on an M3. It's just that these things are way expensive. The money's not really an issue but if the 330's with zhp compare at all with the M3, we think why not get that. What are your thoughts on this? If money's not an issue should we go ahead and get the M, or is the 330 comparable in some ways? We have owned SC400's and she's currently driving a Jag XKR convertible. Will she and I be satisfied with a 330 is really what we would like to know? Thanks.
Get the M if money isnt the primary motivating factor but speed is. If thats the case, you would probably be dissapointed with the ZHP. However, the M is more of a racing car - if youre looking for a luxary ride as well, you might be better off looking into the 5 Series (as some mentioned), or possibly the new 6's that just came out (although they will be more than the M).
Both the cars you drive now are more atuned with luxury. As another poster stated the M3 is all performance. But remember performance doesn't just equate to 0-62mph. Throw in a twisty road and things get tossed up pretty quickly. While the Jag and Lex are not bad handling autos, you in a whole different ballpark with an M3....A five series would be a nice compromise between lux and performance and still out handle your present rides.
Go 4 it..
Oh by the way you stated the M3 was expensive....wondering why you felt they are so expensive when your driving an XJR, which currently retails for $75,000.00 plus. M3 start at around $48,000.00... just wondering
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