M3 Vs 328??

[srwinston]

I currently have a 1999 328i sedan with 95k and thinking of selling to buy a 1998 M3 sedan with 70k miles. Tired of having same car that everyone else has and looking for something little sportier. Any feedback on whether this is a wise purchase would be appreciated--car is selling for $20K. Would like to understand differences between M3 and 328.

thanks,
Steve Winston

[CiscoKid]

you are selling your car for 20k?

The m3 has a larger engine (3.2 liter, opposed to 2.8) and more HP 240 instead of 190.

the look is more sportier, bigger wheels, tighter suspension, and m seats (hold you in better). Different Rear End.

[srwinston]

Originally posted by srwinston@Feb 23 2005, 06:41 PM
I currently have a 1999 328i sedan with 95k and thinking of selling to buy a 1998 M3 sedan with 70k miles. Tired of having same car that everyone else has and looking for something little sportier. Any feedback on whether this is a wise purchase would be appreciated--car is selling for $20K. Would like to understand differences between M3 and 328.

thanks,
Steve Winston

[snapback]298010[/snapback]

[srwinston]

Originally posted by CiscoKid@Feb 23 2005, 08:35 PM
you are selling your car for 20k?

The m3 has a larger engine (3.2 liter, opposed to 2.8) and more HP 240 instead of 190.

the look is more sportier, bigger wheels, tighter suspension, and m seats (hold you in better). Different Rear End.

[snapback]298075[/snapback]

apologize for confusion--I'm buying M3 for $20K and want to know if that it is a good deal. thanks for other feedback. Also, I just put 17in wheels on my 328 and made for much rougher ride with low profile tires. Will M3 ride similar or because of design be smoother?

thanks
SW

[Chant]

Originally posted by srwinston+Feb 23 2005, 11:47 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(srwinston @ Feb 23 2005, 11:47 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-CiscoKid@Feb 23 2005, 08:35 PM
you are selling your car for 20k?

The m3 has a larger engine (3.2 liter, opposed to 2.8) and more HP 240 instead of 190.

the look is more sportier, bigger wheels, tighter suspension, and m seats (hold you in better).* Different Rear End.

[snapback]298075[/snapback]

apologize for confusion--I'm buying M3 for $20K and want to know if that it is a good deal. thanks for other feedback. Also, I just put 17in wheels on my 328 and made for much rougher ride with low profile tires. Will M3 ride similar or because of design be smoother?

thanks


SW

[snapback]298174[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

I would check the condition of the vehicle both exterior and interior. I got my 98 M3 for 18K with 57K on it. as for the ride. smooth as a babies bottom. In fact it rides better than my A4 with the quattro suspension. Are you buying the car from a dealer or a person?

Chant

[srwinston]

Originally posted by Chant+Feb 24 2005, 06:13 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Chant @ Feb 24 2005, 06:13 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>

apologize for confusion--I'm buying M3 for $20K and want to know if that it is a good deal. thanks for other feedback. Also, I just put 17in wheels on my 328 and made for much rougher ride with low profile tires. Will M3 ride similar or because of design be smoother?

thanks


SW

[snapback]298174[/snapback]

I would check the condition of the vehicle both exterior and interior. I got my 98 M3 for 18K with 57K on it. as for the ride. smooth as a babies bottom. In fact it rides better than my A4 with the quattro suspension. Are you buying the car from a dealer or a person?

Chant

[snapback]298290[/snapback]

The car I'm looking at is being sold by dealer. car is excellent overall condition with only need of new floor mats. 225/45/zr17in Michelin Pilot tires and wheels are deep dish 5 spoke that I've seen on other M3's.
[/b][/quote]

[CiscoKid]

most are around 16-18k

[4evrwyntr]

Hmm. The best price for that year of an m3 is proabbly just over 14k if from a private owner, 15k if from a dealer. What might be jacking up the price are the options. What options does it have? Tinted windows? Cruise Control? Ya da ya da... More options can raise the price to 18k or so, but you shouldn't have to pay more than 18.5k for a 98 m3. I should know; seeing that I bought a babied bmw (98 m3) for 17k - and I was overpaying for convenience.

[morr1oz]

Get the M it is nothing compared to your old car. The suspension is so much better and the engine is so much better. Just not more horsepower but better throttle response and braking and so much more. You won't be disappointed. Look on ebay for good real life price comparisons.

[b3toy]

Originally posted by srwinston+Feb 24 2005, 04:47 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(srwinston @ Feb 24 2005, 04:47 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-CiscoKid@Feb 23 2005, 08:35 PM
you are selling your car for 20k?

The m3 has a larger engine (3.2 liter, opposed to 2.8) and more HP 240 instead of 190.

the look is more sportier, bigger wheels, tighter suspension, and m seats (hold you in better).* Different Rear End.

[snapback]298075[/snapback]

apologize for confusion--I'm buying M3 for $20K and want to know if that it is a good deal. thanks for other feedback. Also, I just put 17in wheels on my 328 and made for much rougher ride with low profile tires. Will M3 ride similar or because of design be smoother?

thanks
SW

[snapback]298174[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

You should be able to pick up one from BMW for that price, with all the peace of mind they offer. Shopping elsewhere, buy the lowest mileage possible, and check for noisy tappets which could lead to a £1,500 VANOS unit! Not much problems with higher mileage cars but rear suspension and brakes are expensive too.

As for the ride on the M3, it is set up for perfomance so will not match the 328i for comfort. The bumpy ride can make longer journeys less pleasant. However, the 4-door M3 is softer than the 2-door.

[b3toy]

Oh, I prefer standard stock cars than performance modified ones; these will tend to have more wear on the enginge, effecting it's longevity.