330 CI M-Sportpacket or M3

[crossblk]

I'm new to this forum, so "Hi" to everybody ....Ok, now, first tihing ...this is not a 330 CI vs M3 performance thread, an M3 is an M3, 330 is 330 ....cannot compare these 2 models performance wise ....anyway, the thing is that i really want to buy an M3 (second hand) ....but, i live in Romania, and over here, roads are crappy, everybody told me that an M3 will be broken in 1 year (shocks, springs, stuff like this ...) and they are probably right ...now, after months of looking for second hand M3 good deals, i've found a few in Germany, i could buy one, but now, after discussing with a few persons, i am "afraid" to buy it, cause' everybody says that M3's replacement parts, like shock absorbers, springs, etc, etc are a lot more expensive than 330's replacement parts ...so, this is what i want to know, is this really true ? i mean, is there such a big difference in price between M3 and 330 replacement parts ? ....also, the difference between the price of a 2003/2004 330 CI and a 2001/2002 M3 is not that big for second hand, around 2000-3000 Euros ... ...so, the only thing that's holding me back from buying the M is the maintanance costs .... anyway, if anybody knows anything realted to this, please let me know.

thanks.

[UltimateBMW]

Welcome to the forums.

I don't know much about M3 maintenance, nor about Romania road conditions however if the roads there are so bad that you expect it to actually break the suspension (struts, shocks) on either a M3 or a 330 then maybe you should look into getting an X3 or an X5. The X3 shares the same engine in most scenarios.

Also, since you mentioned a 330ci are you talking about the e46 model M3?

[JEllis]

Honestly, you are in the wrong forum as this is a dedicated E92 Forum. But check out the E46 section or M3Forum.com or Bimmerforums.com.

That said, M3 specific parts will be a little more expensive than 330ci parts. However, this is only an issue with things like the suspension, engine, and brakes.

Jason

[crossblk]

i'm talking about E46 330 ... roads are not "that" bad, i mean, they are not country roads (altough, we still have a few) ...but mainly road denivelations, bumps, and stuff like that (and from time to time you can allways find yourself burried in a big unmarked hole, with your entire car) ...i know X3 or X5 are much better for this kind of roads, but i will really buy either the 330 or the M3 ...i want to buy one of these just for the fun of driving, my work doesn't depends so much on the car, so it's not like it's a must, but i do drive everyday for the fun of it .... so i guess an M3 or 330 are much more fun than X series ...anyway, thanks for the reply ....

here are the 2 cars:

M3

330

[UltimateBMW]

If its going to be about the fun... I'd say get the M3. I drive a 330ci now and have been ready to move up to an M3 for a long time, I've just been waiting for the e92 M3 to come out.

Since your OP was mostly about the repair costs however, you could try calling up to a local BMW dealership and basicly lie. Call one and say you have a M3 that has its front suspension is shot from pot-holes and dips and ask if they have a ballpark figure, then call another and do the same for a 330ci. Then when they try to schedule you in just say that you will get back to them about it and leave it at that.

[BMW3R]

Personally, I wouldn't buy a used performance car, especially the way that I drive cars before I sell them. But, I like the 330 better just because it looks better maintained.

[keanu1]

Originally Posted by crossblk

I'm new to this forum, so "Hi" to everybody ....Ok, now, first tihing ...this is not a 330 CI vs M3 performance thread, an M3 is an M3, 330 is 330 ....cannot compare these 2 models performance wise ....anyway, the thing is that i really want to buy an M3 (second hand) ....but, i live in Romania, and over here, roads are crappy, everybody told me that an M3 will be broken in 1 year (shocks, springs, stuff like this ...) and they are probably right ...now, after months of looking for second hand M3 good deals, i've found a few in Germany, i could buy one, but now, after discussing with a few persons, i am "afraid" to buy it, cause' everybody says that M3's replacement parts, like shock absorbers, springs, etc, etc are a lot more expensive than 330's replacement parts ...so, this is what i want to know, is this really true ? i mean, is there such a big difference in price between M3 and 330 replacement parts ? ....also, the difference between the price of a 2003/2004 330 CI and a 2001/2002 M3 is not that big for second hand, around 2000-3000 Euros ... ...so, the only thing that's holding me back from buying the M is the maintanance costs .... anyway, if anybody knows anything realted to this, please let me know.

thanks.

i'm from romania also!!! i'm glad you are here!! i think you should go for the m3!! when you have to go on bad roads ,just go slowly!! i have a 525d e60 but i'm thinking about the new m3 or the m5!! salut!