97m3 vs 99m3

[m3f_bmw4life13_0098c1d2b1]

just when i was ready to close a deal on a 97m3 i came across a 99m3 with the same mileage. what were the differences between the 97m3 vs the 99m3? were the 99m3s better in any way? the only difference that i know of are minor such as the steering wheels. also i've heard of the cold start problem in m3 models later than 97. which would you rather have?

[m3f_resisTm3]

i have a 97 and i LOVE it.... i dont know much about the 99's tho... im curious to see what people say.. which is faster stock...?

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

They are pretty much the same, I have driven several of both years and they all have the same feel. Really, its just packagae differences IMO. The 99s have more perks than the 97 in all honesty. Better steering wheel, updated rocker defelctors, different sport steats... etc... small things, but preformace wiise, they are just about the same.

[m3f_Tpb31_67f747186d]

You know, I own a 99, so I am partial to them. But somewhere I read that 99's have weaker motors. I think it was on the thread about dyno charts.

[m3f_bmw4life13_0098c1d2b1]

what do you mean by weaker motors?

[m3f_BlkBimM3R_4c5ffa766f]

their pretty much the same.. same chassis, same motor, just minor things like rear headrests, side air bag, steering wheel, packages, etc.. I have a 99 because those were the low mileage ones i could find around here, but I would have taken a 97 if the price was right and mileage was low...

[m3f_Tpb31_67f747186d]

by weaker, I mean they put out slightly less hp numbers on a dyno. At least that is what the thread said that I was reading

[m3f_fcocca_b87080e333]

I currently own both a 97 and 98 4-door. I prefer the 97 principally for minor passenger cabin differences. The 98 has rear headrests that obscure some vision, but I'm the kind of driver that lowers the passenger seat back when I'm alone to see quicker better. Also, the volume knob on the 98 malfunctions and inadvertently blew out the front speakers. I regard the side airbags on the 98 as one more doo-dad to potentially malfunction (none on 97). I've tracked each of them bone stock at Road Atlanta and note no noticeable difference. I recommend going wth the 97 if lower insurance socst mean anything to you. Good luckjust when i was ready to close a deal on a 97m3 i came across a 99m3 with the same mileage. what were the differences between the 97m3 vs the 99m3? were the 99m3s better in any way? the only difference that i know of are minor such as the steering wheels. also i've heard of the cold start problem in m3 models later than 97. which would you rather have?

[m3f_rmani_0d74af4953]

get whichever one is in better condition and has more detailed records. They're basically the same. I'd lean more towards the 99 because it's newer and might even still have an extended warranty left on it. i've heard that 99 engines are slightly weaker but i don't believe it. they all used the exact same engines so I really doubt there's any difference.

[m3f_m3-dude]

I prefer the 97 over the 99. I like the 97 contours a whole lot better, but that is just my opinion.

[m3f_04M3blur_1ceee0bbd5]

What's the price difference, obviously the mileage isn't a concern, but the car IS 2 years newer, that in itself is worth something in my book.

[m3f_JeffN]

Same miles in a 97 means higher book value, relatively for the year.