recommendations wanted: 99 M3 or 01 330Ci

[m3f_woody_b]

Hi All,



I'm not new to BMWs, having had a 635csi 5 speed, and a 97 540i 6 speed. I'm going shopping for my next car, and I plan to keep whatever I buy for a *long* time (I sold the 540 and boy do I regret it). Anyway, a nice 99 model M3 is my first choice, but the 2001 330Ci (or maybe the four door) looks like another possibility. Whichever I choose, it must be a manual trans. I know this is an M3 board, but do all of you have any thought (pros and cons) of the E36 M car vs the E46 non-M with the big six?



Thanks,



Woody_B



--previous 540i-6

--now shopping for 99M3

[m3f_Cyrus_192532641c]

We just had this thread about a week ago. You might want to do a search. eace:

[m3f_e36_m3_Turbo]

First question. Would you rather have performance or luxury?

[m3f_woody_b]

First question. Would you rather have performance or luxury?



Easy, performance, but isn't the 330i with a five speed a comparable performer? Whatever I buy will be used in town and on occasial 700 mile trips to the in-laws, so reasonable comfort is required.

[m3f_surfinsd_d52f5f19c7]

They're pretty close in a straight line, not that close in handling.

[m3f_M-avant_0baeb1c2f5]

more input and better tactile feel with the //M. the 330 is comfortable, too comfortable IMO ;-)



i'm biased - I say go for the M3

[m3f_e36_m3_Turbo]

The m3 was more a performance car overall. The 330 is more of a luxury model with almost the same horsepower. But dosent handle the same. Like if it was more on rails like the m3 is.

[m3f_woody_b]

Thanks all. I did search for and read the previous threads, and I think you've all convinced me the M3 is what I'd prefer.

--Woody_B

[m3f_e36_m3_Turbo]

There arent to many mods of performance that I know of for the 330. The 330 is more of a family car.

[m3f_Z Driver_38bb5042f3]

Drive both and decide. I think you'll like the M better since you value importance over comfort.

[m3f_Brent_Vino]

1 word.



///Motorsport.