Looking to finally buy my first BMW!!!! Need advice as to what to get....

[toneloc71sr]

I am finally at a point in my life where I can enjoy the luxury of owning a BMW!! I am not too familiar with the models but do know ofcourse that the M series are very very awesome! I cant afford an M series soooooooooooooooo, I was wondering on the next best thing. I was thinking to go with a used 330 and just kinda make some mods and aftermarket parts to make it faster. What do you guys think? My price range is in the $25,000 and below. BUT, I could go a lil higher if I NEED to, but I dont really want to stretch the payments too much. Which 330 is better to start with? Any certain years I should consider or avoid? I currently own a 2001 Pontiac Trans Am, the limited edition WS6. It came with 325HP stock, what kind of power could I get with a 330? Also, my car has a stick and Im kinda over it, Im getting tired of shifting alot but maybe its alot smother on a BMW. I was gonna go with an automatic, what do you guys think? Looking fwd to some advice from experience

-Tony

 

[Big Daddy]

With $25000.00 you could buy a "M" car. A 330 is plenty fast but with all the mods in the world it is not an M. I would get a good used e36 M3, an M roadster and maybe a good M coupe. I would avoid automatics, unless I was getting a seven series family car.

 

[Kirby]

Unless you supercharge a 330, you will only squeak out 10 - 25 hp max with mods. 330s are about 225hp stock. You'll give up straight line performance compared to the Poncho, but gain everywhere else.

If you need to stay in the 300+ hp range, look for a used M3 at around $27K - $30K, rather than adding $2K of mods to a $25K 330.

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[ThatOneGuy]

I don't think want a $25K E46 M3, since your really talking about a $22.5 to 23K car before tax, title and license. However, a $23K E36 M3 would be great and should be in pristine condition at that price . Your original idea, an E46 330ci with ZHP (sport package) would make a great 1st BMW.

Kirby is right, the absolute most power you can expect from bolt-ons and "chipping" is about 25. BMW's don't make WS6 torque either. However the trade off in handling is worth it. Think of your car as a fine, sharp edged chefs knife. The 330ci zhp is a razor blade. The M3, a scalpel.

Bare in mind that M cars can be an order of magnitude more expensive than non-M BMW's to operate, service, repair and insure. You owe it to yourself to find the best independent BMW shop in your area and give them a call. Ask about costs for "inspection 1 & 2", replacing a clutch, water pump, window regulator & basic service. I'm not trying to talk you out of anything, I love my M3, but you really should know what you're getting into.

I would also strongly recommend a pre-purchase inspection by that shop. It's usually less than $200 and worth every penny. You may also want to consider 3 party warrantees, which you should also discuss with your chosen shop.

Good luck.

 

[toneloc71sr]

Wow thanks for all the info!!!! Yeah I know its a lil harder to get the power without the M logo on the car I'll be giving up straight line performance but I think its worth it considering how much NICER the BMW is. Hmmm, maybe I can do with a 330 for now and wait for later to get the M series. Any ideas where to shop? Whats a good price range for a 2004?

 

[Detrich]

yes, i have one friend who bought a used M3 and loved how it drove. but, she ended up selling it, because the cost of maintaining it was just too much for her.

 

[DRWWE]

Think of your car as a fine, sharp edged chefs knife. The 330ci zhp is a razor blade. The M3, a scalpel. Good luck.

I like that quote. I think maintenance is an issue and the M3 will be more costly to maintain. A razor holds an edge a lot longer than a scalpel. The 330 should be less costly in the long run but will still be fast and a lot of fun to drive. Stick vs manual is a personal choice.

Whichever care you get you will love it. I've had a 3, 5, X3, and 7 and love them all.

 

[MY2003-330CIC]

I just picked up a 2003 330 CIC my first Beemer I love it. I have the automatic with the sport shift. I got up to 120mph with no effort.The car is fast and alot of fun. I spent about 27k for the convertible with 31k miles.

 

[nadroj]

yes, i have one friend who bought a used M3 and loved how it drove. but, she ended up selling it, because the cost of maintaining it was just too much for her.

the m series cost the same to maintain as a regular 3er
I hate how everyone assums the m3 requires alot of maintainence

 

[Abdoman]

Maintence yes, but repairs no. It's more expensive to repair an M3 than it is to repair a 330.