Thoughts on 330ci vs M3

[Diesel Meister]

I guess it depends on what you want. I'm considering all sorts of cars atm but there's no substitute for narrowing the field using the "fitness for purpose test" then driving the candidates on your shortlist. What are your criteria?

I owned a run-out E46 330Ci Sport from new for 7 months and 8k miles and was very happy with it. It is one of the best all round cars money can buy imo. Still is. It has torque all over the place and pretty decent op end. It won't feel as fast as you Volvo but it with be a better drive imo. Don't discount it.

On the other hand, as has been said, I've spent time in E46 M3s (none were mine sadly!) and it is an altogether different proposition, provided you use it properly. In most day to day, give and take driving it's not significantly faster than a well pedalled 330 and certainly less relaxing than the vanilla spec 330. But M3 is such a honed machine that brisk to hurried pace crystallises the focus and integrity of the package.

I rate the M54B30 very highly - sound, delivery, economy etc. but the S54B32 brings track-refugee top-end clarity as well as some of the best sonics this side of cars 3-4 times the price. Plus it's still a reliable, practical BMW saloon that seats four and is reasonable to run provided you're not Mr Dorifto come trackday season.

It you like to drive something that feels a bit special on your favourite long route to the newsagent on a Sunday morning, you'd take the M3 every time. You'll only wish you had otherwise

Edited by Diesel Meister on Thursday 26th June 09:20

[phatgixer]

M3. No question whatsoever.

[phatgixer]

CarbonM5 said:

Consider an 8k 330ci then supercharge it.

You will have a more understated beast with a nicer drive to boot.

Silly person.

[boxster9]

Think I need to go out and test drive a few. The volvo has a great engine, plenty of torque in 2nd/3rd..helped by the Turbo.. I am really looking for something with better acceleration which is comfortable to drive for long distances. Whats the engine sound on an M3 like? sound a bit too high pitched /tinny.... compared to the low pitched growl of the volvo...or is this just me?

[Diesel Meister]

No substitute for try before you buy sir. The M3 is more metallic than the 330 (which incidentally has an exhaust that is artificially tuned to enhance it bass tone - not subtle at town speeds but quite nice once you earn to influence it with the throttle) but has a full range of noises that no Volvo could match Especially 3rd-4th at 8krpm.... Both are good cars - the 3330 is good value and stealthy, the M3 is quite simply racier in all respects. Test Drive!

[Neil.D]

Hi mate,

IMO, If you want a comfortable, fast and capable convertible then go for the 330ci.
I found the car to be very 'nice' but ultimatley very dull. It wasn't very fast and offerered very little in order of involvement.
Te M3 however is a seriously quick machine and the 3rd generation of a race bred machinery.
I dont want to sound rude but if you want an M3 then you will get one. If you need to trade off their qualities against each other in order to justify it then get the 330, otherwise the cost will begrudge the experience and you wont notice the difference.
Not being funny but it is a considerable difference.

N

[waremark]

If you really want a BMW that sounds good, save yourself a load of money and buy an E39 M5 - or spend lots more and buy an E92 M3. Sorry if this is not very helpful! I was very happy with my E46 M3, but so far as the sound goes it was not a patch on either of the above, or say an Audi RS4. However, it was a reasonably relaxing long distance car, as well as being a serious sports car when that was what you wanted.

[dadofbud]

phatgixer said:

CarbonM5 said:

Consider an 8k 330ci then supercharge it.

You will have a more understated beast with a nicer drive to boot.

Silly person.

"Silly" may be going a bit far Sir, ones got to give a chap the odd mistake old bean, but on the other hand what a complete and utter waste of time and money, because it still won't get near an M3 and thats 5K you could put towards the real deal

Boxster9

This forum must have at least 6 six question a week all asking the same thing about M3's how much fuel cost, how much maintenance cost, how much tyres cost, will it make my willy look small, ops wrong forum.

Just get rid of the Volvo Rozzer mobile and buy and M3 and be done with it.

Edited by dadofbud on Saturday 28th June 17:47

[scz4]

dadofbud said:

"Silly" may be going a bit far Sir, ones got to give a chap the odd mistake old bean, but on the other hand what a complete and utter waste of time and money, because it still won't get near an M3 and thats 5K you could put towards the real deal

I can only assume you've driven both.. actually I doubt it, nor have you looked into in any detail.

In terms of straight line pace here, my 3.0 Z4 (same engine) supercharged puts out 370bhp and over 100NM more than an M3, all available from 1800rpm, still does 36mpg, lower tax band, no ///M tax on the same parts, lower insurance costs, much chepaer servicing plus you can sell a charger for 60% of it's value two years later, much cheaper than derpeciation hit on an M3..... do I need to go on ?? In terms of handling, on the road you won't be able to tell them apart, on the track you will.

I also have an E36 M3 Evo, engine is fantastic when you're in the mood for a trash, but the engine lacks torque low down and isn't nearly as smooth... sounds fantastic though.

[CarbonM5]

phatgixer said:

CarbonM5 said:

Consider an 8k 330ci then supercharge it.

You will have a more understated beast with a nicer drive to boot.

Silly person.

You cant say that on the net, always best to speak directly to the person to put across a strong remark like that.

Get a grip on real life you clown.

Edited by CarbonM5 on Tuesday 1st July 18:11

[housemaster]

CarbonM5 said:

phatgixer said:

CarbonM5 said:

Consider an 8k 330ci then supercharge it.

You will have a more understated beast with a nicer drive to boot.

Silly person.

You cant say that on the net, always best to speak directly to the person to put across a strong remark like that.

Get a grip on real life you clown.

Edited by CarbonM5 on Tuesday 1st July 18:11

You are of course being ironic.............surely?

[EddieSteadyGo]

I have owner both a 330ci and and e46 m3.

Personally, no question, go for the m3. Both cars in my experience will not be cheap to maintain, but the enhanced performance over a 330 is bigger than you might think.

Just in IMO of course

Cheers, Ed.