M3 (2013) or a 330d xdrive m sport (2015)

[Farren8]

Firstly, I'm not great with my car knowledge so I struggle with the lingo. But I'll give the main details. The M3 has done 30k miles, the 330d has done 20k miles. The M3 is £31k and 330d is £26k.
I'm looking for something fun, something that looks smart and that I won't loose much equity on when I come to give it back. I was set on the M3 until I looked at the specs of the 330d. Twice the MPG and doesn't seam to be much slower.
Thoughts please?

[C.J]

Considered the 335i? It's what I have, and it looks great, fast and sounds (imo) far nicer than the 330d.

If the cost of running the M3 wasn't being questioned at all, I'd choose the M3 over the D. Looks alone, it's nicer, plus that sound

[cerb4.5lee]

Difficult one and I've had both(2006/330d and 2009/M3), as a daily the 330d worked better for me purely because the M3 doesn't find its legs until 6000rpm whereas 2000rpm the 330d is up and at it.

The M3 has a far superior chassis though and is a far more engaging steer and more fun because of its LSD.

Running costs are huge on the M3 compared to the 330d too, although money no object surely the M3 must get the nod, however the 330d is still a great all round car.

[jamoor]

I've always found M cars and the regular models are worlds apart rather than a 330d with a big engine.

[Ahbefive]

A 330d is a nice every day car but its not fun.

[Farren8]

C.J said:

Considered the 335i? It's what I have, and it looks great, fast and sounds (imo) far nicer than the 330d.

If the cost of running the M3 wasn't being questioned at all, I'd choose the M3 over the D. Looks alone, it's nicer, plus that sound

I did look at the 335, that's another option. For the same kind of spec and milage it'd be going over budget (30k)

[Farren8]

So because of the difference in torque the 330D would feel as powerful upto say 60/70? The higher speeds, 100+ don't interest me so much so if that's the case I might be wasting fuel getting the M3?

[cerb4.5lee]

I absolutely loved my M3 at 100 plus and that's the engines forte(high speed/high revs), but it's just not an easy car to exploit on the road.

The M3 is by far the more accomplished car but I think the 330d is a better everyday car.

[mcbook]

I think you'll be able to answer your own question if you think deeply about the purpose of the car.

Is it to commute in comfort, for trips with the family, general purpose transport with a good turn of pace to enjoy occasionally? You've guessed it... pick the 330d.

Or do you primarily want a great-handling car that will encourage you to push it to the limit, a car that will respond to being driven hard? Are you happy with slightly compromised comfort and high running costs (fuel and maintenance)? Bingo - pick the M3.

[Farren8]

Yeah I think you've all pretty much nailed it. I'm 28 with no kids so was thinking this would be the time for a treat. But because I've always had company cars and there for 0 no claims bonus the insurance is crazy.

I've got a test drive booked with both Saturday so I'll see how I get on. Thanks for the advice!

[SebringMan]

If it's a daily and you are ploughing on the miles get the 330d.

Otherwise get the M3. Research the servicing costs as well as things like brakes and tyres etc. They are very expensive compared to a normal 3 Series.

[ZX10R NIN]

Just one thing if for some reason you decide to buy the 330d try not to get the xdrive as the ride is poor compared to the 2wd version.

[Farren8]

I got the M3, it's the E92. The test drive was unreal. I pick it up Tuesday.

Thanks again for the advice!

[rossw46]

Good man. You won't regret it I'm sure !

[cerb4.5lee]

Nice one, enjoy picking it up

[Farren8]

Cheers mate.

If your back end comes out like everyone says it will, what do you find is the best way to correct it? I'm thinking foot off the pedal and straighten up? Excuse the inexperienced question!

[cerb4.5lee]

Farren8 said:

Cheers mate.

If your back end comes out like everyone says it will, what do you find is the best way to correct it? I'm thinking foot off the pedal and straighten up? Excuse the inexperienced question!

Backing off has always worked for me but it can also snap the other way, my advice would be to find somewhere deserted(car park/private land)turn the traction off and have some fun learning how it behaves.

I'm a million miles off being a driving God but I learnt that way in my 200sx, and you just get used to how it behaves and then when the rearend snaps out you instinctively correct it.

It was the same in my TVR and everytime that stepped out I always seemed to correct it without really thinking about it.

The bottom line is if you respect it and only ever boot it in a straight line, and always go steady if it's wet you will be fine.

The traction control set up on the M3 is pretty good anyway.

[Farren8]

Good advice , Im probably being over cautious but that can only be a good thing i guess!