M3 vs 330ci Running costs

M3 vs 330ci Running costs

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Discussion

chilli

Original Poster:

17,318 posts

237 months

Tuesday 20th February 2007
quotequote all
Picture the scene......£25k to spend (ish) and I thought about another 330ci. Then I start looking at the M3's 2003/4. Is there much difference in the running costs, or anything else I should know?

I loved my 330ci, and wished I'd never got rid of it now. Hindsight, a great asset!

Cheers.

chilli

Original Poster:

17,318 posts

237 months

Tuesday 20th February 2007
quotequote all
Yeah, I have driven one as I was tied between an older M3 and my 330... I chose the 330! However, you can't really get the best from it during a test drive, I didn't really want to take the piss!
Is there anything I should be aware of? ie work I should make sure has been done? Also is mileage an issue? Looking at ones with around 30k on them.

Thanks again.

chilli

Original Poster:

17,318 posts

237 months

Wednesday 21st February 2007
quotequote all
M5Dave said:
One of the biggest extra costs over the 330i is for servicing. Oil services will be similar in price, however the inspection 1 and inspection 2 on the M3 are in the order of £750 and £850 respectively at the main dealer.

That said the car does go 13-15,000 miles between services, and if you're prepared to do a bit of phoning around and don't mind travelling, you'll probably save a good bit on these prices.

Probably the most important thing when buying an M3 is to make sure the 1,200 mile running in service was done on time i.e before the car had done 1,700 miles. This service is vitally important, as the car is run on thin oil up to that point to allow the bedding in of components in the engine, gearbox and rear axle. If the service is not done then it can void warranty claims on these components, and will significantly de value the car.



Great stuff, thanks Dave.

chilli

Original Poster:

17,318 posts

237 months

Tuesday 27th February 2007
quotequote all
Thanks for the responses.... I loved my 330, and think I will get an M3...just finding the right one now.

I don't think I'll be giving BM £1050 a yerar for the warranty though.

chilli

Original Poster:

17,318 posts

237 months

Friday 2nd March 2007
quotequote all
adom said:
As I understand it there is an excess on the warranty of £250... I've just had the throttle potentiometer and an ignition coil go on mine, which I presume would have been covered under the warranty, except that the total cost of repair was £210. I see little point in the warranty unless something major goes pop, but at over a grand a year for the warranty, I would rather self insure. Maybe a different story if I had that stupi smg box tho..


That's just the kind of thinking going on with me!!


chilli

Original Poster:

17,318 posts

237 months

Monday 5th March 2007
quotequote all
Cheers,
I'll give it a try, and now that I've sold my house (touching wood) I'll have the cash. Just need to find the right one, at the right price.

Thanks again.