M3 or 330i - e46

[SBN]

Bang for buck which one is better in real world everyday driving?

Im thinking here about purchase prices... a decent M3 will set you back over double what a 330i will cost. Inside there is little difference. Outside there are a few subtle differences but nothing that really says one is uglier that the other.

I know that the M3 is a iconic car, but in real world driving will the extra cost really outweigh the extra performance and overall grin factor compared to a 330i?

[carlingofblack]

I'm currently running a 330i Touring, and have had a 330 Saloon a few years ago. Bang for buck, on the E46 right now, you get plenty. M3 is terrific, however, running costs, servicing etc. is considerably more.
Think of it like this. 330i = comfortable, fast and capable small exec. M3 = proper sports car, wrapped in a practical body. Parts are significantly more expensive too. Depends on what you're looking for day to day. 330i does most people just fine most of the time. Lovely sound too..!

[CalculatedRisk]

Whats your budget?.. Whats your disposable income?.. Do you like going fast?.. Are you prepared to pay the premium?..

... We can't decide for you.

[j44esd]

The Crack Fox said:

I chose the 330 as running costs were significantly cheaper than the M3 whilst the performance wasn't too far behind. Each to their own and all that...

I too chose the 330i, but would like an M3. Read into that what you will...

In all seriousness the 330i came along in the right spec/condition/price and it is amazing, but I keep being tempted by an M3

[tercelgold]

With a fair comparison it'll be the M-Sport 330i which has the harsh ride so not sure about comfort.

I'd get the E46 330i with the body kit, door sills, steering wheel etc but not the suspension.

[CalculatedRisk]

tercelgold said:

I'd get the E46 330i with the body kit, door sills, steering wheel etc but not the suspension.

That is an extremely sad thing to do.

[falkster]

Get the 330 but would have to be M Sport - however this increases the cost to not far off M3 prices!!

Would you rather spend £8,500 on a 54 plate 330 M Sport or for the same price get an 02/03 M3?

We don't know your budget?

[stewies_minion]

I went for the 330 when in your boat. Albeit the E91 over the E46.

Running costs & vfm swayed me.

Do think the next car will be M flavoured though. Itch. Itch. Itch.

[irf]

this is pistonheads, if you can afford to buy and run the M3 then there's no real choice to be made. if i could, i would.

[tercelgold]

CalculatedRisk said:

That is an extremely sad thing to do.

Or a very simple one, you could get an M-Sport and swap the expensive M-sport wishbones etc for standard ones.

It's a big heavy saloon with a 3 liter straight six and usually an Automatic which is where the engine works best.

[tertius]

I chose the 330i as it had 4 doors, and there is no 4 door E46 M3.

Really quite impressed with it, lovely to drive, especially great on a long run - just last week I drove to Switzerland and back - 541 miles each way, with the kids so i was taking it easy, and what a great car to do that journey in.

Only downside is I wish I'd bought the touring.

[john_p]

irf said:

this is pistonheads, if you can afford to buy and run the M3 then there's no real choice to be made. if i could, i would.

Exactly this.

The M3 is leagues apart from a 330.

[slippery]

john_p said:

irf said:

this is pistonheads, if you can afford to buy and run the M3 then there's no real choice to be made. if i could, i would.

Exactly this.

The M3 is leagues apart from a 330.

My wife has had a 330i Sport for the last 2 years. Very nice car, but when I drove a friend's M3 for a couple of days, the difference was like night and day. 330i is swift, M3 is Junior Supercar quick.

[Mr Gearchange]

The Crack Fox said:

I chose the 330 as running costs were significantly cheaper than the M3 whilst the performance wasn't too far behind.

The 330i running costs are a lot lower - but the performance from the M3 is in a completely different league. They really are not comparable cars.

[Sir_Dave]

I've got a 330ci Sport at the mo. Didnt go for the M3 as already have a 182 Trophy for fun driving / trackdays so couldnt really justify it. FYI, for me, running costs wise (30k miles a year), the M3 will cost about the same as running the 330 & Trophy combined!!

Temptation can only be resisted soo long however ... i give it 6 months in fact lol ...

[havoc]

john_p said:

irf said:

this is pistonheads, if you can afford to buy and run the M3 then there's no real choice to be made. if i could, i would.

Exactly this.

The M3 is leagues apart from a 330.

Performance isn't even close - c.150-160bhp/tonne vs 210-220bhp/tonne. 330Ci is a decent affordable all-rounder, M3 is a proper weapon.

Re: costs - don't look at purchase price, look at depreciation and running costs...and there it's a fair bit closer as long as nothing goes wrong on the M3...which is an "IF", as they're all getting older now.

[paulmon]

Fuel is the killer in both these cars. Estimate your mileage for the month then add another 25-30% (miles). Once you have this figure work out the cost of fuel based on 22MPG (this is a realistic avg for both engines. I know because until last week I had both). If you can afford to put petrol in then you should be able to afford to service/tax/etc.

If the cost of the fuel per month makes you take a deep breath then find another car.

Your calculation for fuel costs should go something like:
(MilesPerMonth/22)*(CostPerLitre*4.55)

P

[CalculatedRisk]

tertius said:

I chose the 330i as it had 4 doors, and there is no 4 door E46 M3.

Really quite impressed with it, lovely to drive, especially great on a long run - just last week I drove to Switzerland and back - 541 miles each way, with the kids so i was taking it easy, and what a great car to do that journey in.

Only downside is I wish I'd bought the touring.

never say never...

theres been a few made for this very reason

[Nedz]

The only reason anyone would get a 330 instead of an M3 is cost.The M3 is better in every respect (obviously).IT would be up to you to decide if the extra cost would be worth it or not so i would say try and get a drive in both and take it from there.

[SBN]

I have a budget of about 8-9k, which is just M3 category... i suppose i could always get finance but for the additional outgoing vs grin factor im getting a message that says a 330i will be enough fun for everyday driving.

My main concerns when it comes to purchase a car is, equipment, mileage, history and overall condition. Not really concerned with the price if its the right car. Anyways if you found a 60k M3 and a 60k 330i both of the same year the M3 will be almost double the 330i buy price.

BTW - that M3 saloon is amazing... WANT