330I, M3, 540i? I need some info from car owners, help me...

[Skyman]

Hey guys, I had some late 80s early 90's 3 series cars some years ago and loved them. In the persuit of more HP I went w/ mustangs for quite some time, and I am now selling my 99 Cobra to go back to a BMW. Ive been around and around here on what to get. Any help any experiences you guys can share would be great!

I am thinking ~2001 330i 5speed of course. Spending around 25k. From what Ive read it looks to get the best mileage of all the 3-series cars, and Id definatly like to see 30 or more on the freeway so I dont feel so limited from longer trips, although Im sure its going to feel slow stepping down from a low 12sec car, although I was thinking about gettin an older mustang 87-93 again to mess aroung w/ on the side.

I was also thinking a 2001 M3, its a bit more payment, but the 333hp and 6speed make it sound a like a lot of fun. Although the gasmileage isnt that great, its about the same or worse than my cobra. And its a bit more payment and insurance.

I was thinking also a 2001 540i 6speed, again torquey engine, 6speed, and more room for people in the back but the draw back is worse mileage, and I like driving a smaller car., and again more money.

Any input you guys can provide to help me make a good choice here would be great.

Im really leaning toward the 330i, I found one w/ 35k miles $26,000, spt and prem packages. Also what do those packages include?

Thanks
Skyler

 

[MrElussive]

It depends on how much power/room you want. You have to make a sacrifice with every decision you make. I would go with the 2001 M3 because it's fast as shit and is such a great sports car.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Keep in mind the 2001 M3's had a few problems.... People usually keep M3's and if they're selling you might wanna see the service records and get a better history of the car.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

if u got a good deal i would go for the M3, it seems the best of the lot, but go with your gut

 

[HornyHornet]

go with your gut. you are the only one who knows what you need. all we can do is give our opinion. from reading your post, you value efficiency and cost. so the 330i would be the obvious choice. i really love the 5ers. they are very beautiful machines. i am currently looking for one too. but i am considering a 530i. its an even compromise between hp and mpg. hope this helps.

 

[Skyman]

What kinda gasmileage are you 330/m3 owners seeing?

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

My 04' 330i (same engine 3.0L as a few yrs back) is still in the break in period with 200 miles on it and has gotten 12.5mpg so far... a few times in heavy traffic and lots of NYC lights.

 

[Bryan330i]

I get 19-20 mpg with 80% highway driving. I don't think I could ever get 30.

 

[HornyHornet]

http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/showthread.php?p=92112#post92112
Check that out, I just got it for $34,800 with trade, 2003 530i SP, PP. A steal. Just giving you an example of what patience can do. There are pic toward the bottom.

 

[CaveDweller]

I was also thinking a 2001 M3, its a bit more payment, but the 333hp and 6speed make it sound a like a lot of fun. Although the gasmileage isnt that great, its about the same or worse than my cobra. And its a bit more payment and insurance.

Call your insurance agent and ask for quotes. I traded my 98 Mustang for my 04 325 and my insurance barely went up. I added $10 per month at $100 deductible comp and collision. Raised it to $250 for both and it went down $20 per month. I asked why and she said that Mustangs are one of the most expensive cars to insure. You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[MrElussive]

Yeah, but insurance companies know their cars and you can't register the M3 as a 3-series. Either way, the car and all of its expenses are worth every penny.

 

[Ghost]

If want roominess and you’re more concerned with torque go with the 540, but if you feel that gas mileage is a primary concern go with the 330. With the M3 being a mixture of the two. From the way it sounds you will have a payment either way, so weigh the options of how much you want to spend on your daily pleasure of driving.

 

[frolf]

Hey guys, I had some late 80s early 90's 3 series cars some years ago and loved them. In the persuit of more HP I went w/ mustangs for quite some time, and I am now selling my 99 Cobra to go back to a BMW. Ive been around and around here on what to get. Any help any experiences you guys can share would be great!

i got DUSTED by a 2002 or 2003 Cobra... GEEZ that sucker was fast