Need opinions m3,330,325

[sthodla]

Just came from the Lexus and BMW dealerships after test driving 2 m3's,a 330i and a 325i. My dad is looking to sell or trade in a 2001 GS 430 for these cars. I need some feedback on the prices I encountered.
Car I drive now - 96 328i sport automatic.

1st car driven.
97 m3 4dr Estoril Blue - $32,995
The car looked great but acceleration felt slow. I have a 96 328i auto and this car did not feel measurably faster. The seats were not power so not easily adjustable and the car was annoyingly loud. The handling was way better than my car. Overall, this having been my first m3, I was very disappointed. Maybe I expected too much

2nd car
2001 325i Silver - $31,000
What a dog. This car was way too underpowered. Solid car and supportive seats as well as good alround feel but even with the right foot planted to the floor, it took forever to get to highway speeds. Cabin noise was low and handling felt precise but a little soft (well softer than my car)

3rd car
2001 330i Silver - $38,000
Damn... this is what I'm talking about. Amazing car. Acceleration was instanaenous even in D. With the shifter in sport, it took off like a rocket. Nice growl on WOT and low wind noise. Has the sequential shifting option which adds measurably to the driving involvement. overall, the favorite.

4rd car
98 Dinan M3 - Silver with painted mouldings - Dinan CAI
Wow, this is more like it. Car was beautiful and handled well. Accelaration was not as instanateous as the 330i but was fast nonetheless and I frequently found myself slowing down to keep somewhere within 10 mph of the speed limit. Handled amazingly well and better than any of the above cars. Dinan CAI made it a little bit loud but I don't mind though on long trips, might be a pain. Overall, much closer to what I expected of the M3.

So, there's a purpose to all of this. We didn't get the price we wanted for our car and we are thinking of selling it instead of trading it in but I wanted to check in with all of you and see whether these cars that I drove today were good deals. I'll be heading back to buy one of these cars as soon as the GS is sold so I'd love some feedback. Let me know what you think.

* Remember, it's for my dad, not me. He's picky and he doesn't like his cars big like the Lexus but not a street racecar either.*

BTW, if anyone wants to buy the GS or knows anyone in the market you'll be getting a good deal.

[Andy]

If I could have afforded it I DEFINATELY would have gotten a 330ci instead of my 325ci. I would have gotten stick too.

As for the 325 being slow, I kinda agree but not to the point that you are talking about. It is slow but it still gets up and goes.

330 is the best way to go. $38K seems a little high for a sedan. You probably could get it for less.

I personally wouldn't buy a used car.

[JasonJ75]

97 m3 4dr Estoril Blue - $32,995 - Was it an auto or a stick? I'm honestly surprised you thought it was slow if it was a stick. Though sedan usually = auto. Manual sedans are pretty rare. An auto M3 is on par w/ a manual 328. Price is too high. I bought my '98 M3/4 5-speed w/ 35k for $29,500 and that is even on the high end after only 5 months.

2001 325i Silver - $31,000 - Once again, tranny is a huge factor...Regardless...Underpowered/overweight car.

2001 330i Silver - $38,000 - Since you mentioned "D" its probably safe to say its an auto....This one really surprised me...You thought the M3 was slow, but went on about how fast this car was??? Something must be seriously wrong w/ the '97 M3 because I had this exact car as a loaner and it was a DAMN DOG compared to my stock '98 M3/4!! The autos in BMWs are serious slush boxes.

98 Dinan M3 - Price? Tranny? I'd venture to say manual since its a coupe. Probably a decent ride, and I'd bet a $.05 that its way over priced.

With a little more info I could probably be of more help, but its a start...

[sthodla]

All the cars were auto since my dad doesn't like sticks and doesn't care to learn how to drive one. I might have come across two bad examples of the m3's and I hope so. Otherwise, you would have felt the same way when you drove the cars that I drove. The price on the Dinan m3 was $27,995

[Mpowered]

you should be finding m3s for alot cheaper, esp now look for 22~26 grand for a 97

you should ONLY be paying 29k+ for a 99

[Arman]

Get a M3......

You can easily find a 97 with low miles for $24K.