E46 M3 vs 3er (technical) - Page 2

tdc · #16 (**permalink**) 08-04-2003, 08:54 PM

Yeah, I know, that's what everyone thinks. Just a bonus, I guess.

JetBlack330Ci · #17 (**permalink**) 08-16-2003, 12:31 PM

I've always wondered this, kind of relevant to this topic, is the M3 lower (less ground clearance front and back) than the 330Ci with sports suspension? I remember trying to look this up on the bmwusa.com but could not find it. I'd also appreciate if you can direct me towards an online site where this kind of technical information can be found.

tdc · #18 (**permalink**) 08-25-2003, 09:13 AM

Download the owner's manuals off the Owner's Circle at www.bmwusa.com.

Then look up Ride Height.

JetBlack330Ci · #19 (**permalink**) 08-25-2003, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tdc
Download the owner's manuals off the Owner's Circle at www.bmwusa.com.

Then look up Ride Height.

Duh!, I did download the manual for my car over a year ago from there. Do not remember being able to down load the manual for any car, great service. Alas I cannot find the ground clearance information on either car. But I do remember seeing the information for my car, I just cannot remember where.

czm3 · #20 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 05:01 PM

Instead of getting a 330Ci, then doing suspension, engine mods, diffs, wheels/tires, CF panels......$$$$$

At this point, why not just buy an M3??

tdc · #21 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 05:32 PM

Only one thing comes to my mind (and the reason I am not in an M3 currently)...

INSURANCE.

PrinceE30 · #22 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 07:21 PM

Because who said anything about buying a 330 to chop up new?

Or an inline 6 for that matter...

-Prince

Kaisake · #23 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 07:53 PM

Did someone say manual? Click Here

czm3 · #24 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 09:19 PM

Sorry. I wanted to buy an e46 M3 in fall of 01. However, backorder on the M3 was 1 1/2 years at that time. Figuring the M3 was out of my reach, and 330Ci was availible, I took the 330Ci.

Great car, but I got into an M3 test drive and the rest is history. I got raped on the trade in for the 330Ci for the M3. I'm not bitter, because I wanted the M3 and was willing to pay the price.

M3s are much more readily availible now. Skip the 330Ci (as I should have) and start ugrading the e46 m3.

czm3 · #25 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 09:21 PM

PS my 2001 M3 with $1,000,000 collateral is cheaper than my 91 mustang 5.0 with "bare bones" coverage.

PrinceE30 · #26 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 10:41 PM

BMW drivers are more responsible than Ford Mustang drivers. Simple as that...less insurance...

-Prince

czm3 · #27 (**permalink**) 09-11-2003, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PrinceE30
BMW drivers are more responsible than Ford Mustang drivers. Simple as that...less insurance...

-Prince

Also, Mustang drivers tend to die, while BMW drivers tend to walk away. But the biggest difference lies in the theft rates. With a huge black market for 5.0 stang parts, pros target these cars. E46 M3 owners (on average) buy legit parts from reputable shops. Therefore, pros dont target e46 M3s. The only people stupid enough to steal a e46 are joy riders. They however rarely have the skills to overcome the e46 electronic countermeasures. This makes a huge difference on our insurence here in MA.

My M3 is also cheaper than a comparibly insured Civic....