going from 330ci to e46 m3

[davidesch]

I had an e30 m3 for 7 years, sold it in october for an 02' 330ci and now want to go with an e46 m3(the 330ci just isn't as fun as an M). What are the general impressions/differences between the two autos as well as a comparison in cost for maintenance and general repairs? I really want the m3 but only if maintenance costs aren't exorbitant.

[tdc]

Maintenance costs are significantly more than your run-of-the-mill 330Ci.

Having owned two 330Ci's and now owning a 2006 M3, the differences are night and day. All you need to do is drive them back to back and you'll know immediately.

Now, neither of those cars are going to be as fun as your old E30 M3. The E30 M3 is a completely different animal that was purpose-built to be a racecar.

[davidesch]

thanks for the response. I was going to go test drive an 01' today but had some scheduling conflicts. Are the m3's as reliable as my 330ci?

[convertibleguy]

I had an '01 330 cic and an '04 cic and now a '06 M3 convertible and the difference is night and day, particularly the engine. The 330s handled beautifully but just didn't have enough go power. The ride of the M3 is definitely "firm" but not punishingly so but the big payoff is running the engine up to red line.

Knock on wood, all my BMWs have been reliable but I've gotta think that repairing and M3 is going to be costly. Better budget for tires too!

[91LTY]

I have a 03 M3 and it is quite a bit more expensive to service. My Inspection II is due and it costs $1,800 AUD. The tappets need to be replaces (4 hr job) that has to be performed from cold so the car needs to stay over night.

I had an 02 325ci previously and that was very cheap to run considering insurance and servicing.

I also went through a rear set of Cont Sport Contacts in 3 months.

I had CSL rims fitted when I bought the car 3 months ago and have just fitted some 275 30 R19 Nankangs. They are ok, if a little more noisy.

[convertibleguy]

at about how many miles does inspection II occur?

[cyman]

get a warrenty and let BMW worry about it

[iseedipp]

some people have inspec II occur around 45k and others around 60k i think it's based off of 666 gallons of fuel.

[Etez]

Originally Posted by 91LTY

I have a 03 M3 and it is quite a bit more expensive to service. My Inspection II is due and it costs $1,800 AUD. The tappets need to be replaces (4 hr job) that has to be performed from cold so the car needs to stay over night.

I had an 02 325ci previously and that was very cheap to run considering insurance and servicing.

I also went through a rear set of Cont Sport Contacts in 3 months.

I had CSL rims fitted when I bought the car 3 months ago and have just fitted some 275 30 R19 Nankangs. They are ok, if a little more noisy.

Bro you are getting screwed. I paid about $1200 for Inspection II from my independent BMW specialist and that included the replacement of a few things such as gear linkages and centre coupling. And what the heck are you doing going through sport contacts in 3 months? Mine have lasted so far 1 year with HEAPS of tread left on them.