hey guys
im new to the forum
im only 17, i drive a 97 civic EX coupe...yeah you probably think im a ricer :)
but next year when im 18, im lookin to get a new car hopefully
and ive been lookin at either the 99 m3 or like an 02 325i
just wondering your input on them and such

IIf you want the faster of the 2, the M3 definitly. The 325I would be alot more refined and quiet inside. Having ridden in a E46 325, it's very quiet inside, even on highway speeds, the engine isn't very audible except at high rpms. All around it's just more refined a more "perfected".

The M3 is a rougher, more knife edged type of car. The E36 in general are known to have some problems, such as the interior falling apart, so that would to something to look out for. The M3 though, will carve through corners, has a nice fat powerband, and just simple alot more of it to offer compared to the 325. Though, compared to other cars from the 90's, the M3 would still be quite quiet on the highways. If you do opt for the 325, make sure to get one with the sport package.

the 99 (just like all first phase cars) has been known for issues so i would be sure you check out the car thoroughly before you buy it. either way you cant go wrong. also your insurance will be considerably higher for the M3 than the 325.

best of luck on the search.

Wait, did they even make a 99 M3?
If so, then that is the last year of E36 and should have all the kinks worked out.
The E46 M3 didn't come into the scene until 02.

maybe I a wrong, but I thought the 99 M3 was only available in the vert... ?

damn ricer










nah just kidding, welcome to the forums. i agree with the boys on the two cars. i thought that the 99 M3 was the last year of the e36 also. i used to have a 98 M3 and there isnt a day that goes by that i dont miss it. if you get one, you will definately enjoy it. :)

thats right. they were still producing E36 M3s in 99 even though the E46 sedan was out already.

IIf you want the faster of the 2, the M3 definitly. The 325I would be alot more refined and quiet inside. Having ridden in a E46 325, it's very quiet inside, even on highway speeds, the engine isn't very audible except at high rpms. All around it's just more refined a more "perfected".

The M3 is a rougher, more knife edged type of car. The E36 in general are known to have some problems, such as the interior falling apart, so that would to something to look out for. The M3 though, will carve through corners, has a nice fat powerband, and just simple alot more of it to offer compared to the 325. Though, compared to other cars from the 90's, the M3 would still be quite quiet on the highways. If you do opt for the 325, make sure to get one with the sport package.

thats what im trying to decide between
because the 325 is like you said a more refined car
and is classier IMO
but the M3 can just be made into a freakin mean machine
and i do want a fast car, but also one thats reliable for me
can you do a lot to a 325 to get em goin?

the 99 (just like all first phase cars) has been known for issues so i would be sure you check out the car thoroughly before you buy it. either way you cant go wrong. also your insurance will be considerably higher for the M3 than the 325.

best of luck on the search.

thats another thing im afraid of....insurance
that, besides making sure the car doesnt have problems, is my biggest concern

Wait, did they even make a 99 M3?
If so, then that is the last year of E36 and should have all the kinks worked out.
The E46 M3 didn't come into the scene until 02.

yes they did make a 99 m3
and actually the m3 came out again in 01

maybe I a wrong, but I thought the 99 M3 was only available in the vert... ?

nope, coupe and vert

damn ricer










nah just kidding, welcome to the forums. i agree with the boys on the two cars. i thought that the 99 M3 was the last year of the e36 also. i used to have a 98 M3 and there isnt a day that goes by that i dont miss it. if you get one, you will definitely enjoy it.

thats what im wanting, a car that i can truly enjoy
im really picky about how the car looks though
the new one looks more curvy, more sophisticated, and like a "better" ride..like smoother and such
but the M3 is just a known power house...has that older style body, which i like too, cause it kind of has that badass touch to it i think heh
if ill only be 18, how much do you think my insurance will be?

well honestly, since you are a guy and young its going to be VERY high. i know some insurance companies give discounts for good grades, so if its the M3 that you truly want, that would be something for you to strive for.
the e46 is not going to be cheap either since its going to be a newer car. i would contact your insurance company and see if they can give you a couple of estimated quotes and you can just go from there. :)

get a e30 325is for ur first car...

/done

well honestly, since you are a guy and young its going to be VERY high. i know some insurance companies give discounts for good grades, so if its the M3 that you truly want, that would be something for you to strive for.
the e46 is not going to be cheap either since its going to be a newer car. i would contact your insurance company and see if they can give you a couple of estimated quotes and you can just go from there.

yeah i figured it would be pretty high
but the e46 would still be cheaper probably wouldn't it?
and as far as the insurance guy goes...my insurance agent doesnt know crap, he cant give a quote or anything to save his life
hes no where close on his quotes...know from first hand experience ><

get a e30 325is for ur first car...

/done

no thanks...not my style heh
and its not my first car, just first "bimmer"

i cant say, i would guess if its cheaper then its not gonna be a huge difference because of the year.
i would look for another agent. your insurance agent is your best friend. hehe

Ahhhh, forget the money factor...

Here take this in...

M3- Featuring 240hp, a slick shifting gear box, and near perfect weight balance, the E36 M3 was named Car & Driver's "Best Handling Car At Any Price."

(Lots of guys will like it!!!) :rolleyes

e46- Larger, with smoother lines, and with more advanced engines than its predecessor, the E46 easily held the title of "Best Car of the Year" throughout its life.

(Chicks like the look!!!) :D

Stupid power flash made me loose what I was typing.

Basically, the price you would pay to make a 325I perform on the level of a E36 M3, would cost about as much as just that, an M3.

If you could afford it, your best car between the 2 would be a 330ci.

I'd personally choose the M3 *as I already have*, as I myself would choose performance > luxury. You just have to decide which you would like better.

Just don't do anything dumb if you get one, us under 25 need the best name we can get for ourselves.:)

i second that you look for a 330ci. why? 1.) the power will be sufficient enough for your tastes and there will still be a wealth of goodies for you to add on. 2.) the price seriously is not bad anymore because of the introduction of the E90/92. 3.) insurance also will not be that bad. i would just shop around and you will be ok. 4.) like mike said, chicks digg the E46 a lot more than the E36 so if that is part of your plans (dont lie guys and gals, you know you like it when a girl/guy asks what car do you drive and you get to say, "oh just a lil old BMW.") and 5.) maintenance will be an issue for either car but since the E46 is newer you may be able to get away with a few care free years. i am talking about actual maintenance too... not none of this, "i think i need to change _______" or "i should fix the _________" type of maintenance that we all dream up that does not really need to be changed. i do it all the time. :)

i second that you look for a 330ci. why? 1.) the power will be sufficient enough for your tastes and there will still be a wealth of goodies for you to add on. 2.) the price seriously is not bad anymore because of the introduction of the E90/92. 3.) insurance also will not be that bad. i would just shop around and you will be ok. 4.) like mike said, chicks digg the E46 a lot more than the E36 so if that is part of your plans (dont lie guys and gals, you know you like it when a girl/guy asks what car do you drive and you get to say, "oh just a lil old BMW.") and 5.) maintenance will be an issue for either car but since the E46 is newer you may be able to get away with a few care free years. i am talking about actual maintenance too... not none of this, "i think i need to change _______" or "i should fix the _________" type of maintenance that we all dream up that does not really need to be changed. i do it all the time. :)

+1

well this girl likes the M3 of course. ;)

Ahhhh, forget the money factor...

Here take this in...

M3- Featuring 240hp, a slick shifting gear box, and near perfect weight balance, the E36 M3 was named Car & Driver's "Best Handling Car At Any Price."

(Lots of guys will like it!!!)

e46- Larger, with smoother lines, and with more advanced engines than its predecessor, the E46 easily held the title of "Best Car of the Year" throughout its life.

(Chicks like the look!!!)

for me personally, i would more like the power factor i would say
but things that bug me about that
is gas mileage
reliability
and handling in the snow....

but having a e46 would be nice too, nothin wrong with gettin a little help with the girls here and there hehe

Stupid power flash made me loose what I was typing.

Basically, the price you would pay to make a 325I perform on the level of a E36 M3, would cost about as much as just that, an M3.

If you could afford it, your best car between the 2 would be a 330ci.

I'd personally choose the M3 *as I already have*, as I myself would choose performance > luxury. You just have to decide which you would like better.

Just don't do anything dumb if you get one, us under 25 need the best name we can get for ourselves.

why a 330ci and not like a 325xi?
and as far as performance over luxury....read the above response
and as far as doing anything dumb, you mean like ricerfying it?

i second that you look for a 330ci. why? 1.) the power will be sufficient enough for your tastes and there will still be a wealth of goodies for you to add on. 2.) the price seriously is not bad anymore because of the introduction of the E90/92. 3.) insurance also will not be that bad. i would just shop around and you will be ok. 4.) like mike said, chicks digg the E46 a lot more than the E36 so if that is part of your plans (dont lie guys and gals, you know you like it when a girl/guy asks what car do you drive and you get to say, "oh just a lil old BMW.") and 5.) maintenance will be an issue for either car but since the E46 is newer you may be able to get away with a few care free years. i am talking about actual maintenance too... not none of this, "i think i need to change _______" or "i should fix the _________" type of maintenance that we all dream up that does not really need to be changed. i do it all the time.

1. thats one thing im worried about is add ons
thats all i spend my extra cash on
2. i know, especially for how nice of cars they are!
3. insurance isnt too bad on bmw's from what ive heard...they are "luxury" cars, but they are also some of the safest
4. yes...i like girls, very much so
5. thats a big factor..i need...and i mean NEED a reliable car

well this girl likes the M3 of course.

pics? =)

Well, my dads elder 325Is handles great in the snow. All BMW's are actually well in the snow being 50/50 weight distribution helps with handling, being RWD and not FWD means you won't understeer into a wall. And most have an LSD or TC to help further. The big thing though is your tires. My M3 would probaly not MOVE on this ice with its summer performance UHP tires. While my dads car with all seasons just simple gets up and goes.

The 3 series are mechanicaly stable cars. 200k+ miles out of the engine and tranny is easy. Gas mileage is a big factor of your driving, I get about 22-28 out of my M3, and my dads 325Is gets an average of 26-30. Not too big of a difference in terms of gas mileage.

By the stuff i meantioned about being dumb, don't do stuff the usual high schooler does *if your in high school*. IE: Don't go out doing burnouts, speeding through traffic, trying to impress your friends with your cars handling around that fast corner. I know those temptations being 16 myself, and having gone 5 months now with no wrecks or tickets, puts me ahead of atleast 50 percent of my high school.

A 325Ix would simple be slow. The AWD adds on weigh compared to the regular 325I. I meantioned the 330ci, because it has all the luxury of the E46 have to offer, while having most of tte performance of the M3. The 330ci being a newer car, and being an E46, no interior falling in on you to worry about, easier to find one with lower miles, and the ladies still love it. The E46 is just so much greater than the E36 interior too.

The reliability will just be plain greater with the E46. There newer model of cars, and usually have less miles. The 330ci will probaly respond best to mods being a 3.0L engine. The M3 is pretty much maxed out on power, and thus most basic mods do little in the way of power. The 325I simple wouldn't show the gains of the 330, being .5l less in dispacement.

Basically, get the 325 if your cost weary and want more luxury than the M3 offers. Get the M3 if you want the most outright performance. Get the 330 if you want all the luxury of the E46, while getting 90 percent of the performance of the M3.

oh boy lots of info hehe
as far as the highschooler thing...im seriously like THE most careful driver in my school
everyone says so
yet the most shit happens to my car...
i dont go speeding through traffic, i dont go around corners fast, and i dont do burnouts lol....my car cant do that stuff anyway right now

as far as the car
the 330Ci is kind of a lot it seems like
the 325Ci might be the way to go for me
ill just have to see what i can get a loan for
ill be suprised if i can even get what i want

u wont be disappointed with a 325Ci. well truthfully you wont be disappointed with whatever you buy. let us know what you get and post some pics!

btw the Utah people used to be extremely active. they were so active they got their own sub-forum. now its like they dropped off of the planet. ?!?!???

If you go for a 325Ci, look for one with teh sport package, definitly a package to look for.

u wont be disappointed with a 325Ci. well truthfully you wont be disappointed with whatever you buy. let us know what you get and post some pics!

btw the Utah people used to be extremely active. they were so active they got their own sub-forum. now its like they dropped off of the planet. ?!?!???

well im not getting a car till like next summer, if that
and utah people...yeah well it just sucks here lol
all there is here are ricers galore
and the muscle dicks

If you go for a 325Ci, look for one with teh sport package, definitly a package to look for.

was plannin on it :)

As for your gas mileage question....

Drove my New to Me 95 M3 from LA to OKC over the weekend. OBC showed 25.3 MPG average for the trip. It was a mix of 85 - 90 MPH in Cali, to 10MPH over ice covered I-40 in the TX panhandle.

Handled real well in snow and ice, only got real scary once (Sideways down a mountain in Flagstaff doing 30). And this is running Pirelli P7000 (awful summer tires).

Not that this will help as I'm more than twice your age with no tickets or accidents (though my wife balances that for us nicely by totalling a car every 2 years and getting a few tickets a year), full coverage is $394 from State Farm.

wow...for an m3 thats really freakin good
as far as your wife
how much do you REALLY love her? :) haha jk