Help Me Choose: Lo Mile 328i vs. Hi Mile M3

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bhaf

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#1
I'm still looking around for my first BMW, and I've got a couple of possibilities at the moment:

1) 1998 328i w/Sport package & all options with 52K miles - $17.5K

2) 1998 M3 w/all options with 125K miles - $12.5K

I just looked at the 328i, and it appears to be in great shape and was certainly fun to drive. I haven't driven the M3 (or any M3) yet, but it sounds like it is in good shape too, and I know the M3 will be even more fun to drive. I figure the difference in price could certainly pay for some increased maintenance due to age of the M3.

I know these are different cars and my final decision will probably depend on non-objective factors (and my wife!), but I thought I would get the Board's opinion.

Do either of these jump out as a particularly good value? Which would you choose & why?

Thanks,

bhaf
 
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airlordz

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i would go with the 3281 miles cos it has lesser miles on it and ne thing that has lesser miles to me is more attractive. Also i believe M3 cost more to maintain than the 328i. But this is my opinion. I just got a 2000 328i wih 97000km on it not miles and it cost me about $22000 canadian. With taxes and every thign came to about 25k. Its got premium package, memory seats 18" Hp wheels. Sports suspension and of ocs its pwr everything [clap]
 
Tom

Tom

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Seems fishy the M3 is that cheap, I say go with the 328i. Factoring in all those miles, the 328i is a better deal.
 
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E30 318is

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After considering price and miles it really comes down to what you're after.
The 328 is a great all-round car, nice to drive, looks great and will preform well at the traffic light grand prix.
 
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E30 318is

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After considering price and miles it really comes down to what you're after.

The 328 is a great all-round car, nice to drive, looks great and will perform well at the traffic light grand prix. [hihi]

On the other hand the M is more hardcore, has more of an edge to it, but there will be sacrifices such as harshness of the ride, fuel economy, insurance, etc...

Are both cars standard manual?
 
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bhaf

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Yes, both cars are manual. That's one of my requirements. Others are 4 doors (for the kids) and sport suspension if a 328 (for me).

I think the price is low on the M3 because the seller already has another car and needs the money quickly. It seems the cars priced more normally around here aren't selling that quickly. But I'll know more when I see it.

bhaf
 
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bhaf

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Thought I would update everyone on my decision. I drove the M3 the other day, and I really wanted it. It felt much more like a race car than the 328i, and that's what appealed to me. The general condition seemed okay for a car with that many miles, but there was a noise in the back that made me think the rear shock top mounts might be a problem (based on info gleaned from BMW board postings). I knew I would need to spend a little money on it, so I wasn't too worried...yet.

So I had an independent BMW mechanic take a look. After he came up with $5-6K worth of work, he stopped looking. Needless to say, I'm not buying the M3 now.

Having driven an M3 now, I'm not sure I can live without one! But I'll probably go back and get the 328i because I really can't afford a low mileage M3 at the moment. I'll have to start saving for the future. At least the dealer has already lowered the price on the 328.

Thanks for your thoughts on this topic.

bhaf
 
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