quick bmw question...

NC-yota-kid17

New Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2007
Location
Southern Greensboro
so does anyone know the difference between an M3 and like a regular 3-series 6cyl of the same year? im lookin into a bmw and i like the looks of the M3 but whats the power differences and such?
 
HP wise:
1992-1995 318iS - 1.8 L M42B18 I4, 134 hp (100 kW)
1995-1999 318ti - 1.8 L M42B18 I4, 134 hp (100 kW)
1992-1995 325 - 2.5 L M50B25 I6, 189 hp (125 kW)
1995 M3 - 3.0 L S50B30US I6, 247 hp (184 kW)
1996-1999 M3 - 3.2 L S52B32 I6, 321 hp (239 kW)
1996-1999 328 - 2.8 L M52B28 I6, 190 hp (142 kW)
1996-1999 318 - 1.9 L M44B19 I4, 138 hp (103 kW)
1998 323 - 2.5 L M52B25 I6, 168 hp (125 kW)
1999-2001 323i - 2.5 L M52B25 T, 170 hp (127 kW)
1999-2001 328i - 2.8 L M52B28 T, 193 hp (144 kW)
2001-2005 325i - 2.5 L M54B25, 184 hp (137 kW)
2001-2005 330i - 3.0 L M54B30, 225 hp (168 kW)
2006 330ci - Convertible - 3.0 L M54B30, 225 hp (168 kW)
2001-2005 M3 - 3.2 L S54B32, 333 hp (248 kW)


I had absolutely nothing to do at work today lol
 
M3 has a much sportier suspension and more horsepower. It also has different front and rear bumpers and rocker panels different seats, floor mats, steering wheel (sometimes) etc, etc. Oh, and the insurance is twice as much!:lol:

When looking at them be sure the first 3 letters of the vin are WBS, not WBA.
 
If you have to ask, you don't deserve to drive an M-anything.
 
Rich said:
If you have to ask, you don't deserve to drive an M-anything.
Click to expand...
No offense, but I'm with Rich. Not listed in the list of BMWs is the E30 M3...a race bred inline 4 engine. Very sweet ride before they started adding too much luxury crap, I mean weight to it. Also, rebuilds on an M engine can run substantially more than a standard BMW engine.
 
newer bmw's are ugly. damn chris bangle. the new 1 series is kinda growing on me though...
 
The difference that should concern you is upkeep. A thermostat for an E30 M3 list for $155....a thermostat for the same year E30 325 lists for $34. A bare cylinder head for an E30 M3 is 10k (that is not a typo) and for the 325 about $2200. All other parts have the same type of difference. I owned both an E30 M3 and an E36, if I didn't work on them and own a shop I could have never afforded to drive either.
 
I knew of the horsepower and suspension but I didn't think the parts were that much. I want an 01-02 M3 but I think I will look for the 330 with the upgraded suspension. There is one here in town. I know the price difference is about $8k on the older ones too.
 
BIGWOODY said:
The difference that should concern you is upkeep. A thermostat for an E30 M3 list for $155....a thermostat for the same year E30 325 lists for $34. A bare cylinder head for an E30 M3 is 10k (that is not a typo) and for the 325 about $2200. All other parts have the same type of difference. I owned both an E30 M3 and an E36, if I didn't work on them and own a shop I could have never afforded to drive either.
Click to expand...

Do you know if the E46 M3 has similar part price variances from the standard models?
 
Probably, they really only share a body with a standard 3 series.
 
the price difference in parts is defenitely huge...labor isnt an issue but jeez thats a lot for a block...haha...maybe ill think twice...naw...lol...im just gonna get all the info i can and learn as i go with this one...haha...wont be my first bmw i use to have a 325e...i think it was like an 86' but it was extremely...if the m3 really as that much of a power difference i cant wait..haha
 
the other fact, is that you can tell which car your getting into by just closing the door. you dont even have to look. it just shuts different, you can notice it, its tighter and doesnt rattle as much. they are german made, whereas e30;s are a german car but made alot cheaper at diffrent factories.

however, whichever one you get, if you get an automatic you are :gay:
 
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