What BMW to Get |Need Experts here|

Babyboii4Llife · Sep 17, 2004

Hello everyone, first I'd like to introduce myself. I am Ari, I'm living in New York state, in the city of Poughkeepsie.

I am a "youngin" hehe, I'm going to be turning 16, December 1st. So heres some background and I'll try cutting it down a bit.

History: My parents currently have other cars and an SL600 ...which was offered to me a while ago, I turned it down wanting an Acura, and to of course "supe" it up to the brim with every sort of Japanese and American piece of equipment I could find. Then while driving in the car one day my Dad said "Maybe, I should get you an M3." Of course I did know that BMW's were just...beautiful cars and M3's were of their own beauty, but I did not know much.

I went home and began research that night. For hours I researched the M3 and BMW itself. I seriously fell inlove with the M3 and its power, its look, it just gave off such an atmosphere.

Since then and until about 3 weeks ago, I had found some decent prices on some used M3's across the U.S. ranging from 25 grand to 30 grand. My Dad says he is "Willing to pay any price that is reasonable" and you may ask to me "Well what is reasonable" the answer is I really don't know.

But, that was the past, and now I have been doing my research again. I was planning on getting a 2000 M3...or above, nothing in the 90's. I can't find any of those, and I have found some 2001's and above, but they are extremely expensive!

I fell inlove with the M3...mainly for it's...333HP...the power in that...just makes me shudder. Yes I know I am going to be a GUY that's 16 and getting an M3...insurance and bla bla bla...but, THAT isn't a problem. The problem is the prices of these M3's aren't dropping at all and I'd like to have a car by May or June, latest by July.

I just read a topic that BMW HP is different from other HP and really is of a higher standard. If this is true, it is good news for me. But, my friends I am still stuck here.

I want a 3 series BMW...that is above the year 2000...even 2001...and has major HP (Obviously not as much as the M3, unless there is such a thing, other than the M5), but is around 20 grand to 27 grand. Does anyone have an suggestions? Please help me out here guys, thank you!

-Ari

P.S.

Can BMW's be turboed or supercharged in any way?

Babyboii4Llife · Sep 17, 2004

I'd like to add also, I've had my eye on the 330CI's...and the 330's as a whole, they're really nice [drinking]

-Ari

andreyiv · Sep 17, 2004

Can I just say, you are one lucky SOB, just make you sure you don't crash whatever you get. A lot of people will argue that an M3 is not really the car for a first time driver and I think I might have to agree with them, but hey, I'm not the one buying it. Well, what else can I say, the 330 is nice, and really, believe me, you don't want to have a lot of power at your finger tips when you don't know how to handle it, so I really don't know what to tell you. I guess go with the 330, don't rice it out, because that is even worse than that car on cardomain with cardboard duck taped to it as ground effects. I don't know what to say, anyone else wants to help me out here?

Abdoman · Sep 18, 2004

yes, you are very lucky - just don't forget it. An 01' 330i can be purchase for less than 25k (low mileage). There are a lot of lease returns. The 330i is a great car and has plenty of power (too much for a 16 yr old). If you purchase from a BMW dealer, you can get a CPO (certified pre owned) and get a 100k warranty, if you or your dad cares. The 330 has 225hp and if purchase in a manual, can be very fun to drive.

Abdoman · Sep 18, 2004

most 330 are autos

Militant-Grunt · Sep 18, 2004

andreyiv said:

Yea I compleately agree an m3 is a hard car for a new driver, im 17 my self (on tuesday) and I drive a land rover discovery, its plenty car for me, If I were you id get a 330ci, or a 325ci, its better to start out with something that you can handel, otherwise you just might be putting urself in danger with an m3.. Also your in the state of new york, your not going to be driving alone for a good year.. ( im in NYC ) ur still a sophmore/ junior in high school, you dont need a car for a good long time... But if u must insist on a m3, get a E30 M3 ( 1988 ) That is a very nice car..

Babyboii4Llife · Sep 18, 2004

Thanks for the replies guys, I really appreciate it.

As for me being very lucky, yes I know that haha, that's why I'm trying to take full advantage of this situation and get a car I'll love to drive, love to think about, love to look at and love to hear compliments about from others. I feel an M3 is definetly this car, but if not an M3 then the 330CI replaces it.

I guess I'll most likely get the 330CI, because it's the only available 330 that is capable of having a supercharger put on it for a hefty cost of 6500, which I'd like to later have open as an option.

But, what are the differences between 330I, 330XI, and 330CI. I noticed that now the 330CI's are only Coupes and Convertables. The 330I and 330XI both have 225HP and are 4-door, but yet have a 2000+ dollar difference does anyone know what REALLY makes this difference and does it have anything to do with the engine?

Obviously the 330CI is faster than the 330I, and 330XI because, of weight or am I inocorrect?

Thanks again,

-Ari

Militant-Grunt · Sep 18, 2004

Ci = Coupe Xi = AWD 32 torque front and 68 torque rear i believe, also a higher clearence and the i = 4 door. The Xi is heavier therefore slower ( since it has to power two extra wheels ) I think the CI and the i have the same performance, maybe u looked at one with performance package and the other without.. ( extra 10hp and m3 front spoiler and 135m rims, sportier suspension...)

HornyHornet · Sep 18, 2004

I simply agree that an M3 for you is a little to soon. It is a legendary work of art, but can turn into the beast that it is very quickly for a young fearless driver. The 330ci is definitely your next best option. Getting familiar with the dynamics of what makes a BMW the driver's car with a 330ci will make you a better driver. Start there, and soon you will see that you will be very pleased. Just my thoughts.

Babyboii4Llife · Sep 18, 2004

Heyyy

I see...yea my Dad just bought me 3 BMW magazines [bmwkick] from Barnes & Noble I have yet to read them, just got home from a good workout, now I can think straight heh.

Again I really really appreciate you guys responding to this topic and I thank you. I am also beginning to think the M3 though, such a beauty, is too much too soon for me. Most of the senior guys, have japanese cars that barely pump 180BHP.

So where to begin? I think I've made my decision to go with the 330CI, and perhaps if I'm lucky try buying a used one already equipped with a supercharger...Eeeek sorry that's my obsessive speed ego going again!

As for driving in NY yeah, I gotta wait six months AFTER I get my permit to even try obtaining my license, so that puts me getting a License by May or June.

So I guess thats it guys thanks again! I really appreciated this...I'll DEFINETLY be back with more questions hehe maybe within the hour!

-Ari

Militant-Grunt · Sep 18, 2004

Babyboii4Llife said:

not 6 months, since ur 16 1 year. and then you can get A Junior drivers liscence, and 18 u can get a full. If you get caught driving alone b4 then. Ur liscence could be taken away for a number of years.

f1racer77 · Sep 18, 2004

HMMMMMMMM..................... I'm almost 18 and I know I would be dead if I had an M3 at 16. Get yourself a VW or something for 6 months.

wood_e · Sep 18, 2004

BMW 535i... runs forever, looks great (e34) and gets good mileage, not to mention has good pick up

Kirby · Sep 18, 2004

It's been said already, but let me chime in. Do yourself and your family a favor - DON'T get the M3. From PERSONAL experience I have seen the results of too much power in a 16 year old's hands - deadly results.

When I was 16, used V8 muscle cars were cheap and plentiful due to the rising gas prices in the mid to late 70s. Many of my friends bought 300 - 350 hp Chevelles, Novas, Javelins, Mustangs, Camaros, etc. for $1000 - $1500. By the time I graduated from high school, several of them were DEAD and every couple weeks somone wrecked their car and was injured, some were lucky to walk away. Have any of you gone to school on a Monday to find out someone you knew was killed street racing?

Power is fun, but in 16 year old unexperienced hands with an adrenalin rush it is deadly. I thought long and hard about getting a 325 for my daughter, and she is rarely allowed to drive the 330.

If you really have a hot nut for speed, find your local SCCA club and get involved in Autocross. It's more satisfying than street racing. You can learn to REALLY race your car, legally and safely, and it will vastly improve your street skills.

Babyboii4Llife · Sep 18, 2004

Ahhh I see...well, it's late...not super late, but I'm very tired. Just gon get to the point...

First off I'd like to reply to Grunt. I'm not sure, but I trust you on this as for the 1 year deal. But, all my friends 16+ and some of which are 17 are telling me it's only 6 months and also the State of NY has been known to have said that you must wait 6 months. So I'm not sure...are you POSITIVE I see kids who are 16 with licenses already.

Secondly, what should I get auto or manual? My dad says I should get auto, because manual is pretty annoying (Which I understand) and you can roll on hills if you don't shift fast enough, etc , etc. Also of course shifting really doesn't give that much of a substantial benefit in speed compared to nowadays auto does it?

Thirdly, I'm sorry to hear about that Kirby, and I thank you for sharing it with me and the community. As for the SCCA club I will look into that and thank you for the information!

Thanks all!

-Ari

codex57 · Sep 18, 2004

Buy a new stock one if your parents will let you. Or a slightly used one. Get used to the power and learn how to drive teh car before you start modding. I know you're young, see all those fixed up cars on MTV and think they're cool. But living with a modded car is a whole nother story.

You don't know much about cars (quite obvious by you turning down a SL600 in favor of a modded Acura). It's ok, I was into fixed up Hondas and stuff in high school too (altho I would have taken the Merc even then). Anyways, my point is once you start modding, you need to have an idea of what you're doing. Otherwise, you won't know what parts to get, where to have them installed, and if the shop is screwing with you or not. Plus, most mods decrease the reliability of your car cuz most people who mod (particularly the import cars), go to the cheapest mechanic they can find. Plus, the parts usually aren't engineered that well. Not a good combo unless you have some mechanical knowledge to deal with the problems that WILL come up.

That's why I say get a BMW (already good performance) and get used to it. Then, over time, you can build up knowledge about your car and you can mod smartly. That way, you'll know not to turn your car into one of these:
http://www.jimmy540i.com/bmwnightmare.htm

Babyboii4Llife · Sep 19, 2004

New Stock...

Thing is I don't really wanna supe up the car to the extent of those...nightmares. I just want that damn supercharger on it, hehe. But, even if I can't get that it's still fast.

As for not knowing cars, eh...I sorta do, but an SL600 is unrealistic. It's a two seater man...I don't WANT a two seater even if it's an SL600...I want a nice coupe that can fit 4-5 people and has leg room, also I dislike Benz. I love BMW. Also the modding...yeah I don't know much about that.

Last thing is...my parents aren't willing to spend 40k here n there n here n there. That's why I'm looking for a used 330CI, perhaps an 02, or even 03 by the time I get one...which should be by May or June of 05.

KK thanks for the reply Codex!

-Ari

andreyiv · Sep 19, 2004

I can see where you are going, you want to make it go faster, not look faster, thats what I prefer too. I am not sure about the 3 series having much legroom in the back but then again, I have an e36 not an e46. You know what you can do, get the 8 series, should be right in your price range. What do you think guys?

Militant-Grunt · Sep 19, 2004

Babyboii4Llife said:

Oh man...,

How much driving experiance do you have? ( In months or hours )

The 330Ci wont fit 4-5 people, comfortably, you can squish 3 people in the back with not much leg room.. if you want a friend carrier.. ( Even though you wont be able to do that till 18.

"On September 1, 2003, these new rules will apply to all junior drivers:
A junior driver cannot operate a vehicle that has more than two passengers who are under the age of 21 unless a parent, a guardian, or a driving instructor also rides in the vehicle. There is an exception to this rule if the passengers are immediate family members" - DMV

get your self a sedan instead, Ie a e39 ( 5 series pre bangle ) 540i ( plenty of power for your need ) with a sports package, and you have your self a beatiful car, with plenty muscle.

Im thinking since you live upstate laws from New York city dont abide then. But in NYC laws are very strict, technically im not allowed to drive even with a parent in any of the 5 boroughs. ( But hell when am I going to learn ) So I drive everytime I get a chance to.

A 5 series 540 with dinan upgrades
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6008&item=2490374125&rd=1

How badass is that ( except the things on the lights )

andreyiv · Sep 19, 2004

Oh and watch out for the cops, my dad got caught right by Poughkeepsie, good thing the cop couldn't spell and mispelled his name. Almost got his license suspended though, so you gotta watch out with the power you want.

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