What BMW to Get |Need Experts here|

[codex57]

330ci can fit 4 people comfortably (unless they're all 6 foot+). The room in the coupe and the sedan is practically identical. The thing is, if you're being practical, I wouldn't suggest a coupe. (One of my best friends is a sports sedan guy; has a C32. Nothing wrong going the sedan route) Particularly if you go off to college with it. Moving in a coupe is a pain in the ass, and in college, you tend to move a lot. The seat only tilts so far. I bought a bar-b-que and could barely get it in the backseat. If I had the sedan, I know it would have easily gone in. Plus, going out with friends is a little harder.

See if a used E39 5 series is in your price range. A 540i would be sweet. Your prolly wouldn't even have to supercharge it to get the performance you want (saving you the reliability concerns). Or, if you're determined to use forced induction, a 530i uses the same engine as the 330i. Prolly uses the same supercharger. Be cheaper and simpler to just go straight to the V8 tho. From the numbers I've seen, it's cheaper and easier to go up to the next engine level if possible. For example, a supercharged 325 only goes about as fast as a 330. Supercharged 330 goes about as fast as an M3. Etc.

 

[Babyboii4Llife]

I talked to a friend about the Coupe vs the Sedan. He's had both before (not a BMW, but he is a very experience person when it comes to cars, and modding them tho that has nothing to do with a Coupe or Sedan) and he says a Coupe in his opinion feels easier to drive overall. Is this true?

I rather go with the 330CI, because I have awesome ideas for it from magazines, websites, etc. I want to make this BMW (with modifications), one of the nicest around. Enough to make it individualized...but not detracting from the original lines.

A supercharged 325 has 301BHP...with a fine tuned ECU superchip upgrade with a boost of 6.5 PSI. It had around 190ish...192BHP before that...so about 109BHP was added. A 330CI...hooked up right, could have 334BHP just topping out the M3 if everything were to go correctly, though supercharging it and fine tuning it with an ECU superchip isn't really what I want, first the car

 

[codex57]

Coupe looks much better IMO. Unfortunately, in terms of handling, the sedan is better. Acceleration might be better too cuz it has a better CoD. I'd rather have a modded coupe cuz looks are a major reason why you mod, unless you're building a sponsored track car or a sleeper. If you don't plan on tracking it, then a coupe will be fine (differences aren't that major on the street).

If you're gonna go used, get a 330ci instead of a 325ci. You'll have fun with the stock power for a while. Once you get used to driving that car, then you can start putting in the heavy engine mods. The 325 just isn't worth it if you're gonna supercharge it. I have no intention of ever supercharging my car which is why I got my car. If I were young and wanted a totally fixed up ride, then I woulda gone the used 330ci route.

 

[Babyboii4Llife]

WOW! Quick reply I didn't even get a chance to finish my snack heh.

Well thanks for the quick response, and BTW I just took a look at your car, BEAUTIFUL!

Yea, I'm planning on going 330CI, was just mentioning that a modded up 325, has 301 HP, and comparing that to what a 330CI would probably have with the same mods.

One question...when did BMW start putting the "Angel eyes" on their cars? 2003 right? Those things really improve the look.

-Ari

 

[codex57]

One question...when did BMW start putting the "Angel eyes" on their cars? 2003 right? Those things really improve the look.

They've had it for quite a while on the 5 series. Since the E39 model. New 7 series has it too.

But, the 3 series has NEVER had it. If you want it, you have to go aftermarket. They're kinda delicate tho so I'd suggest having a good shop install it for you. If you've never done work on a car yourself, that's not something you wanna try out on. Get used to working with your hands by simple replacement stuff. Like changing the turn signals to clear corners and stuff. Do your own oil change. Stuff like that before moving on to installing angel eyes.

 

[Babyboii4Llife]

I see...

Delicate? I read somewhere that Angel Eyes are much better in the night, very good looking, and almost indestructible!!!

Thats odd lol, as for installing them myself hellllll NO I ain't gon play around with them if they're delicate, and if I do happen to get them and don't have enough experience, I'll have them installed professionally.

Thx again!

-Ari

 

[codex57]

People have cracked them when trying to adjust their position slightly during installation. That's why I say they're delicate. There's also a known issue of getting the seal to the headlights to fit securely when you have angel eyes in there. Can be kinda tough. But, if they're installed correctly, they're cool. and yeah, they look better at night.

 

[HornyHornet]

WOW! Quick reply I didn't even get a chance to finish my snack heh.

Well thanks for the quick response, and BTW I just took a look at your car, BEAUTIFUL!

Yea, I'm planning on going 330CI, was just mentioning that a modded up 325, has 301 HP, and comparing that to what a 330CI would probably have with the same mods.

One question...when did BMW start putting the "Angel eyes" on their cars? 2003 right? Those things really improve the look.

-Ari

Angle eyes started in 2001 for the E39.

 

[black330i]

Hey BabyBoi...I'm in Highland - right across the river from Poughkeepsie. If you ever see a black 330i with a thule bike rack on top rollin' down Route 9, that's me.

 

[Babyboii4Llife]

Haha kk

Haha what are the chances man!? LoL nice to know I got a fellow New Yorka here. I live in Spackenkill myself...right off of Route 9, a lil past Barnes n Noble...that overpass goes to it.

 

[Section_8]

1st off, welcome! 2nd off, congrats on having a well off loving family ready to help you out with a car. Milk it, but be safe (and cool) about it. 3rdly, don't kill yourself in a M3 at 16..

4thly.. Think long and hard about a supercharger. It's a good 5-6k to purchase, not counting install. Not to mention you will suddenly have alot more things that 'could' go wrong, and that you'll now have to keep an eye on. If you are not a mechanic, or inclined to work on this SC yourself in any way, prepare to have 1-2k yearly for 'sponge' money when things go wrong or you need a tune up with that SC. Or become friends with the best BMW mechanic in town..

SC's and turbo's are not 'bolt on's' that you can 'plug and play' and forget about, keep that in mind. (The manufacturers would like you to THINK this.. Check around 1st. See just how many people near you even know how to install it, then start asking prices...) BMW's are about the worst cars out there to FI, for many reasons: Availability of parts and lack of competiveness to get the prices lower, Engine is already highly tuned NA motor, it does not react well to high PSI, and lastly, there aren't millions of them out there - pretty much anything aftermarket is twice the price of most other cars, because theres less of a market to sell to).

Post some pics once you pick out your baby.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Babyboii i really don't want to be a wet blanket but i've been reading the posts in this thread and i have to say i'm quite dumbfounded. Why someone would buy (let alone consider buying) a 16yo a car like an M3, 330i, or even a 325i seems to me quite astounding. My mum's E46 325i manual is plenty quick, probably too powerful for a junior driver. I'm 20 and have been driving for a solid 4 years and in that time i've driven 740il's, 318i's, Land Rover's (diesel and V8), 325i's, Ford's, Holden's (that's GM to you guys) etc, etc. What I'm trying to say is that because my parents were smart i've had a LOT of experience of driving a huge range of different cars and yet i still feel that i would be a liability in an M3, or a 330i. As much as i would love to have something like that i know deep down that i would be unable and unskilled enough to handle a car with such power.

All this talk about 'charging 330's etc is just plain silly. The car is already quite brilliant and is powerful enough for most applications. My first car is my E30 318is and, yes, i was a bit disappointed when i first got it because i thought it's power output was too 'girly'. But, having had it for a good 18 months it has taught me invaluable lessons about the thrill of driving. The relative lack of power make you a MUCH better driver in the long run because it forces you to really think about getting the car into its powerband and which gear suits different situations etc. Furthermore, the relative lack of power means that pushing the limits of the car's chassis is less likely to end up as badly as it could/would on a 330i. The handling limits to these powerful E46's are so incredibly high and, i'm sorry, but at 16 you have no idea about how to reach these limits safely.

I think the best thing for you would be to get a really good quality small BMW (E30 3-series is a fantastic car) with less in the way of outright engine power and keep it for 2-3 years so that you really get used to driving. In that time do some advanced driver courses (with BMW is especially good) and look after your baby. You will really come to thank your decision to start small and when you move up to a more powerful car you'll be more capable of getting the most out of it. If you get straight into a 330i you will come unstuck, believe me. I've seen it happen too many times before.

Good luck.

 

[dadonmaga]

Well said, these days enough damage is done mixing unexperienced drivers with power. The M3 is a SUPER-CAR, read it like its typed. The 330 is its cousin! Get a VW! learn to drive, then get a BMW and you will truley appreciate what you have and take care of it....
(just my 2 cents !)

 

[ferragame]

I know you said you wanted a 2001 + BMW but if remember the last generation M3 still had 240 hp (in the US). I believe European cars had more - bigger engine and all.

That is more than the current generation 330. There is a huge aftermarket for this generation car so you can "mod it up the wazzu" if you choose to. Plus they aren't that expensive and really nice examples can be found. I just saw a Dakar Yellow w/ 37k miles for $20,000 - I think it was a 99 - not sure. It was absolutely beautiful. If I didn't just buy my 2nd BMW in the past 3 months, I would have given it serious consideration.

Oh and stick is more fun but if you do a lot of stop and go it becomes a royal pain. If it was a fun car for me, stick would be the only way to go. But as for an everyday car, auto it is (I must be getting old *sigh*)

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Euro-spec E36 M3 had 321BHP. I still can't believe people are advocating such powerful cars for a 16 yo.... It's truly mind-boggling

 

[Section_8]

Euro-spec E36 M3 had 321BHP. I still can't believe people are advocating such powerful cars for a 16 yo.... It's truly mind-boggling

Pretty typical in the states (and it's a shame too), but kids get new cars here like teenagers get zits (which is bigger, the car or the zit...). What happened to the days when you felt LUCKY to get mom or dad's old pickup truck, or the 10 yr old family wagon/sedan, or you had to go 'buy' your own POS and hope it made it home?



Ahh the good ole days....

 

[jszar]

i say get the 330....but play it safe for a few months. dont ever floor it....for a few months. take it slow and get used to the feel of the car. if you want to race it, take it to the tracks legally.

dont mod it, thats stupid. keep it the way it was desgined to perform. and you'll fall in love with it for years.

those guys in you HS with asian cars torture themselves with mufflers, SC, etc....to get power. its all under the hood stock with BMW's...and a whole lot more HP i might add. you'll barely have to touch the pedal if you ever decided to race any of them.

you sound like a failry smart person when it comes to common sense, so i think everyones told you enough just to be careful. take it easy, get used to the car, it'll take several months.

i got my 95 325i back in january. it was a major step in power and driving from my ford. it took me at least 5 months i'd say before i fealt comfortable to redline often, take corners quickly, and push the car close to its control threshold (like losing control). its plenty fast....but now being used to that much power, i'm ready for more....i'm 19 btw. trust me when i say take it slow...every car has its own feel, and you dont want the mistake of thinking you know it too soon.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

i say get the 330....but play it safe for a few months. dont ever floor it....for a few months. take it slow and get used to the feel of the car.

That's just not possible when you're 16. As soon as he gets in the first thing he is going to do is redline it.

 

[metsrbest69]

Well I am spoiled by the z series and always had been. Just had to wait until the kids had their own vehicles and were out to college. With one gone and one in last year the 2 seater sportscar was the ticket for me. If you need more room I also would suggest like those before me to go with something other than the M for a few more years to get your driving legs under you.

 

[codex57]

That's just not possible when you're 16. As soon as he gets in the first thing he is going to do is redline it.

Nawww, the real risk is friends like me who will floor it when you're not looking... or even when you are.