Ci vs M3?

[Tinuva]

Something I forgot the mention, which is something that hardly anyone ever talks about is the difference in character. Often I hear people describe the 330i as the 'poor man's M3'. If you take character into account, nothing could be further from the truth. That is not to say that the 330i is a bad (or slow) car, but the way it feels overall is just so different to the M3.

The easiest example I can use is how the engine responds. On the M3, the throttle is razor sharp, and the power delivery is urgent with a real sense of occasion. The S54 makes a glorious noise under full load, and really screams to redline. You really are well rewarded for driving the car hard.

The 330i, on the other hand, delivers good performance but with so much less drama. The throttling on the M54 is quite lethargic, and the power delivery is smooth and torquey, but it doesn't really feel all that exciting when reaching redline. The sound is also quite muted. This all contributes to a refined and pleasant experience, but it's really not all that exciting. The car actually feels a little slower than it actually is because it's so smooth and refined.

Very interesting post.

I have never experienced the E46 M, and maybe its a good thing, because while I could buy one, not sure if I would keep up with the maintenance, which is the important part. Back when Zach (I think) was selling his, I inquired, but he subtlety hinted at "no". Which was good.

But now, I have 2 330s and something is up. The one, on 200ks, feels like your explanation. Has power, but delivered smoothly and no real drama. But the white 330i in my showroom thread, is different. The power feels the same, but more brutal. It screams for more when I drive it. Now I aint comparing it to the M, there is no way. But I think there is a gap in the history of this car, that I need to figure out. It may have had another map/tune loaded that I dont know about, or something. Its not a turbo or supercharger, that would be easy to spot. It is just, the character of the car is different from your explanation, and the other 330i I am comparing it to.

 

[brandonbmw]

If I understand correctly, You buying a 46 M and want to know if it is worth buying a CI as a daily along with the M?

A CI obviously lacks a lot when it comes to performance compared to the M3, even the 330ci is no match to the M3, although they both have 3 litre motors, it is an entirely different engine.

I guess you can daily a 325/330CI but why would you buy two E46's at the same time? And even though you can daily a CI, they are not the "cheapest" cars to use as a daily in terms of petrol. They are very good cars though.

If you already own a E46 M3 and wanted to buy a CI, yeah ... But at the same time, Never heard someone doing that. Lol

I have a 330i, and wouldn't mind buying an M3 plus keeping my current car.

What is your requirements as a daily? Let's start with that.

Since you mentioned CI, does it have to be a two door or convertible? Lol

If so, go for an E36 328i vert.

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Sweet, yeah my daily driving literally is nothing lol I do like 8000kms a year I hardly go anywhere, so maybe the 330 as a daily would be decent. Especially coming from you who has the 2 lol.

What is the consumption like on the 330?

But it sounds sweet though if it’s comfortable and a decent drive as a daily then I may as well especially because the car isn’t too pricey

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I average about 10l/100KM with mixed driving, traffic etc.

And mine is an auto, so it is more heavy.

In simpler terms - I get about 500-600km on a tank of fuel that costs R840 to fill.

Long distance is where I see good mileage if driven properly. (even though they good daily's, it is not economical cars)
[/quote]


I don’t drive much but my dad had a 330ci and then the m3 smg, so I want both (personal reasons regarding my dad)

So the ci is pretty much a “go to the shops or gym and back home” car... until next year

But I guess I’m also working on a set of cars for my garage over the next few years so that’s what I mainly want the ci for lol


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If I understand correctly, You buying a 46 M and want to know if it is worth buying a CI as a daily along with the M?

A CI obviously lacks a lot when it comes to performance compared to the M3, even the 330ci is no match to the M3, although they both have 3 litre motors, it is an entirely different engine.

I guess you can daily a 325/330CI but why would you buy two E46's at the same time? And even though you can daily a CI, they are not the "cheapest" cars to use as a daily in terms of petrol. They are very good cars though.

If you already own a E46 M3 and wanted to buy a CI, yeah ... But at the same time, Never heard someone doing that. Lol

I have a 330i, and wouldn't mind buying an M3 plus keeping my current car.

What is your requirements as a daily? Let's start with that.

Since you mentioned CI, does it have to be a two door or convertible? Lol

If so, go for an E36 328i vert.

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Sweet, yeah my daily driving literally is nothing lol I do like 8000kms a year I hardly go anywhere, so maybe the 330 as a daily would be decent. Especially coming from you who has the 2 lol.

What is the consumption like on the 330?

But it sounds sweet though if it’s comfortable and a decent drive as a daily then I may as well especially because the car isn’t too pricey

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I average about 10l/100KM with mixed driving, traffic etc.

And mine is an auto, so it is more heavy.

In simpler terms - I get about 500-600km on a tank of fuel that costs R840 to fill.

Long distance is where I see good mileage if driven properly. (even though they good daily's, it is not economical cars)
[/quote]


I’ve also been looking at the mkv gti or a polo 9n gti, fun little toys for daily use I rate.


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