540 or 330 or 328 or ...

[eric77]

I recently decided to get a 540. I love everything about the car, except I cant seem to find a good one in my price range. I also like the looks of the 330ci and I have heard they are fairly similar performance wise. However, a 330 might be too expensive, so I am now looking into a 99 or 00 328ci as well. My price range is around $20k and I dont really care if the car is auto or manual. I would be looking at m3s as welll; however, my parents will not let me get any m car. Are there any other cars you think I should look into? Also, how do the cars listed above compare all around? I am 16 years old and this will be my first car. I know it would be smart to get a cheap car first and really learn to drive, but if I were to do this I am almost positive I would be stuck with that car all through high school. My parents would prefer that I get the 540 because it is a safer car. So what do you guys think? Thanks in advance.


-Eric

[Paul S]

The 540 is a sweet car. Might be a little too fast for you (no offense), since you're just starting to drive. Those cars shine on the freeway at speeds excess of 100 mph, and from the stats, high speeds and 16 years olds usually don't come out too well. Plus, the 540 sucks gas like crazy. I'd say get a 323 or 325. They're both nice cars also, but it will "fit" you better. 540's usually are driven by older (30+) men. Anyway, good luck, and be grateful for what you get, since I, myself, and most of the people on this board drove POS's in high school. Mine was a 84 Nissan Sentra that would sometimes refuse to accelerate past 30mph.

[tEckniks]

i got a 330ci when i was 17, first car .. loved it

theres nowhere u can find one for 20k .. id say go for the 328

[ae86_16v]

540. . .

[wolfsburg02]

540 no question.

[fortysix]

540.

Im 17, stuck with this Saab until next May, which is the end of my freshman year in college. Then it's e46 time for me :)

[E24_635csi]

I just turned 16, and i would say go with a 3 series. ive been drivin our 92' 325i and i like it a lot more than the 733i. I know the 7 is no 540 but the 3 is just a lot more fun to drive... until the 6 comes out of storage :)

[eric77]

What is the difference between an 01 330 and an 00 328?

[BMW318iS]

2 litres?

[tEckniks]

01 330ci - 3.0 liter 225hp/214lb

00 328ci - 2.8 liter 193hp/206lb

dont know much about options ..

[Paul S]

Originally posted by BMW318iS
2 litres?


0.2 ! :az: :D

[The Beastmaster]

Originally posted by sensasian
540's usually are driven by older (30+) men.

OUCH! I resemble that remark! :biglaughb

Eric - If you were in Hawaii I would sell you my 540, but not for $20k

[BMW318iS]

missed the 0. lol...

[eric77]

Originally posted by t3ckn1ks m3
01 330ci - 3.0 liter 225hp/214lb

00 328ci - 2.8 liter 193hp/206lb

dont know much about options ..

Thats is a much larger difference than I had expected. I dont think I would get a 328 anymore. So that leavesa 97 98 540 or an extremely cheap 330:dunno . Are there any other cars you think i should be looking at?

[BimmerSport]

M3, just tell your parents they are really slow compared to a 330.

[eric77]

Originally posted by BimmerSport
M3, just tell your parents they are really slow compared to a 330.
Thats a great idea then i wouldnt be able to get a 330 either. :confused:

[BMW KID]

they have a problem with a 95-99 m3? And they dont have a problem with a 540. Hrm.

[eric77]

Originally posted by BMW KID
they have a problem with a 95-99 m3? And they dont have a problem with a 540. Hrm.
I think it is a combination of the fact that they think the old m3s are just as dangerous as the new ones and also my dad drives a 740il. I told him the 540 is basically the same as his car just a little smaller. Also, they think the bigger body is better beause it is safer. I still wish i could have an m3, but i am definitely not complaining. I would be MORE than happy to have a 540.

[BMW KID]

so would i.

[tylerblue]

540!

[Heckler&Koch]

Be very careful with the car. Nothing stupid. My first 60k miles have been accident free so far, but if I crash my truck, I can kiss my hopes of a nice Bimmer goodbye, my parents wouldnt allow it, and without being on their insurance policy, I am screwed.

Moral of the story, whatever you get, dont crash it. Prove to your parents you can learn to drive well and reasonably, and hope your 18th Bday involves a trip to the dealership.

[E24_635csi]

Go with an E30 M3!

[WebDev]

Less insurance cost with the 328 overall, plus less debt. Still has good pull and is fun to drive.