re: M3 or 328is decision assistance

["George" <sdg2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>From: Mark Hansen <mhansen@domain.elided>
>
>Well, after being BMW-less for a year and a half I just can't stand it
>any longer. I'm torn between an M3 and a 328is with sports package. I'm
>looking for some help in my decision.
>
>To those of you who may have been in the same boat, what decision did you
>make and what swayed you that direction? Can't afford new so I'm
>considering a 95-96 M3 or a 96-97 328is.

Mark,

having owned 3 E36 cars ('94 325i sports pkg, '94 325iC sports pkg, and '97
///M3 sedan) I will bottom line it for you:  if you are within ~5-7K and can
afford it, take the ///M3.  by the time you upgrade
wheels/tires/suspension/brakes/motor/body  you are going to be getting close
to that magic number to begin with, but will NEVER have the performance,
feel & the resale value of the REAL ///M3.

But there is nothing like shifting down to 4th, squeezing the throttle wide
open, and watching the RPMs [and speed] climb as you go past most  cars on
the road.  All that, and still have 4 doors (I have a sedan).

if the dough becomes an issue, get yourself a '97 car with 12-15Kmi and you
will be right around what a new 328iS will set you back.  except you wont
need to do all those upgrades. then, in your spare time, port MacOS to Win32
:-)

George Kofman
'97  ///M3 sedan

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