About BMW's?

Question

I want to buy a BMW. But before I do I want to know, why they are praised among all other cars? I'm really looking into a 1998 M3 that I want to buy, what is great about this car????? Is it fast? how much better is it than a lexus is300? Tell me everything you can find about an M3 and what is so special about it. And also what are the difference between all of these BMWs??????????? There are so many 328i, 318is, 720iL, I'd be here forever naming the models and a lot of them look practically the same from the outside. What is different about each individual model? and What is faster then a M3 that looks as good and is around the same price range? Thanks a lot !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

There are cars that are faster, cheaper, better looking, better handling and more reliable than the M3. However few cars have the balanced feel of an M3. Hard to quantify objectively but suffice it to say, you should simply test drive one and see for yourself.

They have a very stiff chassis, little body roll, neutral steering with almost no understeer, a very balanced feel in the corners and the car is quiet and luxurious to boot. It's hard to find all that wrapped up in cars like Evos and STi's.

The negatives of M3's are the harsh suspension, notchy shifting with the SMG (I'd get the manual), very high price, drone of the straight six and funky styling on the newer models. As with all newer BMW's there are also electronic issues so make sure you get a good warranty.

Like many European cars vs. Asian cars, the differences are subtle but there. If you're just looking at straight specs, you won't notice much difference, but the test drive will sell you... One is simply a vehicle, the other becomes a part of you.

Regarding the nomenclature, the series number (3,5,7) correspond with the vehicle's size. The bigger the number, the bigger the vehicle. 3 is compact, 5 is mid-sized and a 7 is full-sized. The last two digits represent the engine size approximately, for example: 25=2.5 liters or 50=4.8 liters. Finally the suffix letters like i, C, L, x represent different features on the car. The "M" series represents their high performance models. An M3 is a 3-series coupe with a high performance package. An M5 is a 5-series with a high performance package, etc...

As I stated, there are a few cars that are faster and about as cheap, notably the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru STi due to their lightweight and AWD. The Evo was recently pitted in a magazine article against a Lamborghini and they were neck and neck on a professional closed course. The Mustang can be incredibly fast as well, but in the end after many miles in each car, the Bimmer will still be your friend and partner. It can pull off the high performance driving and still remain very civilized and classy.

Answer 2

Lots of what you want to know is at this web page. The M3 is awesome. 2008 will bring a V8 with over 400 HP. I will be jealous as I have the 333 HP engine.
Z means 2 seater.
X means SUV.
The first numbers determine the size, and for the most part, with a few exceptions in the 3-series, odd numbers are sedans and even numbers are coupes. The 3-series does not follow that, however. There are both coupes and sedans in the 3-series.
Engine size is right there in the number too. 328, or 528 have 2.8L engines, and so it goes. However, there are now some differences there, too. The new 335 is actually a 3.0L with twin turbos. And as mentioned earlier, there is a 4.4L with a number of 40. It used to be easier! BMW only imports 6 cylinder and bigger engines to the US now, they used to import 4 cylinders, but sales were very low. Other countries still use the 4 cylinders, as in the 318, 316, and there are also diesels outside of the US.
As mentioned before, there is nothing as fast as an M3 in that price range. And by fast I don't mean just 0-60. Drive one, you will understand completely. Many consider the second generation M3 the best handling car ever. Purists will tell you to get a first generation M3, with a 4 cylinder. I have the third generation which I love. It's engine has been voted engine of the year every year since it was introduced. It's no Toyota! It's a 3.2 liter 6 cylinder with 333HP, that's 102 HP per liter. When it came out, only 2 or 3 other production car engines approached that level. One was made in Italy:)
Not sure what country you are in, but the M3 you are talking about either came with a 3.2L with 320HP (Euro) or a 2.8L stroked to 3.2 and putting out 240HP (US). Darn emissions cops! And the difference between M3 and other BMW engines is much more than exhaust and cams. It's a totally new engine, not just bolt ons.
Again, go drive a few, you will understand. It's a drivers car.

Answer 3

It's a matter of opinion. Most people like them becaue they are dirvers cars. Take an M3 around the city at breakneck speed, then an IS300. You'll find the M3 is faster at any point in its powerband, handles better, and stops better. The problem most people find in Lexus is that most of them are just jazzed up Toyotas. They use the same frame and a lot of the same components. For the price, the M3 is the car. As for direct competitors in the market, the only car that comes to mind is the Mercedes CLK. They are nice and pretty fast, but don't have manual gearboxes and drive like tanks. You can go American(Mustang Cobra, Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Corvette) and get cars that are about as fast, but they aren't as well put together and don't have the same amenities. Hope that helped.

Answer 4

If I was you, I would first go drive it. It would definitely give you an idea of what driving a M3 is like. A 98 model is quite dated but I guess you could find a nice low-miler if you search hard. A similar car to that would be an Audi S4, a Mercedes Benz C-class AMG.

The difference between the series is of course size (interior room, engine, HP, torque, etc) and equipment. Series 3, 5, 7 are the basic bimmers, then you have the Z (convertible) and X (SUVs), also others like series 6 and 8 (coupes).

A lexus is a good car but they just don't have a sporty enough car to be compared to the M3. I would probably compare the is300 to a 325i coupe or 330i coupe.

Good luck!

Answer 5

First off, BMW's are one of the best cars produced today. They are my favorite car brand and I have owned two with very few problems. So theres three main bmw's that you usually see. The 3,5, and 7 series. When you see 316i, that means 3 series-1.6l-injected. When you see a 325, 3 series-1.6l-injected. When you see a 720il, 7 series-2.0liter-injected-L=long wheelbase. etc. thats how it was before. Now they have like 328's out and they have either a 2.5 or 3.0 in them. Also if you see "xi" that means awd. My friend has a 97 M3 and he loves it. There is really not much that can keep up with it around that price range. They are extremley fast but the only thing I dont like about them is that they look a little dated. Maybe an 02 vw gti or golf r32 could keep up with it, but thats about it. Or the c43 mercedes. But those are rare and expensive to maintain. And Is300's arent really that fast except the new is350 but thatl run you 36k.

good luck

Answer 6

all BMW are not reliable,not easy to work on which cost you alot more than the average vehicles if you compare to Lexus. All BMW have a history of brake pads and rotors going out so fast than a cheap made vehicle. there is nothing faster than a M3 with that kind of price. Lexus is coming out a V8 IS that will beat the M3 in 2008. 328i and 318is are slower than the M3 because M3 have different exhaust system and camshaft. here are some differences: 325 2.5L 6 cylinders 318 4 cylinders 328 6cylinders 2.8L 330 6 cylinders 3.0L 525I 6 cylinders 2.5L 530 6cylinders 3.0L 528i 6cylinders 2.8L 540I 8 cylinders 4.4L 745I 8 cylinders 4.4L M3 6 cylinders 3.2L M5 8 cylinders 5.0L

Answer 7

There is absolutely no comparison between a BMW and a Lexus. Have owned both - BMWs for years and two Lexus intermittently - they each lasted less than a year in our family -- not because they weren't nice, but they don't have the pick-up nor the solidness you will find in a BMW. The M3 is fast, but unless you plan to race you'll never get the speed out of it during everyday driving.

Answer 8

Good question,

I could write a book on what you have asked, but many before me have done so.

Short answer, The first letter signifies the model, (chassis)

3 series (best balanced automobile ever buit-PERIOD)
5 series (understands above but carries passengers)
7 series (Inyour face speed and luxury with reliability)

The second and third numbers are engine size. Displacement in liters ie, 528I = 5 series with a 2.8 liter engine. The I = injected.

I am a car enthusiast, (that is putting it mildly) I have owned several BMW's. I currently use a 1997 528I as my daily driver. Great car. I expect to put 200,000 miles on it before I even consider it,s replacement.

Suit youself but the whole world is not wrong. BMW is the best car.

Answer 9

Hold on! Slow down! I can see that BMW's excite you,but,take it easy,find a nice 318 and drive it for a year or so before you go all out and crazy.

Answer 10

I have a 318 and it's awesome.

2 L, 4 door, and plenty of Horsepower.

a guzzler of gas, tho.

Lexus is better for the gas per milage.