m3 or c32
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From: Sunny South Florida
1995 Jaguar XJS Convertible
M3 is more of a "real" sports car. The C32 is, in my opinion more of a "luxury sports sedan".
My soon-to-be has an M3. The thing handles like a race car, and with the manual gear box, you are in full control of the vehicle.
When purchasing the M3 you are also given a 2-Day instructional course in South Carolina. You have to get there yourself, but the class is paid for by BMW.
My soon-to-be has an M3. The thing handles like a race car, and with the manual gear box, you are in full control of the vehicle.
When purchasing the M3 you are also given a 2-Day instructional course in South Carolina. You have to get there yourself, but the class is paid for by BMW.
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From: Houston,TX-moving to The Woodlands,TX SOON!!!
Toyota Tacoma & Lexus IS250
Originally posted by gsribhud
thats the problem, i dont know what i want
thats the problem, i dont know what i want
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
The C32 is infact slightly faster than an M3, however an M3 will have a slight edge on the track because it has slightly better handling than the C32.
The C32 is pretty much equal performance wise to an M3, so if a C32 and an M3 race, it will all come down to the driver. Also, if buying an M3, I wouldn't even think twice about getting manual, I would definetly get the SMG2. The only thing that the M3 has that I would like on a C32 is the SMG2 transmission.
the interior on a C32 is much nicer, it is a lot safer, much more reliable, I could go on forever.
Unless you're a diehard BMW lover, go for the C32.
The C32 is pretty much equal performance wise to an M3, so if a C32 and an M3 race, it will all come down to the driver. Also, if buying an M3, I wouldn't even think twice about getting manual, I would definetly get the SMG2. The only thing that the M3 has that I would like on a C32 is the SMG2 transmission.
the interior on a C32 is much nicer, it is a lot safer, much more reliable, I could go on forever.
Unless you're a diehard BMW lover, go for the C32.
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
actually the only thing that would stand between the M3 and the C32 is that one has 2 doors and one has 4 doors. performance wise, the SMG II M3 should run the same number as the C32 from 0-60, but the M3 does handle much better. M3's ride is also much harsher than the C32.
the 6speed M3 can run 4.7 from 0-60, but that ONLY applys to those who know how to shift and shift well. that means unless you are the test driver from BMW, the magzine test driver, or the real race car driver, keep on dreaming.
so, in the end it is the matter of choosing a 4 door or a 2 door depend on your needs.
the 6speed M3 can run 4.7 from 0-60, but that ONLY applys to those who know how to shift and shift well. that means unless you are the test driver from BMW, the magzine test driver, or the real race car driver, keep on dreaming.
so, in the end it is the matter of choosing a 4 door or a 2 door depend on your needs.
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From: Point of no Return
Originally posted by FrankW
actually the only thing that would stand between the M3 and the C32 is that one has 2 doors and one has 4 doors. performance wise, the SMG II M3 should run the same number as the C32 from 0-60, but the M3 does handle much better. M3's ride is also much harsher than the C32.
the 6speed M3 can run 4.7 from 0-60, but that ONLY applys to those who know how to shift and shift well. that means unless you are the test driver from BMW, the magzine test driver, or the real race car driver, keep on dreaming.
so, in the end it is the matter of choosing a 4 door or a 2 door depend on your needs.
actually the only thing that would stand between the M3 and the C32 is that one has 2 doors and one has 4 doors. performance wise, the SMG II M3 should run the same number as the C32 from 0-60, but the M3 does handle much better. M3's ride is also much harsher than the C32.
the 6speed M3 can run 4.7 from 0-60, but that ONLY applys to those who know how to shift and shift well. that means unless you are the test driver from BMW, the magzine test driver, or the real race car driver, keep on dreaming.
so, in the end it is the matter of choosing a 4 door or a 2 door depend on your needs.
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
Originally posted by FrankW
the 6speed M3 can run 4.7 from 0-60, but that ONLY applys to those who know how to shift and shift well. that means unless you are the test driver from BMW, the magzine test driver, or the real race car driver, keep on dreaming.
the 6speed M3 can run 4.7 from 0-60, but that ONLY applys to those who know how to shift and shift well. that means unless you are the test driver from BMW, the magzine test driver, or the real race car driver, keep on dreaming.
Unless your last name is Schumacher and your first name is Michael, acheiving 4.6 seconds is very unlikely, although it's nice to know the car is capable of it
.
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From: San Fernando Valley Ca
C32 AMG
C32 all the way unless you want a blown engine after a few thousand miles. performance wise M3 probably has better handling and in a straight line all i can say is two m3's have fallen victim to me in the last 3 days. And lastly Mercedes is just soo much better. haha
. performance wise M3 probably has better handling and in a straight line all i can say is two m3's have fallen victim to me in the last 3 days. And lastly Mercedes is just soo much better. haha
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally posted by AMGDood
C32 all the way unless you want a blown engine after a few thousand miles. performance wise M3 probably has better handling and in a straight line all i can say is two m3's have fallen victim to me in the last 3 days. And lastly Mercedes is just soo much better. haha
C32 all the way unless you want a blown engine after a few thousand miles
. performance wise M3 probably has better handling and in a straight line all i can say is two m3's have fallen victim to me in the last 3 days. And lastly Mercedes is just soo much better. haha
i just hate that when people are being stupid. get the facts right, understand the reason for the blown engine before making that kind of statement. larger number of the blown engines are cause by the drivers.
i have always been both the BMW fan and the Mercedes-Benz fan.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Ashland, Ohio
ex-C32
Frank, here is the skinny on M3 E46 motor, not the driver:
guess rod-bearing clearance was reduced by 3mm and encompasses a 50 day period around Nov./Dec. '01. Next time I run around an E46 M3 I'll ask for a build date. Luckily the this happened in straight away where all the Porsche driver had to do was stand on the brakes and let the ABS do the job. It looks like a 911TT as the only time the 911 driver gains is on the straight aways and a little in the braking zones.
video:
http://www.mfailure.com/mfailure02.mpg
Norm
guess rod-bearing clearance was reduced by 3mm and encompasses a 50 day period around Nov./Dec. '01. Next time I run around an E46 M3 I'll ask for a build date. Luckily the this happened in straight away where all the Porsche driver had to do was stand on the brakes and let the ABS do the job. It looks like a 911TT as the only time the 911 driver gains is on the straight aways and a little in the braking zones.
video:
http://www.mfailure.com/mfailure02.mpg
Norm
Originally posted by FrankW
i just hate that when people are being stupid. get the facts right, understand the reason for the blown engine before making that kind of statement. larger number of the blown engines are cause by the drivers.
i have always been both the BMW fan and the Mercedes-Benz fan.
i just hate that when people are being stupid. get the facts right, understand the reason for the blown engine before making that kind of statement. larger number of the blown engines are cause by the drivers.
i have always been both the BMW fan and the Mercedes-Benz fan.
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
Well, BMW does like to advertise that their Formula One performance refects upon the way they build their "ultimate" driving machines. I guess they're right .
Now JPM can blow his engine in both of his cars.
. Now JPM can blow his engine in both of his cars
.
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From: HKG
I agree with Frank in that it really depends on your needs and preferences of owning a 2 or 4 door car. Either one is a great driver's machine.
Regarding the problem with blown engines, as Norm stated, this only happens to a specific group of M3s that were built in that time range. It's not too surprising that M3 owners with blown engines are not happy campers and advocate their problems widely. As of the June '02, there are approximately ~8200 M3 (coupe & convt.) in the US and about <100 or so reported problems, so the other ~8100+ folks in the US which have no blown engines are driving more and posting less.
As a car enthusiast, I am admire both brands of cars. Its typical that there is a sense of bias when you ask such a question to the MB crowd . You can go to a BMW board and get another perspective in favor of the M3. So as bagwell already said, you should go and test drive both cars if you can (be sure to test both transmissions on the M3) and see how it fairs from your perspective. my $0.02
Regarding the problem with blown engines, as Norm stated, this only happens to a specific group of M3s that were built in that time range. It's not too surprising that M3 owners with blown engines are not happy campers and advocate their problems widely. As of the June '02, there are approximately ~8200 M3 (coupe & convt.) in the US and about <100 or so reported problems, so the other ~8100+ folks in the US which have no blown engines are driving more and posting less.
As a car enthusiast, I am admire both brands of cars. Its typical that there is a sense of bias when you ask such a question to the MB crowd . You can go to a BMW board and get another perspective in favor of the M3. So as bagwell already said, you should go and test drive both cars if you can (be sure to test both transmissions on the M3) and see how it fairs from your perspective. my $0.02
Out Of Control!!
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From: Chicago
Volvo V90 CC
Originally posted by gsribhud
im think im going with the m. I think its sportier for my taste. Racking my brains on this decision. Thanks for all your input.
im think im going with the m. I think its sportier for my taste. Racking my brains on this decision. Thanks for all your input.
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From: HKG
Originally posted by gsribhud
im think im going with the m. I think its sportier for my taste. Racking my brains on this decision. Thanks for all your input.
im think im going with the m. I think its sportier for my taste. Racking my brains on this decision. Thanks for all your input.
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally posted by krm
I agree with Frank in that it really depends on your needs and preferences of owning a 2 or 4 door car. Either one is a great driver's machine.
Regarding the problem with blown engines, as Norm stated, this only happens to a specific group of M3s that were built in that time range. It's not too surprising that M3 owners with blown engines are not happy campers and advocate their problems widely. As of the June '02, there are approximately ~8200 M3 (coupe & convt.) in the US and about <100 or so reported problems, so the other ~8100+ folks in the US which have no blown engines are driving more and posting less.
As a car enthusiast, I am admire both brands of cars. Its typical that there is a sense of bias when you ask such a question to the MB crowd . You can go to a BMW board and get another perspective in favor of the M3. So as bagwell already said, you should go and test drive both cars if you can (be sure to test both transmissions on the M3) and see how it fairs from your perspective. my $0.02
I agree with Frank in that it really depends on your needs and preferences of owning a 2 or 4 door car. Either one is a great driver's machine.
Regarding the problem with blown engines, as Norm stated, this only happens to a specific group of M3s that were built in that time range. It's not too surprising that M3 owners with blown engines are not happy campers and advocate their problems widely. As of the June '02, there are approximately ~8200 M3 (coupe & convt.) in the US and about <100 or so reported problems, so the other ~8100+ folks in the US which have no blown engines are driving more and posting less.
As a car enthusiast, I am admire both brands of cars. Its typical that there is a sense of bias when you ask such a question to the MB crowd . You can go to a BMW board and get another perspective in favor of the M3. So as bagwell already said, you should go and test drive both cars if you can (be sure to test both transmissions on the M3) and see how it fairs from your perspective. my $0.02
gsribhud : good decision. you couldn't gone wrong either way.
btw i had the chance to get into a 355 F1 spyder yesterday. Now, that thing was a beast. Ferrari's sequential manual tran is awesome.
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally posted by Boo2
The M3 is more of a looker than the C32. If you want more attention go with the Bimmer.
The M3 is more of a looker than the C32. If you want more attention go with the Bimmer.
M3 is a good way to attract young chics too.
