318ti or E36 m3? Long Post...

[momorugger]

the ti has clearly grown on every member on this forum to where it is almost family. plus, an M3 motor gives you better performance than an M3 due to weight, so you get a faster car for less money, even when you factor in the new brakes and suspension needed for safety's sake. Just stick w/ the ti. you already know 'em like the back of your hand. and they have a place in your heart.

[ElfinForest318ti]

It is like comparing apples with oranges.

You don't own a 318ti for the same reason you'd have a E36 M3. The ti is the low cost, practical 3 Series, a bimmer that is still fun to drive. The M3 is the hot rod bimmer, high performance, autobahn cruiser 3 Series.

It is like choosing between an old Porsche 912 or 911S. They're both total different yet look so much alike.

If I could afford it, I'd have both. But since price and cost of ownership was my main considerations, the 318ti is my pick.

[Nitro Nollie]

I had a 1998 318ti sport (M package) for 2 years and loved it.
I sold it and bought a 1997 M3 sedan.

The M3 hands down is just incredible!!!

I owned both for about a year and would constantly switch from the 318ti to the M3 and always drove the M3 ALLOT more!

[bachic55]

I drive my ti every day b/c of the gas prices....driving the M is a luxury experience though compared to the ti! BUT, gas-wise, the 6 cyc's kill the bank account! ( and M3 rips through tires like crazy and at a great expense!)

[tiFreak]

Originally Posted by bachic55

( and M3 rips through tires like crazy and at a great expense!)

you could try not burning out so much

[BakeR318]

If I had never driven the ti, and I was given the option of either the M3 or the ti, I would have probably gone with the M3 because of its reputation as the flagship BMW sports car. Now, having driven a ti for quite some time, I'm pretty sure that for my applications and purposes I'd take the ti. Along with all the reasons that have been stated before...uniqueness, cost efficiency, etc., the ti has too much attitude to dump it off simply because it lacks a larger power plant, modern rear suspension...you get the idea. I'd definitely own an M3 and plan to SOMEDAY, but I think I'll just advance the car I drive as my age/driving skill increases. As a kid going to college in the fall, I don't need the brute force of an M3 to get me around...the ti provides enough fun for me thanks

[elchicano]

Originally Posted by BakeR318

If I had never driven the ti, and I was given the option of either the M3 or the ti, I would have probably gone with the M3 because of its reputation as the flagship BMW sports car. Now, having driven a ti for quite some time, I'm pretty sure that for my applications and purposes I'd take the ti. Along with all the reasons that have been stated before...uniqueness, cost efficiency, etc., the ti has too much attitude to dump it off simply because it lacks a larger power plant, modern rear suspension...you get the idea. I'd definitely own an M3 and plan to SOMEDAY, but I think I'll just advance the car I drive as my age/driving skill increases. As a kid going to college in the fall, I don't need the brute force of an M3 to get me around...the ti provides enough fun for me thanks

+1

[thesk8nmidget]

i would rather have a ti with an m3 motor than a m3

it will be better in every aspect (imo) than just having a m3

but until then its just a ti