M3 replica based on 330ci sports???

[zhenboy]

Is it possible to build/mod a M3 replica from a 330ci sports?

Parts needed:

M3 front and rear bumpers
M3 mirrors
M3 vents
M3 CSL 19" alloys
M3 quad exhaust
M3 badges
plus a possible repaint for the car.

[writesmil ]
Stupid idea... lol

You can probably sell the 330ci and get a M3 for a cheaper price...
but the 330ci based M3 replica means cheaper insurance...

[ok

[BigFas]

Welcome to the forum :)

The list you put is a good start, but there are still some bits for a total conversion that you need. M3 wings (to get the bumpers to fit properly - especially if you're using genuine parts), the wings have flared arches which are a give-away. M3 bonnet, exhaust.

There's a few companies out there which can carry out a conversion, there's http://www.bmwmstyle.co.uk/E46.htm who do very good replica kits which are closeto the original look of the M3.

Not sure why you need a respray, there's a few colours on non M cars which are shared with M cars. Imola red, silver, steel grey, sapphire black etc.

[peppernick]

Unless you really like the shape of the M3, you can mix and match using bits off an M3 but mantain the slender lines of the 330ci. For the same amount of money, you can create a truely top notch 330 that IMO beats the M3 look-alike conversion hands down.

Have a look at this 330 [cool

http://hobbystage.net/bmw/marlon/1073149083-002537.jpg

[zhenboy]

Thanks for your reply.... [cool

Repaint coz I really wanna have a BLACK or RED BMW...its much better than the tit silver color which i got on my 330ci sports at the moment

[BigFas]

LOL, seems a lot of pain to go through for a conversion. Will definitely be cheaper buying an M, but I 200% understand where you're coming from on the insurance front.

I would follow Nick's advice and instead of making a replica M3, go for the tricked out look as he's posted.

Silver's not that bad a base ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/EVeRcyCLinG/FINALS1/IMG_1224.jpg

[zhenboy]

[needpicts

Do you guys have any idea how much could I get to sell my 2000 reg, 39000 miles, titan silver 328ci sports steptronic, fully loaded (OEM sat nav/tv, 6 disc changer, folding mirrors, cream leather, xenon lights, PDC)
cons: some chips on the front bumper, small dent on the rear bumper, 17" alloys.

Parkers guide price for a same age 328 ci auto is 12000-13000GBP
http://www.parkers.co.uk/pricing/used_car/valuation.aspx?deriv=16337&model=94&plate=62&pay=false&buyorsell=sell


Do you think cash deal is better or PX?

[Vert]

You'll always get more for a private cash deal. Traders are always looking to put a mrk up on.

Also see what other cars on Auto Trader are going for?

As you have a lot of spec, add on an extra few quid. If people want a nice example, they'll have to pay for it!

[zhenboy]

You'll always get more for a private cash deal. Traders are always looking to put a mrk up on.

Also see what other cars on Auto Trader are going for?

As you have a lot of spec, add on an extra few quid. If people want a nice example, they'll have to pay for it!

yesh... Im thinking of listing my car on autotrader and ebay motors.
but i heard that there are a lot of tyre-kickers outta there... no interests of buying ur car but testing drive them 4 ffs!

[Vert]

Persoanlly, I wouldn't go for an M rep. I'd go for an individual look. Do what you want to it, it's your chance to make a unique car!

With the colour, don't respray it. Too many consequences, known and unknown. For a start, when it comes to selling on, many people would be put off.

[churchwa]

For the money you will spend. Just buy an M3.

The extra cost of insurance and the difficulty you will have in selling it can also be factored in.

It will end up costing you less, especially the way M3 prices are coming down now.

[zhenboy]

Persoanlly, I wouldn't go for an M rep. I'd go for an individual look. Do what you want to it, it's your chance to make a unique car!

With the colour, don't respray it. Too many consequences, known and unknown. For a start, when it comes to selling on, many people would be put off.

yesh, thats true...

but im very knee on M3s... they are going around £20k+ on autotrader now.
If I can get a good deal on my 328 ci sports i will definitely grab a M3 for X'mas!!! (yes, 4 x'mas....)

=)

[read

[Vert]

You're in a vicious cycle now. You should sell early to get what you can and I would say buy an M3 when the E90 is out, as prices will drop. But then other people will think they should wait too, to get a 328Ci, for instance.

Sell it for a moped, won't lose much, at all then!

[zhenboy]

I could sell the 328ci now and wait until x'mas to get a M3... I think cheap M3s will be around £18500 by then...

[peppernick]

The problem with E46 M3s is that the cars are not old enough for buyers to know what lies around the corner. I personally haven't seen a car that has done more than 80,000 miles. Compare that to the e36 M3, it's the other way round. Most of the potential problems have been ironed out and buyers know the weakest link, the Vanos on the S50 engines. They can then look out for it.

We know that earlier E46 M3 suffered engine blow ups due to the fragile nature of the peak tuned Motorsport 6 and the engine big end bearing (cars within the dealer network all had this recall work done). Newer cars are then tuned down slightly to prevent more blow ups.

This is classically the twilight period where there's uncertainties which can potentially be very expensive to deal with. So IMO, buying a high mileage E46 M3 is a bit of a gamble. Those with warranty will not be less than £20k. However, only time will tell and I could be wrong.

Unless you can get one with warranty and keep renewing the warranty, I'll tread carefully. The 330 is tried and tested and a lot of them have been used as work horses up and down the motorway, and have racked up a lot of miles. These engines are virtually bullet proof and as far as the chassis go, if you service the car regularly and replace weaker parts like the rear top shock mount and lower arm control bushes, you know you can't go wrong.

Just my 2 cents.

[zhenboy]

The problem with E46 M3s is that the cars are not old enough for buyers to know what lies around the corner. I personally haven't seen a car that has done more than 80,000 miles. Compare that to the e36 M3, it's the other way round. Most of the potential problems have been ironed out and buyers know the weakest link, the Vanos on the S52 engines. They can then look out for it.

We know that earlier E46 M3 suffered engine blow ups due to the fragile nature of the peak tuned Motorsport 6 and the engine big end bearing (cars within the dealer network all had this recall work done). Newer cars are then tuned down slightly to prevent more blow ups.

This is classically the twilight period where there's uncertainties which can potentially be very expensive to deal with. So IMO, buying a high mileage E46 M3 is a bit of a gamble. Those with warranty will not be less than £20k. However, only time will tell and I could be wrong.

Unless you can get one with warranty and keep renewing the warranty, I'll tread carefully. The 330 is tried and tested and a lot of them have been used as work horses up and down the motorway, and have racked up a lot of miles. These engines are virtually bullet proof and as far as the chassis go, if you service the car regularly and replace weaker parts like the rear top shock mount and lower arm control bushes, you know you can't go wrong.

Just my 2 cents.


Peppernick, thanks for the info...


[ok I am actually very happy with my 328ci sports, she never turned me down =)

Anyway, I think I will have to sell it next month. Need some cash for a summer holiday in China. =)

[330ci Convertible]

Gotat to agree with all the previous posts, don't have a replica M3.

You gotta have the performance to match the looks.

[Nickleback]

For the money you will spend. Just buy an M3.

The extra cost of insurance and the difficulty you will have in selling it can also be factored in.

It will end up costing you less, especially the way M3 prices are coming down now.

Yeah, churchwa's right - sell yours for top money privately, then do a deal on an M3 ! [hmm [hmm