Bored: 2004 530i vs. 1999 M3
11-11-2006, 06:25 PM
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My Ride: 2004 530i stock.
2000 Jeep Wrangler non-stock =)
Anyone ever driven an older M3? Just curious how it might stack up against my 530 in today's world.
11-11-2006, 08:11 PM
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My Ride: 2006 550i
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cold weather package/ convenience package/premium sound package/ sport package/sunshades/Navigation/ V3 cradle/ OE 166 wheels/M-tech upgrade/M rear spoiler/ racemesh m-tech grill/racemesh kidney grills/M5 mirrors/M5 steering wheel/ HID fog light conversion/ M5 SMG paddles
two totally different cars...if one could find a low miles M3 it might be fun. New 530 though...better finishes, but not much behind the pedal. I guess it really depends what youre looking for, but for me, I choose speed and refinement (either 550 or M5!!) 
11-11-2006, 09:15 PM
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My Ride: 2004 530i stock.
2000 Jeep Wrangler non-stock =)
Originally Posted by Matt BMW California' post='355098' date='Nov 11 2006, 09:11 PM
two totally different cars...if one could find a low miles M3 it might be fun. New 530 though...better finishes, but not much behind the pedal. I guess it really depends what youre looking for, but for me, I choose speed and refinement (either 550 or M5!!)
11-11-2006, 09:34 PM
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My Ride: 2006 550i
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options include:
cold weather package/ convenience package/premium sound package/ sport package/sunshades/Navigation/ V3 cradle/ OE 166 wheels/M-tech upgrade/M rear spoiler/ racemesh m-tech grill/racemesh kidney grills/M5 mirrors/M5 steering wheel/ HID fog light conversion/ M5 SMG paddles
Originally Posted by Bubbarossa' post='355110' date='Nov 11 2006, 10:15 PM
Well, i guess i should have been a little more clear. I was just bored looking at specs on older cars, M5s and M3s and just noticed that hp-wise they (old M3 and current 5-series) were pretty close. I suppose other things such as weight, gears, and transmission might make a difference. However, seeing an older M3 i was just wondering if WE could take them.
11-11-2006, 11:24 PM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
a 545 or 550 toast the old E36 M3. The 545 will almost hang with a E46 M3 on the highway because of the V8 grunt. but a 2004 530 with "about the same power" is too heavy and the car isnt optimized to run with the E36 M3 Maybe the 255hp 530 will do better but I'm not sure. a 535 will toast it when it comes out. Probably even toast a E46 M3 
11-11-2006, 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by EBMCS03' post='355129' date='Nov 12 2006, 08:24 AM
a 535 will toast it when it comes out. Probably even toast a E46 M3
ABC
11-13-2006, 07:07 AM
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My Ride: 06 530XI Sapphire Black, Black Int. 6sp, Cold, Prem
and since the 99 M3 is out of warranty, you won't be bored when the cashier hands you a copy of your bill.
11-13-2006, 07:49 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by aybeesea' post='355130' date='Nov 12 2006, 12:29 AM
I guess owners will confirm but the remapped 535d already does.
ABC
ABC
11-13-2006, 07:57 AM
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My Ride: E61 535d Apr 05. UK spec + Media Pack, Luxury Pack & Visibility Pack
Originally Posted by aybeesea' post='355130' date='Nov 12 2006, 08:29 AM
I guess owners will confirm but the remapped 535d already does.
ABC
ABC
To be honest, if you are looking at late E36 M3 onwards (3.2 litre engine), you'd need an M5 to stand a chance to get away in a straight line. There's nearly 400 kg between a 550i (or a 535d) and an M3 E36... and the thing was pumping out 290 bhp IIRC
But from Bubbarossa's posts it seems that he is talking of the early E36 M3 US spec. In which case, I'd still say that a 530i will not really cope on the straight.