Hey everyone, I have been lurking around this forum for sometime now. I am in the process of selling my 2003 BMW M3 this month to get rid of monthly car payments. I am on the market for a GS300 or GS400. I am looking to spend 10k or less. My brother has a 1998 GS300 with 270k miles and the car still runs strong. I wanted to know your personal opinions on both the GS300 and the GS400. Also what are the things that I should look to replace or repair on the car?

 

I had a 04 M3 before i purchase my GS3. Its a good move.

 

Can you feel the power difference in the I6 vs the V8?

 

Welcome to the club!.....almost.

You can probably get a really solid GS430 for under 10K in today's market. With that budget I don't see any reason to get a GS300 or 400 unless you are shooting for way under 10K. Navi or no Navi are your only real options on the 430.

 

I'll take the 400 or 430 over 300 anyday.....There is a significant difference in power between 4xx's and 300s

 

Its 100HP difference, I definitely felt it. Go down to your local Lexus CPO lot and test drive them just so you know what they both feel like. The Seat-Of-Your pants power gauge is the one that will tell you which motor you want.

 

Hehe. I have been checking CL and the 400 is cheaper than a lot of the 300. How is the ride in the GS and what about the sound system?

 

GS400 drives very smooth, and strong. I had my GS400 for 2 years and never had any problem. Personally I like GS400 better then 430 because 400 has shifter on the steering wheel. But dont take GS300 its way under powered.

 

If i could do it all over again, i would get a 400 or 430.

 

Nice, I don't need navi. I'm thinking about a black silver. White doesn't look to bad.

 

I have a GS400 and sometimes I wish I had a GS300. It's so much easier to turbocharge

 

I was thinking the same thing.
I have a 430 and wouldn't trade if for a 300 unless you throw some boost in..
The nice thing about the 300 is its basically a supra motor, tons of power upgrades..

 

V8 ftw. But, don't expect it to handle like your M3. As long as you realize that you won't be disappointed.

 

I think you pretty much have the idea from what people have already said. I have a 300 and a good friend of mine has a 400. That 100 hp is definitely there but the 300 is still a lot quicker than a lot of cars out there. You have to ask yourself how you plan to drive it. On the highway, my 300 is silk and a 70-90 jump for passing semi's is no problem—juice to spare. Around the city, also no problem. But if you plan to take it to the track or anything like that, either boost the 300 or consider the 400/430.

I used to have a Bimmer, awesome handling, but I haven't spent any time in a loner or garage waiting room since I switched to Lexus. Welcome!

 

IMO the extra HP in the V8 (I thought it was 75 more, 300 and 225 at the crank) will make the transition from an M3 alot easier! Only reason to go with the 300 in my mind is if you plan to boost. You're probably going to want to change the suspension as the GS has a smooth but floaty ride stock; nothing like what you're used to. The handling can be improved with suspension mods but it's gonna be a shock coming from the Bimmer.