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VinceFox
14,220 posts
41 months
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sparks_E39 said: The E39. They are money pit's and none of the petrol ones will average 30 mpg unless you do a lot of long journeys, worth the expense though. Love the e39 but for me they feel that bit too big and wafty.
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jbi
5,291 posts
73 months
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E39 530 without a doubt...
Don't like BMW's but dislike French cars even more
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crocodile tears
755 posts
15 months
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the 306gti-6 is the best there for thrashing down country lanes but I'm not sure if its what you're looking for, whilst it is comfortable and roomy enough fuel isnt great. If you don't do much country road thrashing - I'd be tempted by the one of the larger bmws
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Jimbo.
2,012 posts
58 months
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E39 530 with an auto box and the smallest wheels possible. Waft-o-rama 
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Pints
14,698 posts
63 months
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The e39 is a fantastic looking car and has aged incredibly well. The same can't be said for the e36.
All IMHO of course.
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TameRacingDriver
Original Poster
8,244 posts
141 months
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crocodile tears said: the 306gti-6 is the best there for thrashing down country lanes but I'm not sure if its what you're looking for, whilst it is comfortable and roomy enough fuel isnt great. If you don't do much country road thrashing - I'd be tempted by the one of the larger bmws I do a LOT of thrashing down country lanes, which is why my choice is quite hard
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sparks_E39
6,575 posts
82 months
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VinceFox said: Love the e39 but for me they feel that bit too big and wafty. True, sport cars they ain't, although they are good on the twisties for how big they are. For a combination of power, economy and build quality (with a few let downs) not much comes close for the money.
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VinceFox
14,220 posts
41 months
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sparks_E39 said: VinceFox said: Love the e39 but for me they feel that bit too big and wafty. True, sport cars they ain't, although they are good on the twisties for how big they are. For a combination of power, economy and build quality (with a few let downs) not much comes close for the money. Indeed, fair bit of presence for the money too.
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sparks_E39
6,575 posts
82 months
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VinceFox said: Indeed, fair bit of presence for the money too. Yes, mine's just a pre facelift SE so it doesn't look great next to a sport, but I've updated a few bits. OEM angel eyes and clear rears, also fitted a boot lip spoiler. Just on the hunt for some alloys and an Alpina splitter and it will be looking pretty good
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s m
8,109 posts
72 months
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As an all-rounder I'd probably pick the E36 328 - I've sorted the steering on mine to my satisfaction. I guess it depends on your driving style/roads etc though. Second choice would be the 306 but personally I think the BM is better for me with 3 passengers in the car heading down to the South of France/Italy. The E39 530i would probably be my last choice - I guess it might be a more comfy cruiser but apart from a few mph at top end it's no quicker than the 328i and I like the extras you can get on the E36. I'd rather have the smaller, narrower BM of the 2. Nice cars all of them though
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kodos
231 posts
20 months
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As i currently own a e36 328i SE coupe and a e39 530i sport Manual. Ill throw in my two pence. 328i: Previously i have drove a 318i saloon a 316i compact and a 318is coupe. The 328i is a great car it handles well feels fast and is great for going for a hoon. However the 530i is a better all round car hands down. In the sport guise it looks better than the e36, it is not as good on the b roads but for its size still handles great. The 3 litre straight six feels a little bit more relaxed than the 2.8 but in a smooth way. I have a manual 530i which is something i specifically wanted and is the transmission of choice for me. However there is a long throw between gears and if you just want to waft 80% of the time get the auto. If you like a bit more involvement then get the manual. The e39 just feels soo much more modern and has much more kit as standard than a e36. Only other thing to consider is an e39 is more expensive to run and parts cost alot more. I have found my e36's alot easier to work on. If it was me personally i would bag a nice 530i sport if you can find one
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kodos
231 posts
20 months
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sparks_E39 said: The E39. They are money pit's and none of the petrol ones will average 30 mpg unless you do a lot of long journeys, worth the expense though. Finally!! I love my e39 and have no plan on selling it anytime soon, but im glad someone else on here will admit they are money pits and isn't selling dreams of 30-35 mpg to people from a 530i! They are worth the expense but don't get reeled in by people telling you they do 30mpg. Unless you sit in the left hand land all the time at 60mph and reset the trip computer as you join the dual carriageway.
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crocodile tears
755 posts
15 months
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TameRacingDriver said: I do a LOT of thrashing down country lanes, which is why my choice is quite hard  Its one of the main reasons I bought my gti-6  I've even stripped out the interior now even though its my only transport 
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dave87
368 posts
72 months
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e39 530i Sport
but then I might be a little biased.
Surprisingly agile down country lanes, and 231bhp is enough to have some fun....true it isn't an ///M but neither does it have the running costs of one...
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TameRacingDriver
Original Poster
8,244 posts
141 months
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Argh! Even more confused now. Lots of shouts for all of the suggestions. Surprised nobody has commented on the 172 though; I'd specifically be after a Phase 1 or Cup. I know I've had a FF 182 but I'd imagine those clios could ramp up the involvement a bit.
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Orbin
216 posts
15 months
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cslwannabe said: E39 was considered by many to be BMWs finest hour. that and the e38. both very lovely cars.
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crocodile tears
755 posts
15 months
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TameRacingDriver said: Argh! Even more confused now. Lots of shouts for all of the suggestions. Surprised nobody has commented on the 172 though (I'd specifically be after a Phase 1 or Cup). would like to be able to comment on the 172 but I've never driven one.. I think you've got to that point in the thread where the best advice is to go out test drive a gti-6/rallye from somewhere, as if you were disappointed by a 172, whats not to say you'll be disappointed by a gti-6/rallye nobody knows but you as to why you didn't like it.. For me the 172 was a bit of a None starter.. Just the thought of all the awful economy spec clios that I'd been in put me off for a life time
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VumGarda
2,197 posts
44 months
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g3org3y said:  Missing out on a lot of BMWs in that case.  Whilst I agree with your point, I think you've just about single-handedly flogged this meme to death now.
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schmalex
8,674 posts
75 months
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I had an E39 530i M Sport about 10 years ago. It was by far and away the best car I have ever owned.
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sparks_E39
6,575 posts
82 months
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kodos said: Finally!! I love my e39 and have no plan on selling it anytime soon, but im glad someone else on here will admit they are money pits and isn't selling dreams of 30-35 mpg to people from a 530i!
They are worth the expense but don't get reeled in by people telling you they do 30mpg. Unless you sit in the left hand land all the time at 60mph and reset the trip computer as you join the dual carriageway. True, well on a return trip from Poole to Richmond, about 180 miles the norm is 35 mpg at the limit, 40 mpg at 60 mph and no kickdown. It needs to be a long easy journey to get 30 mpg plus though and that journey is all motorways and dual carriageways. My 6 mile journey to work is mostly dual carriageway and rarely any traffic at the speed limit, 24-27 mpg.
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