Is there a genuinely decent alternative to the E46 330ci?
Discussion
Following on from a recent thread on here about the prices of the E46 being all over the place, I'm asking this question...
I had a 330ci and sold it a couple of years ago for about £1800. Since then prices have been climbing for decent ones, particularly manual. Now, don't get me wrong, they're brilliant - hence why I want one, but I just don't feel like paying upwards of 6-7k for a decent one. Or waiting for a facelift 325ti to come up with the 6 speed box at the right price (which can take an absolute age!!)
With the purchase of a reliable car between me and my OH, I now want something a bit more exciting for me to drive. I look back on my 330 sport with fond memories, so does anything actually come close?
I don't want to spend a fortune, I'm not looking at a new car after all... Budget is flexible but no more than 5k ideally, preferably a grand or two less . The things I like about the BMW:
Sporty ride and excellent chassis without being uncomfortable for every day use,
Great sounding 6cyl,
Looks good and has aged well,
Nice and quick,
Well built and reliable (if a bit expensive to maintain, but thats fine!)
Excellent all rounder and great fun to drive.
I'm looking for a genuine alternitive here, not some crappy old Saab 9-3 with uprated suspension or merc with a typical merc horrendous auto box and boat like handling.
The E39's are nice but obviously the more comfortable and slightly more wollowy choice.
Over to you then PH, what do you think? Or is the only option to suck it up and spend a small fortune on an ageing E46?
I had a 330ci and sold it a couple of years ago for about £1800. Since then prices have been climbing for decent ones, particularly manual. Now, don't get me wrong, they're brilliant - hence why I want one, but I just don't feel like paying upwards of 6-7k for a decent one. Or waiting for a facelift 325ti to come up with the 6 speed box at the right price (which can take an absolute age!!)
With the purchase of a reliable car between me and my OH, I now want something a bit more exciting for me to drive. I look back on my 330 sport with fond memories, so does anything actually come close?
I don't want to spend a fortune, I'm not looking at a new car after all... Budget is flexible but no more than 5k ideally, preferably a grand or two less . The things I like about the BMW:
Sporty ride and excellent chassis without being uncomfortable for every day use,
Great sounding 6cyl,
Looks good and has aged well,
Nice and quick,
Well built and reliable (if a bit expensive to maintain, but thats fine!)
Excellent all rounder and great fun to drive.
I'm looking for a genuine alternitive here, not some crappy old Saab 9-3 with uprated suspension or merc with a typical merc horrendous auto box and boat like handling.
The E39's are nice but obviously the more comfortable and slightly more wollowy choice.
Over to you then PH, what do you think? Or is the only option to suck it up and spend a small fortune on an ageing E46?
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