Would I regret swapping an E36 328i for a Early MR2 Turbo?
Discussion
As per title really.
Always fancied an MR2T. I can't really stretch to a later revision one, and there's guy selling one who wants a 328i sport, which I have.
On the one hand, I'd be losing the creamy 6 cylinder engine and balanced handling, and a fair bit of practicality (which to be fair, isn't really needed very often).
On the other hand, I'd be getting a mid engined, 2 seater sports car with presumably very good performance.
What thinks PH ?
Always fancied an MR2T. I can't really stretch to a later revision one, and there's guy selling one who wants a 328i sport, which I have.
On the one hand, I'd be losing the creamy 6 cylinder engine and balanced handling, and a fair bit of practicality (which to be fair, isn't really needed very often).
On the other hand, I'd be getting a mid engined, 2 seater sports car with presumably very good performance.
What thinks PH ?
bmthnick1981 said:
Looks nice, good ad too. I like the wheels. I've never driven one but imagine it could be fun to tool about in for a month or so, how quick are they vs a 328i sport? I've had plenty of BMW's but never really got into Jap stuff, should try something I suppose...
The guys just got back to me, and he says it feels considerably quicker than a 328i.Looks a little tatty but not unreasonable for the age and price. If I were you, I'd probably go for it. the BMW is unlikely to be much cop on frosty mornings and probably hopeless in the snow unless you use winter tyres, so it's probably not that different to the MR2 in terms of being a bit of a dud in winter. With it's engine layout, the MR2 could be a real handful though!
It's got to be worth it though, I'd make the swap and spend a little money tidying that paint up and maybe getting some new wheels (personal choice, I don't really love those Enkeis) or getting those ones refurbished, and possibly putting a bit aside in case the turbo ever decides to give up.
It's got to be worth it though, I'd make the swap and spend a little money tidying that paint up and maybe getting some new wheels (personal choice, I don't really love those Enkeis) or getting those ones refurbished, and possibly putting a bit aside in case the turbo ever decides to give up.
Well the beemer wouldn't get used when it snows anyway as it wouldn't get out of the street! The car to me is just a toy so I don't really need it to go anywhere when there's bad weather.
Truth be told, the paint condition doesn't bother me hugely; its an old car and as long as the mechanicals are sound them I'm happy. I think the wheels are OK. Not to say that they'd be my favourites (probably would have preferred the original wheels, TBH) but they don't look bad.
Guy seems pretty keen to swap - he's an E36 nut and he is breaking a 328 sport as we speak for parts and seems to want another quite badly, so it pretty much looks like the car would be mine if I wanted it....
Very tempted!
Truth be told, the paint condition doesn't bother me hugely; its an old car and as long as the mechanicals are sound them I'm happy. I think the wheels are OK. Not to say that they'd be my favourites (probably would have preferred the original wheels, TBH) but they don't look bad.
Guy seems pretty keen to swap - he's an E36 nut and he is breaking a 328 sport as we speak for parts and seems to want another quite badly, so it pretty much looks like the car would be mine if I wanted it....
Very tempted!
I don't think you would regret it Paul, in fact I think you should offer the guy some cash his way as well........ 
If you haven't guessed I am 'the other guy'. Funny really I keep thinking the exact same thing, whether I'd regret it or not, I loved my 328i Sport and having to break it is particularly sad, I think that's what's making me want another so much, that and personally I've decided I prefer front engined cars.
As said my MR2 isn't the tidiest one you'll find, but at the price I think it's pretty decent.
If you haven't guessed I am 'the other guy'. Funny really I keep thinking the exact same thing, whether I'd regret it or not, I loved my 328i Sport and having to break it is particularly sad, I think that's what's making me want another so much, that and personally I've decided I prefer front engined cars.
As said my MR2 isn't the tidiest one you'll find, but at the price I think it's pretty decent.
I don't think you'll regret it, no!
(I'm Les's OH, by the way, and not at all biased...........)
But seriously, I was really quite mardy when he casually dropped it into conversation; "Oh, by the way, I've put the MR2 up for sale."
I love driving it, I really do!
Your 328 is now the only reason I'm OK with him getting rid of the MR2 (you've saved him from having an incredibly mardy girlfriend!
)
As Les said, it's not the tidiest example, but you'll fall for it immediately, I reckon. The boot is fairly deep (we can get the shopping and dog food for 2 dogs in it no problem) so it's not completely impractical. And driving it is really involved and engaging. Probably more so than the BMW, to be honest.
But I can understand why you've started this topic. The 328 is an outstanding car.
But, IMO, the MR2 is just that little bit more.... fiesty...
It's a tough one. They're both brill. Like I said, I'm only OK with the loss of the MR2 now that it'll (possibly) be replaced with a 328!
(I'm Les's OH, by the way, and not at all biased...........)
But seriously, I was really quite mardy when he casually dropped it into conversation; "Oh, by the way, I've put the MR2 up for sale."
I love driving it, I really do!
Your 328 is now the only reason I'm OK with him getting rid of the MR2 (you've saved him from having an incredibly mardy girlfriend!
)As Les said, it's not the tidiest example, but you'll fall for it immediately, I reckon. The boot is fairly deep (we can get the shopping and dog food for 2 dogs in it no problem) so it's not completely impractical. And driving it is really involved and engaging. Probably more so than the BMW, to be honest.
But I can understand why you've started this topic. The 328 is an outstanding car.
But, IMO, the MR2 is just that little bit more.... fiesty...
It's a tough one. They're both brill. Like I said, I'm only OK with the loss of the MR2 now that it'll (possibly) be replaced with a 328!
TameRacingDriver said:
Yeah the engine is a sonorous thing in the 328i, very nice. The MR2 is sure to sound a lot more rough and ready but hopefully it'll make up for it in other ways.
Rough and ready is the last expression i'd use to describe the 3SGTE. The engine is an absolute peach. Would go as far to say its one of the nicest engines ive hard the pleasure of running.Stephen.
Scottish_ninja said:
Rough and ready is the last expression i'd use to describe the 3SGTE. The engine is an absolute peach. Would go as far to say its one of the nicest engines ive hard the pleasure of running.
Stephen.
If I had the choise to run a 4 pot turbo in anything, it would be the 3S-GTE, and the 3S-GE is not to be sniffed at either. Lovely engines. Stephen.
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