Best of NA? Any recommendations?

[anonymous-user]

I used to have an E46, 330ci... I have been thinking about going back to NA after severe EGR cooler problems on my 335d that left me without a car for 3 months.

Any recommendations?
Cylinder count must be 6-12
0-60s must be less than 6 seconds

Won’t be used for school runs.

Only driving around 8k miles a year so not fussed on fuel costs.
Budget £4-8

Thanks

[kurt535]

You know its BMW's straight 6 calling....

[Deep Thought]

As above, BMW 6 cylinders spring to mind.

Mercedes do some good petrol variants too - C350 springs to mind.

Also, do you need 4 seats?

[ZX10R NIN]

Most will suggest a 330i (they're also a smidge over 6 seconds 0-60mph but I don't see it as a big issue) but there are some very good & interesting alternatives, I'm guessing you need four seats from your previous cars so here's the alternates list:

Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 it's a Busso not much more to say.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Vauxhall Monaro V8 lariness

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Monaro-2005-5-...

R36 Passat CC a bit of a sleeper but a very capable car

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Infiniti G37 (in saloon/coupe/AWD Saloon) these are another sleeper but they're properly quick & handle well

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mercedes C350 Elegance these are very hard to find especially as a sport model so you'll have to hunt/haggle/stretch the budget to get one, but you can get an Elegance model & then spend some money on a set of springs.:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

C55 AMG these are just bombastic & a very good place to while away 8k

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CLK350 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

3.2 A5 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Audi S5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

630i M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

650i M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[soad]

Brera V6 isn't a Busso though? GM-derived, iirc? Happy to be corrected.

[Deep Thought]

soad said:

Brera V6 isn't a Busso though? GM-derived, iirc? Happy to be corrected.

Correct.

This, however is an Alfa with the Busso and in budget.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by Deep Thought on Sunday 7th April 14:47

[ZX10R NIN]

Deep Thought said:

Correct.

This, however is an Alfa with the Busso and in budget.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by Deep Thought on Sunday 7th April 14:47

I stand corrected I didn't realise there was a change.

Any of those of any interest OP?

[Mr Tidy]

OP, I think you know the answer - BMW 330i!

I just picked up a 55 plate 330i and love it. OK it's 6.3 seconds for 0-62, but that seems near enough!

Failing that, if 2 seats is an option how about a Z4 3.0Si Coupe - 0-62 in 5.7 seconds?

[anonymous-user]

Truly appreciate all the responses. Thank you.

[anonymous-user]

Mr Tidy said:

OP, I think you know the answer - BMW 330i!

I just picked up a 55 plate 330i and love it. OK it's 6.3 seconds for 0-62, but that seems near enough!

Failing that, if 2 seats is an option how about a Z4 3.0Si Coupe - 0-62 in 5.7 seconds?

Does that engine suffer from timing chain problems?

[Gregmitchell]

Is there any marked difference between the 330i & 335i that commands the premium?

[Deep Thought]

Gregmitchell said:

Is there any marked difference between the 330i & 335i that commands the premium?

Yes. The 335i is turbo'd.

Personally, i'd prefer the N/A 330i.

[cerb4.5lee]

Super_G said:

Does that engine suffer from timing chain problems?

No and it is a very reliable unit. Its only weak point is the water pump...although my 2006 model 330i used to drink oil at a rate of 1 litre every 2k miles but I just got used to it.

My main criticism of the engine is how muted it is from inside the cabin and the exhaust, I think a lovely engine like that should be more vocal(although that is just my personal taste).

[Mr Tidy]

cerb4.5lee said:

No and it is a very reliable unit. Its only weak point is the water pump...although my 2006 model 330i used to drink oil at a rate of 1 litre every 2k miles but I just got used to it.

My main criticism of the engine is how muted it is from inside the cabin and the exhaust, I think a lovely engine like that should be more vocal(although that is just my personal taste).

Well it can sound lovely - it certainly does in my Z4 Coupe with sound-generator foam out and a custom cat-back exhaust!

But it's so timid in my 330i - although that is slightly more vocal than the 325i it replaced.

Oil use on these N52 engines seems a bit random - my Z4C has only used 2 litres in the last 7,000 miles, the same as my 325i did. My previous Z4C used none in 8,000 miles.

Anyway a 335i is out if you want N/A as it has a turbo (or 2 on early ones) and is going to be in the £500 a year road tax band!

[Terzo123]

Not sure if this link will work - C55 AMG. Top of your budget but looks a very good one.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/C63AMGUK/permalink...

[cerb4.5lee]

Mr Tidy said:

cerb4.5lee said:

No and it is a very reliable unit. Its only weak point is the water pump...although my 2006 model 330i used to drink oil at a rate of 1 litre every 2k miles but I just got used to it.

My main criticism of the engine is how muted it is from inside the cabin and the exhaust, I think a lovely engine like that should be more vocal(although that is just my personal taste).

Well it can sound lovely - it certainly does in my Z4 Coupe with sound-generator foam out and a custom cat-back exhaust!

But it's so timid in my 330i - although that is slightly more vocal than the 325i it replaced.

Oil use on these N52 engines seems a bit random - my Z4C has only used 2 litres in the last 7,000 miles, the same as my 325i did. My previous Z4C used none in 8,000 miles.

Anyway a 335i is out if you want N/A as it has a turbo (or 2 on early ones) and is going to be in the £500 a year road tax band!

Good to hear(excuse the pun) that it can sound lovely in the Z4 then.

I think my 330i must have been run in really badly and that has been the cause of the heavy oil consumption. The N52 is such a smooth and free revving engine and it is certainly becoming a thing of the past for sure.

[Nick-ST]

For me it would have to be an E46 330. You would get a very nice example with change in your budget. Has it got to be 6 cylinders? If not the EP3 Civic Type R is absolutely destined to be a classic and a cosmic grey premier edition model will be the first to skyrocket in value! Cracking engine!