Alfa 156 V6 vs BMW 328i/528i
Discussion
Hi guys.
I'm torn between what to go for and was hoping that some/any on here might proffer their opinion.
I've decided it's time in my life for more than 4 cylinders. So I've settled on either an Alfa 156, on the strength of engine and chassis (albeit FWD), and the fact I've liked them ever since I first saw one back in 1998, or a BMW 328i E36 (or possibly a E39 528i), on the strength of german engineering, not to mention would suit a Nurburgring trip a lot more.
Both have similar practicality, size, economy, service bills.
I've got £2k, which I know isn't a lot, but reckon a 60k-80k mile 156 can be had for that, and I really, REALLY love the red leather interior you can get. So much so that I can forgive a cloth/grey leather interior as it'll most likely be replaced within weeks.
Is any BMW (of reasonable mileage/reliability) likely to fall within my budget?
And which is a nicer place to "operate" from, as a driver?
Cheers for any recommendations either way!
I'm torn between what to go for and was hoping that some/any on here might proffer their opinion.
I've decided it's time in my life for more than 4 cylinders. So I've settled on either an Alfa 156, on the strength of engine and chassis (albeit FWD), and the fact I've liked them ever since I first saw one back in 1998, or a BMW 328i E36 (or possibly a E39 528i), on the strength of german engineering, not to mention would suit a Nurburgring trip a lot more.
Both have similar practicality, size, economy, service bills.
I've got £2k, which I know isn't a lot, but reckon a 60k-80k mile 156 can be had for that, and I really, REALLY love the red leather interior you can get. So much so that I can forgive a cloth/grey leather interior as it'll most likely be replaced within weeks.
Is any BMW (of reasonable mileage/reliability) likely to fall within my budget?
And which is a nicer place to "operate" from, as a driver?
Cheers for any recommendations either way!
I can comment on the BMW, so I won't.
The 156 V6 is a fine car, great on a run, very juicy about town. I have a 1998 156 which has aged very well, the sills are starting to bubble a little and I intend to get this sorted next year. Everything still works perfectly, nothing has fallen off and there are no rattles from the interior. Most importantly, the car has been very reliable, I made sure when I was looking for a 156, I went for a car that had few owners (mine was 1 owner from new) and had a documented service history.
Bits to look out for; make sure the cambelt service has been completed, on the V6 every 48,000 miles is recommend by many. If you need to have a cambelt change, make sure you include the water pump, it's another £100, however if your water pump fails you will only end up shelling out on labour again.
Because the V6 is a heavier unit, the breaks and suspension have to work harder more so if the car has the sportpack suspension. Also look out for knocks from the suspension this may mean the bushes have perished and require replacement.
I think as a design the 156 has aged well. The interior design is very attractive which styling that nods towards the Giulia and dials which are angled to favor the driver.
If I had a choice I would buy one with the Sportpack, this will include the 16" teledials, sports suspension, carbon effect dash and as you say preferably with leather as the in my opinion the cloth seats are horrible.
The 156 V6 is a fine car, great on a run, very juicy about town. I have a 1998 156 which has aged very well, the sills are starting to bubble a little and I intend to get this sorted next year. Everything still works perfectly, nothing has fallen off and there are no rattles from the interior. Most importantly, the car has been very reliable, I made sure when I was looking for a 156, I went for a car that had few owners (mine was 1 owner from new) and had a documented service history.
Bits to look out for; make sure the cambelt service has been completed, on the V6 every 48,000 miles is recommend by many. If you need to have a cambelt change, make sure you include the water pump, it's another £100, however if your water pump fails you will only end up shelling out on labour again.
Because the V6 is a heavier unit, the breaks and suspension have to work harder more so if the car has the sportpack suspension. Also look out for knocks from the suspension this may mean the bushes have perished and require replacement.
I think as a design the 156 has aged well. The interior design is very attractive which styling that nods towards the Giulia and dials which are angled to favor the driver.
If I had a choice I would buy one with the Sportpack, this will include the 16" teledials, sports suspension, carbon effect dash and as you say preferably with leather as the in my opinion the cloth seats are horrible.
Hmmm. That is my only worry, the understeer.
Tempted by a few I've seen about though:
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1303323.htm
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C116649/#
Tempted by a few I've seen about though:
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1303323.htm
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C116649/#
Opulent said:
Hmmm. That is my only worry, the understeer.
Tempted by a few I've seen about though:
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1303323.htm
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C116649/#
The black one looks a very nice car.Tempted by a few I've seen about though:
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1303323.htm
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C116649/#
As for the red one. I'm dubious about that one, it says it's had one lady owner but is being advertised by a bloke who says he's selling it because he needs a Left hooker.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...
Love the wheel/colour combo. Actually, looks like what I'm after. 170 miles away though...!
Love the wheel/colour combo. Actually, looks like what I'm after. 170 miles away though...!
rottie102 said:
Fruitcake said:
It has got to be the Alfa. Aside from the fact that you sound like you've already made up your mind, take one look at this and tell me you don't want one over the BMW:
...but then on the other side EVERYTHING ELSE apart from looks will be better on the BMW...;)
You May Regret Buying the Alfa ! For a Number of reasons (you may already be factoring these reasons in to your equation)
...There is Nothing at all to be concerned about owning/Driving & Running a 328 or 528i!
(a 328i Sport for example, is A Very accomplished Car Indeed, and will only increase in value if kept in good order)
Have a good drive of them both.....Rear wheel Drive is the only way to go
...There is Nothing at all to be concerned about owning/Driving & Running a 328 or 528i!
(a 328i Sport for example, is A Very accomplished Car Indeed, and will only increase in value if kept in good order)
Have a good drive of them both.....Rear wheel Drive is the only way to go
Buzzkill said:
2k will see you a very average 90k+ 328 Coupe with haggling unless your very lucky. Good condition, well cared for examples well under a ton are 3k+ no problem.
That's what I waas thinking, but just wanted someone to confirm my suspicions! The joy of car hunting and the inevitable "what ifs". fildigger said:
You May Regret Buying the Alfa ! For a Number of reasons (you may already be factoring these reasons in to your equation)
...There is Nothing at all to be concerned about owning/Driving & Running a 328 or 528i!
(a 328i Sport for example, is A Very accomplished Car Indeed, and will only increase in value if kept in good order)
Really?...There is Nothing at all to be concerned about owning/Driving & Running a 328 or 528i!
(a 328i Sport for example, is A Very accomplished Car Indeed, and will only increase in value if kept in good order)
I can't talking about the driving experience of the BMW. What I do know is they suffer with tin worm, my mates W-plate is an example of this. This car has also had engine management issues as did the previous 3 series he owned.
Of course, it's a BMW so he must be unlucky eh? If it's an Alfa, oh yeah, that's because it's a Alfa so that all do that.
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