e46 325 or 330
Discussion
Luca Brasi said:
Go for the 330. Running costs and fuel consumption are virtually the same.
In theory, this. Nothing about a 330 is more expensive to run than a 325. HOWEVER..
As you are finding, it is easier to find a 325i with your budget than a 330i. Nobody wants a 325i for the reason outlined above so you can often pick up a much nicer 325i for the money, plus they dont tend to attract the muppets quite as much as the 330i does so you might even find one with a nice owner.
Agree that the 330 is the better option running cost wise, and although there are less ragged 325's out there if you take your time there are plenty of mint 330's too.
Vs the E36 Evo, definitely drive both. The E46 is the better 'car' overall, far nicer and more modern interior with better build quality and finish, whilst the E36 isnt bad it does look a little dated now. But it'll be far far more raw to drive, and the steering on the E46's is very numb and unengaging. It doesnt exactly scream on the 36's but it still far better.
Youll want the suspension bushes and shocks to show in receipts in the logbook on any of them or theyll need doing for the car to drive anywhere near as its meant too; particularly the rear trailing arm bushes, 'lollipop' bushes on the rear of the front control arms, rear shock mounts with reinforcement plates and ideally all the major bushes, links, mounts and as said shocks inbetween. Tyre choice is also critical on them, they just dont behave properly on budgets, or at the very least with the same tyres across each axle. Again ideally the all need to be the same.
Theres a few other areas that need checking (you may know all this already if so I apologise lol), but overall the 330's are generally suave cruisers with an edge when you need it in terms of the performance they can supply, but you may not feel satisfied from it. Youll do well not to be impressed by the Evo, and if you can live with it day to day (which isnt difficult atall, just not on the same level as the E46) its the far more exhilarating car.
One last thing to mention though, BMW non sport part prices are pretty cheap, Sport parts can sting (BMW, Lemforder or Meyle only generally), M parts are always a lot more. Theres a reason people that keep them in good condition say the M stands for money. But if you buy a good one from the offset your largely protected from that.
Hope that in some way helps
. 330, able cruiser. Evo, performance car.
Vs the E36 Evo, definitely drive both. The E46 is the better 'car' overall, far nicer and more modern interior with better build quality and finish, whilst the E36 isnt bad it does look a little dated now. But it'll be far far more raw to drive, and the steering on the E46's is very numb and unengaging. It doesnt exactly scream on the 36's but it still far better.
Youll want the suspension bushes and shocks to show in receipts in the logbook on any of them or theyll need doing for the car to drive anywhere near as its meant too; particularly the rear trailing arm bushes, 'lollipop' bushes on the rear of the front control arms, rear shock mounts with reinforcement plates and ideally all the major bushes, links, mounts and as said shocks inbetween. Tyre choice is also critical on them, they just dont behave properly on budgets, or at the very least with the same tyres across each axle. Again ideally the all need to be the same.
Theres a few other areas that need checking (you may know all this already if so I apologise lol), but overall the 330's are generally suave cruisers with an edge when you need it in terms of the performance they can supply, but you may not feel satisfied from it. Youll do well not to be impressed by the Evo, and if you can live with it day to day (which isnt difficult atall, just not on the same level as the E46) its the far more exhilarating car.
One last thing to mention though, BMW non sport part prices are pretty cheap, Sport parts can sting (BMW, Lemforder or Meyle only generally), M parts are always a lot more. Theres a reason people that keep them in good condition say the M stands for money. But if you buy a good one from the offset your largely protected from that.
Hope that in some way helps
. 330, able cruiser. Evo, performance car. Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff