First bmw (and first car) advice?
Discussion
I think if this were a radio show I'd be a long time listener first time caller, have been reading pistonheads for a year and a bit now and enjoying many threads from the various forums so thought it was time I got an account and actually posted.
Essentially I'm getting sick of driving round in my mum's 1.6 derv astra and want to spend some of my hard earned cash on a decent car of my own. My dad has always had BMWs (apart from a disappointing 2 years where he had a primera) including an E36, E46, E39, E61 and F11, so I have carried on this obsession.
I'm currently a 20 year old student, so budget isn't huge and neither is mileage. Mostly shorter journeys into the countryside and the occasional longer trips across the country. My main 'wants' are 6 cylinders, folding seats (or can take a bike in the boot) and a manual (unless the spec on the automatic car is ridiculously good). I seem to be going around in circles at the minute going from a bargey car like an E39/E60 530i or a 630i to a more sporty car like an E92 330i/325i and then something a little rarer like an E46 320ci/325ci/330ci so I'd just like to hear opinions on what most people think are a good idea given my circumstances.
Should say insurance doesn't seem to change much from car to car for me and budget is £3500 - £4500 .
Advise away...
Essentially I'm getting sick of driving round in my mum's 1.6 derv astra and want to spend some of my hard earned cash on a decent car of my own. My dad has always had BMWs (apart from a disappointing 2 years where he had a primera) including an E36, E46, E39, E61 and F11, so I have carried on this obsession.
I'm currently a 20 year old student, so budget isn't huge and neither is mileage. Mostly shorter journeys into the countryside and the occasional longer trips across the country. My main 'wants' are 6 cylinders, folding seats (or can take a bike in the boot) and a manual (unless the spec on the automatic car is ridiculously good). I seem to be going around in circles at the minute going from a bargey car like an E39/E60 530i or a 630i to a more sporty car like an E92 330i/325i and then something a little rarer like an E46 320ci/325ci/330ci so I'd just like to hear opinions on what most people think are a good idea given my circumstances.
Should say insurance doesn't seem to change much from car to car for me and budget is £3500 - £4500 .
Advise away...
I think you want a BMW, so Toyota or Skoda suggestions may not be much help!
I've had BMWs continuously since 2005 and currently have numbers 7 and 8.
But I'd ignore my first 2 as they were turbo-diesels due to work car allowance, etc.
Since then mine have all been 6 cylinder N/A petrols which sounds like what you want.
For fitting a bike in my E46 325ti Compact would have worked fine, but most E46s are getting a bit crusty now.
I replaced it with an E91 325i Touring which would have worked even better, but found it disappointing in the performance stakes so that went after a year.
Replaced it with an E90 330i because I found one with the split/fold rear seats - and E91 330i Tourings were nearly twice the price, which I just couldn't justify.
Although I could be persuaded to part with it now as my circumstances have changed - again!
I've had BMWs continuously since 2005 and currently have numbers 7 and 8.
But I'd ignore my first 2 as they were turbo-diesels due to work car allowance, etc.
Since then mine have all been 6 cylinder N/A petrols which sounds like what you want.
For fitting a bike in my E46 325ti Compact would have worked fine, but most E46s are getting a bit crusty now.
I replaced it with an E91 325i Touring which would have worked even better, but found it disappointing in the performance stakes so that went after a year.
Replaced it with an E90 330i because I found one with the split/fold rear seats - and E91 330i Tourings were nearly twice the price, which I just couldn't justify.
Although I could be persuaded to part with it now as my circumstances have changed - again!
Mr Tidy said:
I think you want a BMW, so Toyota or Skoda suggestions may not be much help!
I've had BMWs continuously since 2005 and currently have numbers 7 and 8.
But I'd ignore my first 2 as they were turbo-diesels due to work car allowance, etc.
Since then mine have all been 6 cylinder N/A petrols which sounds like what you want.
For fitting a bike in my E46 325ti Compact would have worked fine, but most E46s are getting a bit crusty now.
I replaced it with an E91 325i Touring which would have worked even better, but found it disappointing in the performance stakes so that went after a year.
Replaced it with an E90 330i because I found one with the split/fold rear seats - and E91 330i Tourings were nearly twice the price, which I just couldn't justify.
Although I could be persuaded to part with it now as my circumstances have changed - again!
Yes you'd be correct in most of that, the fact that N/A engines are essentially a thing of the past means I want to have a go before there are none left! A 330i (or 325i with the N53 which I believe have good remapping options) would be great, in E92 guise they all seem to have folding seats as well. My only qualm with them is that they're a bit 'normal' looking whereas the E46 seems a little more special, but as you say maybe good examples are becoming hard to find...I've had BMWs continuously since 2005 and currently have numbers 7 and 8.
But I'd ignore my first 2 as they were turbo-diesels due to work car allowance, etc.
Since then mine have all been 6 cylinder N/A petrols which sounds like what you want.
For fitting a bike in my E46 325ti Compact would have worked fine, but most E46s are getting a bit crusty now.
I replaced it with an E91 325i Touring which would have worked even better, but found it disappointing in the performance stakes so that went after a year.
Replaced it with an E90 330i because I found one with the split/fold rear seats - and E91 330i Tourings were nearly twice the price, which I just couldn't justify.
Although I could be persuaded to part with it now as my circumstances have changed - again!
Given your age, I'm guessing insurance will be a bit of a thing.
Yes many E46's are a bit "crusty", but there are still good ones around (mine has zero rust issues). However just remember that whatever you buy, it's likely to be 12-15 years old or more so things will need doing, (unless you find one that's already had those things done). E.g a full suspension refresh. Bushes, springs and shocks will all be tired at that age, regardless of the mileage, yes it might pass an MOT, but that doesn't mean that you won't see a massive difference in how it drives. Having done that exact thing on my E46 330cd, my specialist who looks after it reckons it's the nicest driving one (including M3's) that's he's driven in many years.
I can vouch the 325Ti compact, the engine is an absolute peach, if you can live with the looks it's practical, fast and really sweet. Any E46 325 or 330 petrol should be sweet as nut, if it's not, walk away unless you know what your doing.
Yes an E46 will likely cost a bit more in maintenance, but on the other hand the depreciation will be zero if you look after it. I imagine it will likely go up in value over the next 5-10 years as well.
My E46 will be staying with me forever as it's renewed my love of driving and whilst some may go "oh it's diesel", trust me when I say the 204bhp 3l is really sweet.
If however you are looking to run it on a "budget" and want something that's relatively cheap to run, then an E46 is not really for you. I'm banking on £1,000 - £1,500pa in maintenance and preventive maintenance, although that does include mild improvements to the car, but likewise depreciation is zero and I absolutely love the car.
However I would note that I hate my cars being anything less than perfect mechnically, so spend more than many would on the same car.
Yes many E46's are a bit "crusty", but there are still good ones around (mine has zero rust issues). However just remember that whatever you buy, it's likely to be 12-15 years old or more so things will need doing, (unless you find one that's already had those things done). E.g a full suspension refresh. Bushes, springs and shocks will all be tired at that age, regardless of the mileage, yes it might pass an MOT, but that doesn't mean that you won't see a massive difference in how it drives. Having done that exact thing on my E46 330cd, my specialist who looks after it reckons it's the nicest driving one (including M3's) that's he's driven in many years.
I can vouch the 325Ti compact, the engine is an absolute peach, if you can live with the looks it's practical, fast and really sweet. Any E46 325 or 330 petrol should be sweet as nut, if it's not, walk away unless you know what your doing.
Yes an E46 will likely cost a bit more in maintenance, but on the other hand the depreciation will be zero if you look after it. I imagine it will likely go up in value over the next 5-10 years as well.
My E46 will be staying with me forever as it's renewed my love of driving and whilst some may go "oh it's diesel", trust me when I say the 204bhp 3l is really sweet.
If however you are looking to run it on a "budget" and want something that's relatively cheap to run, then an E46 is not really for you. I'm banking on £1,000 - £1,500pa in maintenance and preventive maintenance, although that does include mild improvements to the car, but likewise depreciation is zero and I absolutely love the car.
However I would note that I hate my cars being anything less than perfect mechnically, so spend more than many would on the same car.
RicoOS said:
Given your age, I'm guessing insurance will be a bit of a thing.
Yes many E46's are a bit "crusty", but there are still good ones around (mine has zero rust issues). However just remember that whatever you buy, it's likely to be 12-15 years old or more so things will need doing, (unless you find one that's already had those things done). E.g a full suspension refresh. Bushes, springs and shocks will all be tired at that age, regardless of the mileage, yes it might pass an MOT, but that doesn't mean that you won't see a massive difference in how it drives. Having done that exact thing on my E46 330cd, my specialist who looks after it reckons it's the nicest driving one (including M3's) that's he's driven in many years.
I can vouch the 325Ti compact, the engine is an absolute peach, if you can live with the looks it's practical, fast and really sweet. Any E46 325 or 330 petrol should be sweet as nut, if it's not, walk away unless you know what your doing.
Yes an E46 will likely cost a bit more in maintenance, but on the other hand the depreciation will be zero if you look after it. I imagine it will likely go up in value over the next 5-10 years as well.
My E46 will be staying with me forever as it's renewed my love of driving and whilst some may go "oh it's diesel", trust me when I say the 204bhp 3l is really sweet.
If however you are looking to run it on a "budget" and want something that's relatively cheap to run, then an E46 is not really for you. I'm banking on £1,000 - £1,500pa in maintenance and preventive maintenance, although that does include mild improvements to the car, but likewise depreciation is zero and I absolutely love the car.
However I would note that I hate my cars being anything less than perfect mechnically, so spend more than many would on the same car.
Insurance doesn't vary massively for some reason, I even looked at a 650i originally and even that was just under 1k, the insurers do use the dark arts though.Yes many E46's are a bit "crusty", but there are still good ones around (mine has zero rust issues). However just remember that whatever you buy, it's likely to be 12-15 years old or more so things will need doing, (unless you find one that's already had those things done). E.g a full suspension refresh. Bushes, springs and shocks will all be tired at that age, regardless of the mileage, yes it might pass an MOT, but that doesn't mean that you won't see a massive difference in how it drives. Having done that exact thing on my E46 330cd, my specialist who looks after it reckons it's the nicest driving one (including M3's) that's he's driven in many years.
I can vouch the 325Ti compact, the engine is an absolute peach, if you can live with the looks it's practical, fast and really sweet. Any E46 325 or 330 petrol should be sweet as nut, if it's not, walk away unless you know what your doing.
Yes an E46 will likely cost a bit more in maintenance, but on the other hand the depreciation will be zero if you look after it. I imagine it will likely go up in value over the next 5-10 years as well.
My E46 will be staying with me forever as it's renewed my love of driving and whilst some may go "oh it's diesel", trust me when I say the 204bhp 3l is really sweet.
If however you are looking to run it on a "budget" and want something that's relatively cheap to run, then an E46 is not really for you. I'm banking on £1,000 - £1,500pa in maintenance and preventive maintenance, although that does include mild improvements to the car, but likewise depreciation is zero and I absolutely love the car.
However I would note that I hate my cars being anything less than perfect mechnically, so spend more than many would on the same car.
The depreciation probably should be a factor of consideration, an E46 330 seems to be relatively difficult to find now, moreso with a manual, and there's some selling for quite big money. I think deep down I know an e9x model is going to be better in most senses, but the E46 seems a lot more 'interesting' and decent ones are becoming rarer. Not sure I'd be able to outright drop 1k a year just on keeping it running but I could set aside a slush fund of sorts around that amount. I think my main fear is finding a nice E46 and it turning out the be rusty all over the sills, mounts, arches etc, but I believe the engines are fairly 'bombproof'?
SideshowCecil said:
I think if this were a radio show I'd be a long time listener first time caller, have been reading pistonheads for a year and a bit now and enjoying many threads from the various forums so thought it was time I got an account and actually posted.
Essentially I'm getting sick of driving round in my mum's 1.6 derv astra and want to spend some of my hard earned cash on a decent car of my own. My dad has always had BMWs (apart from a disappointing 2 years where he had a primera) including an E36, E46, E39, E61 and F11, so I have carried on this obsession.
I'm currently a 20 year old student, so budget isn't huge and neither is mileage. Mostly shorter journeys into the countryside and the occasional longer trips across the country. My main 'wants' are 6 cylinders, folding seats (or can take a bike in the boot) and a manual (unless the spec on the automatic car is ridiculously good). I seem to be going around in circles at the minute going from a bargey car like an E39/E60 530i or a 630i to a more sporty car like an E92 330i/325i and then something a little rarer like an E46 320ci/325ci/330ci so I'd just like to hear opinions on what most people think are a good idea given my circumstances.
Should say insurance doesn't seem to change much from car to car for me and budget is £3500 - £4500 .
Advise away...
Welcome to the forum Essentially I'm getting sick of driving round in my mum's 1.6 derv astra and want to spend some of my hard earned cash on a decent car of my own. My dad has always had BMWs (apart from a disappointing 2 years where he had a primera) including an E36, E46, E39, E61 and F11, so I have carried on this obsession.
I'm currently a 20 year old student, so budget isn't huge and neither is mileage. Mostly shorter journeys into the countryside and the occasional longer trips across the country. My main 'wants' are 6 cylinders, folding seats (or can take a bike in the boot) and a manual (unless the spec on the automatic car is ridiculously good). I seem to be going around in circles at the minute going from a bargey car like an E39/E60 530i or a 630i to a more sporty car like an E92 330i/325i and then something a little rarer like an E46 320ci/325ci/330ci so I'd just like to hear opinions on what most people think are a good idea given my circumstances.
Should say insurance doesn't seem to change much from car to car for me and budget is £3500 - £4500 .
Advise away...
IMO, going to be tricky to find an E39/E60/63 with a manual box, not that common compared to autos.
AFAIK, there's nt split/fold rear seat option on the E63. The boot is big, not sure whether it would fit a bike easily.
As Mr Tidy mentions, split/fold rear seats rare on the E90 (standard on the E92/E91). On the E46, when you fold the seats, you still have a beam across limiting access.
Not sure how much that would affect getting a bike in/out of there. If it's a problem, I'd suggest a Touring. Practical and look really good.
I think your budget is decent and if insurance not an issue, it's got to be a 325 or 330.
IME, the E9X is a more complete package than the E46.
SideshowCecil said:
Insurance doesn't vary massively for some reason, I even looked at a 650i originally and even that was just under 1k, the insurers do use the dark arts though.
The depreciation probably should be a factor of consideration, an E46 330 seems to be relatively difficult to find now, moreso with a manual, and there's some selling for quite big money. I think deep down I know an e9x model is going to be better in most senses, but the E46 seems a lot more 'interesting' and decent ones are becoming rarer. Not sure I'd be able to outright drop 1k a year just on keeping it running but I could set aside a slush fund of sorts around that amount. I think my main fear is finding a nice E46 and it turning out the be rusty all over the sills, mounts, arches etc, but I believe the engines are fairly 'bombproof'?
Manual examples seem to command a premium because they are uncommon. The depreciation probably should be a factor of consideration, an E46 330 seems to be relatively difficult to find now, moreso with a manual, and there's some selling for quite big money. I think deep down I know an e9x model is going to be better in most senses, but the E46 seems a lot more 'interesting' and decent ones are becoming rarer. Not sure I'd be able to outright drop 1k a year just on keeping it running but I could set aside a slush fund of sorts around that amount. I think my main fear is finding a nice E46 and it turning out the be rusty all over the sills, mounts, arches etc, but I believe the engines are fairly 'bombproof'?
I don't think you need to be concerned much re depreciation. These cars are at the bottom of the curve imo. Good ones will be worth more and retain the value.
E46s have the M54 engine which is pretty robust. Can use a bit of oil but tbh no 'major' failings (though keep an eye on the cooling system). Vanos units can be a bother, as can the DISA valve.
g3org3y said:
SideshowCecil said:
I think if this were a radio show I'd be a long time listener first time caller, have been reading pistonheads for a year and a bit now and enjoying many threads from the various forums so thought it was time I got an account and actually posted.
Essentially I'm getting sick of driving round in my mum's 1.6 derv astra and want to spend some of my hard earned cash on a decent car of my own. My dad has always had BMWs (apart from a disappointing 2 years where he had a primera) including an E36, E46, E39, E61 and F11, so I have carried on this obsession.
I'm currently a 20 year old student, so budget isn't huge and neither is mileage. Mostly shorter journeys into the countryside and the occasional longer trips across the country. My main 'wants' are 6 cylinders, folding seats (or can take a bike in the boot) and a manual (unless the spec on the automatic car is ridiculously good). I seem to be going around in circles at the minute going from a bargey car like an E39/E60 530i or a 630i to a more sporty car like an E92 330i/325i and then something a little rarer like an E46 320ci/325ci/330ci so I'd just like to hear opinions on what most people think are a good idea given my circumstances.
Should say insurance doesn't seem to change much from car to car for me and budget is £3500 - £4500 .
Advise away...
Welcome to the forum Essentially I'm getting sick of driving round in my mum's 1.6 derv astra and want to spend some of my hard earned cash on a decent car of my own. My dad has always had BMWs (apart from a disappointing 2 years where he had a primera) including an E36, E46, E39, E61 and F11, so I have carried on this obsession.
I'm currently a 20 year old student, so budget isn't huge and neither is mileage. Mostly shorter journeys into the countryside and the occasional longer trips across the country. My main 'wants' are 6 cylinders, folding seats (or can take a bike in the boot) and a manual (unless the spec on the automatic car is ridiculously good). I seem to be going around in circles at the minute going from a bargey car like an E39/E60 530i or a 630i to a more sporty car like an E92 330i/325i and then something a little rarer like an E46 320ci/325ci/330ci so I'd just like to hear opinions on what most people think are a good idea given my circumstances.
Should say insurance doesn't seem to change much from car to car for me and budget is £3500 - £4500 .
Advise away...
IMO, going to be tricky to find an E39/E60/63 with a manual box, not that common compared to autos.
AFAIK, there's nt split/fold rear seat option on the E63. The boot is big, not sure whether it would fit a bike easily.
As Mr Tidy mentions, split/fold rear seats rare on the E90 (standard on the E92/E91). On the E46, when you fold the seats, you still have a beam across limiting access.
Not sure how much that would affect getting a bike in/out of there. If it's a problem, I'd suggest a Touring. Practical and look really good.
I think your budget is decent and if insurance not an issue, it's got to be a 325 or 330.
IME, the E9X is a more complete package than the E46.
SideshowCecil said:
Insurance doesn't vary massively for some reason, I even looked at a 650i originally and even that was just under 1k, the insurers do use the dark arts though.
The depreciation probably should be a factor of consideration, an E46 330 seems to be relatively difficult to find now, moreso with a manual, and there's some selling for quite big money. I think deep down I know an e9x model is going to be better in most senses, but the E46 seems a lot more 'interesting' and decent ones are becoming rarer. Not sure I'd be able to outright drop 1k a year just on keeping it running but I could set aside a slush fund of sorts around that amount. I think my main fear is finding a nice E46 and it turning out the be rusty all over the sills, mounts, arches etc, but I believe the engines are fairly 'bombproof'?
Manual examples seem to command a premium because they are uncommon. The depreciation probably should be a factor of consideration, an E46 330 seems to be relatively difficult to find now, moreso with a manual, and there's some selling for quite big money. I think deep down I know an e9x model is going to be better in most senses, but the E46 seems a lot more 'interesting' and decent ones are becoming rarer. Not sure I'd be able to outright drop 1k a year just on keeping it running but I could set aside a slush fund of sorts around that amount. I think my main fear is finding a nice E46 and it turning out the be rusty all over the sills, mounts, arches etc, but I believe the engines are fairly 'bombproof'?
I don't think you need to be concerned much re depreciation. These cars are at the bottom of the curve imo. Good ones will be worth more and retain the value.
E46s have the M54 engine which is pretty robust. Can use a bit of oil but tbh no 'major' failings (though keep an eye on the cooling system). Vanos units can be a bother, as can the DISA valve.
agree that folding seats dont seem to be an option and so I'll cross that off my list. I should add that carrying a bike isn't a regular thing for me, it's probably been 6 months since I last did it, just on the odd occasion I'm taking it on holiday for example it becomes a major pita if I can't fold the seats. I think for this reason a coupe seems reasonable for me, combines good looks with reasonable practicality.Interesting you think the E9x is more complete than e46, many people on ph seem to think its the best car of all time, even the youngest ones are pretty old now I suppose though.
What are people's thougths on N52 v N53? I know N53 have the HPFP and injector issues but maybe a higher mileage car is likely to have these rectified and I've heard they give much better fuel economy than the N52.
SideshowCecil said:
I think it was actually your thread on your E63 that originally got me interested in them agree that folding seats dont seem to be an option and so I'll cross that off my list. I should add that carrying a bike isn't a regular thing for me, it's probably been 6 months since I last did it, just on the odd occasion I'm taking it on holiday for example it becomes a major pita if I can't fold the seats. I think for this reason a coupe seems reasonable for me, combines good looks with reasonable practicality.
Interesting you think the E9x is more complete than e46, many people on ph seem to think its the best car of all time, even the youngest ones are pretty old now I suppose though.
What are people's thougths on N52 v N53? I know N53 have the HPFP and injector issues but maybe a higher mileage car is likely to have these rectified and I've heard they give much better fuel economy than the N52.
E63 is a lovely cruiser, but not the most practical car. agree that folding seats dont seem to be an option and so I'll cross that off my list. I should add that carrying a bike isn't a regular thing for me, it's probably been 6 months since I last did it, just on the odd occasion I'm taking it on holiday for example it becomes a major pita if I can't fold the seats. I think for this reason a coupe seems reasonable for me, combines good looks with reasonable practicality.Interesting you think the E9x is more complete than e46, many people on ph seem to think its the best car of all time, even the youngest ones are pretty old now I suppose though.
What are people's thougths on N52 v N53? I know N53 have the HPFP and injector issues but maybe a higher mileage car is likely to have these rectified and I've heard they give much better fuel economy than the N52.
Coupe sounds like a good solution.
Unlike the Saloon or Touring, I think the E92 looks best in SE trim (no M Sport kit).The E46 is a very decent car. I had (albeit a cheap) 330Ci and it was perfectly nice. The E91 just feels that bit more modern in all departments. I prefer the E91 interior too (I know most prefer the E46). The N52 engined E91 feels a lot quicker than the E46.
N52 is less niggly, waterpump expensive and still likes to leak oil. As you mention, the N53 has the injector and HPFP issue, if you can find one that's had these done, that would be ideal. If you don't have much money in reserve, an N52 might be a safer bet.
I wouldn’t say the E90 feels more complete than the E46. It has a lower quality interior and the M Sports have a worse ride.
I wouldn’t worry about mpg difference between the N52 and N53. They both have quite poor mpg. But the N52 is reliable ish whereas the N53 can bring a few more bills.
The E90 does have the rust advantage over the E46. I’m on my third E46 now. I changed to diesel after the first (328i) as they go faster and use less fuel.
I’ll change to an E91 at some point and am already working on giving it decent ride quality:
(Damper number 4 is on order)
I wouldn’t worry about mpg difference between the N52 and N53. They both have quite poor mpg. But the N52 is reliable ish whereas the N53 can bring a few more bills.
The E90 does have the rust advantage over the E46. I’m on my third E46 now. I changed to diesel after the first (328i) as they go faster and use less fuel.
I’ll change to an E91 at some point and am already working on giving it decent ride quality:
(Damper number 4 is on order)
Don Phil said:
What about an e82 125i? High mileage one might sneak into budget. No experience of one but looks like it might fit the bill?
Good call - from what I've seen lately the OP is more likely to find a 125i within budget than a 130i! OK the 125i is a Coupe but they all have a split-fold rear seat and the same engine, just a bit detuned, although I believe they can be remapped to give close to 130i power. Although the 125i has smaller front brakes than the 130i, but I doubt that would be a problem in normal use.
g3org3y said:
SideshowCecil said:
I think it was actually your thread on your E63 that originally got me interested in them agree that folding seats dont seem to be an option and so I'll cross that off my list. I should add that carrying a bike isn't a regular thing for me, it's probably been 6 months since I last did it, just on the odd occasion I'm taking it on holiday for example it becomes a major pita if I can't fold the seats. I think for this reason a coupe seems reasonable for me, combines good looks with reasonable practicality.
Interesting you think the E9x is more complete than e46, many people on ph seem to think its the best car of all time, even the youngest ones are pretty old now I suppose though.
What are people's thougths on N52 v N53? I know N53 have the HPFP and injector issues but maybe a higher mileage car is likely to have these rectified and I've heard they give much better fuel economy than the N52.
E63 is a lovely cruiser, but not the most practical car. agree that folding seats dont seem to be an option and so I'll cross that off my list. I should add that carrying a bike isn't a regular thing for me, it's probably been 6 months since I last did it, just on the odd occasion I'm taking it on holiday for example it becomes a major pita if I can't fold the seats. I think for this reason a coupe seems reasonable for me, combines good looks with reasonable practicality.Interesting you think the E9x is more complete than e46, many people on ph seem to think its the best car of all time, even the youngest ones are pretty old now I suppose though.
What are people's thougths on N52 v N53? I know N53 have the HPFP and injector issues but maybe a higher mileage car is likely to have these rectified and I've heard they give much better fuel economy than the N52.
Coupe sounds like a good solution.
Unlike the Saloon or Touring, I think the E92 looks best in SE trim (no M Sport kit).The E46 is a very decent car. I had (albeit a cheap) 330Ci and it was perfectly nice. The E91 just feels that bit more modern in all departments. I prefer the E91 interior too (I know most prefer the E46). The N52 engined E91 feels a lot quicker than the E46.
N52 is less niggly, waterpump expensive and still likes to leak oil. As you mention, the N53 has the injector and HPFP issue, if you can find one that's had these done, that would be ideal. If you don't have much money in reserve, an N52 might be a safer bet.
Don Phil said:
What about an e82 125i? High mileage one might sneak into budget. No experience of one but looks like it might fit the bill?
I quite like the 125i, followed a few threads of them keenly, there just don't seem to be that many of them and the ones that do exist are usually in the same price bracket as the larger and (I assume) more comfortable e92.Looks like I'll have to keep an eye out for an e92 325i/330i and hopefully my next topic will be a reader's rides thread
Do think about a 125i. My view is that they are the 'unwanted' 1 series because either the 3 litre engine is too big and people prefer a 2 litre, or if people do want a 3 litre they chose a 135i. Look at the big price difference between the two. Even better value is the SE trim, most buyers want M Sport with the big engine. I've had 4 1s, and still have a 135i convertible for summer use. Never had an issue with any of them. Three were brand new, they all did high miles.
Just to revive this thread for a brief moment...
Haven't seen many N53 325i/330i (which I think are both the same 3.0 engine) and hardly any N52 330i . There are, however, quite a few N52 325i (2.5 engine), but I'm wondering if these are a bit 'breathless'? Remember most of my driving experience thus far has been in a 109 hp diesel astra
Basically, I'd just like to hear any experiences anyone has with the 2.5 N52 (N52B25).
Haven't seen many N53 325i/330i (which I think are both the same 3.0 engine) and hardly any N52 330i . There are, however, quite a few N52 325i (2.5 engine), but I'm wondering if these are a bit 'breathless'? Remember most of my driving experience thus far has been in a 109 hp diesel astra
Basically, I'd just like to hear any experiences anyone has with the 2.5 N52 (N52B25).
SideshowCecil said:
Just to revive this thread for a brief moment...
Haven't seen many N53 325i/330i (which I think are both the same 3.0 engine) and hardly any N52 330i . There are, however, quite a few N52 325i (2.5 engine), but I'm wondering if these are a bit 'breathless'? Remember most of my driving experience thus far has been in a 109 hp diesel astra
Basically, I'd just like to hear any experiences anyone has with the 2.5 N52 (N52B25).
The N53 325i and 330i use the same engine with different mapping I believe, but I wanted to avoid them after reading about High Pressure Fuel Pump, injector and coked-up inlet manifolds that need walnut blasting because they are Direct Injection engines - which I believe is why they don't sound so sweet.Haven't seen many N53 325i/330i (which I think are both the same 3.0 engine) and hardly any N52 330i . There are, however, quite a few N52 325i (2.5 engine), but I'm wondering if these are a bit 'breathless'? Remember most of my driving experience thus far has been in a 109 hp diesel astra
Basically, I'd just like to hear any experiences anyone has with the 2.5 N52 (N52B25).
When I wanted an E91 to replace my E46 325ti Compact 330is were about twice the price of 325is which were also much easier
to find, so I bought a 325i. Coming from a 192 bhp 325ti my 218 bhp 325i felt a bit flat, especially when trying to regain speed after getting baulked on Motorways, and you might feel the same after your Astra because although it may only have 109 bhp being a diesel it should have a decent amount of torque.
I think part of the problem was the difference in gearing. My 325ti was a 5-speed so was revving at 3,000rpm at 70mph, whereas my 6-speed 325i was revving at just under 2,500rpm at 70mph.
After a year I was frustrated with my 325i and tried again, but E91 330i prices were still about double 325i ones.
So I compromised and bought an E90 330i, and while it's also very high-geared it has enough grunt to pick up speed without any need to change down a gear or two unless I feel like it!
I don't think you'd find an N52 325i "breathless" as mine revved happily to the 7,000 rpm red-line, but after a diesel maybe "frantic" would be a better description! I think the best thing you could do would be to try one and see if you like it.
Mr Tidy said:
The N53 325i and 330i use the same engine with different mapping I believe, but I wanted to avoid them after reading about High Pressure Fuel Pump, injector and coked-up inlet manifolds that need walnut blasting because they are Direct Injection engines - which I believe is why they don't sound so sweet.
When I wanted an E91 to replace my E46 325ti Compact 330is were about twice the price of 325is which were also much easier
to find, so I bought a 325i. Coming from a 192 bhp 325ti my 218 bhp 325i felt a bit flat, especially when trying to regain speed after getting baulked on Motorways, and you might feel the same after your Astra because although it may only have 109 bhp being a diesel it should have a decent amount of torque.
I think part of the problem was the difference in gearing. My 325ti was a 5-speed so was revving at 3,000rpm at 70mph, whereas my 6-speed 325i was revving at just under 2,500rpm at 70mph.
After a year I was frustrated with my 325i and tried again, but E91 330i prices were still about double 325i ones.
So I compromised and bought an E90 330i, and while it's also very high-geared it has enough grunt to pick up speed without any need to change down a gear or two unless I feel like it!
I don't think you'd find an N52 325i "breathless" as mine revved happily to the 7,000 rpm red-line, but after a diesel maybe "frantic" would be a better description! I think the best thing you could do would be to try one and see if you like it.
You've summed up my fears there! I think you're right, probably best to try one before ruling them out.When I wanted an E91 to replace my E46 325ti Compact 330is were about twice the price of 325is which were also much easier
to find, so I bought a 325i. Coming from a 192 bhp 325ti my 218 bhp 325i felt a bit flat, especially when trying to regain speed after getting baulked on Motorways, and you might feel the same after your Astra because although it may only have 109 bhp being a diesel it should have a decent amount of torque.
I think part of the problem was the difference in gearing. My 325ti was a 5-speed so was revving at 3,000rpm at 70mph, whereas my 6-speed 325i was revving at just under 2,500rpm at 70mph.
After a year I was frustrated with my 325i and tried again, but E91 330i prices were still about double 325i ones.
So I compromised and bought an E90 330i, and while it's also very high-geared it has enough grunt to pick up speed without any need to change down a gear or two unless I feel like it!
I don't think you'd find an N52 325i "breathless" as mine revved happily to the 7,000 rpm red-line, but after a diesel maybe "frantic" would be a better description! I think the best thing you could do would be to try one and see if you like it.
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