BMW Compact or BMW Mini?
Discussion
It'll be a while yet but I'm after a fun (doesn't have to be fast) little hatch, warm rather than hot!
This is to tool around in to/from work. I already have a fast car so not needed for speedy thrills but neither do I want a slouch, something with a sub 10 sec 0-60 would be good.
Want I need is good fuel economy (mpg well into the 30's or more), good reliabilty, good solidity and that is why either a Compact E46 or a series 1 new Mini appeal to me. Perhaps a Diesel for the economy? I only occasionally need to cary more than one passenger but it is sometimes for a long distance so can't be too cramped. I understand that neither car are too cramped in the back despite the Minis size.
What do you think will suit more and which model/spec/engine?
This is to tool around in to/from work. I already have a fast car so not needed for speedy thrills but neither do I want a slouch, something with a sub 10 sec 0-60 would be good.
Want I need is good fuel economy (mpg well into the 30's or more), good reliabilty, good solidity and that is why either a Compact E46 or a series 1 new Mini appeal to me. Perhaps a Diesel for the economy? I only occasionally need to cary more than one passenger but it is sometimes for a long distance so can't be too cramped. I understand that neither car are too cramped in the back despite the Minis size.
What do you think will suit more and which model/spec/engine?
I've got a 53 plate 320td compact (6 speed) and it's a brilliant and subtle little car. Superchipped too, so goes well with a bonus of a boost to economy too. Will easily do 50mpg on longer runs going steady, reaching 600 mile range and has also acquitted itself very well around Croft in the past too.
Plenty of room for my 2 teenage kids in the back and it's got a very versatile rear seat (40/60 split) with a large tailgate too. It'll be for sale very soon too as I'll be back into a company barge due to an impending change of job/employer
Mini's are a great hoot, but not rated as a distance car and nowhere near as flexible as a compact IMHO.
Plenty of room for my 2 teenage kids in the back and it's got a very versatile rear seat (40/60 split) with a large tailgate too. It'll be for sale very soon too as I'll be back into a company barge due to an impending change of job/employer
Mini's are a great hoot, but not rated as a distance car and nowhere near as flexible as a compact IMHO.
Thanks StuB, I had the older e36 Compact (2 in fact) and they were cracking cars, handled like go-karts with the M-Tech suspension & wider alloys on the Ti Sport.
The dash was a bit old fashioned compared to the saloon and coupe though.
The car felt more solid than both the saloon and coupe.
The e46 version is much more modern & refined then the e36.
What engine options did they come with, 316i, 318i & 320d only?
On the continent they also did a 325Ti I believe?
The dash was a bit old fashioned compared to the saloon and coupe though.
The car felt more solid than both the saloon and coupe.
The e46 version is much more modern & refined then the e36.
What engine options did they come with, 316i, 318i & 320d only?
On the continent they also did a 325Ti I believe?
Kentish said:
Thanks StuB, I had the older e36 Compact (2 in fact) and they were cracking cars, handled like go-karts with the M-Tech suspension & wider alloys on the Ti Sport.
The dash was a bit old fashioned compared to the saloon and coupe though.
The car felt more solid than both the saloon and coupe.
The e46 version is much more modern & refined then the e36.
What engine options did they come with, 316i, 318i & 320d only?
On the continent they also did a 325Ti I believe?
I think the E46 was 318 325 and 320td (couple of engine variants). The dash was a bit old fashioned compared to the saloon and coupe though.
The car felt more solid than both the saloon and coupe.
The e46 version is much more modern & refined then the e36.
What engine options did they come with, 316i, 318i & 320d only?
On the continent they also did a 325Ti I believe?
The 325 is a belter (check Evo ratings) if you're happy with the running costs.
The diesel had a couple of motors, of which mine is the 150bhp 6 speed gearbox variety. Once chipped, it was like a different car though, tons less lag, much stronger torque curve too and like I said, more economy which was a bonus.
Another thing I actually like about this car is how subtle and progressive the DSC behaves in normal and sports mode and how brilliant the car handles with no DSC. The Dunlop SP9000E tyres now on the car aren't as good a the originals D's though, but they went obsolete.
Kentish said:
On the continent they also did a 325Ti I believe?
There was a LHD-only 323Ti version of the first Compact, but the 325Ti based on the E46 was sold over here. I think they drive better than any other E46 I've tried (330D Sport Touring, 320D Sport saloon and 318i SE saloon). The engine note is glorious, too, plus they're cheaper than the 320td so definitely the one to choose...Top Gear used a 330D, not a 320D, by the way.
dxb335d said:
Go for the Mini, more modern and a better looker.
I do like the mini but I'm a bit worried I'll find it too small.It's a retro classic car though just not sure it's me?
The compact looks favourite to be honest and the prices are coming right down now. The front end of the compact looks great as does the entire car to me. I've always liked them.
Kentish said:
dxb335d said:
Go for the Mini, more modern and a better looker.
I do like the mini but I'm a bit worried I'll find it too small.It's a retro classic car though just not sure it's me?
The compact looks favourite to be honest and the prices are coming right down now. The front end of the compact looks great as does the entire car to me. I've always liked them.
Carlos
crolandc said:
What about a golf oil burner,bloody good build quality and a nice interor with plenty of room,
goes very well too with excellent economy.
To be honest, I'd like something even more reliable than a VAG car. I have an Audi now and whilst it is much better than most other european makes it isn't as reliable as past BMW's I owned.goes very well too with excellent economy.
BMW has the edge here AFAIAC, that and the overall build quality and solidity is excellent on BM's
I bought an E36 318ti compact late last year. I've been really impressed with it so far. I bought it because it was cheap and RWD, but as a day to day car it's superb - comfortable and nice to drive, decent sized boot and room for 4. I get about 28mpg around town, 35 cross-country. I'd guess that the E46 would be more of the same, with a more modern interior. I think they're really underrated cars - it's a nicer car to drive than my previous car, an '01 model Celica, and feels quicker too.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff