Some much needed help please

[benezere]

I recently bought my first BMW, a 2001 'x' 325 coupe in silver with 18mv's, manual with 76,000 and the light grey sports interior, couldnt believe my luck when i found it and bought it instantly! Great 1st months driving until a t**t side swiped me on a 2 lane road coming out or b'ham, got the news today that the car is a total and loss and will now need to be replaced *gutted*. So i need a replacement, i really want the same spec car but can't really find a decent one, ive also been looking at the 320(2.2),323 and 328, but need some help. Any i shouldnt go for? heard the 323 and 328 engines are older and not as good as the 320 and 325. Ive got pics of the car(before accident) but dont know how to get them up.

• and before u say, can't get the 330 coupe as im only 20 and i cant get it insured with my company i work for*

Ben

[forsure]

What you've heard about 323s and 328s probably relates to the Nikasil cylinder liners issue. This was rectified from Mar '98 build (so doesn't apply to any E46).

I'm a fan of the 2.2 320. Not the quickest, obviously, but a jewel of an engine.

Edited by forsure on Sunday 11th May 02:39

[Dunk76]

The 2.8 engine was a gem in the e36, but many people think something got lost in translation to the E46. Neither does it have the instant tuneability of the E36 2.8. On top of that, the 330 also demonstrates how it should have been done.

Personally, I think the 328ci is a great car - vastly understated, underrated and overshadowed by the 3 litre cars. Inexplicably, BMW didn't offer the 328ci in 'Sport' trim, which means they're all SE cars, so go for the highest spec you can find.

Weak points are the rear floorpan when the subframe bolts - it does fail, but BMW are still replacing these under Goodwill. Only other weak points are standard early E46 electrical gremlins.

Edited by Dunk76 on Sunday 11th May 06:03

[benezere]

Cheers, im trying to get myself a 320 or 325, but if the right one comes along then i will take it. I am very much considering an 'auto' after having an auto 2.7tdi audi for the weekend, anyone had an experience with a bmw auto? still as fast? fuel economy? i do alot of miles, approx 16,000 a yr. But then again im 20, manual with rwd is the reason i went bmw! Anything else i should watch out for?

[benezere]

Well got my settlement figure from the insurance company today, £7300, not bad when i paid £6795 for it nearly 2months ago. Time to do some shopping, £7500 is my max, watch me go blow it when i post some pics of the new car when i sort it! HAHA!

[dxb335d]

Good luck finding a new car!