BMW, 10 Grand ish, what engine?
Discussion
I'm after a new car and have been after a BMW for a while, never owned a rear wheel drive car and thought a BM is the way forward for my budget.
Problem is, which one. I think the 3 series will be the best option for me, I'm 29 and single so don't need loads of room. Back seats would be nice although I would give them up for a Z4 coupe but that'll be out of my range.
Therefore, 3 series, probs the coupe. I'm after something thats good to drive, relatively quick (hot hatch type quick) and sensible on fuel on a run. Currently thinking 325 as a happy medium but would appreciate some advice from those in the know.
Cheers.
Problem is, which one. I think the 3 series will be the best option for me, I'm 29 and single so don't need loads of room. Back seats would be nice although I would give them up for a Z4 coupe but that'll be out of my range.
Therefore, 3 series, probs the coupe. I'm after something thats good to drive, relatively quick (hot hatch type quick) and sensible on fuel on a run. Currently thinking 325 as a happy medium but would appreciate some advice from those in the know.
Cheers.
I would defo consider a diesel but I fear the 320 would be a little slow and 330 may be a little expensive. Obviously I would like to avoid star ship mileage.
Also, I’ve never had a larger engine petrol car and like the idea of something that sounds good when shifting. Surely a modern 330d is still going to sound like a tractor. Would be worth a thought though, although as I’m only doing, at most 10, 000 miles a year I can’t see it being worth it.
And, an M3, yes, I’d love one, but, are the general running costs not just a bit ridiculous, yes, I don’t do a lot of miles but when something goes wrong, would it not cost the earth?
Also, I’ve never had a larger engine petrol car and like the idea of something that sounds good when shifting. Surely a modern 330d is still going to sound like a tractor. Would be worth a thought though, although as I’m only doing, at most 10, 000 miles a year I can’t see it being worth it.
And, an M3, yes, I’d love one, but, are the general running costs not just a bit ridiculous, yes, I don’t do a lot of miles but when something goes wrong, would it not cost the earth?
Thanks for all the replies.
With regard to budget per year, I haven’t really though too much about it and have never really worked out what I have paid in the past. I guess £12-1500 ish would be pretty much affordable.
Are BMW’s expensive to run, in terms of other cars, ie a Mk5 Golf GTi which is also an option although paying 10 grand fro a front wheel drive hatch seems excessive – if all this talk of rear wheel driver being better is to be believed. Does it make that much difference? I don’t think it’s something I would notice on a test drive, would probs come with owning something for a few months.
130i - Love the coupe but the normal one looks nice but not very special and bit like a tortoise. They better than a 3 to drive/own?
With regard to budget per year, I haven’t really though too much about it and have never really worked out what I have paid in the past. I guess £12-1500 ish would be pretty much affordable.
Are BMW’s expensive to run, in terms of other cars, ie a Mk5 Golf GTi which is also an option although paying 10 grand fro a front wheel drive hatch seems excessive – if all this talk of rear wheel driver being better is to be believed. Does it make that much difference? I don’t think it’s something I would notice on a test drive, would probs come with owning something for a few months.
130i - Love the coupe but the normal one looks nice but not very special and bit like a tortoise. They better than a 3 to drive/own?
Edited by cramman on Monday 1st December 15:13
A Z4 is not out of your range/budget. If you look on www.bigmotoringworld.co.uk you can get a 2.5 or 3.0 Z4. They just sold a 3.0i 2003 48k with sat nav for £10,000 and warranty ( no i dont work for them !)
I have a Z3 3.0i and can tell you they are very quick. You can also totallly disarm the traction - not in the handbook - which totally transforms the car. These cars were £14500 upwards this January, now £10 - £12. Lot of car for that sort od doe......
I have a Z3 3.0i and can tell you they are very quick. You can also totallly disarm the traction - not in the handbook - which totally transforms the car. These cars were £14500 upwards this January, now £10 - £12. Lot of car for that sort od doe......
fartootall said:
A Z4 is not out of your range/budget. If you look on www.bigmotoringworld.co.uk you can get a 2.5 or 3.0 Z4. They just sold a 3.0i 2003 48k with sat nav for £10,000 and warranty ( no i dont work for them !)
I have a Z3 3.0i and can tell you they are very quick. You can also totallly disarm the traction - not in the handbook - which totally transforms the car. These cars were £14500 upwards this January, now £10 - £12. Lot of car for that sort od doe......
What ever you do, read everything on here, and all the other BMW sites about that place, and then once you have read it all make sure you dont go there. John Wayne springs to mind.I have a Z3 3.0i and can tell you they are very quick. You can also totallly disarm the traction - not in the handbook - which totally transforms the car. These cars were £14500 upwards this January, now £10 - £12. Lot of car for that sort od doe......
Aye, I've seen a few reports on them. I have seen a few z4's for that money, was thinking more that I wouldn't get the coupe. Have considered the roadster but I just don't think I'd ever put the roof down, just not my thing.
May have a look tho.
Am I right in thinking the sport is the one to go for in whatever series. The seat in the normal z4 look very un-supportive and look like you could just flop out on a corner.
May have a look tho.
Am I right in thinking the sport is the one to go for in whatever series. The seat in the normal z4 look very un-supportive and look like you could just flop out on a corner.
330ci E46 coupe with a manual box would be my choice within those parameters. Easy to get a good one for your budget. Decent on fuel, especially on a long run. Servicing is pretty reasonable for the big stuff and really easy to do lots of DIY jobs. Older than you may want but what about a 840i? Great car, perfect for two people and a hell of a lot of car for the money.
You can get pre face lift E46 330's beginning at around £7k with reasonable milage. Running costs are pretty much the same as the 325, might as well get the higher model. What ever you get, make sure it has the sports seats, I've said it a few times on hear as I think it really makes a big difference. The SE seats are simply horrible.
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