BMW 1 series or 3 series?

[cjttchris]

I'm new to this forum as I am getting back into the world of cars. As the title suggests I am looking at getting a BMW. I first started looking at 318Ci E46 and the 320 as well. But then I heard a lot of good things around the 116 and 118 around 2004-06.

I don't know which one's to be looking at and which is the more sensible option. I am 20 years old and insurance seems to be the same for both, but the smaller engine does make the difference which would be best.

I am looking at getting one under 90k miles with a budget of under £4000. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Jefferson Steelflex]

For £4k you'll be looking at an E9x rather than an E46 - you can pick up a decent 2008 car for that.

E46s would be a lot cheaper if you wanted to save a bit for the insurance. 320i in that spec was a 2.2 6cyl so is ok, and the 318Ci was a 2.0 4cyl.

The 1 Series is a poor car by comparison to the E90.


I'd go for the E9x 318i, find a decent one with good history and should serve you well.

[steve-5snwi]

I'd go for a good e46 over a cheap e9* I find they have started to date something that the e46 hasn't really done.

[cjttchris]

Jefferson Steelflex said:

For £4k you'll be looking at an E9x rather than an E46 - you can pick up a decent 2008 car for that.

E46s would be a lot cheaper if you wanted to save a bit for the insurance. 320i in that spec was a 2.2 6cyl so is ok, and the 318Ci was a 2.0 4cyl.

The 1 Series is a poor car by comparison to the E90.


I'd go for the E9x 318i, find a decent one with good history and should serve you well.

I have been looking at the E9 models but find that most of them are exactly £4k and thats pushing 100k miles. I haven't as of yet found a 2008 for that price being a good quality car but will keep a look out.

I think the E46 is a car that i prefer the look of personally and can get a much better price for one with lower milage as well as getting the optional extras too.