Megane RS 250 Cup vs E9X 330i
Discussion
Hi guys,
I am currently debating between the two cars in the title as my next car and I am hoping someone who has had experience in both can offer some advice on which one would be better to live with.
I am after something fun, nippy, potential to use on a track (not essential though) and reliable. Space isn't essential as we have an MPV for our second car but it would still be good to be able to use it with the family when required.
I think my favorite would be the Renault however every time I mention it to someone I always get a scare story about reliability which has put me off a little. What are they actually like to live with? I would probably be looking at a 2010/11 model.
The main thing which has me interested in the BMW is the 3.0 engine however even with that model I have heard bad stories. So what are these like to live with? (2008 model)
I currently own a mk5 Golf GTI which has been good but I am bored to death with it.
Thanks
I am currently debating between the two cars in the title as my next car and I am hoping someone who has had experience in both can offer some advice on which one would be better to live with.
I am after something fun, nippy, potential to use on a track (not essential though) and reliable. Space isn't essential as we have an MPV for our second car but it would still be good to be able to use it with the family when required.
I think my favorite would be the Renault however every time I mention it to someone I always get a scare story about reliability which has put me off a little. What are they actually like to live with? I would probably be looking at a 2010/11 model.
The main thing which has me interested in the BMW is the 3.0 engine however even with that model I have heard bad stories. So what are these like to live with? (2008 model)
I currently own a mk5 Golf GTI which has been good but I am bored to death with it.
Thanks
The Megane is the car that'll put a smile on your face. Though reliable? Not all that in my experience, the front wheel hubs are effectively consumable items and out of the 2 RS products I owned both threw up big bills despite neither doing more than 40k miles. Small sample size of one as I know people who've had nearly zero issues.
The RS250 is a strong robust car that's why they're used as trackday cars, these people that told you the horror stories did they own the RS250 because I know three people with RS250-275's & they've been reliable all have had stage 1/2 upgrades & driven hard.
Lux with Cup Chassis
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
It's also the best drivers car, if you want more creature comforts then get a Lux with the Cup Chassis & if you can find one with the Recaro's then that'll seal the deal. They do have some small faults but nothing that'll break the bank.
The 330i is a very good car but you'd have to do a not insignificant amount of work to get it up to the standard Megane (M3 front end/brakes bushes shocks & springs etc) so it depends on what you want from your car.
Lux with Cup Chassis
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
It's also the best drivers car, if you want more creature comforts then get a Lux with the Cup Chassis & if you can find one with the Recaro's then that'll seal the deal. They do have some small faults but nothing that'll break the bank.
The 330i is a very good car but you'd have to do a not insignificant amount of work to get it up to the standard Megane (M3 front end/brakes bushes shocks & springs etc) so it depends on what you want from your car.
I came from new Fiesta ST so similar to 250 Cup.
First of all, BMW is basically a boring car compared to any hot hatch, especially 250 Cup!
I’ve driven 2011 250 Cup and the car was very impressing in terms of handling and power delivery. In the end I went with Fiesta which I’ve kept for 3 years.
I had mine 2011 E92 330i for 6 months now and it’s great at what it is - a comfortable cruiser.
The engine in BMW is a smooth 272bph straight six. Quick enough to get 1500kg going, sounds great after 5k rpm and it’s relatively economical.
I average 28mpg in mine but that’s around town. On the motorway you can easily get 40+.
Things to look out for:
Failing Injectors, faulty NOX sensor causing car running rich, Vanos solenoids, coil packs.
If it was me I would go for the 250 Cup or if you really want the BMW, then 335i or M3 but be aware of running costs.
First of all, BMW is basically a boring car compared to any hot hatch, especially 250 Cup!
I’ve driven 2011 250 Cup and the car was very impressing in terms of handling and power delivery. In the end I went with Fiesta which I’ve kept for 3 years.
I had mine 2011 E92 330i for 6 months now and it’s great at what it is - a comfortable cruiser.
The engine in BMW is a smooth 272bph straight six. Quick enough to get 1500kg going, sounds great after 5k rpm and it’s relatively economical.
I average 28mpg in mine but that’s around town. On the motorway you can easily get 40+.
Things to look out for:
Failing Injectors, faulty NOX sensor causing car running rich, Vanos solenoids, coil packs.
If it was me I would go for the 250 Cup or if you really want the BMW, then 335i or M3 but be aware of running costs.
I'm currently smoking around in an N52 engined 330i Touring.
Fast, fair on fuel but no hot hatch.
Very comfy, practical, reliable and (to me) quite nice looking.
I'm 45, use it as a daily and have little interest in a hot hatch these days but I do like a decent shove from an engine and the N52 is a peach.
The later N53 and N54 (335i) are fraught with issues and common view is that the N52 is the one to have. I love mine and coming from an F10 M5 I don't feel short changed (especially not with the epic depreciation i suffered with the M5)
Fast, fair on fuel but no hot hatch.
Very comfy, practical, reliable and (to me) quite nice looking.
I'm 45, use it as a daily and have little interest in a hot hatch these days but I do like a decent shove from an engine and the N52 is a peach.
The later N53 and N54 (335i) are fraught with issues and common view is that the N52 is the one to have. I love mine and coming from an F10 M5 I don't feel short changed (especially not with the epic depreciation i suffered with the M5)
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