DILEMMA BMW 330CI VS GOLF GTI, ASTRA VXR ETC...

[Chan6192]

HI THERE IHAVE A BIT OF A DILEMMA AT THE MOMENT, IVE GOT A BUGDET OF ABOUT 7-8 GRAND FOR A 2ND HAND MOTOR, IVE ALWAYS WANTED A E46 CONVERTIBLE, YOU THE THE SPORTY LOOKING M- SPORT ONES, BUT NOW THAT IM READY TO BUY IT, IM IN TWO MINDS BECAUSE I CAN GET SOMETHING EQUALLY AS FAST WHICH IS NEWER AND WILL PREHAPS HOLD ITS VALUE A BIT MORE, SO ITS OUT OF THE FOLLOWING:-

-BMW E46 330CI CONVERTIBLE SPORT
-BMW E46 330CI CLUBSPORT COUPE
-BMW E46 325CI CONVERTIBLE SPORT

-VW GOLF GTI MK 5
-ASTRA VXR
-CIVIC TYPE R (NEWER SHAPE)
-FOCUS ST
-MERC CLK 320 I.E-03/04 PLATE

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?
ALSO IS THE TRIPTRONIC/ STEP AUTOMATIC ANY GOOD ON THE B.M'S, APPARENTLY THEY HAVE 4 GEARS INCLUDING A SPORT OPTION? OR WOULD A 330 BE BETTER IN MANUAL

ITS DOING MY BLOODY HEAD IN GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR LOL
I WANT THE BM'S BECAUSE THEY ARE FAST, BUT NOT TOO FAST, PLUS THEIR 6 CYLINDERS N REAR WHEEL DRIVES, THEY ALSO LOOK FAB ESP THE M-SPORT VERSIONS WHICH IS WHAT IM AFTER, AND ALSO THEY GOT THE LUXURY AND YOU CAN GET THE HOOD DOWN IN SUMMER. HOWEVER I FEAR IT WONT BE WORTH MUCH IN A YEAR OR SO, BUT RECKON THE OTHERS WILL BE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME PRICE IF LOOKED AFTER AND NOT COVERED TOO MUCH MILEAGE. HOWEVER THE REST MIGHT GO FAST BUT THEY LOOK PANTS INSIDE, APART FROM THE MERC THAT IS. BUT IVED OWNED A MARK 4 GTI IN THE PAST AND IT WAS GOOD FUN, VERY RELIABLE ASWELL, VW'S ARE GREAT CARS. THE ASTRA LOOKS REALLY NICE TOO AND ITS WHAT 240 BHP, WITH LOADSA TORQUE, APARRT FROM THE SEATS ITS NAFF INSIDE THOUGH LOL, AND AS FOR THE ST AND CIVIC THERE JUST OPTIONS I SUPPOSE, IM DEFINATELY MORE FAVOURABLE OVER THE GOLF, ASTRA, BM AND MERC.

I REALLY NEED HELP HERE GUYS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR VIEWS

[Google [bot]]

There will be lots of views, but anyway...

I'm sure you'd be wrong about the BMWs being worth less in a year's time relative to the others - depreciation curves flatten out so I would expect the opposite to be true.

[Chan6192]

YEA TRUE, BUT THE E90S HAVE BEEN OUT FOR SOMETIME NOW, AND THEY SEEM TO BE DROPPING FAIRLY QUICK TOO- ITS STRANGE BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE STILL PREFER THE E46S, WHO AM I TO COMPLAIN THOUGH, MAYBE THAT WILL BE TO MY FAVOUR SHOULD I BUY THE B.M LOL CHEERS FOR YA VIEW MATE

[g3org3y]

Chan6192 said:

HI THERE IHAVE A BIT OF A DILEMMA AT THE MOMENT, IVE GOT A BUGDET OF ABOUT 7-8 GRAND FOR A 2ND HAND MOTOR, IVE ALWAYS WANTED A E46 CONVERTIBLE, YOU THE THE SPORTY LOOKING M- SPORT ONES, BUT NOW THAT IM READY TO BUY IT, IM IN TWO MINDS BECAUSE I CAN GET SOMETHING EQUALLY AS FAST WHICH IS NEWER AND WILL PREHAPS HOLD ITS VALUE A BIT MORE, SO ITS OUT OF THE FOLLOWING:-

-BMW E46 330CI CONVERTIBLE SPORT
-BMW E46 330CI CLUBSPORT COUPE
-BMW E46 325CI CONVERTIBLE SPORT

-VW GOLF GTI MK 5
-ASTRA VXR
-CIVIC TYPE R (NEWER SHAPE)
-FOCUS ST
-MERC CLK 320 I.E-03/04 PLATE

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?
ALSO IS THE TRIPTRONIC/ STEP AUTOMATIC ANY GOOD ON THE B.M'S, APPARENTLY THEY HAVE 4 GEARS INCLUDING A SPORT OPTION? OR WOULD A 330 BE BETTER IN MANUAL

ITS DOING MY BLOODY HEAD IN GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR LOL
I WANT THE BM'S BECAUSE THEY ARE FAST, BUT NOT TOO FAST, PLUS THEIR 6 CYLINDERS N REAR WHEEL DRIVES, THEY ALSO LOOK FAB ESP THE M-SPORT VERSIONS WHICH IS WHAT IM AFTER, AND ALSO THEY GOT THE LUXURY AND YOU CAN GET THE HOOD DOWN IN SUMMER. HOWEVER I FEAR IT WONT BE WORTH MUCH IN A YEAR OR SO, BUT RECKON THE OTHERS WILL BE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME PRICE IF LOOKED AFTER AND NOT COVERED TOO MUCH MILEAGE. HOWEVER THE REST MIGHT GO FAST BUT THEY LOOK PANTS INSIDE, APART FROM THE MERC THAT IS. BUT IVED OWNED A MARK 4 GTI IN THE PAST AND IT WAS GOOD FUN, VERY RELIABLE ASWELL, VW'S ARE GREAT CARS. THE ASTRA LOOKS REALLY NICE TOO AND ITS WHAT 240 BHP, WITH LOADSA TORQUE, APARRT FROM THE SEATS ITS NAFF INSIDE THOUGH LOL, AND AS FOR THE ST AND CIVIC THERE JUST OPTIONS I SUPPOSE, IM DEFINATELY MORE FAVOURABLE OVER THE GOLF, ASTRA, BM AND MERC.

I REALLY NEED HELP HERE GUYS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR VIEWS

1) Locate your caps lock key. I'll let the PH grammar Nazis go through the rest of the post.

2) BMW will typically retain value better than the rest.

3) E46 auto is 5 speed iirc.

4) Out of the choice above, I'd go for the BMW 330Ci Cabrio.

[Mr Sparkle]

I'd go for the 330 clubsport in manual, the cabrio adds a fair bit of weight and will dull the handling, and the auto slush-box will sap power.

[Gingernuts]

No need to shout!!

[Chan6192]

Its seems everyones in favour of the 330 then lol, they are nice cars i must admit. I do like the coupes and the clubsports but i reckon they'd depreciate a lot quicker, not sure bout the clubsport tho. Ive been reading up on clubsports actually, apperently the only difference is they 20kg lighter and they have that dodgy spoiler lol, upgrade wheels, front splitter and also a lighter flywheel, is there any thing else??? Also how many clubsports wer actually made, are they a rare breed? I beleive the yanks call it the zhp or something, heard great things about them tho. Also wouldnt auto be a better option?

[Chan6192]

Its seems everyones in favour of the 330 then lol, they are nice cars i must admit. I do like the coupes and the clubsports but i reckon they'd depreciate a lot quicker, not sure bout the clubsport tho. Ive been reading up on clubsports actually, apperently the only difference is they 20kg lighter and they have that dodgy spoiler lol, upgrade wheels, front splitter and also a lighter flywheel, is there any thing else??? Also how many clubsports wer actually made, are they a rare breed? I beleive the yanks call it the zhp or something, heard great things about them tho. Also wouldnt auto be a better option?

[mk1matt]

I was in exactly the same situation about 6 months ago. I test drove the Civic and the Focus but they didn't do much for me. Can't really put my finger on why - there were lots of reasons! In the end I went for a 330ci Auto. It's a lot older than the others (53 plate vs 56/57) but feels like a lot more car.

I love the look and the interior of the civic, but couldn't get on with the power delivery. I tend to use lower revs and use the torque more (my driving style is actually well suited to diesels!). The focus had a much better power delivery, but it felt cheap, well, cheaper than the beemer anyway!

In the end, it was probably the fwd hatchback vs rwd coupe thing that swung it!

[wackojacko]

Fwd hyper hatch. : go for tha Astra VXR with a full Remus or milltek system and you'll adore it , ignore remarks about insane torque steer that drags you off the road ....... The reality is that it's nowhere near what some people exagerate it to be.

Rwd : what's wrong with an E36 M3 ? Will leave a 330i in the dust

or wild card maybe and older shape civeic type R (EP3) that has been supercharged ?

[nevgroom]

I have the e46 330ci Conv - It is superb. Traded a scooby wagon for it last April. Not good in the snow though so now have another scooby wagon in case it snows again.

The M3 suggestion is pretty sound, I'm currently toying with that idea myself (also tempted by a 335 conv but need more info on tunability).

[edo]

Bit over budget, but you should be able to haggle it close.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

[CypherP]

Chan6192 said:

Its seems everyones in favour of the 330 then lol, they are nice cars i must admit. I do like the coupes and the clubsports but i reckon they'd depreciate a lot quicker, not sure bout the clubsport tho. Ive been reading up on clubsports actually, apperently the only difference is they 20kg lighter and they have that dodgy spoiler lol, upgrade wheels, front splitter and also a lighter flywheel, is there any thing else??? Also how many clubsports wer actually made, are they a rare breed? I beleive the yanks call it the zhp or something, heard great things about them tho. Also wouldnt auto be a better option?

What is "dodgy" about it? You'll likely pay a little less for an auto, but if you're not fussed about either then have a look around. They're not exactly as rare as rocking horse st, but most of the answrts to your questions can be found using Google etc.

If you are intending on opting for a 330, I'd suggest posting in the BMW forum and seeing whether anyone who owns one can provide advice or some further information.

[mk1matt]

Actually despite me singing its praises above, my finances now dictate that mine needs to go. If you decide you want a very tidy facelift 330ci coupe auto with low miles and (just) inside your budget, give me a shout!

[useyourdellusion]

Mr Sparkle said:

I'd go for the 330 clubsport in manual, the cabrio adds a fair bit of weight and will dull the handling, and the auto slush-box will sap power.

I agree with this.

Dodgy spoiler aside (easily removed I would imagine), the Clubsport would be the one I'd go for.I went from a manual 330ci SE to a Sport auto. version because I thought it looked much better and the engine may suit an auto box more. How wrong I was!

I regretted my decision after a few drives out. The auto was very dull and I didn't like the tip-tronic option either, too sluggish for me. It was much worse on fuel around town than the manual had been (understandable I suppose) and was just boring imo. I hankered after a manual box again.

By no means a bad car, just not for me - no matter how good it looked. Clubsports and manuals in general are quite thin on the ground unfortunately, but worth the wait over the auto imo.

I think they had a minor facelift in 2003 (53 plate onwards iirc) and that's when they got a six speed 'box with improved gear ratios too...

[edo]

Rear spoiler would have to go for me. Nice high spec car for the money.

2002 BMW 3 SERIES 2979 cc 330 Ci Clubsport **LEATHER+TV+SAT NAV**
Trade Seller: Jack Ford

2 Doors, Manual, Coupe, Petrol, 60,000 miles, Estoril Blue Metallic, Full Service History, Full Leather Interior, BMW Sat Nav Sysatem, TV Tuner, Bluetooth Hands Free Kit Fitted, Remote Central Locking, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, ABS, Traction Control, Climate Control, Power Steering, Drivers Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Side Airbags, Cruise Control, Alarm, Immobiliser, 18 Inch M Sport Alloy Wheels, Body Coloured Bumpers, Drivers Armrest, Front Fog Lamps, Height Adj Drivers Seat and Steering Column, Leather Trimmed Steering Wheel and Gear Knob, Multi Function Trip Computer, Radio Cassette with 6-CD Changer, Rear Head Rests, Rear Clubsport Spoiler, Rear Parking Sensors. £7,500

[Chan6192]

Mk1matt- i know wat u mean about the others feeling abit cheaper and they are just abit boy racerish to be fair, i mean theyre great fun, but the beamers obviously abit more upmarket and grown up, i felt the same as u tho 02/03 plate vs 05/06 thats whats making me think twice, because i usually get rid of my car after a year or 2, so dont really want to be giving it away for peanuts. Anyway is ur car a coupe or convertible? Wats the mileage? Color?

[Chan6192]

Wackojacko- yea the vxr's are nice, heard they got a strong pull on em, im definately intrested in them, never driven 1 though- think driving 1 might change my mind lol. I think out of all the cars i mentioned the vxr's probaly the nippiest right? And i dont really want to go down the e36 route because 1 there old, and 2 ive had a bad experience with one when i was a new driver, it was a 318is, was gorgeous full m3 kit and everything, unfortunately as you know a mixture of rain, rear wheel drive and bold tyres dont mix, lets just leave it at that lol

[300bhp/ton]

Chan6192 said:

Its seems everyones in favour of the 330 then lol, they are nice cars i must admit. I do like the coupes and the clubsports but i reckon they'd depreciate a lot quicker, not sure bout the clubsport tho. Ive been reading up on clubsports actually, apperently the only difference is they 20kg lighter and they have that dodgy spoiler lol, upgrade wheels, front splitter and also a lighter flywheel, is there any thing else??? Also how many clubsports wer actually made, are they a rare breed? I beleive the yanks call it the zhp or something, heard great things about them tho. Also wouldnt auto be a better option?

I have some questions.

Why do you want the car?

As in, you hint that speed and age appeal. But what matters most?

Is driving and enjoyment part of what you want too?

Are you bothered by image?

What sort of mileage are you doing?

How many seats do you need?

Do you need to haul anything?


Here's my view of them:


330 - best drivers car here, although many also site the 330 as the biggest disappointment ever. It's a BMW, so has "that" image. This is good or bad depending on your view.

Golf - probably capable, but very, VERY dull.

Astra - well it's an Astra, so pretty uncool except to chavs. Will plummet in value. Looks just like the diesel Astra's that come with the same body styling. Fast, but probably less capable out of the box, or at least less talented.

CTR - not as good as the previous one. Looks are subjective.


Focus ST - I quite like these. Butch but understated appearance. Nice 5 pot motor and a sorted chassis. That said they like a drink and I'm not sure it'd be my pick for this money.

Merc CLK - don't know much about these. More classy image and RWD have to be bonus though.



But I suppose the thing is, £7-8k can buy you a lot of performance car. Even more so if you aren't doing huge mileages, aren't a snob and don't mind a vehicle a few years older.


e.g.

Supra TT MKIV
Mitsubishi 3000GTO
Mustang GT V8
Chevy Camaro z28 5.7 V8
Jaguar XK8
Jaguar XJR
Jaguar S-Type R
BMW e36 M3 Evo
Subaru Impreza STI
Mitsubishi Evo
Mazda 6 MPS
MG ZT260 V8
Alfa Romeo GTV V6
Alfa Romeo 156/147 GTA
Vauxhall Monaro 5.7 V8
BMW Z3M Roadster
Honda Integra Type R DC2/DC5


Just to name a few.

[Chan6192]

Nevgroom- you got a manual or auto? And yea real wheel + snow is like a chocolate tea pot lol