What Car for 15K?

[Afrofish]

Hi All,

I am a self confessed BMW nut. My first car was a 1990 E30 318is (a beauty which I unfortunately crashed). After the insurance payout I bought myself a 96 316i Compact figuring newer model but less power wasn't such a bad compromise. I still love the 1.6 and think it is beautifully balanced just underpowered. I would love to replace it with an E30 M3 (preferably Evo Sport) but they are just too expensive for what they are now (especially with over 100k on the dials). With this in mind the only other BMW's which float my boat at the moment are the ZM3 Coupe or an old 850 CSi (If I could find a decent one for sensible money). If I don't find a nice BM I want soon (and that I can justify to the bank/wife) I'm going to be forced to jump ship to my B-list, namely Elise, S2000, NSX, TVR, RX7. Any advice from current owners appreciated....or even cars for sale would be nice

Thanks in advance,

John

[dick dastardly]

Get an M Coupe. I did a few months ago and am loving it.

I've had a few small issues come up with it but for the most part it is a well made machine.

The performance is pretty special. The thing goes like a rocket-ship & is renowned as one of the best handling cars BMW has ever made - just treat it with respect.

[off_again]

For £15k you can get just about anything.... you name it and its probably in the price range!!

M5 E39 - yep
M3 - yep (though not current)
Z3M - yep
Z3M Coupe - yep

And you could even go slightly unusual too with an AC or Alpina....

[afrofish]

Do I need to worry overly about the Vanos on the M Coupes?

There aren't many with the warranty still in plance and if the vanos did go how much would I be looking at (potentially).

Also what are the odds? I have heard it is a serious problem but are we talking about every car that came off the line is a potential problem, or is it only certain models during certain dates. How many cars come a croper as a result of the vaos (1 in 100 / 1 in 1000 / 1 in 10!)?

[dick dastardly]

I think that the Vanos issue is one of those things where it's got a reputation for being a lot worse than it is. My car had the Vanos filter changed at 40K and is now driving happily at 120K. So long as you use the best oil and have the filter cleaned during oil services then it'll be fine.

If it does go pop then you are looking at £1-2K to fix depending on where you take it.

[captainchris]

Wait 9 months and e46 M3 will start hitting 15k barrier ( now 20K)

[afrofish]

Hmmm, decisions decisions.....

[guy10]

Hi John...You did ask for cars for sale, so I thought I might tempt you...Just put my 99 E39 up for sale...high mileage, but it's just had a new engine, and recent vanos, clutch and tyres...has a full year's MOT and and a full year's BMW Extended Warranty...it's under your budget, and not too far from you....

www.pistonheads.com/sales/65465.htm

Cheers

Guy