A what BMW thread

[Gad-Westy]

In the market for a new car. Having had Westfields in the past as my fun cars and running a banger along side, I'm now after something that'll do it all in one car. I'm not likely to spend more than £5k but would push it up for the right car. Running costs are an issue. I'm unlikely to do more than about 6,000 miles per year so MPG not important but don't want to spend more than £1000 p/a on upkeep.

My shortlist is down to 4 cars, all with pros amd cons.
E36 BMW 328i Sport Coupe
E39 BMW 540i
E36 Alpina 3.0 switchtronic
Porsche 944 S2 (the wild card choice in a BMW section)

I'm leaning towards the 328i as it looks like it'll be easy to find a really good one in budget. Bit worried about how their future values will fair.

The 540 holds a lot of appeal and they tend to be very well equipped but I'm concerned about any repair costs.

The alpina would be great if I can find a good one. There is one on Autotrader that looks good but not seen any others. I'm also concerned that there are potentially expensive repair costs involved with the Alpina bits.

I like the 944 but insurance is very steep compared to the others. My recent driving history is not kind to my premiums so this is quite a factor. Elephant turns up pretty good quotes for the three BM's.

What do you all think?

[r5gttgaz]

E30 325i sport? Or is that too old?

[Dino D]

The e36 can't really drop much further...??
Have you thoought about e30 325i sports (with the lsd). I want to get one as trackday/fun car.

[Andrew D]

The 944 is pretty different to the others, especially the E39. It depends if you're wanting a usable sports car, or simply an all-rounder thats a bit sporty.

The 328i will fit the bill for jolly fine larks, but if it were me and the insurance wasn't too crippling, I'd go for the 944. £5k is about on the money for a good S2 on the private market, and it's a real animal. The S2 is definately the one to go for, as Turbos are expensive to buy and worse to keep running, and the original 2.5's are a bit gutless in comparison.

[Gad-Westy]

E30 just a little too dated for my tastes now (I'd love an M3 though!). Point taken on the 944 being completely different to a 540 but both appeal to me. 944 for a sporting drive and 540 for effortless grunt and mile munching ability. I think the 944's insurance is going to be too much though, Most expensive BM quote was the Alpina coming in at £850, 944 quote is £1400. Doesn't seem worth the difference to me.

[r5gttgaz]

You wouldn't lose a penny on a well kept E30 325i sport but I dare say the 944 is the same.

[A11REX]

These guys have a fabulous E30 M3.
www.sportscarclassics.net/
Take a look under 'showroom'

[r5gttgaz]

A11REX said:

These guys have a fabulous E30 M3.
www.sportscarclassics.net/
Take a look under 'showroom'

No rust, until you remove the carpets, skirts and bumpers lol. I wouldn't sell mine for that much and its had all the work done.

[wrighty78]

Considering your list, I'd probably go for the 328i Sport. IMHO its a really good looking car, especially in black. You should be able to find a very good one for £5k.

But make sure you go for the Sport model. Three or four years back, I made the mistake of buying the non-Sport version rather than waiting for a Sport to come along. D'oh. It had the same great engine, but the lack of a lsd made it rather unpredictable in the wet (not to mention missing out on the nice body kit and x-spoke alloys).

[gad-westy]

Thanks for the replies. Have to admit I'm leaning a bit more towards an Alpina as time goes on but I'm worried about any potential repair costs. Is there anyting I need to worry about with regards to E36 B3's?

328 sports still high up on the list. I'm slightly confused about the Nikolasi (spl!) issue. Am I wrong to assume that a car that has gone 100k with no issues will be ok or should I seek out one with a new engine. My Dad's 528 had this issue so its in the back of my mind.

E30 M3's hold a lot of appeal but I think I'd need to double my budget to get a good one so I think its out for the time being. One for the future though.

[StuB]

gad-westy said:

328 sports still high up on the list. I'm slightly confused about the Nikolasi (spl!) issue. Am I wrong to assume that a car that has gone 100k with no issues will be ok or should I seek out one with a new engine. My Dad's 528 had this issue so its in the back of my mind.

The car's either had a short engine replaced under warranty or should be steered clear of. Check the chassis number with BMW before you buy.

FWIW. My old E36 328 did 214k miles before I sold it - still going strong!

Running costs are a bit of a gamble as the suspension bushes need changing at some point, but it's not always easy to tell when. A long test drive should reveal any wobbles. Main problems (VANOS excluded) were glove box and electric window lifters failing.

£5k will buy a very nice 328 now.

[Gad-Westy]

How does one identify any Vanos problems? Same with Bushes, is there a simple test to see if they are wearing or is it a case of just driving the car and feeling it? Much else to look for? Whats the issue with the glove box?

[naetype]

Sounds like a bag of marbles. Listen to a few then the one with the Vanos trouble is pretty unmissable.

I'd go for the 944. The only thing is the interior is WELL 1970's. For the money your looking to spend I wouldn't be that fussed about the interior tho'.

[gad-westy]

Well, put a deposit down on a 328 sport today. Pretty good example and great spec. It needs a couple of things sorting. There are some rust blobs along the lower edge of the driver's door and on the rear arch. Should this be fairly cheap to sort? Its pearlescent paint.

Also needs all four BBS split rims refurbishing. Any idea how much that's going to set me back?