E46 325 & 330 Coupes. Your thoughts?
Discussion
It looks pretty set that my next purchase will be an E46 coupe of some form. I've been driving an E36 325 coupe for the past few years and really like it so am looking to upgrade to the newer model.
I would be after the 325/328/330. What are the main differences? Seeing as I can get a 325 for around £8K is the 330 worth £13K+? Obviously the more power the better but seeing as the whole car will purchased with the bank's cash I need to get my moneys worth.
Thanks, DD
>>> Edited by dick dastardly on Tuesday 29th March 13:39
I would be after the 325/328/330. What are the main differences? Seeing as I can get a 325 for around £8K is the 330 worth £13K+? Obviously the more power the better but seeing as the whole car will purchased with the bank's cash I need to get my moneys worth.
Thanks, DD
>>> Edited by dick dastardly on Tuesday 29th March 13:39
I very much doubt you will get a 325ci for £8k.
Maybe a high mileage 323.
In my experience 330s are a world away from the lesser models. 325 needs to be thrashed to get it going.
323 is a 2.5 engine but detuned - your E36 325 will be much more driveable.
Also, the 'sport' models are much more desireable when it comes to resale (if you're worried about that aspect).
Maybe a high mileage 323.
In my experience 330s are a world away from the lesser models. 325 needs to be thrashed to get it going.
323 is a 2.5 engine but detuned - your E36 325 will be much more driveable.
Also, the 'sport' models are much more desireable when it comes to resale (if you're worried about that aspect).
So am I right in thinking that the original line-up was the 318, 323 and 328, which then got shifted to the 320, 325 and 330?
I've seen a number of 323 and 328's for around the £8K figure and could swear I'd seen one or two 100K mile 325's there too, although I must admit I'm having trouble getting them to re-surface on autotrader right now.
I've seen a number of 323 and 328's for around the £8K figure and could swear I'd seen one or two 100K mile 325's there too, although I must admit I'm having trouble getting them to re-surface on autotrader right now.
My old car had sports suspension. I felt like the ride on the E46 was far smoother and ironed out the bumps nicely. I wasn't quite as assured in the corners but I didn't push it as hard as I would my car since I'm used to my car. Surprising how easily it gained speed, very smooth in comparison. Made me realise how much I'd miss a straight six if I'd gone for another car. All the extras are on it. 17" wheels, full leather etc, but then my E36 has that too. The E46 is far plusher though. I never really saw the point of trading in a 2.5 BMW with everything on it just for a newer BMW with everything on it until I drove one. Engine and running gear is all standard but I think if anything had been done to the car I would have been put off.
My advice. Try it then buy it! 8K is a pretty good price too.
My advice. Try it then buy it! 8K is a pretty good price too.
£8k!! that sounds very cheap.
Just sold my 330ci (see the ad and spec in the for sale section). BMW dealer friend said he could knock it out to a trader for between £11k and £12K (over 50k miles so BMW weren't going to take it) but I should advertise it at £13k. I paid £18.5k nearly 2 years ago so put it in at £13,995 and got full asking! Funny thing is, i've taken 9 calls since I sold it last week!
Great car but the warranty was going to be £550 plus a couple of tyres and a service and £50 to fill up every week made me think of changing it. Bought a Mini Cooper S - much more fun than the 330..... but the 330 is a far better car.
Just sold my 330ci (see the ad and spec in the for sale section). BMW dealer friend said he could knock it out to a trader for between £11k and £12K (over 50k miles so BMW weren't going to take it) but I should advertise it at £13k. I paid £18.5k nearly 2 years ago so put it in at £13,995 and got full asking! Funny thing is, i've taken 9 calls since I sold it last week!
Great car but the warranty was going to be £550 plus a couple of tyres and a service and £50 to fill up every week made me think of changing it. Bought a Mini Cooper S - much more fun than the 330..... but the 330 is a far better car.
Can't link from AutoTrader ads so..."1999 BMW 328 Coupe, Orient blue metallic, full grey leather, long tax & MOT. FBMWSH. EW. EM. Electric seats. ESR. Aircon, multi function steering wheel. 6 disc cd, 18 multi spoke alloys, rain sensor and headlight wash. Stunning car, outstanding value for money. No canvassers. £8,000"
Doesn't mention mileage though but seeing as it's a BMW this doesn't really concern me. I've got to sell mine first but seeing ads like this get me thinking with the heart and not the head!
Doesn't mention mileage though but seeing as it's a BMW this doesn't really concern me. I've got to sell mine first but seeing ads like this get me thinking with the heart and not the head!
I just bought a 328Ci (part ex for my TVR!) and it's a great car, loads of extras, nice smooth ride, pretty nippy (obviously no way near the tiv), looks sporty as well...the only downside is that it has zero character.
I would have went for a 330 but couldn't find one at my price, however does would it make that much difference
I would have went for a 330 but couldn't find one at my price, however does would it make that much difference
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