Looking at my first BMW, but which one?

[jeff_denning]

Hey guys,

So I've been driving the E36 328i for a while now, and must say - I've been converted to a complete BMW addict since my first drive.

So here's what I'm looking to do, my 1.4 RunX just isn't cutting it anymore (yes I know, bad choice.... first car :banghead: )

I haven't done all that much looking around to be honest, my list so far is an E36 318 or the E36 318 Motorsport. Any suggestions on this one guys?

 

[MikeR]

firstly - your financial status will determine your situation.
Can I recommenced you try save up for a while longer and go for a newer model. Maybe 1 series:thinking:.
Without sounding like Im knocking E36's you will be buying a car that is a lot older and you will encounter a higher upkeep than what you are accustomed to with the 1.4 RunX (thats probably 6/7 years old only), you have been spoilt with the power of the E36 328i and you will be disappointed with the 318i for sure.

 

[e46 guy]

firstly - your financial status will determine your situation.
Can I recommenced you try save up for a while longer and go for a newer model. Maybe 1 series:thinking:.
Without sounding like Im knocking E36's you will be buying a car that is a lot older and you will encounter a higher upkeep than what you are accustomed to with the 1.4 RunX (thats probably 6/7 years old only), you have been spoilt with the power of the E36 328i and you will be disappointed with the 318i for sure.

+1

or you could go for a e36 328i or maybe even a e46 325i - 328i if you can put down a little bit extra.

 

[moranor@axis]

the e46 is not badly priced right now... but im guessing its out of the price range seeing as you mentioned you were looking at the 318i...

but i would stay away from the smaller engines because they dont seem worth it...

 

[Phoenix]

Not to mention that the small BMW engines are low on power and heavy on petrol.

 

[msm]

Not to mention that the small BMW engines are low on power and heavy on petrol.

... and cost about the same to maintain as it's bigger brothers.

 

[328ii]

Good choice - here is a 1996 model for R50K

http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/cars_advert?id=201103187367606

and a 1994 model for R34K - looks good

http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/cars_advert?id=201107187445417

goodluck

8?>

 

[firaz]

Hi there!!!

My honest advice is to keep the runx as a everyday run a round.
I know they don't have a personality, but they extremely reliable.
All toyota's are "donkeys" and most people need one.

 

[jeff_denning]

Thanks a lot for all the replies guys, much appreciated!
Must say, get much better advise around these parts than on other forums. Normally I'd just get "No man, don't buy a bigger car. Put an exhaust on there, chip it and drop the ride"

Which yes, I have done unfortunately in my youth :facepalm:

Anyway, pricing is a bit of an issue for me. I've had a look around at a few BMW's now and it looks like E36 is the way to go if I'm going to get a BMW. I've had a look at the Motorsport II, looks awesome! I think I've already been spoilt with the massive power difference from the 328 to the RunX. It's double the engine capacity... so even getting a 318i is a step in the right direction, no?

Spotted this on Gumtree, but I've been told that the mileage is a little high for the price, so I'm a little stuck at the moment.

Maybe I'm doing this the wrong way? BMW newbie alert. Hehe

@firaz: LOL! True that! I'm already building up the 328i as a track car, so that's more of a tease than anything else. Bored of Toyota's now and want to step up in the world a bit. I'd like to keep the RunX as the every day car, but I'm still paying it off - that would be the more pricey option, which in all honesty, won't really work out so great for me at the moment

 

[moranor@axis]

Hi there!!!

All toyota's are "donkeys balls" and most people want one

Fixed

 

[jeff_denning]

Hi there!!!

All toyota's are "donkeys balls" and most people want one

Fixed

Haha! At least there's one more Toyota aka Donkey Balls driver that's been converted to a proper car :thumb:

 

[firaz]

Hi there!!!

All toyota's are "donkeys balls" and most people want one

Fixed

Lol, classic one Moranor!!!
By the way I got a runx as my second car, but totally agree with u!

 

[ZED1]

It really depends on your budget, I say save up if you have the patience and wait for a good e46. Preferably 323i and up that's within your price range. Patience goes aong way and if you wait a ”geluk” will come your way. Also try and check the car out thoroughly before you buy, the last thing you want is for your new pride and joy to cost you thousands to repair!

 

[zaleonardz]

Dude... E34's..... Come on

45k for a really nice and clean V8, or even the 525.

I agree with what everybody said, the smaller 4 pot motors just are not worth it.

You can have a damm nice E39 these days for about 60k....

 

[ZED1]

And goodluck on your hunt! I'm also currently looking for a new bimmer

 

[MikeR]

dont be too rushed into getting a BMW - check them out carefully, because when there are problem they can become rather costly - ask any guy here.

I looked at the Gumtree add for the yellow one, car looks like its in good nic - but look under the skin. that guy says he is immigrating...oldest trick in the book, my dad would knock him down 50% just on that alone - if he dont secure the deal he walks away and says some other fool will buy it in a hurry.

In other words be patient it will come to you.:thumb:

He wants a swap. give him the Donkey ... http://johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c...ivalve-6-Cylinder-to-swop-W0QQAdIdZ262381400#

 

[moranor@axis]

when i was looking for my car i wanted an e36 but ended up getting an e46 because all the e36 i saw were in very bad shape...

 

[WyKiD]

You will not regret getting rid of the crawlX, Toyota's from that generation started going downhill. The gear shift action/feel in these cars are terrible everytime I see my sister-in-law's 2 hands on the gear lever slam into reverse gear, I cringe as you literally hear the metallic graunch and see the car jerk into gear.

As for your BMW choices, you will not go wrong with one of the 6 cylinder models. Depends on what you are looking for from the car, IMO the E36 offers you a bit more of a sportier feel than some of the earlier E46's which are going to give you a more softer refined experience....

 

[Sankekur]

Dude... E34's..... Come on

45k for a really nice and clean V8, or even the 525.

I agree with what everybody said, the smaller 4 pot motors just are not worth it.

You can have a damm nice E39 these days for about 60k....

+1

 

[rick540]

Yep go for a 6 cyl....... 6 cyl and BMW are THE combination.

If you want to own a real beast then go for a V8, but I warn you, one BMW V8 and you will never go back.

V8's are like.... well the first time you turn that key and it starts, you know exactly what the Hell is under that bonnet, dare to put it in gear and boot it, then you are well and truly hooked.

I wrote a cash cheque in under 30 seconds after I drove my first BMW V8