Time to change/upgrade advice

[james]

Hi Guys, so I decided it is time for a change. Current options are: E46 320i/325i/328i or a 1996 E36 328i Individual (130000kms, good price.) Could the guys please give advice, especially reliability of 320i. Leaning towards the individual though, but my head says 320i. My car is for sale btw. Didn't advertise here as I have a prospective buyer, but asking price is 37k if someone is interested. (217000kms, fsh, 1998 model)

 

[james]

Bump

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

The e46 is a donkey. Esp pre-facelift.
Rather go for a face-lift 320i up.
The e36 is bullet proof. Just do your research on either and drive them both....

The 320i will be horrid after owning a 325tds. THats for sure.
I would go for a decent e46 though if there is one in your price range, preferably 325i up

 

[moranor@axis]

i think this has been spoken about quite a few times before...

try go 2.5l and up if you can get the 330i they all cost almost the same to run so go big :rollsmile:

 

[james]

Power isn't really an issue at this stage, as long as it's a 6 pot. The E46 2.5 and up is either pricey(for me), or very high mileage. The E36 328i Ind is perfect though, very low mileage, santorini blue(I think) with contours wheels. Will view shortly. I need freerider's help on this. Think he has owned both.

 

[msm]

Hi Guys, so I decided it is time for a change. Current options are: E46 320i/325i/328i or a 1996 E36 328i Individual (130000kms, good price.)

Forget about the E46 320i - I agree with UpNcOmiNg that you'll get frustrated with it after the 325tds.

96 328i is a 15 year old car - nothing wrong with that, but if you want something different, why buy another E36??

E46 325/328i would make the most sense. If you're not in a hurry, try to save up for a nice 330i. You can pick up decent ones for R80k - pre or post facelift is not that much different mechanically (since you were considering a E46 328i in any case which is pre facelift).

With E90 prices dropping, there's gonna lots of guys selling E46's and upgrading, so keep an eye out ...

Also, as moranor stated, maintenance is going to be similar across all the 6 cylinders, so buy the best you can (i.e. 330i).

 

[james]

Thing is the E36 is the best driver's car I have ever driven. A lot of people say the E46 is not so involved. Guess the E36 Individual look vs. plain E46 is driving this decision. There is a 2001 E39 525i facelift also in the picture, though maintenance on a E39 is putting me off.

 

[msm]

Thing is the E36 is the best driver's car I have ever driven. A lot of people say the E46 is not so involved.

Go test drive an E46 330i first (standard or sports version) ... with some minor work it feels closer to a ///M car than a "conventional" E46. Consider the 330d too.

Guess the E36 Individual look vs. plain E46 is driving this decision. There is a 2001 E39 525i facelift also in the picture, though maintenance on a E39 is putting me off.

If it's a drivers car you're after, the E39 525i is not it. I owned one for a short period and eventually got rid of it cos it felt too lazy.

Nowadays, clean E36 Individuals do stand out a bit as there are so few decent ones left, so that may still be a good option.

 

[Twinz]

Exciting choosing a new ride. Enjoy :thumbs:

 

[james]

So my heart is set on the Individual. I have 2nd option to buy, so hopefully the guy don't take it. It's slotcar' s vehicle on the forum.

 

[freerider]

Good choice, as I said before, having owned both I still miss my 320i, but I think its more a nostalgia thing. I drive the 328i around with a silly grin on my face half the time Everytime I push the shouty pedal, I'm reminded it definitely is not a 320i.

 

[moranor@axis]

are you guys forgetting the 323i is also a 2.5l... the only reason not to get it is its older than the 325i... if budget is a problem i would get the 323 over the 320i anyday...

even with just a decat and tune you can see the same or more power than a 325i...

 

[XMAX]

I agree with Moranor. you can get decent e46 pre facelift 323i for good prices these days.

 

[slotcars1]

Hi James

Buy my car... end of story... as you said... :bravo: :thumbs:

 

[Doomsdaya]

So my heart is set on the Individual. I have 2nd option to buy, so hopefully the guy don't take it. It's slotcar' s vehicle on the forum.

nice choice James :thumbsup: and remember you buying a car thats gonna (and dare I say it) "appreciate in value" :clap:

 

[slotcars1]

So my heart is set on the Individual. I have 2nd option to buy, so hopefully the guy don't take it. It's slotcar' s vehicle on the forum.

nice choice James :thumbsup: and remember you buying a car thats gonna (and dare I say it) "appreciate in value" :clap:

Don't say that, between you and freerider, you make me more depressed by each post....

 

[james]

...search continues. Have considered a couple of options:
1. Slotcars1' 328i Indiv. 13000km(no service history)
2. Another 328i Indiv in Muizenberg 240000km(no service history, 45k, can give details if someone wants)
3. Rick540' M5(big enough to sleep in, cause wife might kick me out.)
4. 2000 E46 328i, 250000kms, 55k,service history.(Autobox reliability worrying issue)

5. 96 318is Motorsport 2, 250000kms, fsh, 55k, immaculate,really, but not a 6 pot.

Now the question arises, service histories worry me, autoboxes, high mileage and people who advertise, but waste your time. Also 60k cash is my limit. Other option is keep my car, pimp a bit, and be done with it.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO...?

 

[J1gga]

1. Slotcars1' 328i Indiv. <b>13000km</b>(no service history)

Service interval is not reached yet :rollsmile:, I say go for it....

 

[james]

Actually 130000kms

 

[J1gga]

Actually 130000kms

Was just pulling your leg, however although it does not have a service history, it's still the least riskier compared to the others that have no SH due to mileage :idea: