[wbbb]

Hi,

Am new here and have been reading loads of the posts on here which are great. I am looking to buy a 3 series in the summer and really wanted some tips as am unsure on what I should go for. Hopefully some of you nice peeps can let me know what you think.

I am after:

3 series (of course ) - prob go for a saloon as bit cheaper and need to factor in kids coming along next year!

£15k ish to spend - maybe stretched a little if a deal is to be done;

Want something nippy but not too expensive to insure! (i am 29)

My wife and i both walk to work so the car will mainly be used at weekends, we tend to bomb up and down the M1 every few weeks, but other than that we'll be pootling around - prob only looking at 8 or 9k miles per year.

I'd like something quick looking - am I right in thinking the 'm-series' bodystyling is lowered?

What do you think of 330's and the difference between 325s? I am prob going to head to a stealer (getting the lingo already) as if I am forking out so much cash I'd like some piece of mind!

Any thoughts?

Cheers,

P

[willhollin]

For short journeys it's got to be petrol. 320i ain't great, 335i is probably out of budget. So 325i or 330i are the ones.

330i M Sport should easily be in budget I reckon.

[wbbb]

cheers Will, any particular reason why the 320i should be ruled out?

P

[willhollin]

Check this out - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136258

I had an E90 320i before, only the 150 bhp model but it was pretty gutless. Had a test drive of a 325i, went well and sounded good.

[wbbb]

ah yes, I forget I did see this thread. Nuff said!

[zltm089]

325i or 330i...aim for the bigger engine!...more horses!!!....unless u want all the other extras...but if u want speed, just aim for the bigger engine!...u won't regret it....the e92s are awesome cars with great handling!!!....

in a 335 (that works) ...u'll have lots of pleasure!...lots and lots of pleasure!!!.....hmmmm

[wbbb]

ha! thanks for that z but think 335 will be a bit out of my budget

[zltm089]

yeh...if u got around £15k, i'm sure u will get a decent 330i...

[zltm089]

http://bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_detai...VB32050AW51159

[RiCh]

Dont bother with the 320i, i would definately go for a 330i M Sport

[Butch]

I was in a similar position (but not quite as much to spend) a few months ago - really there is no difference in running costs at all when comparing 330 to the 325, I think the difference in mpg is 1 mile to a gallon !

Obviously the 330 is a bit quicker, so I thought if I'm gonna get one, then that's what I will go for ! I also originally wanted an m-sport model, but just for a bodykit and some different trim you can pay quite abit more...

Two other things that surprised me...
1 - The SE suspension I found firm enough for my liking, the m-sport IMO can be a little harsh (especially if you upgrade to bigger wheels).
2 - I wanted a manual gearbox, I had no intention of buying an auto but after a test drive I fell in love - do not pass this by. The salesman had to twist my arm to get me to test drive this car because I was intent on buying a manual, after test driving the auto I bought it !

You have plenty of time, so test drive different engines, trim and gearboxes - that way you can make your own mind up.

[AlanQS]

320d SE for combination of decent youth and mileage for the budget you have. It's fast enough for the purposes you say you want the car and it cuts down on insurance, road tax, and fuel use.

[wbbb]

Originally Posted by AlanQS

320d SE for combination of decent youth and mileage for the budget you have. It's fast enough for the purposes you say you want the car and it cuts down on insurance, road tax, and fuel use.

Thanks Alan, I am not against getting a diesel but I've always driven petrol and thought that the low number of mileage we drive would not justify having a diesel. Is there any kind of lag with the diesel engine in the 330? Roll on my next few days off will get some test drives sorted....

[wbbb]

Originally Posted by Butch

Two other things that surprised me...
1 - The SE suspension I found firm enough for my liking, the m-sport IMO can be a little harsh (especially if you upgrade to bigger wheels).
2 - I wanted a manual gearbox, I had no intention of buying an auto but after a test drive I fell in love - do not pass this by. The salesman had to twist my arm to get me to test drive this car because I was intent on buying a manual, after test driving the auto I bought it !

thanks for that, the 19" on yours look good! do the exterior differences just come with the m-sport package do you know - so there are just 2 exdterior styling options - m-sport and everything else?

[a1reader]

Originally Posted by wbbb

thanks for that, the 19" on yours look good! do the exterior differences just come with the m-sport package do you know - so there are just 2 exdterior styling options - m-sport and everything else?

For the most part yes. 335i/d have twin exhausts though...