from 330ci to... ? (help needed)

[Stissy]

hello saxp,

It’s been a while since I’ve visited, but I have a friend who has a bit of a dilemma and this is the first place I thought to go to. Its another ‘what car’ thread. here’s the situation:

He currently has an E46 330ci (Msport facelift 2004, 120000 on the clock) but drives from London to the Midlands almost every weekend. So this car has started to become too expensive. He’s looking to change his car for something more economical (and potentially cheaper to buy too)

He wants something that gives the same class as a BMW 330ci, age isn’t important, something that’s just as nice to look at and drive but cheaper to run and buy. (petrol or diesel, any engine size)

So – any suggestions?

[MuZiZZle]

Sline A4? A derv 3 series?

And by class do you mean, as the hire car places say "is it to maintain an image" ?

[0rang3peel]

an E46 320d....

[blackie_2k5]

Why is everyone pretending they've been gone for ages and come back!?

You were only posting the other day?

Is this a new joke I'm missing out on..

[Brettles1986]

This is a no brainer.

I love my car but it's too expensive to run ... Buy the fucking diesel model then

[Gandi699]

320/330d

[Jizanthapus]

106 1.5d, cheap to run yet very classy.

[Stissy]

Sline A4? A derv 3 series?

And by class do you mean, as the hire car places say "is it to maintain an image" ?

A4, good suggestion. cheers

and yes

Why is everyone pretending they've been gone for ages and come back!?

You were only posting the other day?

Is this a new joke I'm missing out on..

If by “the other day” you mean almost a month ago then yeah I was. Compared to other forums though I hardly use/check this one, so when I make a new thread I like to say hello. Sorry if I confused you there buddy.

320/330d

we did consider this, but they’re more expensive than a 330ci to buy.

an E46 320d....

see above.

[Gandi699]

How much does he have to spend?
Maybe look for something fitted with LPG

[Sandy309]

I'd say if cost is the main issue, it has to be a 320d. I'm running a 330Ci and the 330d owners I now aren't getting much better mpg than me and the 330d has alot more turbo and engine woes as well as higher purchase cost and the current gap in fuel prices. It would have to be the 320d to see a useful cut in cost.

[MuZiZZle]

So he has a 330i, but can't afford a D, and needs a car to "maintain an image"

It's not looking good for him :(

To be honest though, I doubt an E46 is doing much in the way of carpark dick waving for him as it is.

What's his budget?

[Stissy]

How much does he have to spend?
Maybe look for something fitted with LPG

budget is 5k, but could stretch to 6 if the car is perfect

I'd say if cost is the main issue, it has to be a 320d. I'm running a 330Ci and the 330d owners I now aren't getting much better mpg than me and the 330d has alot more turbo and engine woes as well as higher purchase cost and the current gap in fuel prices. It would have to be the 320d to see a useful cut in cost.

thanks man

[Proffitt]

Save up a little more and get the e46 320d. Well worth it and great on mpg.

[Proffitt]

budget is 5k, but could stretch to 6 if the car is perfect


See my above post.

You can easily get an e46 320d for under 6k.
I bought mine for £5700, 2005 320d, 103k FBMWSH, Tax'd, MOT'd etc etc..

[m4tt274]

hes paying a lot of money for the badge on a BMW, thats all well and good, but a bit pointless with his financial situation. he could have a nicer car with lower milage and better economy with a less flash badge.
not that an e46 is major wow material anyway. . .

has he considered a titanium x mondeo tdci? or a 407 hdi executive?

[Proffitt]

has he considered a titanium x mondeo tdci? or a 407 hdi executive?

Are you gay? :homme:

[manta]

Lol 407

To be honest I'd look at the 320d. A4 derv? Skoda Octavia? I think they do a hot derv version.

Swap badges?

[MuZiZZle]

Are you gay? :homme:

"Show the world you've given up on life with, the Ford Mondeo"

[DreamEater]

Saab 93 Vector Sport 55mpg from the 1.9TiD

[Gandi699]

Why doesnt he plump for something smaller? You cant really do brand snobbery when you are chasing every last mpg imo

[ady_saxo]

E46 330D, good economy and lots of torque.

[hellonpluto]

saxo vts obvousily

[MuZiZZle]

saxo vts obvousily

well they are quicker than 330i's!

[Ashleyp]

Saab 93 Vector Sport 55mpg from the 1.9TiD

Saab, classy?

since when?

Why doesnt he plump for something smaller? You cant really do brand snobbery when you are chasing every last mpg imo

nail on the head, IMO.

[GolfJay]

Noone has mentioned a Lexus IS200? You can also pick them up for £2,000 these days.

Can't imagine them to be as expensive as a BMW when they go wrong. Unsure about fuel costs though.

[saladdodger]

Merc C270 CDi

[Lewis1600]

Alfa Romeo 159...

[blackie_2k5]

Noone has mentioned a Lexus IS200? You can also pick them up for £2,000 these days.

Can't imagine them to be as expensive as a BMW when they go wrong. Unsure about fuel costs though.

Because they're shit :p

[saladdodger]

Because they're shit :p

And mpg is dreadful

[Dave_P]

Buy a 320d and get a non age related private plate.

[Manu]

I'd say if cost is the main issue, it has to be a 320d. I'm running a 330Ci and the 330d owners I now aren't getting much better mpg than me and the 330d has alot more turbo and engine woes as well as higher purchase cost and the current gap in fuel prices. It would have to be the 320d to see a useful cut in cost.

be careful with the swirl flap issue and turbo condition. I see a lot of beemers with a lot of smoke coming out but not much else. Very hard to find a decent one. Now if you're after best mpg for minimum dollar, maybe you should think mondeo derv or renault/peugeot derv.

[vtr91]

mk5 golf gt tdi. :y:

[Stissy]

cheers for your suggestions boys

as shown, its possible to get a classy car for a decent price which still returns high MPG. Its just a matter of picking one now

PS - does anyone want to buy an E46 330Ci M-Sport haha

[LSOfreak]

Alfa Romeo 159...

wont it constantly break?

[Mr_P]

wont it constantly break?

No. It'll be broken when you buy it, and it'll stay broken.