Sed57

Looks like it is a ZF, the only other auto I can find out about is a 4 speed, the one I'm looking at is 5.

Thanks for that. I am skeptical as you say about any that are in that price range and seem too good to be true. How can I distinguish between the ZF and GM? Is one a "true" auto and the other a tiptronic one?

Correct, E46. Budget is 5k, and up until now I've been looking at 320's in the 3.5-4k region (or at least could be haggled to this place). Two 330's have popped up around the 5k mark prior to haggling, which made me look into those as possibilities.

Hi guys, first post, so I apologise if I'm in the wrong place. Here's the deal - my beloved '94 Celica gave up the Ghost last week, and I'm also an avid fan of manual cars - which are super difficult to find in NZ. I figure, if I have to get a manual, I may as well get a nice one, so I started setting my sights on Beemers. Here's the thing - I'm a student, which is partly why I can't justify spending the 1.5k I was quoted to fix up my Celica (knowing there's other things that are going to go wrong with it down the track). I know there's a stigma about euro's being expensive, but I'm wondering how much more would I be spending? I've love for some feedback from you guys on any recent work you've had done, and I can compare this which what I've been paying thus far for my Celica. By all means, if you guys think I'm dreaming, let me know. I may need a solid dose of reality to stop me from buying something I simply can't afford to run. Thanks for anything you're able to suggest!

I couldn't afford a brand new Corolla, nevermind a BMW, haha. I was looking at a '98 328i.

Thanks M5V8, I suspect it's not going to be a black and white answer, but hopefully with personal experience from people like yourself I'll be able to piece together the pieces myself!

Hi folks, Sorry, this may of been submitted elsewhere but I've not registered and not sure where to look. I've heard tale of the cost of European cars (BMW's, Audi's, VW's) can be anything from nothing special to HOLY CRAP MY WALLET, so before I seriously consider a BMW for my next car I figured I'd ask around to see if it's feesable. I have no real expenses on my side, so I could probably live with a slightly higher cost than what I'm paying now for my little Toyota Celica, but that's not to say I want all my savings going on a car if needed. I'm hoping you guys will be able to dispel or explain some of the facts and fictions I've been hearing, such as an every day mechanic as opposed to a BMW specific one, 3 series after 150k's, cost of parts when compared to japanese brand, etc. Are they more expensive to run? Are the HIDEOUSLY more expensive to run? Are they no different than any other car (They certainly seem popular enough, the 318i anyway)? Anything I should be aware of? Any info you can give, as well as local advise for myself (I'm around the Coatesville/Hibiscus Coast area) would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if this should of been posted elsewhere! If so let me know and I'll move it as best I can Thanks! Sed