First time buying a BMW - Any help appreciated

[kratosnz 0]

Hi guys

I am looking to buy my first BMW, and any help would be appreciated. I am currently thinking I will go for the E46 shape as i quite like the look of them. My budget is $10 - $15k.

Originally I have been checking out 318i Msports models, but am thinking maybe I should go for a 320I or something with a bit more grunt. How big is the difference between the two?

I posted up a thread about an auction I was looking at on trademe (asking what people thought it was worth)... looks like this would have been a more appropriate section to post it.

http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index....showtopic=43281

Anyway, any help would be awesome, and I would love some input on what people think regarding what size engine to go for. It would be used just for everyday driving.

Thanks

Edited January 21, 2013 by -Mat-

[Allanw 1071]

Do lots of Googling!

Some of the Engines have issues (N42 I think)

Personally, I'd find a well looked after 328i/330i Manual. Fuel consumption isn't bad at all (hauling similar weight to the smaller engines anyway) and the manual trans really wakes them up - any of them!

[elmarco 56]

My advice? Buy my 330 coupe....

[BM WORLD 1283]

or mine

318i motorsport 5spd sedan

with the more reliable simple m43b19 engine and more reliable manual gearbox etc

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=553396469

[Smac01 12]

I've had a 318i, a 325i, and a 330i (all msports).

My personal opinion is a well looked after 318i would fit your needs perfectly.

But you know I'm biased!

In my experience, the difference in fuel consumption is pretty large.

[deeveus 81]

If it's economy you're after, I'm now getting more than 1000km to a tank in my remapped Motorosport 320d.

[kiwi535 538]

If it's economy you're after, I'm now getting more than 1000km to a tank in my remapped Motorosport 320d.

what happened re the noise? 1000k eh i get close to that on the open road in the 120 i guess the 320 has a bigger tank?