BMW 3 Series help/advice

kinger8938

kinger8938

kinger8938

Soldato
Joined
23 Mar 2011
Posts
11,100
Hi guys

Im looking into what car to get next and ive landed on one of these, particularly the E92 model (i think)

The old man suggested looking at the 3 series and after having a browse i do like the look of them. It would be my first bmw so not really sure what im looking at in regards to different engines and versions so just wondering if anyone could shed some light on this for me or point me in the right direction?

Im 26 so imagine insurance isnt so much of a concern these days, no claims since i started at 17.

Previous cars from first would be a 106 quiksilver, mk4 golf gti 1.8T and now a citroen c4 (thought it would save me on fuel during my apprenticeship, it didnt lol)

Had my current car for years and never like it so want to get something a bit more substantial. Also thinking of more room what with the future looming over me and the thought of starting a family has begun :D so 5 door perhaps.. Though the e92 coupe looks mean!
 
E92's range from scabby £6k 2 litre examples right through to £35k M3's. You are going to need to give us a bit more information about how much you want to spend, what you want and what your appetite for running costs is.
 
And I guess driving habits. There is little point recommending a 335i if you're doing 30k+ per year, but if your doing 6k, then it might be an option.
 
No, that'll be my P38 with them specs.

But I would say anything over 10k per year it is worth at least looking at a diesel.
 
I'd say for diesel to pay off its generally more like 18k+ a year where it becomes a benefit. Given the higher price of diesel in the first place, more to go wrong, the fact that the diesel versions are generally more expensive than roughly comparable petrols etc.

And I do drive a diesel, but I do 30k+ a year so it pays off for me. If my timing chain isn't knackered that is.
 
Phemo said:
I'd say for diesel to pay off its generally more like 18k+ a year where it becomes a benefit.
Click to expand...

But at 10k pa, the difference in fuel costs are around £400 per year (with current prices, local to me). Are you saying the cost difference needs to be £700 per year to make the diesel worthwhile? These figures are based on an average consumption of 40 mpg in a diesel compared to 30 mpg in a petrol. Figures that would be expected of "comparable" engines (i.e. both engines of similar power).

Sure, there may be increased buying costs, but then you will get a lot of that back with increased selling value. Then it depends on if you run a warranty or not too. As the OP doesn't mention budget yet, then this is an unknown quantity at the moment.
 
Ok sorry budget wise i would be going preowned Looking at a spend of about £8-10k max really so probably just a scabby one :D^

Hope that helps

Mileage wise works not far probably average mileage really no more than 8-10k miles a year i imagine

Ta
 
IMHO the best value E92 for £8-10k is a 325i. Yes, it's a suboptimal engine choice but as a result it's quite easy to get a very tidy early one as they are less sought after than the 330i or the 335i.
 
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