e46 3 series but which engine?

Michael Myers · 21 Sep 2009 at 14:04

Hi guys

Looking into a BMW 3 series as a daily driver, probably got a 6 grand budget but im confused over which engine would be best.

Seems like i can afford a 02 - 03 plate ideally a sport model trim.

Engine wise it seems like a can choose between: 320/320d/325/328/330

Looks like the 330d is out of my budget, not to worried about mileage as long as its not mega high. But i have no idea which engine would be best.

Ill be doing maybe 5000 - 7500 miles a year so economy isnt to important average of 30 would be great any more a bonus, i guess im after the most smooth and reliable engine that will shift a bit when needed.

GinG · 21 Sep 2009 at 14:11

330i seems to be the one to go for, top spec.

As i have never driven in a 330i before couldnt tell you how it drives, however mpg/performance is pretty good.

Django x2 · 21 Sep 2009 at 14:13

[TW]Fox · 21 Sep 2009 at 14:16

330 but you want to spend 5k to leave you with a cash reserve for repairs etc. Not sure I would fancy your chances of a nice 02 330 Sport for 5k.

Django x2 · 21 Sep 2009 at 14:27

[TW]Fox;14930989 said:
330 but you want to spend 5k to leave you with a cash reserve for repairs etc. Not sure I would fancy your chances of a nice 02 330 Sport for 5k.

Agreed, I would say another £2k is ideally needed to get the best 330 Sport, be it Coupe, Saloon.

NVP · 21 Sep 2009 at 14:47

The 2.5ltr petrol will just about average 30mpg if driven sensibley, and the 3ltr is only slightely less economical so should still be plausible.

All the mentioned engines have enough kick to them with obivously the 3ltr being the most noticable.

For reliability stick to the straight 6s, avoid the diesel (my opinion through research not experience) as they seemed to have a lot more problems.

Check this page for some specifics about reliability: E46

Either way, your budget will be the deciding factor...

[TW]Fox · 21 Sep 2009 at 14:53

Maybe a mint 328 might be sensible? Plenty spare in reserve then.

Michael Myers · 21 Sep 2009 at 14:56

is there much difference between the 328 - 330?

PMKeates · 21 Sep 2009 at 15:24

The 328 sedan was phased out in 2000, so most are early.

Performance wise they're not worlds apart - the 330 has a 20% power and 7% torque advantage and is half a second quicker to 60. The gap gets wider the faster you go.

Duke · 21 Sep 2009 at 16:42

Got my 323 for sale but bit far to come and its pre-face lift (1999) so probably a bit older than you are looking for.

Michael Myers · 21 Sep 2009 at 17:51

Right so if i want a 330, i need to go slightly older something like this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1246119.htm

might look into the 325's i guess

richard104 · 21 Sep 2009 at 18:00

Isn't that pretty high mileage?? Even for a 8 year old car that seems to be pretty high.

[TW]Fox · 21 Sep 2009 at 18:03

richard104 said:
Isn't that pretty high mileage?? Even for a 8 year old car that seems to be pretty high.

To be honest with his budget he's better off with cars like that - at least you know why they are cheap.

Michael Myers · 21 Sep 2009 at 18:04

also its less likely to be clocked i guess lol

Super Tigers · 21 Sep 2009 at 18:09

150,000 miles in 8 years, so 19,000 miles per year, full history, condition looks good and well cared for. Maybe a bit of haggle room as well. Not a bad motor for the money.