Fast(ish) Diesels

Howard · 14 Oct 2009 at 21:24

BMW really did design a timelessly classy car with the E46 didn't they. Especially in estate form, it looks lovely.

iaind · 14 Oct 2009 at 21:31

Indeed - I think they're superb looking cars, something about the touring makes it look really well proportioned.

I still think a red one would be awesome

[TW]Fox · 14 Oct 2009 at 21:32

E39 is better 'cos it has proper lights and proper door handles

iaind · 14 Oct 2009 at 21:35

Lol, whats wrong with the handles on the e46?

[TW]Fox · 14 Oct 2009 at 21:43

iaind said:
Lol, whats wrong with the handles on the e46?

I have an irrational hatred of those annoying loopy door handle thingies.

iaind · 14 Oct 2009 at 21:44

That is irrational!

I quite like them - better than the thumb button thing my 156 had, which would regularly get stuck and mean I couldnt close the door.

Howard · 14 Oct 2009 at 21:45

I prefer the loop style ones, they seem "classier" than the normal 'fold up' ones

Scania · 15 Oct 2009 at 05:03

[TW]Fox;15094760 said:
All facelift E39's - 2000X-2004/04 - have the 193bhp engine

That is a lot of money for an E39. The problem you have is that like some of the diesel Estate Mercs the residuals are a bit ridiculous. The 530d Sport Touring without huge miles is a very sought after car and the prices tend to reflect that.

That one is, however, overpriced. It's worth £10.5k from a dealer, tops, if its immaculate.

Add me to MSN if you wish to be bored to death about E39's.

I agree, that price seems way high even given that its "A Diesel"

I say this as I found this at the site of the dealer where I bought my old e38 from. Ok, its not a touring nor a Diesel, but a bit better on the wonga I think!

2002 52 BMW 5 SERIES 530i Sport Auto FULL SERVICE HISTORY ONE PREV KEEPER 38000 MILES 4 Door Saloon
PRICE - £7,995

* Topaz blue
* 38,000 Miles
* 2 Keepers

ABS, Air Conditioning, Alarm, Alloy Wheels, Audio Remote Control, Body Coloured Bumpers, Central Locking, Drivers Airbag, Electric Door Mirrors, Front Fog Lights, Headlight Washers, Heated Door Mirrors, Height Adjustable Drivers Seat, Immobiliser, Passenger Airbag, Power Steering, Radio/Cassette, Remote Central Locking, Reverse Parking Aid, Service Indicator, Side Airbags, Sports Seats, Traction Control, Trip Computer

http://finance.autoexposure.co.uk/d....co.uk/autoedit/AETA41760/AETV17411892_1a.jpg

LostPhil · 15 Oct 2009 at 09:35

iaind said:
What about this sort of thing - would this have the more powerful engine?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1270406.htm

Even not being a fan of BMW's, I can honestly say that looks fantastic.

I'll have to agree with the classic sentiment.

What I do need to do is get a guide together for people to quickly check what E46/39, EPK, DC2's etc are since it's hard to follow if you're not used to the terms!

[TW]Fox · 15 Oct 2009 at 09:38

R420LA6X2/4MNA said:
Ok, its not a touring nor a Diesel

So it appeals to a completely different buyer therefore its value is not comparable :confused:

Firestar_3x · 15 Oct 2009 at 09:50

Howard said:
I prefer the loop style ones, they seem "classier" than the normal 'fold up' ones

Quoted simply because i have and prefer them

iaind · 15 Oct 2009 at 19:30

Obviously they're not entirely comparable - most cars tend to have a premium for the estates and diesels, so a diesel estate is going to be a fair bit more expensive. That blue looks good though...

The thing I'm noticing about these cars is there's a huge variation in price. With something like a Mondeo, take the year, mileage and spec and almost all cars in the same brackets will be within a few quid of eachother. With these, there seems to be much less predictability about the advertised prices so its harder to figure out what they're actually worth.

Speaking of the Mercs, it looks like C320 CDIs are coming down towards the 15k mark, which would probably be about the top end of what I'd want to spend - although they'll be cheaper by the time I'm looking to buy in a few months.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2006-MERCEDES...ewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item3a538a306d

40mpg, 220bhp and 60 in 6 seconds, combined with a nice wafty ride sounds good to me. Are these still in the days of unreliable, poorly built mercs though?

wassap · 15 Oct 2009 at 20:29

Isnt that quite expensive for the Merc, the New model has been around for 18 or so months, they maybe a better option, its a much,much better Merc tbh.

iaind · 15 Oct 2009 at 20:36

The C350 CDI (current shape) is a 33k car new and has only been around a year - I think it'll be a fair while before they come into this price bracket!

Dave L · 17 Oct 2009 at 15:55

iaind said:
Obviously straight pipes arent a great idea on a derv

Many newer diesels run straight pipes nowadays as the all have soot-catchers (Diesel Particulate Filters DPF) in the exhaust systems, giving clean tailpipes.