bmw 316/318/320d

gazman59

hi all im buying a bmw the old model started in 99.. have around 6k to spend and am looking for the coupe one as my first choice!
wondering what ye guys think of them cost,what your getting compared to other cars mpg etc? also with the exchange rate being so low i think the north could be a good bet? but then i wudn no much about the vrt!

thoughts feedback all welcome
cheers
gary

Eoin

The diesel coupe (320cd) didn't come out for a good few years after 99. It has the newer 150bhp engine, not the original 136bhp diesel engine that the saloon started with in 1999/2000. Personally I'd go for at least a 2 litre model, and I don't think the running costs would even be that much more than the 1.6 or 1.9 engines.

bazz26

The model 3 Series you are talking abut is known as the E46 which ran from 1998 to 2006.

The 1998 to late 2001 316i/318i both had a 1.9 litre petrol engine but with different bhp, the 316i had around 118bhp and the 318i had around 125bhp afaik. The facelifted model in late 2001 got new engines across the board. The 316i had a 1.8 and the 318i had a 2.0.

The 320d was introduced in 2000 and came in 136bhp, this engine was notorious for turbo failure. The facelifted 320d from late 2001 had 150bhp and the turbo failure problems really were not sorted out until late 2003 models. The diesel 320cd coupe was not introduced until early 2004.

My recommendation would be a 318ci from late 2002 onwards with the 2.0 litre engine. The 1.9 before it was very underpowered and not worth it. If going diesel then try and get as new as possible.

To be honest I don't think a budget of €6k is enough for a good version of one of these cars and would advise to wait a bit longer until you can afford one of the newer engined models.

Eoin

bazz26 wrote: »

The 320d was introduced in 2000 and came in 136bhp, this engine was notorious for turbo failure. The facelifted 320d from late 2001 had 150bhp and the turbo failure problems really were not sorted out until late 2003 models. The diesel 320cd coupe was not introduced until early 2004..

I am pretty sure it was the early 150BHP engine (2002 - 2004) that had the worst of the turbo problems. The original 136BHP one wasn't as bad.

cyborg

eoin wrote: »

I am pretty sure it was the early 150BHP engine (2002 - 2004) that had the worst of the turbo problems. The original 136BHP one wasn't as bad.

Correct it was the 01-late 03 150 bhp turbo that kept blowing.
The 316 was a 1.9 up to mid 2002 and had only 105bhp!New 316 was a 1.8 with 115bhp
318 was also a 1.9 with 118bhp up to late 01 (when facelift came in)
new 318 was a 2L with 143 bhp and is a very nice engine ,
I would go for this or the 320d either a 136 bhp or late 03 150bhp model - Although all the 150bhp models have a problem where they can ingest the inlet swirl flaps....

gazman59

i also have to think about insurance im sure it will be pricey cause im only 21 and only have my full 1year. id like the 320d alrite but hard to get them in high spec i.e leather seats etc..

Seth Brundle

Any smaller engined (<2L) BMW will more than likely have a lower spec! Of these models you will be more likely to find the decent spec in the coupés.