BMW 3 Series M Sport (03 to 06) 6k Budget

Lenny17123

Im currently in the market for a new motor and this type of car has caught my eye, I'm moving up from a 2000 1.4 Civic and mainly only use it for city driving. Roughly about 8,000 to 10,000 km's a year. Just mainly looking for advice and what to look out for. Would this type of car offer me a similar type of Mpg as my trusty Civic or am i dreaming. Any tips or recommendations welcome.

Also open to other makes and models of a similar spec.


Or what would one's opinion be on this, i know its not exactly what im looking for but close

just type www . to below link

carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/3-series/used-2005-bmw-3-series-318-ci-spo-dublin-fpa-201532235705948

bazz26

Your simply not going to get the same mpg from a 2.0 litre 3 Series as your 1.4 Civic. With doing such small mileage is mpg really a big concern/deciding factor?

Lenny17123

No not at all, was just curious tbh. I've only ever had low powered cars so used to not spending much on fuel with the mileage I do. I guess the biggest deciding factor would be the performance and comfort of the motor. I also like the fact the M sport has all the bells and whistles.

Would I be able to get a decent one in my budget or will I need to stretch it more?

bazz26

The 318ci is nothing to write home about regarding performance. If your main interest however is something that looks the part then you should be able to get a good M Sport within your budget.

bazz26

Example:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-318ci-msport/10064514?offset=7

Foxhole Norman

If you're looking at one of these I'd be looking at a 320i or 325i. The 6 cylinder engines make a massive difference to the car and really aren't that bad on fuel. Yes, you'll suffer in the city but so will the 318.

Lenny17123

Ya true. As I said I do very little mileage . Maybe once a month Limerick to Dublin would be the extent of it. My daily round trip to work is only 10km. Is there any other tips ye could offer?is there certain years to be avoided or particular faults to look at for when doing a viewing?

bmwguy

Price between 03 and 06 could be quite a bit. €3000 will get you a decent older model, €6000 a newer model. But beware, you will get loads of dodgy, poorly minded and serviced cars in the same price bracket so up to you to check them out thoroughly, or bring someone that can. 03-04 will be the e46 model and 05-06 will be the e90 model. E90 is obviously newer and redesigned but as to which is better, who knows. Lots will sway on either side. E90 will have more modern interior features such as sat nav screen etc but a lot of people, myself included will prefer the looks of the e46, but you may find the older design a little dated looking.

I have the e39 5 series that ended about the same time as the e46 3 series and I prefer it to the e60 that replaced it. I have the 6 cylinder 2.5 model which everyone raves about, and yes it is a good engine. The smaller 4 cylinders get a huge amount of criticism but they are decent engines in their own right, do not rule them out. Easily the match of a 1.8, 1.9 or a 2.0 from any of the other manufacturers.Plus I would guess that about 75% of the 3 series for sales are 4 cyclinders so you would be discounting good cars by looking solely at the 6 cylinder cars, they are all capable of cruising at motorway speeds quietly and comfortably.

Idbatterim

ok coming from a 325ci owner, you have been given good advice. Mileage isnt an issue for you. The 6 cylinders are nicer and more reliable. BUT the difference in motor tax is €710 v E1080 for the 325. Now personally if I had a 2L, I would pay the motor tax outright, for the year, I dont with the 325, meaning there is a €510 euro difference, in paying outright for the 2L v the 325 by the quarter. Also I would price it up insurance wise...

bazz26

Watch out for fake M Sports too, there are lots of them around with M Sport asking prices. Non M Sports with M Sport bumpers and MV2 replica wheels. Best way to spot a fake from a genuine is the interior, genuine M Sport will have black headlining around the roof. Very rare to see a fake one with this.

Idbatterim

you linked to a coupe op, is it a coupe that you are interested in? I am not a fan of the E46 saloons personally, so if you are going for a saloon, Id go with the E39 or E60. 6k is plenty to get a very good example of whatever car you are looking at...

Lenny17123

Thanks for all the info so far. Much appreciated. It's the coupe I'd be after. I'm coming from a 3 door hatch so used to lifting the seats for extra passengers. Is there any other tell tale signs of the M sport rip offs?

Idbatterim

just post the link up to any potential cars you are interested in here and we can vet them for you. Dont buy anything without having it inspected by a bmw specialist...

DoctorStrange

I was in a similar position op

Had a 1.6 Passat and hated driving it.

been wanting an e46 coupe for years but kept buying sensible cars.

Sold the 2006 Passat last year and bought a 2003 e46 325ci auto non msport for the same money.


I started off looking at the 318 m sport but found that when I drove the 6cyl models I couldn't go back.

Be prepared to have to look at / test drive a good few as they can often be in fairly sh!t condition and, of course, have it looked at by a mechanic.

I brought mine to a mechanic and he had it up on the ramp and did an emission and suspension test. He also pointed out some body damage that I'd missed and gave me a written report.

Worst part of ownership: paying the tax!
Best part of ownership: driving up to the redline with the windows open

PrettyBoy

Don't even consider a 318. If you're going for an E46 then look at the 320/325. Good ones come up every now and again just keep a close eye on the usual sites. Sold my 320 last year and have always regretted it, absolutely loved it.