Which BMW?

[plumb bob]

Thinking of getting a new motor at some time in the forseeable future, I want a BMW/merc but it'll be an older model, looking to spend 2-3k.
I want a turbo diesel auto box, 3 or 5 series, so which is best, what's the mpg on the mid 1990's models, and anything to avaiod.
Thanks in advance for your input.

[yoshie]

Had a 318 coupe manual petrol got 40mpg +

Diesel will probably be better still even thou it will be heavier.
The 3 series should be better on fuel than the 5 in any model as it's a lighter car.

[darkdezigns]

your trouble will be mileage,if yoiur bothered by it that is,most will be 150k plus 325td are nice,5 series will be alot cheaper as less sought after but much more comfy,watch out for head gasket on both tho,a later 320/330d would be my choice,e46 but may be a little pricey,but much nicer than the e36

[RodLeach]

I had an offer of a 1999 318i coupe compact. 83000 miles. leather seats an stuff.

I could e-mail him your details?!

Its silver an manual and petrol.. so it doesn't exactly tick your boxes! but..

[plumb bob]

I was looking for a diesel because of the milage I do, about 600 miles/week and just wanted a nicer/better car because of the mileage.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Since you're asking which BMW, I'll have an 850csi please.

[Sancho]

Just to cause a rumpus, I'll have an X6 please.

[marky]

Used BMW Car Review
Used BMW 3 Series Coupe (1992 - 1998) Car Review




History
The E36 series BMW 3 Series was quite a shock to the system, replacing as it did the resolutely square E30 generation cars in Spring 1991. With sleeker styling and a slicker interior, the E36 offered a more refined touring bias than the rather rorty E30 models and it was an instant hit, offering subtler appeal to match the mood of the early nineties. At first, only saloon models were offered, but the coupe variants appeared in January 1992 with four-cylinder 318iS and six-cylinder 320i and 325i derivatives on the books. An entry-level 316i four-cylinder variant followed that summer. The 16v 1.8-litre unit was more potent than the 8v engine used in the Saloon – hence the S designation after 318i.
A flagship 3.0-litre Motorsport-tuned M3 flagship followed in early 1993, followed by an ultra-rare M3 GT homologation special. An entry-level 316i version was launched in early 1994 while March 1995 saw the launch of a slightly revised 2.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine for the 320i variant and an all-new 2.8-litre six-cylinder petrol unit for the 328i flagship, replacing the 325i Coupe.
At the same time the Coupe range was boosted with a 323i derivative that replaced the previous 320i. Contrary to its name, this had a 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol unit. From January 1996, all the M3 Evolution was launched, with a 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine with double-VANOS valves and 321bhp.
Anti-lock brakes were standardised on all models in 1992 and, airbags arrived as standard fare from September 1993. Catalysts were part of the recipe since the car was first introduced in 1992 along with a range of safety features that have earned the marque the respect of its customers.
All models got a minor makeover in September 1997 that included equipment upgrades and subtly different front end treatment. The E36 Coupe models were sold alongside the next generation E46 saloon models for a while until they too were replaced in May 1999.


Opinion
One complaint those who aren’t fans of the 3 Series Coupe level at the car is that it doesn’t look signally different from the saloon model albeit with two less doors. Flip that argument on its head and you’ll appreciate that the car offers almost saloon-like levels of space with none of the claustrophobia associated with many more compact coupes. True, some of the lower specification cars can look a little dowdy but a nicely appointed E36 Coupe still looks a smart number.
The interiors show the clean attention to detail that barely dates and the build quality is very good. The M3 models are still highly sought after and on a performance per pound basis you can’t buy better. It’s just a shame that BMW never had the foresight to put one of their excellent diesel engines into a Coupe or offer some scorching all-wheel drive variants.


Performance 6
Comfort 7
Handling 9
Economy 6
Image 4
Styling 6
Equipment 6
Build 8
Depreciation 10
Insurance 5
Cost
There’s a vast choice of course, with so many derivatives on offer. Prices start at less than £1,500 which will probably buy you an early 1992 318iS; best to go for as new a car as you can afford. A 1996 N-plated 316i Coupe kicks off at £3,000 on an N plate while an equivalent vintage 318i Coupe is well worth an additional £300. The extra top-end punch of the 318iS is attractive to keen drivers and these sought after models go for around £4,000 on a 1996 P plate. The 323i is well worth tracking down and a 1998R plate model will retail at around £5,000. The 328i is not so popular but these quick cars start at just £4,600. If you’re saving up for a 328i, it really is worth putting a little extra by and landing an M3, the 3.0-litre models of which start at around £4,300. If you want the quickest of all the E36 BMW Coupes, you’ll need at least £6,900 with the last of the V-plate examples currently doing the rounds for around £11,500.

Problems?
The E36-shape 3 series has established an impressive reputation in the trade – and not only because its digital odometer is nearly impossible to clock. High demand has meant that second and third-year depreciation levels are still considerably lower than more ‘ordinary’ models from mainstream makers. In other words, when resale time comes, you should get a lot more for your part exchange than you might expect.
Watch for loose or ill-fitting interior trim and cold starting problems on earlier models and there have also been reports of water leaks through window seals, and coolant seepage from radiators. Be careful when considering South African-built cars (all 318iS saloons and some 316i/318i saloons) as the trade talks of sub-standard build quality and reliability with some of these. The 328i is often a model to steer clear of. It was plagued by problems with its Nikasil cylinder liners and this often resulted in new engine warranty claims. The flipside of this is that there may well be some very well looked after low mileage 328i models with replacement engines that would make a great buy.
The M3 models are specialist pieces of kit, as would be expected with a car that boasts what is effectively half a McLaren F1 engine. As time passes by, many are reflecting on quite what a great car the original 3.0-litre is, boasting a powerplant that’s a good deal less temperamental than the BI-VANOS unit fitted to the 3.2-litre Evolution. Track sown one of the rare right-hand drive M3 GT models and you have a proper performance con amongst BMW cognoscenti. M3 Evolution models are relatively plentiful but ensure the car hasn’t been overly customised. Estoril Blue remains the favoured colour.
Watch for cars which have had many owners (this could be a sign of ongoing problems). Insist on a full service history, ideally with BMW dealer stamps. If you really want piece of mind, buy from a franchised dealer – but be prepared to pay a premium.

Parts
(approx based on a 318i) A clutch assembly is around £130. Front brakepads are around £38, a full exhaust about £360, an alternator just under £225 and a tyre around £40. A starter motor is about £120. A headlamp is about £165.

Road
Settle behind the wheel and it will feel good to be at the helm of a Three series thanks to the solid, quality feel of the controls and the silky-smooth performance. One of the advantages of buying a well cared for example is that the engine should be nicely run-in, so you can enjoy all the performance right from the start.
In the six-cylinder petrol-powered 325i for example, there’s plenty on offer. Rest to 60 takes just 7.3 seconds on the way to a maximum of over 140mph. The M3 is supercar quick, an Evolution hitting 60mph in 5.2 seconds and running on to a top speed limited to 155mph. The 3.0-litre M3 GT model had an unlimited top end and find a clear stretch of autobahn and you’ll see 170mph in one of these cars.

Overall
The E36 generation BMW 3 Series Coupes has a quite a few highs, the odd low and a whole heap of appeal. There are some rough examples around and buying a well serviced car that’s been kept as close to standard trim as possible is a wise move. The best picks are the 318iS and the M3 but a nicely looked after 325i makes a very sweet cruiser. Take your time, look at a few and don’t be afraid to walk away. If you’re prepared to pay the right money for the right car, you won’t be disappointed.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Blimey, BDT2 couldn't have written that better.

[darkdezigns]

Blimey, BDT2 couldn't have written that better.

u ok??

[Apache]

S'funny that Rob. There was a Merc CLK320 (I think) on one of our local forecourts not that long ago for £4k. Full leather, all the extras, big alloys, big engine etc. I was sorely tempted, but still have my heart set on an XK8 sometime in the next year or two.

[goodcat]

id say go for the 325td E36. a decent one with about 75,000 miles will set u back about £2500. out of all the E36's the 235td holds their value the best. ive found more people look after the deisel models more than the petrols. very solid car too. great millage. decent speed. and look nice too. (i used to own a 325i petrol and loved it. had it a year and NOTHING went wrong with it!)
however, they are like gold dust! its worth broadening your search for a decent one. dont be shy to travel for one.
or perhaps a MK4 golf?

[darkdezigns]

id say go for the 325td E36. a decent one with about 75,000 miles will set u back about £2500. out of all the E36's the 235td holds their value the best. ive found more people look after the deisel models more than the petrols. very solid car too. great millage. decent speed. and look nice too. (i used to own a 325i petrol and loved it. had it a year and NOTHING went wrong with it!)
however, they are like gold dust! its worth broadening your search for a decent one. dont be shy to travel for one.
or perhaps a MK4 golf?

my opinion..........GC show me a 325tds with that mileage??thats impossible,and mk4 golf?do u hate this bloke,bout as reliable as an alfa

[goodcat]

my opinion..........GC show me a 325tds with that mileage??thats impossible,and mk4 golf?do u hate this bloke,bout as reliable as an alfa

well when i bought my 325i in 2007 i saw a couple around that millage. between 75 and 90,000 miles. i just had a quick lock on Autotrader and couldnt find any like that at the mo. so yeah u might be dreaming on that one mate sorry lol. i did say decent ones were like gold dust tho. they are out there....just not for sale lol.
as for the golf i hate them too. was just trying to think off the top of my head lol. and failed lol
regardless of this, i still wouldnt be put off by a high milage BMW E36. they really are well built. my 325i had 125,000 miles on the clock and i had it a year and drove like new! just go for one with a long MOT and lots if not full service history. they are good up to 180,000 miles if looked after.
this is the only decent one i could find. not low milage but i wouldnt be put off by it at all. its a nice car (apart from the wheels).http://http://search.autotrader.co.u...cleRegLetter=N

[goodcat]

if that link didnt work try this one
http://http://search.autotrader.co.u...earch_full.y=7

its the 6th one down. the silver one.