at first glance

[vision0077]

There is plenty of info on the board about engine size and other specs about the different model but my question is (probably a bit naive):

Why is the 325 more expensive than the 328?

I am looking into buying my first BMW; dont have the $$ so it'll have to be a 1996 - 1999, and i have noticed that for the most part a 325 1995/6 is more expensive or around the same price as a 328 1997/8... why is that?
Also, would I be better off buying a newer 323? Even with the 323 it would still be a 1999 however.

Thank you much, i truly appreciate the help as i look to buy it this summer, hopefully in june.

thanks!!

 

[vision0077]

one more question

While surfing the net and comparing prices... i also noticed that around my budget (being 10k) i can also find a Z3 96-96. So my question now is, which would you recommend between 97 z3, 96 325, 98/99 328, or 99 323... sorry i know there are alot of things that play a role such as manual vs. auto and stuff but i guess if you were to look at base models. And still my main question; why is the 325 pricier than the 328.... thank you lots

 

[codex57]

My guess is that the price of a 98 328 was low cuz it was replaced the next year with the E46. Just like 2005 3 series sedans have these huge incentives on them b/c they were being replaced by the 2006 E90. So, in a few years, I imagine a 2003 330 will be about the same or more expensive than a 2005 330.

I'd get the 328. I/m not a fan of the non-M Z3. Particularly if it's the 4cyl. I don't like that engine much and the Z3 had the old E30's rear suspension so it kinda bothers me that such a new car has "old" tech. Plus, the older Z3 looks too girly to me.