many models, little brain

[mr. pink]

hi all

i am interested in purchasing a mid to late 90's bmw.

must have.......

1. 4 doors
2. manual tranny
3. 6 cyl. (most powerful)

autotrader.ca lists MANY models, so many though i gave up and came here.

p.s.
nice site

 

[Abdoman]

I recommend the 328i w/ a sports package, but it really depends on what you are looking for. A big car like the 5 series, or a sporty car like the M3 or something in the middle like a 3 series?

 

[Big Daddy]

Thanks for the compliment on the site and welcome. Like Abdoman said, besides four doors, manual transmission and a six cylinder, which describes most BMW models do you want a small car, 3 series, medium car, 5 series or a large car, a 7 series? I agree with the 328 sports package idea.

 

[mr. pink]

thx guys

i have a feeling the 3 series are what i'm after. equal balance of handeling and power, luxrury comes third. what does the "sport" package add to the 3 series? was it a dealer installed package? is the power plant and suspension different in any way? or is it cosmetic? i realize the M3 is the way to go but i want to spend no more than $20,000 and they are up there and beyond. is any one year of the 3 series more desireable than another? (1990-2000). if you were looking to purchase a used 3 series where would you start looking first?

again thx for the replies guys.

 

[Abdoman]

I believe that the more desireable 3 series is the 97 or newer. The engine has same HP but more torque and is faster. The sport package is not dealer installed. It comes with 16" wheels (depending on year), a stiffer suspension set up and sport seats. The suspension makes a huge difference IMO. By the way, I think you can get an M3 for less than $20K. A couple of months ago I almost purchased a 98 M3 w/ 65K mi for $16.5K.

 

[BMWdude]

By the way, I think you can get an M3 for less than $20K. A couple of months ago I almost purchased a 98 M3 w/ 65K mi for $16.5K.

Not here in Ontario, unless you are hooked up or something, they are hard to find, and the ones that are available are above 20k. But..for 20k you can find a 1999 - 2000 E46 if you want to go with the new style.

 

[Militant-Grunt]

or... you can go with a e34 m5, these are very nice sporty cars, and very confortable at the same time, Im not sure what years are good but the E34 was around from like 1988 to 1996, it should be in the 15's for a pretty good one, i see them on ebay all the time

 

[Dave8812]

It sounds like the 3 series is they way to go for you. And it won't break the bank.

 

[mr. pink]

where can i find a breakdown of the model codes you guys are using? i.e. e46

again thx for the feedback


bmwdude.....

is there a ontario bmw owners club? if yes do they have a site?

 

[Mojoban]

Not here in Ontario, unless you are hooked up or something, they are hard to find, and the ones that are available are above 20k. But..for 20k you can find a 1999 - 2000 E46 if you want to go with the new style.

This is true. If you are in Toronto you have some nice choices indeed for great prices though. Myself being in Ottawa, I am having a hard time finding a nice 3 series with less then 100K and looking like new. I am shoping for a 2001. At first I wanted the 330 ofcourse, but then I went out and found that they are still pretty expensive ranging from 31K up for a nice clean one. After driving both the 330i and a 325i, I saw the difference but it wasnt that great, after I chip the 325i, put a nice catback system and a cup kit I will be more then happy! The one I found is going for 26K, it looks brand new, has the premium and sport pack, very very nice.

So I suggest you start looking at 325's, because for 20K your not gonna get a 330, not with a clean title anyways.

BTW, this is my first post, the site looks very nice. I have been part of the VW world for very long now, I had quite a few. The latest a 99 Golf Wolfsburg Edition, I put quite a bit of money into this car, VR6 swap, coilovers...lots of stuff. Can't wait to get the BMW and start modding it

Cheers,

Mojoban

 

[Dave8812]

well, if you want to know what all of it means (e36, e24, e28, csi, cs, s etc...) just go to the BMW Data thread at the top of the Newbie section.

 

[mr. pink]

doh!

i will check out the sticky........my bad