Newbie Getting a BMW

cprogrammer · Nov 20, 2003

Hello All,
First thanks for having such a forum; this will be a great place where I can find information. Let me introduce myself. I'm 16 and working really hard to save up for a used '97 m3 (I forgot which model specifically, but it was very nice). I signed up to this forum in hoping for some answers to my questions. A few months ago I couldn't tell you the difference between a V4 and a V6 but my knowledge about cars has greatly improved. I began saving for a BMW for a few reasons, they look awesome and they have great engines. My saying is, you could get an 11 thousand dollar honda civic with a v4 120hp engine, or a 11 thousand dollar used BMW with a v6 210hp engine which is much cooler [:D]

Anyway, now for my questions. I cannot decide between a manual or auto. Most of my friends tell me to get a manual because you have more control. I agree but what do you think? What has more acceleration? What can allow you to "do more"? I used to be into the newer M3 models as shown on the BMW websites, but I find that I like the older '97 - '99 M3 models better. Plus, the newest M3 if I understand for a very expensive price of 27 thousand only has 190 horsepower, how can that be?

One last thing. As I mentioned I'm looking into used cars but one thing I noticed with them is I can't get the engine types on most of these used car websites. Since the models numbers vary, 325, 328, and they are now close to 5 years old, I don't know what the engine is like. Anyone have a resource on this?

Sorry for all the newbie questions and if these have been asked before, but any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Big Daddy · Nov 20, 2003

Welcome to bmwboard.com. BMW does not make a V6, and I do not know of anyone who makes a V4. I like manual transmissions in M cars and sporty models, I like the automatic in my 750. I do not believe you can get a new M3 for 27k, it's a lot more than that! And the new M3 has a lot more HP than 190, that is an error.

cprogrammer · Nov 20, 2003

Hey thanks for the fast reply...

They don't make a V6? For the past few weeks I've been searching autotrader.com and 90% of the matches would say.."engine : v6 , model: m3" about 200 of these items say this? Even on the bmw website, they say it has a "6 cylinder" engine.

Tom · Nov 20, 2003

cprogrammer said:

Yeah they don't offer a V6, just a straight 6. Most people on Autotrader are car brokers so they assume its a V6 because they have 6 cylinders.

BTW: Welcome aboard.

cprogrammer · Nov 20, 2003

Hey Tom,
Thanks for the reply. I never knew there was a difference between a V6 and a straight 6 [rolleyes]

I'm learning more already. Let me ask you this then, whether it is a V6 or straight 6, obviously it is better than a "v4" engine?

If you don't mind, I'm going to do a quick search on a used car site, and if I post some small amounts of specifications would tell me if it is...good or not?

frolf · Nov 20, 2003

we'll take care of you friend [thumb]

welcome aboard.

cprogrammer · Nov 20, 2003

Thanks frolf! Maybe someday I will be able to have a picture of my bmw as a signature on this site. By the way that is a nice car that is similar to the one I was looking for on the internet.

Now, this car below is expensive. I won't be able to afford it for a while, but for learning purposes I chose it because the engine seemed "good".

Price $15,995
Mileage 88,000
Body Style Coupe
Doors Two Door
Engine 6 Cylinder Gasoline
Trans. Manual
Fuel Type Gasoline
Drive Type 2 wheel drive

The mileage is a bit high. I chose 2 door because I have been told from friends that it will be lighter thus faster. Currently I'm learning to drive a manual, and it's alot more fun than an auto. It seems to have more pickup as well. Now as for the Fuel Type that seems standard as gasoline, and Drive type 2 wheel also seems standard for most cars (except Suburu's I believe have all wheel drive).

jrt67ss350 · Nov 20, 2003

Welcome to the board, cprogrammer! Ask anything you want or need, and everyone here will do their best to help ya out.

I am new to the BMW ownership circle, but I've been a long-time admirer of BMWs. I'm really into American muscle cars, but I can tell you that absolutely nothing can match the all-around driving experience provided by a BMW. I have a 1987 325 2-door (see the link in my signature for pics) that I bought at the beginning of June for $1500. I have quickly become a devout follower of the brand. It has been a blast - the car is so much fun to drive, even on your daily mundane commute and errands. Newer ones are arguably even better.

Stickshift or automatic? It's really a matter of personal preference. My BMW is a stick, and I love it. I've spent quite a bit of time behind the wheels of various BMW's (E30s, E36s, E46s, and a Z3) equipped with both manuals and automatics, and I personally think a BMW is at its best when it is equipped with a manual. It gives you better control over the power delivery, especially in the twisties, and they tend to be zippier than automatics.

Engines - first of all, BMW doesn't make V-6 engines, and no manufacturer that I know of has ever made a V-4. All BMWs that have 6-cylinder engines are in-line or straight sixes. I've read that the inline six is actually a preferable engine design (as opposed to a V-6) as it is inherently smoother with less vibration. I will say that the six in my 325 runs as smooth as silk. BMWs are known for their excellent engines as well as their excellent handling and braking.

88,000 isn't anything on a BMW as long as it has been maintained with care. My '87 has about 230,000 miles on it with the original engine and drivetrain. It has been maintained well and runs like it's practically brand new. It uses no oil whatsoever and runs smooth as silk. The car still gets 33 mpg on the interstate, and the only thing I've done to the car since I bought it is replace the fan clutch and thermostat - both very minor repairs. The big thing about buying a used BMW, especially one with a good number of miles is to make sure that the car has been maintained well - service records are a plus.

Feel free to ask any other questions you have.

cprogrammer · Nov 20, 2003

Hi Justin ,
Thanks alot for all that information. That answered alot of my questions I had in mind. I've been a member for less than an hour and everyone's been very helpful and friendly.

That sounds like good advice. I will check out Carfax.com or some other company if I buy one.

After reading about BMW's I'm anxious to get my own. I'm going to really try and save up the best I can.

Thanks again everyone I appreciate the feedback!

codex57 · Nov 21, 2003

Just keep asking questions. This is the friendliest forum I've found.

Coupe isn't necessarily lighter. I know on the current 3 series (the E46 model), the coupe actually has more drag than the sedan. This I'm positive of. I think it might have to do with the fact that the sedan body is a little slimmer or something. I can't remember the source, but I think sedans are actually stiffer than the coupes b/c of the door frames and design. There are some people on here who track these cars so they can confirm or deny this for sure.

4 cylinder engines generally are all inline 4s (some companies are unique, like Subaru, but don't worry too much about it). That means the cylinders are lined up in a row. Certain engine designs are inherently smooth, so they don't suffer from vibrations as much as other designs. An inline 6 is one such engine. That's why BMW continues to make them this way. Most of the other manufacturers have gone to V6s b/c while not as smooth (they try and smooth it w/ balance shafts and such but most fail to match BMW), they are compact. This is good if their car's engine bay is cramped due to suspension design or whatnot.

Good luck. BMWs are great cars.

codex57 · Nov 21, 2003

I just checked BMWs website. The 3 series coupe for the current model is indeed lighter than the sedan. However, it's by like 20 pounds or something insignificant like that. I wouldn't worry too much about the weight difference.

VANCE · Nov 21, 2003

318=3 series 1.8l 4 cylinder
323= " " ' 2.5l inline 6cylinder
325= " " ' 2.5l inline 6cylinder (more hp and tq than 323 version)
328= '' '' '' 2.8l inline 6cylinder

NZL · Nov 22, 2003

cprogrammer, if you want to read more about how engines work... stuff like "whats the difference between an L6 and a V6" check out this site. Explains it all in plain English!

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/channel.htm?ch=auto&sub=sub-under-the-hood

mrferg · Nov 22, 2003

Welcome man [wave]

No matter what BMW you pick, I'm sure you'll be quite happy with it. [:)]

vlad · Nov 22, 2003

Howdy! And Welcome!

Oh! And get a manual tranny!

E30 Kid · Nov 22, 2003

Welcome to bmwboard.com! I'm 16 as well, and this site is great for questions and answers.

Get the manual, you'll have a lot more fun. Especially in an M3.

Beemerworld · Nov 22, 2003

Welcome

cprogrammer:

The 97 or 99 M3 is still kind of expensive and its definetly more than $15,000. But it comes with 240hp and 236 LB-TQ. this specifications are for US models. The European has 321hp and 252LB-TQ. For your question about the transmission: [paranoid]

Definetly look for manual transmission if you really want to enjoy the cars power potentials. If you are just looking for a sporty ride but comfortable than get a automatic. There is usually 1 even 2 seconds difference in acceleration between the manual and automatic transmission. Like Everybody already answered to your question about the V6 its true. BMW never made a V6 engines. Thats why they established they're engines as the bast ones. They are powerfull, smooth and reliable.

Now to you and all your friend: 2 door car is not better than 4 door. The 4 door cars and especially the E36 has better weight distribution so they corner better and faster than the 2 door. Other reason is that you are 16 and you will probably take all your friend's in to your car, so and in case of an accident the rear passengers have very big potential to die because it is hard to get out of the car especially in side impact. There are more and more accidents ending very bad because of 2 door car. 4 door is easyer to take care of, you can comfortably take people in the back and it looks better. And they are not slower!!! Who told you that joke? [clap]

I would be in your age I would look for a 1993-95 325i or 1996-98 328i.

The 325i comes stock with 189hp and 192LB-TQ
The 328i comes stock with 190hp but 206LB-TQ

But the 325i engine is overal better and only with chip upgrade you can bring it up to 212hp.

BigDaddy is right. there is lot more hp in the new M3 and exacly 333hp we are talking about.

So try to look and find the best one. [thumb]

cprogrammer · Nov 22, 2003

Thanks everyone! This is great information. I've decided to get a manual when I do buy one. Today I was driving a manual and I just kept thinking how cool it would be to be in a BMW right now

That makes alot of sense. If I can afford it I will get a 4 door.

This is one of the BMW's I was looking for:

http://autotrader.com/findacar/vdet...advanced=n&start_year=1995&color=&cardist=925

If you don't mind me asking, did anyone here buy there BMW's used? If so, how many miles were on it when you bought it? What is over the limit in your opinion?

Thanks again.

mrferg · Nov 22, 2003

I bought mine used with 200,000 on the odometer. I didn't drive much my senior year of high school (last year), so that's why I've only put 10k on her in just over a year. If you're spending 15k, I'd aim a little lower then 200k. [rofl]

Beemerworld · Nov 22, 2003

Great car

That is a beautiful ride and resonable price. 95k miles is nothing if the owner really took care of it.

I hope you'll get it. [:)]

Newbie Getting a BMW

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