NewB

[FGR]

Hey All,

Just joined up as im about to go into the market and purchase my first BMW. And I needed help and advice on the model. As Ive said, new to the brand...so Id like to know what to look out for and if the car im interested in is a good price.

Its a 2002 318I E46 Executive around the 28k mark. Still early enquiries at theis stage so I dont know the exact km's reading. Its an auto (which I was origionally looking for a manual...but cant seem to locate one fo this year and model type)

Anyone got one? Would appreciate some info and recommendations for a good dealer as well. Woops...almost forgot. Servicing and parts...really expensive? Just for normal servicing.

Great to be here. Thanx for your help and advice in advance!

FGR

[FGR]

hrmmm...shy bunch?

well Ive been test driving today. And Im a little despondent.

Took out a 2002 318i E46 Auto...was ok..but not from a BMW dealership. The yard who has it cuoldnt tell me anything about the car...and so I left. Wasnt comfortable buying a vehicle (even tho it looked great) without knowing where its been ect.

Went over to a BMW dealership. Great service. Full of knowledge as you would expect. I test drove a 2003 318i E46 manual. 4 cylinder. It drove beautifully...not a flaw as you would expect. But I have to say I was a little underwhelmed by the power. It was a 4....would a 6 give me better performance...or is it negligable?

There isnt a lot avaiable in my price range from the dealership. And im wary of buying a BMW with being able to buy the 2 year extended warranty.

A little advice would help. This purchase for me is my first ever BMW. So I would like advice from the peeps here in the know.

FGR

[Aaron318iS]

Originally Posted by FGR

It was a 4....would a 6 give me better performance...or is it negligable?

Definately! From memory there's a good 30-40kw difference between a 318 and a 325, even more so with a 330. There are also more perfomance options available for the 6cyl E46 if you're that way inclined

[mtechnik]

'Welcome to DTM

[Raj]

Get a 6 cyl, trust me. you'll get the 318 and go "damn, i wish it just had that extra power..." i made the same mistake with my E46.
At least go for the 325i, unless you think the 320i 2.2L is better suited to you

[FGR]

Thanx all,

yeah. I test drove two 318's...and they are great...but to underpowered for me. The only prblem is now....the authorised dealership doesnt have any 6's in the year model i want and can afford. And Im hesitant to buy from a non BMW dealership because I cant buy the extended warranty. One of my friends recommended I buy through a dealership, saying it is worth getting that extra coverage. I dunno...bit dissappointed really. Im all set to buy...but cant find the one I want.

[the afro guy]

definitely get a 6 cyl, at least a 325i, it'll cost mre but they are oh so much better, bmw got their reputation by having some of the best 6 cyl engines in the world, why miss out on it. you should be ok getting something that isn't from the dealer, just make sure that its good a good clean service history and get it checked out by autoclassics or another of the specialists around the place. i'd recommend bm techniks or beemer motor workshop