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There's a gap in the market...
There's no proper modern day equivalent to an e30 318is...
Let me elaborate, while the 335i was the best car I've ever owned and a fantastically capable machine in every way! A massive chunk of its' power is wasted, generally the bigger the engine the longer the diff ratio / gearing and in a car that would crack 200km/h+ in absolutely no time at all without breaking a sweat and when it is designed to happily sit at that speed all day long in total comfort (on the autobahn), it is no surprise that - in Ireland - on a spirited backroad drive or even on the motorway you will barely get out of 2nd gear and have to hold back (if you intend on keeping your license), something else that comes into play is the steering ratio, again, when it's designed to cruise at silly speeds on the autobahn, it's naturally a wider/longer ratio so that it isn't twitchy, this naturally makes it slower to respond at slower speeds (eg back road blast etc) and so ruins the fun (suddenly adaptive steering makes a lot of sense!) anyway, this isn't just on the e9x 335i, on e36s a 318is has a 3.45 ratio while a 323/328i have a 2.93 ratio, and again e46s a 320ci has a 3.38 ratio, a 325ci a 3.15 ratio and a 330ci has a super long 2.93 ratio.
The big engined cars have impressive figures but what's the point if it only serves to make the car's top speed 250km/h instead of 230km/h? It's irrelevant.. I know driving enthusiasts are meant to buy an M and that the non-M big engined BMWs are just capable cruisers, but that's bullshit, what if you want a "baby" M? What if you want something with the essence of an ///M car but without all the massive costs? What if you want something with a lovely - not massively powerful and irrelevant - revvy engine, with a lovely useable power delivery, lovely short throw 6 speed manual transmission, lovely (not obnoxiously loud) engine/exhaust note, a sexy lightweight, subtle, stylish, purposeful body, small wheels, rear wheel drive and an LSD? Where do you turn? This is the gap in the market! The closest thing to this was a friend's 116i I drove a few days ago which had the most perfect suspension, steering, and gearing set up in any car I've been in recently but (aside from being especially visually-challenged in 5 door SE guise) was lacking power, a 6th gear, and sounded just awful.
I find myself trawling through forums and car websites not finding the "goldie locks car" any suggestions?
Despite my username, I'm done with e36s (at least for now), e46 (and equivalent Z4) 325 isn't quite right, e46 330 has super long gears, 318 is slow and has the troublesome 4 pot. I haven't driven a 320 yet and I suspect (hope) that may be the closest thing to what I'm after with a 6 pot, useable power and a 3.38 diff ratio. Yes they burn oil and leak etc etc but maybe, just maybe, it's the right car for me, possibly with a nice exhaust upgrade to hear the 6 pot sing.
I know on paper an MX-5 would be the ideal car for me, but they're all hideous things except for the brand new ND model (don't have 30k to spend on one nor would I spend 30k on one), GT86 would be ideal on paper as well but still far too expensive, MR2 too old, MRS too hideous, 350z too expensive to buy/run (may as well have an e46 M3). What other car could potentially fit the bill? I have a budget of 5-6k which should certainly be a fair budget for something decent!
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There's a gap in the market...
S2000 is a good drive but at the end of the day it's jap and not a BMW. You are right there is a gap. Me personally it would be a well sorted E46 M3. Doesn't have to be a low mileage holy grail car, wouldn't bother me if it was over 100000mls either once it was well cared for.
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There's a gap in the market...
I've been driving a 116i for the last week and definitely think it definitely shares some traits with the e30 318iS parked beside it.
Both are small by modern standards, relatively light, handling is pretty good for real world use (not planning to enter either in the WRC or lap the ring).
The 1er has some nice modern features like seat warmers which make it a more pleasant place to be on a rainy day.
The only thing letting down the 116 is in fact the engine, it's just not powerful enough, almost dangerously so if you're trying to overtake on the motorway.
That said with a bigger engine I think it'd be a good daily. It may not be the most beautiful car but in sport spec, with a roof spoiler and a light tint on the back windows I think there are worse looking cars out there.
With a 2.5 petrol or a 2.0d I'd say it's a good daily choice. Finding a good one is the tougher bit.
For comparison here's a pic of the e30 beside a 1 series Coupe I took a while back
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...bfdad1c2e4.jpg
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There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by HealyC
S2000 is a good drive but at the end of the day it's jap and not a BMW. You are right there is a gap. Me personally it would be a well sorted E46 M3. Doesn't have to be a low mileage holy grail car, wouldn't bother me if it was over 100000mls either once it was well cared for.
But not for €6k, but I agree on the point. A good e46 m3 is a fantastic daily [emoji3]
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by HealyC
S2000 is a good drive but at the end of the day it's jap and not a BMW. You are right there is a gap. Me personally it would be a well sorted E46 M3. Doesn't have to be a low mileage holy grail car, wouldn't bother me if it was over 100000mls either once it was well cared for.
I still haven't driven an S2000 but can imagine exactly what it'll be like, I think it might be the way to go if the right one popped up, it's funny though, as you say "it's not a BMW", I love all cars but there's just something about BMWs... I'd love an e46 M3 but I'm looking to downsize while still having a fun car, wouldn't mind a big engined car if the overall price of the car is cheaper. I think a 330ci manual with a 330ci auto diff and an exhaust could be an option too, but don't really fancy experimenting. Maybe @[JohnH] can put me out of my misery and sell me "Tony" :p
Edit: Ha, just saw your post John, yea 6k is nowhere near enough for an M3 nor your 318is for that matter :p I do think a 1 coupé m sport with a decent engine would be nice but is a properly impossible find, definitely nowhere near the budget either.
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There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter-E36
Quote:
Originally Posted by HealyC
S2000 is a good drive but at the end of the day it's jap and not a BMW. You are right there is a gap. Me personally it would be a well sorted E46 M3. Doesn't have to be a low mileage holy grail car, wouldn't bother me if it was over 100000mls either once it was well cared for.
I still haven't driven an S2000 but can imagine exactly what it'll be like, I think it might be the way to go if the right one popped up, it's funny though, as you say "it's not a BMW", I love all cars but there's just something about BMWs... I'd love an e46 M3 but I'm looking to downsize while still having a fun car, wouldn't mind a big engined car if the overall price of the car is cheaper. I think a 330ci manual with a 330ci auto diff and an exhaust could be an option too, but don't really fancy experimenting. Maybe @[JohnH] can put me out of my misery and sell me "Tony" :p
Not a hope! It's actually owned by my wife and there's a bigger chance of me being sold first!
Just to pick up your point about a 330i, my e46 was a brilliant car and I regret selling it. My only real reason was I'd had it for almost 4 years and fancied a change. I came close to buying it back but you can never go back.
Now I think of it I would like to have a spin in a 130i
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Maybe this would fit the bill
http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/9602010
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Have you considered a quattro tt? 220hp from the 1800. Yes its not a smooth 6 pot but hard to beat power wise per displacement.
Regarding a bmw. The closest your going to get to what your looming for is a 2.5-3ltr z4 or an e46 330ci but as you said yourself you'll need to change the gearing etc.
S2000 wise as we talked about before they are rising in value now. Even at 6k ypu'll find it quite hard to get a good example. Even at that it will most likely be totally standard spec, which imo they arent great. They need atleast a decent set of wheels, lowered and maybe a decent cat back. Where as the z4 has the 6 spot sound and come woth some nice wheels from factory. S2k's are also not a good daily driver unless your into no luxury's, rattles/road noise, very little low down power which is what you need more of the time. They are very twitch unless set up properly and arent very comfy in general. Z4 has alot more cabin room also. Now i loved my old s2k. Great cars but they suit 1 purpose only tbh
E46...... I was thinking the same as you before i got the z4. Will i get a nice 330ci etc. In the end I decided I couldnt buy an e46 unless it was an m car. They arent like the e36 that way. Thats just personal opinion.
Id love a nice e30 318is or 325 but to find a decent example these days is near impossible and if you do that doesnt need money spent on it they are quite dear.
What about a boxster s?
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There's a gap in the market...
Oh I've a good one now that we are talking Vags, a Leon Cupra R, 225bhp, 1.8l and brembo brakes. Had one for a week or two a few years ago, fantastic car and a bit of a sleeper (bang a tdi badge on the back ;))
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gar
Maybe this would fit the bill
http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/9602010
Mmmmm always fancied an e21 :cool: if I'm going for an "old" car I'd just go straight to an e30 318is though, I just couldn't handle something requiring never-ending work again :(
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
The best of both worlds would be e46 330ci with close to M3's final ratio 3.62.Good car should cost about 5000,diff 1000,good remap and induction kit 500.And for under 7 grand you have bullet prove motor,with snappy acceleration and 250bhp on tap.
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gitzer
Have you considered a quattro tt? 220hp from the 1800. Yes its not a smooth 6 pot but hard to beat power wise per displacement.
Regarding a bmw. The closest your going to get to what your looming for is a 2.5-3ltr z4 or an e46 330ci but as you said yourself you'll need to change the gearing etc.
S2000 wise as we talked about before they are rising in value now. Even at 6k ypu'll find it quite hard to get a good example. Even at that it will most likely be totally standard spec, which imo they arent great. They need atleast a decent set of wheels, lowered and maybe a decent cat back. Where as the z4 has the 6 spot sound and come woth some nice wheels from factory. S2k's are also not a good daily driver unless your into no luxury's, rattles/road noise, very little low down power which is what you need more of the time. They are very twitch unless set up properly and arent very comfy in general. Z4 has alot more cabin room also. Now i loved my old s2k. Great cars but they suit 1 purpose only tbh
E46...... I was thinking the same as you before i got the z4. Will i get a nice 330ci etc. In the end I decided I couldnt buy an e46 unless it was an m car. They arent like the e36 that way. Thats just personal opinion.
Id love a nice e30 318is or 325 but to find a decent example these days is near impossible and if you do that doesnt need money spent on it they are quite dear.
What about a boxster s?
Agreed :)
Not a fan of the early TT, the 2006+ model is pretty sexy but also pricey (and fwd). Not sure about boxsters tbh, I imagine they'd be a very expensive car to maintain as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HealyC
Oh I've a good one now that we are talking Vags, a Leon Cupra R, 225bhp, 1.8l and brembo brakes. Had one for a week or two a few years ago, fantastic car and a bit of a sleeper (bang a tdi badge on the back ;))
Very quick no doubt as are VW GTIs etc but it's hard to move away from rwd ;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by narusa
The best of both worlds would be e46 330ci with close to M3's final ratio 3.62.Good car should cost about 5000,diff 1000,good remap and induction kit 500.And for under 7 grand you have bullet prove motor,with snappy acceleration and 250bhp on tap.
That's right up my street :) is an M3 diff plug and play on a 330ci? An eisenmann as well and job done :cool:
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter-E36
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gitzer
Have you considered a quattro tt? 220hp from the 1800. Yes its not a smooth 6 pot but hard to beat power wise per displacement.
Regarding a bmw. The closest your going to get to what your looming for is a 2.5-3ltr z4 or an e46 330ci but as you said yourself you'll need to change the gearing etc.
S2000 wise as we talked about before they are rising in value now. Even at 6k ypu'll find it quite hard to get a good example. Even at that it will most likely be totally standard spec, which imo they arent great. They need atleast a decent set of wheels, lowered and maybe a decent cat back. Where as the z4 has the 6 spot sound and come woth some nice wheels from factory. S2k's are also not a good daily driver unless your into no luxury's, rattles/road noise, very little low down power which is what you need more of the time. They are very twitch unless set up properly and arent very comfy in general. Z4 has alot more cabin room also. Now i loved my old s2k. Great cars but they suit 1 purpose only tbh
E46...... I was thinking the same as you before i got the z4. Will i get a nice 330ci etc. In the end I decided I couldnt buy an e46 unless it was an m car. They arent like the e36 that way. Thats just personal opinion.
Id love a nice e30 318is or 325 but to find a decent example these days is near impossible and if you do that doesnt need money spent on it they are quite dear.
What about a boxster s?
Agreed :)
Not a fan of the early TT, the 2006+ model is pretty sexy but also pricey (and fwd). Not sure about boxsters tbh, I imagine they'd be a very expensive car to maintain as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HealyC
Oh I've a good one now that we are talking Vags, a Leon Cupra R, 225bhp, 1.8l and brembo brakes. Had one for a week or two a few years ago, fantastic car and a bit of a sleeper (bang a tdi badge on the back ;))
Very quick no doubt as are VW GTIs etc but it's hard to move away from rwd ;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by narusa
The best of both worlds would be e46 330ci with close to M3's final ratio 3.62.Good car should cost about 5000,diff 1000,good remap and induction kit 500.And for under 7 grand you have bullet prove motor,with snappy acceleration and 250bhp on tap.
That's right up my street :) is an M3 diff plug and play on a 330ci? An eisenmann as well and job done :cool:
U dont need E46 M3 diff , they are crap :hehe!:
now its option to fit LSD unit in E46 open diffs , not all of them but medium or big case and some different ratios can be converted into LSD diff ,or quaife :wink:
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
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There's a gap in the market...
Aforementioned 330i
Hi, I thought you might be interested in this advert on Carzone.ie
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/330I-M-S/148914256439413880/advert?channel=CARS
330ci
Hi, I thought you might be interested in this advert on Carzone.ie
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/330-Ci-M/201014434626923090/advert?channel=CARS
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by narusa
That's right up my street :) is an M3 diff plug and play on a 330ci? An eisenmann as well and job done :cool:
Don't even attempt to fit e46 M3 diff they are crap.Best option build a custom diff with bmw of after market slipping unit.
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by narusa
Quote:
Originally Posted by narusa
That's right up my street :) is an M3 diff plug and play on a 330ci? An eisenmann as well and job done :cool:
Don't even attempt to fit e46 M3 diff they are crap.Best option build a custom diff with bmw of after market slipping unit.
As in unreliable or what?
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
They wear out and there is no parts to fix them properly
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
I'm liking the 330 with diff and exhaust option. I need to drive a 2.2 though as well to satisfy my curiosity, any owners on the site nearby willing to let me have a spin of theirs feel free to get in touch :p
@John, I saw your old 330 for sale alright, I think it's been for sale a while. Tempting but really need to get back in a manual for maximum fun this time around :)
I think it'll become clear after a test drive in a 2.2 e46/z4 and an S2000.
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
I sincerely mean this Peter, I think you should just stop fannying about and go buy an e46 m3. It's everything you described above. Blisteringly quick and if you find the gears too long, fit a short ratio diff and turn it into a rocket.
Yes they're expensive to maintain, but there's a decent second hand market for parts and lots of knowledgable lads on here and in the UK on M3cutters etc.
You'll be sitting at the traffic lights one day in a 330 and an M3 will pull up beisde you and you'll realise you made the wrong choice!
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by nige
I sincerely mean this Peter, I think you should just stop fannying about and go buy an e46 m3. It's everything you described above. Blisteringly quick and if you find the gears too long, fit a short ratio diff and turn it into a rocket.
Yes they're expensive to maintain, but there's a decent second hand market for parts and lots of knowledgable lads on here and in the UK on M3cutters etc.
You'll be sitting at the traffic lights one day in a 330 and an M3 will pull up beisde you and you'll realise you made the wrong choice!
No question - I'd take an M3 over a modded 330 any day, Would absolutely love to (there's nothing I'd change about an M3 either), but due to a change in circumstances I simply couldn't afford to buy and maintain one now. I'm just trying to find something that ticks my boxes on a budget rather than an alternative to an M3. I know a 330ci/Z4 3.0 would only be a few hundred cheaper to tax per year, but a good example would literally be half the price of an e46 M3, and maintenance won't be as expensive, it's probably the overall price of the car that's the biggest factor though.
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Why are you set on the 2.2 you should include the 2.5 in the Mic tax and fuel is pretty much the same
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gar
Why are you set on the 2.2 you should include the 2.5 in the Mic tax and fuel is pretty much the same
It's a slippery slope Gar:tounge: Then you'll be thinking 'ah sure it's only a bit extra to climb into a 330'...then you start thinking about spending a little more and before you know it Peter's driving an E60 M5:happy::happy::happy:
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
^ haha :D
I just want to see what they're like to drive cause they have a 3.38 final drive, I wouldn't have a problem buying a 3L once it's in budget. I'm just going for feel/fun rather than max performance.
Also the 2.2 being a 6 pot so would be fun with an exhaust upgrade too :)
I'm sure the fuel consumption would be the same between 2.2/2.5/3.0 though.
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
I had a 320i a while back, and while it was nippy enough, I do a bit of motorway driving, and sat too high on the revs even at 70mph.
Noise in the cabin and mpg's would put me off again, and I'd go for a 325i next time
....but that said, it might be what you are after!
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
330Cd
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-330cd-293bhp-2004/9686468?offset=2
And another
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-d-m-sport-full-black-leath/8657679?offset=13
325Ci
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-e46-325ci/10409246?offset=21
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Curran
I had a 320i a while back, and while it was nippy enough, I do a bit of motorway driving, and sat too high on the revs even at 70mph.
Noise in the cabin and mpg's would put me off again, and I'd go for a 325i next time
....but that said, it might be what you are after!
Sounds like what I'm looking for :p
I really wish they came with a 6 speed but 5 speed will do.
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-330ci-m-sport-fsh/10297633?offset=14
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There's a gap in the market...
^^that's a lovely example! Like the amber leds
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnH
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-330ci-m-sport-fsh/10297633?offset=14
117,000 miles in a 2004 is about average I'd say (rather than below average as the ad says)
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnH
325Ci
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-e46-325ci/10409246?offset=21
That Jimmy's 325????
EDIT: It is..... What the F?????
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnH
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-330ci-m-sport-fsh/10297633?offset=14
Quote:
Originally Posted by 318 iS Cosmos
^^that's a lovely example! Like the amber leds
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote:
Originally Posted by Don B
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnH
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-330ci-m-sport-fsh/10297633?offset=14
117,000 miles in a 2004 is about average I'd say (rather than below average as the ad says)
It's also a very low spec se
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Hi, I thought you might be interested in this advert http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/330-Ci/201535236364325/advert?channel=CARS on Carzone.ie
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gar
330ci
Hi, I thought you might be interested in this advert on Carzone.ie
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/330-Ci-M/201014434626923090/advert?channel=CARS
Saw this when it was for sale by PO, it's a really nice car and I was tempted but ended up pushing (considerably more) for a 335i.
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Thanks gents, had seen the cars during my search, I recognised Jimmy's 325 too :) I remember the 330 with the ambers coming up for sale 2.5 years ago and really fancied it at the time, wanted to sell my e36 to get it, I think it had 70 something thousand odd miles then but it is a basic SE with an aftermarket m sport bumper.
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
A 325ti is what you want - sounds and handles better than any non-M E46, almost as quick as a 330ci, 100kgs lighter, and more fun to drive. They're really practical, and while some don't like the looks I always thought the proportions were spot on. Probably have to go to UK for one though, and people are beginning to realise how good they are
No LSD, but they feel really special, came with the 6-speed in 2003, and the wail from them above 4K RPM is addictive. I loved mine far more than the 335d I replaced it with, and it was just the perfect combination of power, weight and size for enjoying a good thrash
Obviously not as light as the E30 318iS, but nearly as much fun, a far better motor in it and worked better as a daily
There's an article on-line somewhere with ex-F1 dude Marc Gene testing one and loving it
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Leins
A 325ti is what you want - sounds and handles better than any non-M E46, almost as quick as a 330ci, 100kgs lighter, and more fun to drive. They're really practical, and while some don't like the looks I always thought the proportions were spot on. Probably have to go to UK for one though, and people are beginning to realise how good they are
No LSD, but they feel really special, came with the 6-speed in 2003, and the wail from them above 4K RPM is addictive. I loved mine far more than the 335d I replaced it with, and it was just the perfect combination of power, weight and size for enjoying a good thrash
Obviously not as light as the E30 318iS, but nearly as much fun, a far better motor in it and worked better as a daily
There's an article on-line somewhere with ex-F1 dude Marc Gene testing one and loving it
I've never been a fan of the looks but I'm intrigued, wouldn't mind trying one out! Unsurprisingly, quick scan of donedeal only shows a few 316/318 and 320d SE compacts.. Have you driven a 1er Jeff? I imagine they'd be similar :)
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Leins
A 325ti is what you want
Go try and find one worth buying
@Peter
Yes there is a gap in the market for non-M, best of both worlds, tick all boxes - type cars.
Birds have been dealing in them for yonks. Their bread and butter has been 130i's for the past few years.
They quite often get cars with plenty of M-Performance upgrades and slippy diffs.
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Anyone know the exact weight of the compact I can't find any solid source all the usual spec places are saying 1450-1480kg 0-60
Actually what about a jcw Cooper Peter
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RE: There's a gap in the market...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter-E36
I've never been a fan of the looks but I'm intrigued, wouldn't mind trying one out! Unsurprisingly, quick scan of donedeal only shows a few 316/318 and 320d SE compacts.. Have you driven a 1er Jeff? I imagine they'd be similar :)
Driven a couple of them, a loaner 116i and a 130i that I was tempted to swap the Compact for. They were more grown-up but not as much fun IMO. Loved the power in the 130 though. I did fancy a 135i Coupe at one stage, but ended up going all serious and buying the 335d instead
Quote:
Originally Posted by DoktorB
Go try and find one worth buying
Good ones still come up over the water, plus no subframe issues or tendencies to rust
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gar
Anyone know the exact weight of the compact I can't find any solid source all the usual spec places are saying 1450-1480kg 0-60
Actually what about a jcw Cooper Peter
They were 1405kgs I think Gar, and you could feel the difference in driving them
Mini is a good shout, I'm loving mine. Obviously not RWD, but seriously good craic to punt along. Cross-country pace is something else with them. There's another GP1 for sale down in Wicklow, think it might be Fazz's old one: http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mini-gp-edition/10125024