Porsche gal interested in 1st BMW.

GC 53 · GC 53's Garage

Hi,
My husband is letting me use his Pelican ID etc to post this. I have had a few 911's and drove a 2000 328i yesterday.It was alot of fun. Any input on which of the 3 Series are the best all around would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Sandy

Rot 911 · 10-27-2008, 05:23 AM

Where at in Missouri? Tough to go wrong with any E46 series, but I would stay away from the 1999-2001's just because of the potential for the sub frame to crack. Doesn't happen on many, but there are so many E46's out there that why take a chance. Unless of course money is a big issue than naturally the older cars are cheaper. Other weak link that is expensive is the automatic transmission. I would stay away from any car with over 100K miles unless they have receipts showing the transmission fluid had been changed at least every 50K miles.

As for options BMW sells option packages like sport (lowered 1", 17" wheels, sport seats; cold weather (heated seats and ski bag), etc.

Have fun looking!

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

There are two auto trannys in that era. The ZF 5HP19 which started in about 2001 has a defect commonly called the "No Reverse" problem. Changing the fluid wont help, it will fail between 60-120k. My wifes failed last week and I dropped it at the shop this morning.

I dont know if or when ZF redesigned the bad part, so I cant say when the transmissions became "safe".

http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/Tranny/chart.htm

GC 53 · GC 53's Garage

I really prefer a manual transmission. So not looking at ads with Automatics listed. What about the older BMW's, because I'm not buying new at this point, probably nothing newer than a '03. I saw some listings on Craigslist for a 330xi...all wheel drive being in Missouri.
Appreciate the feedback.guys. didn't know anything about BMW's, let alone transmissions problems.
Sandy

GC 53 · GC 53's Garage

Forgot to say Kurt, we live in Troy, Missouri, but have been to Jeff City several times with our kids going to the State Track and Field High School Championships....kids meaning our own 5 and the ones Gary coaches at our school..... that's how he stays under 300#..lol.
Sandy.

Rot 911 · 10-27-2008, 03:59 PM

Been to Troy a couple of times. I would stay away from the xi. More complications, they sit an inch higher than the regular BMW's (2" higher than the sport package) and almost all of them come in automatics. I have winter tires for my 325i and it does just fine in the snow. We take it up to South Dakota to visit my wife's family over Christmas and get around just fine.

GC 53 · GC 53's Garage

What are the engine specs. My '78 SC was a 3.0, the 328i I thought was a 2.8? Any recommendations on the older years...Whats the difference between the 323, 325, and 328? For sport performanance?
Sandy

Rot 911 · 10-27-2008, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GC 53

What are the engine specs. My '78 SC was a 3.0, the 328i I thought was a 2.8? Any recommendations on the older years...Whats the difference between the 323, 325, and 328? For sport performanance?
Sandy

Enjoy the read: http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

E46 323 and 325 were both 2.5l and very close in hp but the engines were substantially different.

The 323, 325 and 328 all had incremental increases in hp but the 330 jumps up substantially in hp and torque. If hp is important to you get the 330 other wise base your decision more on the quality of the car in question.

If sport performance is important you will probably want to replace some of the worn suspension right away. Depending on your budget you can turn a non-sport suspension into a sport but it can be expensive especially if you dont do your own work.

I would get a 330i or 330ci sport package. (Actually, I did.)