E30 Zone

As above i`v just sold my golf and looking for a e46 touring anything from 1999 to 2001/2 got roughly about 2k to spend for the right one.

My question is which one to go for i`m not after a big engine may be upto a 320/323 but i dont know about either manual or auto, what are the auto`s like are they as thirsty as the e36`s where.

anyway if anyone know of one for sale let me know.

thanks

There was never a 323 e46 touring in the UK.

I'm not sure about manual verses automatic economy though. I get about 35-36mpg from my e46 323 saloon, although that's not much use to you!

I've got a 2001 auto 318ci (16v valvetronic donk). Reasonably nippy (a lot quicker than the old M43 8v) and averages 35mpg. It does 42mpg on a run which I think is excellent. A Touring will obviously be a little bit worse due to the extra weight.

The autos are very good and the steptronic shift gives you more control when you need it. In all honesty though mine spends 99% of its time in Drive and I only use the steptronic part when overtaking. Bear in mind they're sealed for life boxes and most will benefit from a fluid and filter change every 60K.

A good M43 engined 318i Touring is a decent car. At least the engine can be easily fixed if it goes wrong!

The later M54 2.2 lump is a very nice engine too but I doubt you'll get one for 2K thats worth owning!

theres really no different weight between the same cc cars

Tourings:
length 4478mm
wheel base 2725mm
width 1739mm
max weight 1440kg

these were based on a 320 touring, and the saloon

4471mm
2725mm
1739mm
1360kg

so i carnt see it really being that much diferent, i`v find a 51plate 320se touring with 108k on the clock full history, 2 owners frrom new in royal blue £2200 which i`m going to look at tomorrow.