Thoughts on this please. New car time...

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:27 pm

A friend is looking to replace their current E36

Criteria is:

Has upto £3k to spend

Not too interested in performance as long as its not asmathic

Preferably wants to stick with BMW

Keen to avoid 318ti's (N42B20?)

Doesn't do a lot of mileage (about 8k a year max)

Wants less than 100k miles (or not much more)

Thinking of E46 320i's/320D's or E39's with the same engines.

Any input appreciated.

What would you go for?

What would you avoid?

Many thanx

Andy

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:30 pm

E39 is a beautiful car IMO. I had a 523 which was a bit gutless ,but without hesitation i would have one again.

My ultimate car would be a e39 m5 or 540.

I was so gutted when mine went due to fuel cost. Tell him to prepare for the fuel mind you they are thirsty buggers.

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:32 pm

I would put an e39 ahead of a e46 all day every day if you can go for a manual but the autos are a solid box as long as it is not 3.0diesel if you do go for a e46 320d do the swirl flaps

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:21 pm

A proper immaculate E39 M5 or E39 540i or any E39 especially the facelift which are totally original still looks THE BUSINESS

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:41 pm

Sorry to hijack this but Im also thinking of looking at an e39, this one is for sale near to me, whats your thoughts?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-BMW-520I ... _722wt_932

Post Sun Jun 16, 2013 11:56 am

Thanks for the help guys, in the end found an E46 325i sport 2001. Makes me want an E46