Opinions on a E46 BMW 323ci

Hi folks,

Until recently I have been driving around in a Honda Civic Vti, well until someone decided to write it off for me...

Anyhow as I've had 3 cars now with the B16a engine in and whilst they are cracking cars I fancy a change. Before the civics I had a mk2 mx5 which I was comfortable driving at pace as it felt like a go cart so I am familiar with Rwd.

Just looking for opinions on a BMW 323ci as it seems like alot of car for the money 5k for a MY2000.

I understand its around 170bhp but for a large barge thats not alot but am concious of going any bigger engine size due to increased running costs.

So what are they like to drive, own and generally live with?

Bear in mind I'm only 25 so insurance is an issue so don't want to get an e36 m3 or anything of that vein....

Thanks, Al

Driven 328i and 528i of that sort of age. IIRC, been in 330i, 525i, M5, owned E46 M3.

I prefer the 5 series as it weighs very little extra, seems to be better priced, has a nicer chassis and looks better to my eyes. You might be surprised on insurance as 5 series drivers tend to be more mature and perhaps crash less often? I prefer both with the autobox - they do fail at high miles without oil changes though.

There are well known common faults on the E46 and E39 which you can find through google.

I spent a bit of time in such a car doing lap after lap on the Nurburgring last year. It didn't miss a beat once in the 1500 mile round trip. They are pretty good all round cars. Reasonably brisk, handle/stop reasonably well - not too thirsty and generally quite comfortable.

BMW : BMW 323ci coupe

Well, at 27 insurance on a 2002 325 touring auto was just plain stupid (£500 minimum, thats with 5+yrs no claims), I suspect a coupe maybe even worse (although I have managed to get it down to a more sensible £370 now).

All I can say is test drive at least several examples. Then you should get a feel for the sloppy ones and the tight ones. Also be aware that the SE and M-sport specs differ in comfort a fair bit. Bigger rims on a SE with upgraded lower arm bushings gives a nice medium. Although a MY2000 car has 60mm lower arm bushing which are a bit more solid (but are more prone to splitting) compared to later 66mm ones. But they may have been replaced with the later 66mm items, as they are interchangable.

On the whole I find them ok as an everyday car, but with me they alway left me wanting more. It's one of those cars thats not bad at anything, but doesn't ultimately shine in any particular area either.

I agree with John, the e39 5 series is a better drive - providing you get a good one. And that is a problem with most oldish BMWs unless they had religious TLC in regards to the suspension and bushings - with the bills to proove.

My e46 just had its 2nd set of lower arm bushing done at 45,000 miles- nowt wrong with them MOT-wise, just they went sloppy. Lost count how many front control arms my mum's partners 1996 e39 has gone through, ideally needs new shocks now - owch (still flies through MOTs though, so no urgency)