BMW Forums : BimmerForums banner

Hi newbie BMW owner

2K views 15 replies 6 participants last post by  Ronnie 
#1 ·
Thought i'd sign up and say hi! as I've just bought a new car for the better half today a 1998 BMW 316 Compact (E36) in solid black with FSH, 75k on the clock, Borbet alloys and overall cracking condition for the year. It was the first time i had driven a compact (had only ever driven a 320Ci and a 330Ci before) and was quite impressed with it's handling on the twisties - would probably put my C70 T5 to shame! lol!!.. it's not the fastest car out there but the engine seems quite torquey at motorway speeds and it's a good step up from her previous car (Ford Ka!) lol!..

I think we'll be looking at changing the orange indicators (front and side over) as well as changing the rear lights to the more modern looking white and red items.

Here's some pics (not the best as i think they were taken with a phone! lol! - i'll post better ones if it ever stops raining and if i can crowbar her out of it! lol! as she's away shopping just now!):





and here's one of my C70 T5 for good measure lol!:

 
See less See more
3
#3 ·
thanks for the reply! :thumbsup

the T5 only returns around 20 mpg :jaw-dropping around town but that stretches to 32 mpg on the motorway.. reliability wise it's not a problem - people have down strip downs on their engines for rebuilds at 250,000 miles (as recommended in the service manual) only to find the original honing marks on the bores! lol!.. they're pretty much like BMW's that way as long as they've been well looked after/serviced with plenty of quality oil changes then you won't have too many problems on that front..
 
#6 ·
Pangster, welcome! Welcome the the joy of the pride of Munich. I have an E36 318ti Compact, 103k on it, and it's an absolute joy. About to convert to LPG, you might want to consider it yourself, big savings to be had, spesh that Vulva! Anyway, good luck to ya!
 
#8 ·
hello again Pangster!

Only 2 things wrong with the C70 T5 imo, body roll and and no RWD :hihi
 
#11 ·
T5 running costs

Boostist, for you information, about the running costs of the C70 T5, here's my view.

Servicing - main dealer serviving is horrifying, expensive parts and extortionate labour rates. However, Volvo's are quite fussy on the use of some aftermarket parts so you have to either opt for Original parts or get highly repuatble and tried/tested aftermarket parts. Other than that, they have 5,000 mile service intervals and are generally acceptable on the pocket if you have a trusty independant specialist to look after you.

Fuel I have't got the MPG calculator on my car, but depsite having tested various Diesels and ran an Audi A4 2.5 TDi for a while in the fleet - its the BEST car I have ever had on fuel. Around town its amazing provided you just drive steady rather than being abrupt.

I got from Coventry > Heathrow > Coventry > Nottingham at 90mph with cruise control on for just over 3/4's of a tank! (Full tank is about 70 litres).

Reliability wise, its the most reliable car I have ever had. I have only had a couple of minor issues which were quickly and cheaply sorted out by my local Volvo specialist. (Ignition ring antenna, gearbox speed sensor and a control boost vale). The 70 model Volvo's tend ot have a few areas to look for. Firstly some models are affected by an ETM (electronic throttle module) fault, whereby replacement can cost around £250. Climate/Air Con control system can play up due to the vents being a bit dusty. They tend to be heavy on the suspension and front brakes as well as front suspension bushes, rods and links.

Negative points are a very poor turning circle, poor rear visibilty due to thick pillars make reverse parking tricky, front tyre shredding machine upon demad and a too much body roll (but it can be hustled or driven swiftly). Some T5's are neglected, poorly maintained and these are the examples that need to be avoided.

I'm 28 now, but when I was 26 I had to drive it as it belonged to my uncle and he was dunk. Within 1/2 a mile I was impressed, after 5 miles I had to have his T5 lol. They are much better than anyone would believe.
 
#12 ·
got some goodies for the compact this week! - the front passenger side alloy was missing it's centre cap so we ordered a replacement one and the smoked front and side indicators arrived today so i'll get out and fit them as soon as she comes home from work - i'll post some pics when i'm done..

going to look at getting her a new stereo this weekend - she likes the look of the Kenwood KDC-W6541U:



and i'll probably get the ipod adaptor for her to keep her happy! :) I also need to make a point of getting into my local dealers to order her some new rear lights (the red and white ones),a new front BMW bonnet badge,a new courtesy light bulb for the boot and some proper compact car mats...

that should keep her happy for a bit! :)
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top