316i coupe, yay or nay?

[lucas118]

Have always loved the look of them and well since i have recently turned 18 and my 1 years no claims coming up insurance is now low enough to make getting the 316 a reality, and well i just want to know what you all think of the car and wether im just better off getting a smaller car??? Cheers

[Ian S]

Hi. Try getting a few quotes on a 318is or the 323 before settling for the 316. The insurance on the 323 may surprise you!

[ChampionLard]

Good advice from Ian S for you Lucas... check the difference as you might be pleasantly surprised.

Personally I think, as long as you can reasonably afford the insurance and petrol, get the biggest engine you can. If nothing else definitely try and get a 318 or larger, you'll only regret it if you don't when you see them flying past on the motorway!!!

[DSK]

As mentioned, if you can afford to, go for the 318is at the very least. Whilst a 316 will offer the BMW badge, you may find that its lack of pace becomes rather frustrating.

[lucas118]

Well the cheapest quote i had for the 318i was £700 more than the 316 so im pretty sure i will stick with the 316, how much more powerful actually is the 318 anyway. also being a slight newbie i have a few question
firstly what are all the e42, e30 etc all about
and secondly how much we talking to do an engine transplant(for the future when i can declare on my insurance)
Cheers

[328mark]

in this case,the e numbers are bmw internal codenames for each model
ie a 3 series can be either an e30,e36,e46 or e90 depending on body shape
most other makers versions are known as mk1,2 etc.
as for transplants...you are relying on being able to source a decent engine,gearbox and ecu...then ou factor in upgraded brakes etc...big job,but it can be worthwhile if you have a decent base car.

[DSK]

To be honest, I think you'd be better off, keeping what ever car you buy, 316/318 etc in good original order and when you can afford the insurance, just get a bigger engined model .......... it works out so much cheaper IMO

[Ian S]

Try running a quote through with elephant for the 323. It will be worth the extra!

[Ian S]

Just remembered a tip that may help with insurance. Try adding your mum or dad on as a named driver. I am 28 and have my own house but still saved £100 by adding my mum on. Guess it's because she's lower risk and if she is driving it, I am not!

You don't even have to let them drive it but it allows them to give you a lift back from the pub!

[lucas118]

Originally Posted by Ian S

Just remembered a tip that may help with insurance. Try adding your mum or dad on as a named driver. I am 28 and have my own house but still saved £100 by adding my mum on. Guess it's because she's lower risk and if she is driving it, I am not!

You don't even have to let them drive it but it allows them to give you a lift back from the pub!

Yea i always thought it would lower it but every quote ive got back has always been more to have them on the policy :S am i doing something wrong????