upgrading my bmw

[chopper746]

Hi there i already have a e36 316i coupe which for comfort and drive is absolutley perfect, But sometimes when entering motorways or when in need of acceleration it lacks. Being only 18 insurance is not a nice figure so its all i can drive until insurance renewual in july.Then ican insurance a 323, 325 and 328 still too expensive as in 2000 pounds +. So i am just wondering what people think of the 323 e36 model any thing to watch out for when purchasing and also the e46 model 323 if i can afford to purchase one of these.
Thanks for your help !

[disco!!!!]

the E36 323 (2.5) is a good motor
cheapish insurance compared to the 325/328 and they can be put up to near 200 bhp with the right mods
they are a quite robust unit so just the usual checks are needed, im not sure the nikasil issues affected this engine though but im sure someone will be over to correct me soon
oh and that 6 cylinder song

on the insurance side have you considered the E36 318iS
not a bad motor not the fastest thing (140bhp) but they can give a 320 what for around the bends and they love to be reved

[645Coup]

I had a E46 328SE saloon, it got traded in for peanuts, was in mint condition and went like stink. That being said insurance may still sting you even if the car is fairly affordable. On the other hand I would seriously recommend getting a 320d or 330d, I have two mates who have them, the 320 is remapped and is quick especailly during 'in gear' acceleration and the 330d is standard but has that much torque as standard that it ripples the tarmac it runs on. Last year there was 5 of us in it coming back from a lads weekend and it climbed to 140mph without a problem, and I think he still got 25 to the gallon!!!!

[chopper746]

Thanks for the help the diesels sound good ill look into them. And i have looked into the 318is just was not much difference in insurance between the 318 is and 323i weither its e36 or e46. I will go for what ever i can find a cleaner lower mileage one of unless i would happen to find a good diesel. I do like the e46 shapes alot but at 18 years old i would rather buy one cash then finance so i think what ever it is it will be an e36 as i would rather cleaner lower maileage than a new shape wreck.

[mikaveli]

Originally Posted by chopper746

Hi there i already have a e36 316i coupe which for comfort and drive is absolutley perfect, But sometimes when entering motorways or when in need of acceleration it lacks. Being only 18 insurance is not a nice figure so its all i can drive until insurance renewual in july.Then ican insurance a 323, 325 and 328 still too expensive as in 2000 pounds +. So i am just wondering what people think of the 323 e36 model any thing to watch out for when purchasing and also the e46 model 323 if i can afford to purchase one of these.
Thanks for your help !

TBH mate, the wisest course of action is to stick with the 316 'til you're about 21. By then (hopefully), you also have a few years' ncb under your belt - then the insurance on the 6's will be affordable enough for you to be able to put fuel in the thing! Seriously though, the running/servicing costs of the bigger cars may sting.

[mark@vorny.co.uk]

Can you familiarise yourself with the forum posting rules accesible via the link at the bottom of my post and re-title your thread accordingly. This way you will receive the most appropriate answers and it keeps the forum in order.

Many thanks.

[Amos]

Make your car look pimp rather than drive quick. Get some OEM M3 bumpers and rims on there, some lowering springs, and debadge it........and you will have a cool looking car, which is cheap to insure and run until you can realistically afford a real one......

The only thing that will turn it from a 316 into an Epic Fail instead of an M3 Replica is if you actually badge it as an M3...........defo Epic Fail.

Amos

[chopper746]

I have already got m3 motorsport wheels on there m3 front splitter m tech rear spoiler and may also get leather interior i dont intend to drive like a fool just nice to have a bit more acceleration when needed.

[Amos]

If you are happy with the looks......do an engine conversion to maybe a 2 Litre?

[DanBMW]

I got my e46 318ti at 18 and found it has enough grunt when its needed. Its not a fast car obviously, but its enough to get you onto the motorway comfortably and out of trouble if you need to, even had it upto 140mph in Germany . If you drive it like your hair is on fire its usually plenty quick enough for road use. I was looking at getting a 325 or something but tbh with the insurance hike I think im going to wait untill im 21 and get a 'proper' car, probably an e46 m3 . I know its easier said than dun to hold onto your car as every other day im on autotrader , but its gotta be worth it in the long run.

Thats my 2 pence worth anyway.

Dan