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      04-08-2023, 02:51 PM   #1
MarcF10
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Thinking about a daily classic

Hi folks,
I am looking into buying a classic bimmer I can use as a daily.
3 series or similar, nothing bigger than.
Simple-reliable-basic.
Any thoughts? Any recommendations?
Many thanks!
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      04-08-2023, 02:57 PM   #2
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Hi, how about a E46 330i? Lovely 6 cylinder M54 engine.

Be prepared to get some maintenance done on it if you press it in to daily service (cooling system overhaul being essential if no evidence of it being done).
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      04-08-2023, 03:31 PM   #3
MarcF10
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I like the e46 very much.
However the 3 litre is costly to maintain e.g road tax, mpg..
Should I check a smaller engine or a diesel or not worth it?
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      04-10-2023, 04:37 AM   #4
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E36 328i or if don’t want the 2.8 six cylinder hows about a 318is?
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      04-10-2023, 02:41 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcF10 View Post
I like the e46 very much.
However the 3 litre is costly to maintain e.g road tax, mpg..
Should I check a smaller engine or a diesel or not worth it?
Yes, look at smaller engines or the diesel. Older 3 series are simpler but older and may need more work or will be needing more work sooner, and that parts are harder to find when they break.
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      04-11-2023, 12:40 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcF10 View Post
Hi folks,
I am looking into buying a classic bimmer I can use as a daily.
Simple-reliable-basic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcF10 View Post
I like the e46 very much.
However the 3 litre is costly to maintain e.g road tax, mpg..
Should I check a smaller engine or a diesel or not worth it?
There is no such thing as daily driving a 'classic' BMW without getting your hands, and bank account, a bit dirty with preventative maintenance on the regular. As others have said parts can be increasingly difficult to find in the absence of OE or aftermarket support.
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      04-12-2023, 07:29 AM   #7
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I will chime in with a little perspective regarding the E36. Now, keep in mind I'm driving in metro Detroit on less than stellar roads. If you want to daily one of these (I had an M3), I highly suggest you find the one with the best interior possible, unless the roads you drive on are smooth as glass, or you don't mind constant squeaks and rattles. The E36 interiors were literally designed to fall apart (biodegradable). The mechanicals of the car are fairly easy to service yourself and parts are plentiful.
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      04-12-2023, 10:32 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cos270 View Post
Now, keep in mind I'm driving in metro Detroit on less than stellar roads.
Where we’ve left the winter season to now enter the construction and orange barrel season Sport/aggressive suspensions hurt the tushy.
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      04-12-2023, 10:39 AM   #9
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e46 ZHP!
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      04-12-2023, 10:50 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcF10 View Post
Hi folks,
I am looking into buying a classic bimmer I can use as a daily.
3 series or similar, nothing bigger than.
Simple-reliable-basic.
Any thoughts? Any recommendations?
Many thanks!
2011 BMW 1 Series 2.0 120i M Sport Coupe 2d Manual Trans

.
https://www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/inve...151081342/NONE
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'08 E92 M3 DCT Melbourne Red/Bamboo Beige Leather/EDC/SSP Spec-R DCT clutch discs/SSP Pro-Gold DCT Fluid/Quaife LSD/3:45 Final Drive by Diffs Online/BE Bearings & ARP Bolts/Vibra Technics Engine Mounts/M3 World HFC X-Pipe/LUX H8 180/BPM Sport DCT Tune/PFC Z-Rated Pads/ECS Brass Brake Caliper Bushings/Alex Shop Solid Sub-frame Bushings/Motul 600/Tint
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      04-12-2023, 01:18 PM   #11
pbonsalb
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Is it a classic?
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      04-12-2023, 01:57 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcF10 View Post
Hi folks,
I am looking into buying a classic bimmer I can use as a daily.
3 series or similar, nothing bigger than.
Simple-reliable-basic.
Any thoughts? Any recommendations?
Many thanks!
M340i non mild hybrid for long term keep
or F80 M3 manual for the good looks *wet myself again
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      04-12-2023, 09:55 PM   #13
pbonsalb
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Maybe we could call those “future” classics?
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      04-12-2023, 10:28 PM   #14
g21
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it's already a classic to me, everyone selling cinema screens and electric everything nowadays
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      04-13-2023, 05:26 AM   #15
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A 520i E39? Economical and roomy.
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