what bmw should i buy

[housedl]

i think i want a 3 series.. with 2 doors and a the most powerful engine.. i want at least a 2000 model.. what do you guys suggest.. i have never had a bmw before.. i own a jeep right now.. just want another car... a fast one... but hopefully less than 15000 us dollars.. probably impossible ...

thanks
for your help

also does anyone know of any other forums for the bmw that are popular...........


thanks
dlh

[KillFox]

The fastest 3 series coupes manufactured in 2000 (which is the latest year you can go with that budget), were the 328ci's. The 323ci was also produced in 2000.

Now, getting into a 328 coupe seems a little unrealistic at 15K, but you may be able to squeeze into a 323ci.

Perhaps you should look into a 1999 M3? Different body style, but it will be faster than the 2000 coupes.

[//mposter]

Yeah for more information on E46's check out www.e46fanatics.com . Theres a link on the website that tells you the specs on the M52TU 2.5 and the M52TU 2.8 engine.

[Silver4evr]

Here's a link to elevan 328's for sale for around $15 to $17.5k.

Check these out to see what you might be able to get.

[housedl]

thanks for the responses guys.. a local dealer had a 323 coupe for sale that was silver but he sold it... he tried to to get me to buy a 5 series....but i know i cant afford that... but it looks like i am going to have to go up to around 18-19000 to get what i want....


thanks again for the links
darrell

[housedl]

so what is the basic difference between like a 323 ci vs 328 ci.. does that have something to do with engine size... all the internet add says is that it is a 6 cylinder... how many different engines come in these things....



thanks
darrell

[KillFox]

I believe all but the 318's in the 3 series line, have inline 6 cylinder engines. The 318 may have a 4 cylinder.

The main difference between the 323 and 328 in engine size, the 323 having a 2.3 liter and the 328 having a 2.8; this basically equaits (sp?) to more horsepower.

[Silver4evr]

You should also check Consumer Reports Annual buying guide for the most reliable models and the reliability rating of all the models before you buy.

The CR book is at your local library or you can get access to the same info on line at consumerreports.org for $20 a year.

[Mr White G]

^ The 323 is an alloy block 2.5ltr, not a 2.3

The 328 is a lot faster in the real world with a strong torque curve through the revs..... the 323 is (arguably) the smoothest 6 in the 3 series range with a nice balance between power and economy.

If you want 'race car pace' then get a late 90's M3...

[housedl]

thanks for your replies... i am not sure how much a late 90's m3 would cost.. i am trying to keep it around 15000-17000... i have read more on it and with the help of this forum i believe that the 328 is the way to go.... it has to be silver though...


dhouse