Thinking about a daily classic

MarcF10 · 04-08-2023, 03:51 PM

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!

Mani59 · 04-08-2023, 03:57 PM

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).

MarcF10 · 04-08-2023, 04:31 PM

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?

Chappers 71 · 04-10-2023, 05:37 AM

E36 328i or if don’t want the 2.8 six cylinder hows about a 318is?

pbonsalb · 04-10-2023, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcF10

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.

86Zed · 04-11-2023, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcF10

Hi folks,
I am looking into buying a classic bimmer I can use as a daily.
Simple-reliable-basic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcF10

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.

Cos270 · 04-12-2023, 08:29 AM

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.

Piper1 · 04-12-2023, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cos270

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.

shimmy23 · 04-12-2023, 11:39 AM

e46 ZHP!

DrFerry · 04-12-2023, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcF10

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

pbonsalb · 04-12-2023, 02:18 PM

Is it a classic?

G30M · 04-12-2023, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcF10

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

pbonsalb · 04-12-2023, 10:55 PM

Maybe we could call those “future” classics?

G30M · 04-12-2023, 11:28 PM

it's already a classic to me, everyone selling cinema screens and electric everything nowadays

M5Rick · 04-13-2023, 06:26 AM

A 520i E39? Economical and roomy.

04-08-2023, 03:51 PM	#1
MarcF10 Private First Class 143 Rep 159 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: West Sussex iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X5 [0.00]	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!
	Appreciate 2 Mani5916451.50 DrFerry7327.50 Tweet Quote

04-08-2023, 03:57 PM	#2
Mani59 Moderator 16452 Rep 8,191 Posts Drives: F32 435i Luxury & G26 i4 35 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Leicestershire iTrader: (1)	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). __________________ Visit my (mainly) BMW gallery https://jetone.co.uk and BMW miniature model collection https://bmw-miniatures.com
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04-08-2023, 04:31 PM	#3
MarcF10 Private First Class 143 Rep 159 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: West Sussex iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X5 [0.00]	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?
	Appreciate 1 M5Rick72016.00 Quote

04-10-2023, 05:37 AM	#4
Chappers 71 Major General 6119 Rep 5,812 Posts Drives: Beige G31 540ix m sport Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Kent, The Garden of England iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 G31 xdrive 40i ... [7.67] 2006 E92 335i SE [9.50]	E36 328i or if don’t want the 2.8 six cylinder hows about a 318is? __________________ G31 40ix M Sport E92 335i. E36 328is coupe E39 540i V8 6SP manual E34 3.6 M5. E34 525i sport. VW Jetta Mk2 GTI 16v. 1679cc 1967 resto-cal beetle
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04-12-2023, 08:29 AM	#7
Cos270 First Lieutenant 610 Rep 296 Posts Drives: 2015 M235i Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 F22 M235i [0.00]	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.
	Appreciate 1 DrFerry7327.50 Quote

04-12-2023, 11:39 AM	#9
shimmy23 F15 daddymobile 2464 Rep 3,604 Posts Drives: GS X5 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: WA iTrader: (3)	e46 ZHP! __________________ -brandon F15 Glacier Silver journal
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04-12-2023, 02:18 PM	#11
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 6036 Rep 11,509 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	Is it a classic?
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04-12-2023, 10:55 PM	#13
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 6036 Rep 11,509 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	Maybe we could call those “future” classics?
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04-12-2023, 11:28 PM	#14
G30M Major General 5557 Rep 5,189 Posts Drives: M550i; retired - M340i Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Australasia iTrader: (0)	it's already a classic to me, everyone selling cinema screens and electric everything nowadays
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04-13-2023, 06:26 AM	#15
M5Rick General 72016 Rep 21,619 Posts Drives: M5 F10 DCT Gunmetal Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: GB iTrader: (0)	A 520i E39? Economical and roomy.
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