3 Series Purchase help

[FSETH]

I got this from the fuel economy website link I provided earlier.

[GoVols!]

Thanks for proving my point with the above data.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by GoVols!

Thanks for proving my point with the above data.

I didn't prove your point.

Look at the bottom of the chart where it shows annual fuel costs. The 335d would save about $382 per year over a 328i base on the mileage and fuel prices provided. Seeing as you can buy a 328i for $15,000 less than a 335d how many years would it take to make up the difference? Let me rephrase that, how many decades would it take?

[GoVols!]

Originally Posted by FSETH

I didn't prove your point.

Look at the bottom of the chart where it shows annual fuel costs. The 335d would save about $382 per year over a 328i base on the mileage and fuel prices provided. Seeing as you can buy a 328i for $15,000 less than a 335d how many years would it take to make up the difference? Let me rephrase that, how many decades would it take?

I never said the d was a substitute for a 328 based on fuel savings alone. Of course you're never going to make up that difference. The true comparison is between the two 335 models.

Also, if you read my comments above, I said that if I was buying a vehicle in this category today, I would get the Infiniti G37. All the 3 series models are overpriced for what you get, in my opinion. The new G really has closed the gap performance wise with the current 3 and it's standard features will cost you big bucks on the 3. No, it's not the same as a BMW but for $15k I can deal with the tiny gap. I hope this changes with the new 3 but we'll see at what cost.

[Quicksilver]

This was a great thread. Thanks to all, it was very informative.
I guess what it boils down to for me is that driving diesel is
a different experience that I have enjoyed in the past.

At this point I believe i'm going to have to do some serious test drives to
get a feel for the new modern diesels before I make that jump.

[connman]

I tell you what I had the jing.. I would be driving a diesel 3 series! Having diesel VW's in the past lots of low end grunt and decent mileage. The last Jetta Diesel that I had got 53mpg with a 5 speed. I would have stoplight races with the noisy pickup trucks and would just make them mad... Thank you all for the great information, now a trip to the nice dealer to see what is on the lot. As soon as one is on the web with a standard transmission it is gone.. How is the relibility of the older models? I really like the grills and the look of the early 2000 models.. Sorry for my ignorance but does the 3 litre have a timing belt or a chain?

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by connman

How is the relibility of the older models? I really like the grills and the look of the early 2000 models.. Sorry for my ignorance but does the 3 litre have a timing belt or a chain?

Don't hold me to this, but from what I remember reading in consumer reports was that reliability got better as the years of production increased. In other words, the newer the car the more reliable it should be. This is typical with most model runs though. You can look up reliability on Consumer Reports, etc.

I am pretty sure BMW "facelifted" the e46 sedan in 2003 and the coupe in 2004. However, the M3 retained the original headlight and grill design throughout it's production life.

For anything e46 3-series related, check out e46fanatics. Tons of info over there.

E46 Fanatics: 3-Series, BMW Forums, BMW Modifications, E46 BMW

Also, should be a timing chain.

[connman]

Thank you all! Wish me luck! I will let you know what I end up with.