Bye 850R, hi E46 320i. UPDATE WITH PICS! CAR PURCHASED!

[watto]

WARNING!!! LONG POST BELOW!!!

So, the parentals wanted to replace the Volvo. In the past 12 months we’ve spent at least AUD5k on repairs for the bugger. Even though the car is fun to drive, you can see that it has had major problems, bloody Volvo!

So, they were thinking MkV GTI (OH YEAH BABY!!!!!) but no, not practical enough. Dad was gushing with glee when describing the acceleration to me though, fucking fantastic (my words, not his) and the DSG transmission? Well, you can’t even tell when it’s made a change.

So then they thought, hmmmmm, BMW 3 series. Oh dear. Not the current model thank God, Dad isn’t prepared to spend that sort of money (we worked out that in a specced up 325i you can easily spend $100k!!!!!) so he looked at the BMW premium selection used vehicles. As much as I think it is a shit boring looking car, I have to admit, they found a pearler.

2002 E46 320i, 6cyl, 125kW(167hp), 210Nm(155lb ft). Twas owned by some businessman who was overseas for most of the time, hence the odometer reads a tiny ~26, 500km’s(16,466miles). Average of about 6,000km/year. That’s sweet fuck all!

So yes, Dad purchased it yesterday. He haggled down the price... Quite alot infact...

Like I said, looks shit boring, it’s a BMW and yeah BUT you have to admit, it’s in fucking good condition. Took it for a bit of a fang by myself (overnight test drive), the engine is ok’ish but has a lovely 6cyl note. Best driving position of any car I’ve ever driven, most grip of any car I’ve ever driven.

Now, onto more pressing issues. The Volvo 850R. The beast. The green machine. We’ll be selling it privately, get more than we would if BMW took it for wholesale. The thing is, I don’t know WHEN we’ll be selling it. The BMW should be picked up sometime this week, I’m going to try and work my way into driving the Volvo so my sister can have my Golf for a bit. As sad as I feel about losing a turbo charged Swedish mentalist machine, it is the right thing to do because it is just becoming far too expensive to run.

I shall post pics of my own when the BMW is picked up!

here is the ad from the BMW website

[fbc]

Congrats to your parents on the car - a 320i is still a mighty fine bit of kit

[jakifirbec]

Originally Posted by watto

WARNING!!! LONG POST BELOW!!!


Took it for a bit of a fang by myself (overnight test drive), the engine is ok’ish but has a lovely 6cyl note.


here is the ad from the BMW website

didn't know the 320 had 6cyl - always thought 4...

[andyhui01]

so... how much is the 850R going for?

[pfrocker]

nice choice, and it's already tuned up from the picture... and your right it's looks new, very good condition

[watto]

Originally Posted by andyhui01

so... how much is the 850R going for?

No idea. Don't know when Dad will put it on the market...

And yeah, the alloys looks quite nice, got a sunroof too (sweet). Comfy leather seats, just got the basic stereo but it does the trick, also has a rarity in modern cars, a full sized spare AND all tyres on the car have a mountain of grip left on them!

[SL65]

So you guys bought a BMW 3-Series, big deal


I like the interior. Looks decent enough with the nice wood and leather. Sounds like you got a deal aswell.

Be sure to post pics!

[watto]

Originally Posted by SL65AMG~V12~612BHP!!!!!!!

So you guys bought a BMW 3-Series, big deal

Just so you feel the love, Dad hates the C-Class with a passion. Refused to even look at it

[M3lover]

didn't know the 320 had 6cyl - always thought 4...

The current E90 320i has a four cylinder engine, the older ones have 6 cylinder engines.

Ohh, and grats on the bimmer, nice choice

[un-dee]

Why do people start defending theirselves when they are buying a 3-series? The E46 is a really good looking car imho, and i can't see anything wrong with BMWs. Some are driven by idiots, but its not different with other makes.

[watto]

Hmmmmm, I'm certain I'm not defending myself or my parents decision at all anywhere in any of my posts

All I am saying is personal opinion. Yes, it's a bloody good car and Dad's made a ripper choice, I just think it has no (exterior)style and is as bland as anything.

[andyhui01]

Watto... my offer to buy your 850R still stands ... even better if you're selling it later, closer to the end of the year would be best

[FATMOUSE]

Originally Posted by watto

(we worked out that in a specced up 325i you can easily spend $100k!!!!!)

[Deanodriver]

Originally Posted by FATMOUSE

Tis true, the new 320i's start at $50K here, I think the 325 is mid 70's, and 330i is about $95000 AUD. I think the 525i's are mid $80,000's as well.

Although I'm sure the higher models have more kit, they're pretty expensive (which is why so many of the 3 series cars you see around here are the 4cyl versions).

Congrats on the car, the 320i would be a nice drive, and less poserish than the 318i (which is obviously a buy for the badge car). And as they say, a change is as good as a holiday

[watto]

Well, I went along with Dad this morning to take delivery of the 320i. Nice car it be! I've already taken it for a bit of a spin, have become a bit of a fan of the engine (and engine note), the ride, handling and the fabulous driving position, really is a bloody well made car... And thank God it isn't a poser 318i!!

[jayjaya29]

Nice man, I love the rear tailights. I fancy the red and whites rather than the red, white, and yellow ones. Have fun and be safe.

[SL65]

Yeah good its no poser. I like the alloys, they're nice.

Does it have heated seats...I can't recognise BMW buttons that well yet.

[watto]

Nay, no heated seats but bloody comfy leather

[Izari]

u got a bmw in automatic?!

[haz]