Should I trade my Z28 for a 323ic? - United Bimmer Community

**nashville bassman** · 07-01-2006, 04:22 AM

I have never owned a BMW and am considering trading my 1999 chevy Z28 convertible (300 hp) for a 1998 323ic (170hp).
The 323 is a 5 speed and the Z is an automatic.
I am a little worried about taking such a drop in horsepower.
I would love to have your input.
Thanks

nick_318is · 07-01-2006, 04:59 AM

1st off, welcome to the site.

In regards to the car swap the bmw will be a big drop in HP but it should still be a fantastic car to drive, they are great at handling and probably better in respect to the z28. It will probably not go in a straight line as fast but they are very fun to drive. I would suggest test driving the BMW and see where it goes from there, and as we are a BMW forum we might all be more partial to the BMW.

Good luck with you decision and let us know if you have any questions.

Storamin · 07-01-2006, 10:49 AM

bwhahaha. drop in horsepower... you drive an automatic camaro. i think you'll find that the 323i will be just as fast or faster with a good driver behind the wheel. it might feel slower because you have to shift.

what do you buy when your mullet isn't enough to make you king of the trailerpark? a camaro.

**celsdogg** · 07-01-2006, 11:42 AM

^^^ ouch. perhaps un-necessary

**xsperf** · 07-01-2006, 01:20 PM

umm, hell no?? i mean i freakin love BMWs, and if anyone asks a question like this, i think this is my first time saying no to something like that, if i were you, i would settle for a BMW that is a bit older, but a lot faster, perhaps an M3(95) or something

witeshark · 07-01-2006, 01:33 PM

I have driven an older Firebird Formula auto a few times. I really liked it, but personally I like my E30 a bit better. I bet you'd be very happy with that switch. Welcome to the forums!

**BMWLotAttendant** · 07-01-2006, 02:33 PM

Whoah. You have the 4th generation Camaro.

My 1st love was Camaros....until I found BMW.

Let me tell you. The Camaro is a muscle car...no duh.

It was made to compete with Ford and Pontiac, but you are in a whole different world when you switch to a BMW.

Now, the 323Ci is sporty and still has that great sporty feeling. It has a heavy pedal and at the same time has a smooth ride.

I suggest getting a 323Ci with the Sports package, a 5 speed manual (you get a better feeling for the car), and the cold weather package (if you like heated seats

).

Price wise, I know BMW does hold their value more, so you'll be paying around $15K-$20K for a good 323Ci.

But yes, the 323Ci is a good step if you want to get move from muscle to luxury sports.

If your price range can be expanded, another suggestion, would be to get the next body style above the e36, the e46. I personally like the e46 much better, but to each his own.

A good e46 323Ci is $20K-$25K.

If you can find an e46, try and find one that is CPO'd (Certified Pre-Owned). It extends the warranty....and will come in nicely as you put mileage on the bimmer.

**Linds** · 07-01-2006, 02:40 PM

^^Yeah, but I think he's talking about getting an e36.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 07-01-2006, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linds

^^Yeah, but I think he's talking about getting an e36.

I just now realized that, thanks.

I think he should look into an 1999 - 2000 323Ci. 1 year difference, and better look IMO.

I don't think the e36 looks agressive enough moving from an 4th Generation Camaro to an e36.
A V8 for an M52....hmmmm. I think the e46 body would compliment the engine better than the e36.

What do you think?

**nashville bassman** · 07-01-2006, 03:36 PM

Thanks for all of you who responded intelligently. This of course excludes "Storamin" whose response was childish and unnecessary and certainly not intelligent.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 07-01-2006, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nashville bassman

Thanks for all of you who responded intelligently. This of course excludes "Storamin" whose response was childish and unnecessary and certainly not intelligent.

Don't take it personally, he's always like that.

You just get used to his unusual comments.

**Linds** · 07-01-2006, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWLotAttendant

I just now realized that, thanks.

I think he should look into an 1999 - 2000 323Ci. 1 year difference, and better look IMO.

I don't think the e36 looks agressive enough moving from an 4th Generation Camaro to an e36.
A V8 for an M52....hmmmm. I think the e46 body would compliment the engine better than the e36.

What do you think?

I've owned two e36's so I'm totally biased, haha. Aaaaand, I'm also not partial to verts soooo, yeah, I'm gonna leave my opinion out of this one.

**Rooz** · 07-01-2006, 06:57 PM

It really depends on what you'r after. If you just want to smoke tires at the red light then no, don't go for it. But if you want luxury and amazing handleling then yeah....

**Spieluhr** · 07-02-2006, 12:11 AM

^^^
perfectly put

and i have to agree with numark, you have to test drive it first.

nick_318is · 07-02-2006, 07:28 AM

^err wrong e30