Looking for something new - United Bimmer Community

**donald1476** · 10-30-2005, 02:30 PM

So I sold my 'ti, not sure what i'm gonna get next.

**Hoppy** · 10-30-2005, 03:02 PM

my votes on 540!

**delmarco** · 10-30-2005, 03:43 PM

530i > 540i

the 540i according to BMW Magazine the E34 and E39 540i are riddle with maintence problems and issues from engine to electrical. and a 530i out performs the 540i in handling, economy and power.

You could also get another E36 3 series. 1995 and 1998 E36are good solid years for that car.

As for non BMW's I would look at Audi A4 or A6, I've always dug the SAABs but I never understood how the product line was organized.

Neons and Civics are okay if you r budgeting...

what doyou need as far as your needs right now?

**BMWLotAttendant** · 10-30-2005, 03:44 PM

Depends on how much you want to spend.

Get an e36 328i, manual....that'd be an upgrade.

**donald1476** · 10-30-2005, 04:27 PM

Just looked at a 1996 328i 5-speed 110k miles, I'm gonna test drive it tomorrow.

I'm looking for something with performance but reliable. What economy does the 328i get? Maintenence issues?

**brien4787** · 10-30-2005, 04:31 PM

530 out powers a 540 ?

**Torque** · 10-30-2005, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brien4787

530 out powers a 540 ?

My thoughts exactly . It might be better handling due to same engine, but smaller - less weight.

More power tho ? Must be a joke, because a 530i barely comes close to a 535, much less 540.

DEATH2000 · 10-30-2005, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donald1476

Just looked at a 1996 328i 5-speed 110k miles, I'm gonna test drive it tomorrow.

I'm looking for something with performance but reliable. What economy does the 328i get? Maintenence issues?

it actualey gets pretty good milage. Better if ur on the highway or if ur actualey conserned about milage. As for maitnence i havent had anything other than basic maitnece such as oil change. But i have had to replace the battery in my remote, the coin holder cause its a POS but mine is good in the regard that i dont have to worry bout maintneince if i take care of it properly. Fast little suckers too

**catalyst** · 10-30-2005, 04:50 PM

All the e36's are reliable..

The i6's all have the cooling system issues where everything goes after about 100k, so make sure all that has been dealt with or be prepared to drop some cash into the cooling system.

Same suspension maintenance as the other e36's, basically all of the bushings should be replaced at 100-120k.

Ive heard that the 02 sensors are a pain in the ass on the 328, theyre expensive and all should be replaced at 100-120k.

**TJsBimm** · 10-30-2005, 04:51 PM

Just got my car out of the shop.....oil change, plugs, trans and diff fluid changed plus cabin filter and then found out the Viskos fan clutch had alot of play in it.had it changed 8 cdn bills later. Had my car 3yrs and have spent about 5-6 grand in common repairs on it already but overall love the car engine is solid!

**catalyst** · 10-30-2005, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEATH2000

it actualey gets pretty good milage. Better if ur on the highway or if ur actualey conserned about milage. As for maitnence i havent had anything other than basic maitnece such as oil change. But i have had to replace the battery in my remote, the coin holder cause its a POS, but mine is good in the regard that i dont have to worry bout maintneince if i take care of it properly. Fast little suckers too.

Speak english.

DEATH2000 · 10-30-2005, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catalyst

Speak english.

one i wasnt speaking, i was typing,and not doing a very good job of it. considering how trashed i got last night im amaxed im typing at all, rather then lying in bed with a mad hang over

**donald1476** · 10-30-2005, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catalyst

All the e36's are reliable..

The i6's all have the cooling system issues where everything goes after about 100k, so make sure all that has been dealt with or be prepared to drop some cash into the cooling system.

Same suspension maintenance as the other e36's, basically all of the bushings should be replaced at 100-120k.

Ive heard that the 02 sensors are a pain in the ass on the 328, theyre expensive and all should be replaced at 100-120k.

Good to know, thanks.

**Rooz** · 10-30-2005, 05:08 PM

My mom has a 540 e39, I have driven a 535 and am sorry, but it doesn't come close to the power that the 540 puts out.... MAYBE a turbo 530 could smoke a 540, but both bone stock, I have to say 540 > 530

But Donald, I think that going from a 318 to a 328 would be a heck of a nice upgrade

keep us updated

**xsperf** · 10-30-2005, 06:01 PM

get a saab, they are amazingly fast