Been after a V6 4motion for a while now (with not much success) and i'm starting to look at alternatives.

Only thing i can think of is a 3-series. Preferably would want a facelifted saloon E46, like 02 onwards shape.. 318 or 320 (not sure if my budget would stretch to a 6cylinder one) ...test driven a few, they are bloody lovely cars to drive, but the image puts me off.. and bog standard ones (without all the m-sport bits and pieces) look bloody boring. On looks, a Golf would win any day of the week imo.

Is there anyone else who's considered buying a BM but been put off by the flash-bar-steward image!?

Yes. Although I wouldn't call the image "flash bar steward"...

The only good BMW is an old BMW in my opinion. Probably not a practical choice for your good self Dan but the 80s 'twin round light' 3 series are still cool cars I think, as are all of the previous models.

They are like Mercs these days IMO. Probably very good cars but awful image unless you buy an old one from the days before the image deteriorated.

 i looked at an e46 320 diesel before i bought my a3 and was dissapointed with the interior more plastic then a doll factory!! i suppose if you want a nice one you gotta have a 'm' model or one that had alot of optional extras. do really like the z4 hardtop though thats going to be somewhere down my car list in the future!! have you thought about 5 series alot cheaper and more car for your£££

Am still toying around with the idea of an E46, had a V6 4 motion. Am thinking of saving a bit harder and going for a Porker - I want something fun and if possible to still keep "zipper" as she's getting on now, is exactly what I wanted (at the time) and has a TT lump in her and KO4 so is more than enough for me.

Roger Irrelevant:

Yes. Although I wouldn't call the image "flash bar steward"...

The only good BMW is an old BMW in my opinion. Probably not a practical choice for your good self Dan but the 80s 'twin round light' 3 series are still cool cars I think, as are all of the previous models.

They are like Mercs these days IMO. Probably very good cars but awful image unless you buy an old one from the days before the image deteriorated.

 

Yup, would agree with you there. The old ones are very cool, the new ones will never be. The 1978 635CSI for example, beautiful car....

danw19:

Yup, would agree with you there. The old ones are very cool, the new ones will never be. The 1978 635CSI for example, beautiful car....

Yeah I love the 635CSi... proper autobahn tool. Even the 850 was a lovely car (and a bit of a bargain classic if you've got that sort of cash). Ultimate beemer for me though is the 3.0CSL. Gorgeous. All the money though.

One of my friends has  T reg 523i... done 130k and it rides like its just come out of the showroom!!

If i was to have one it would be either a 530d i think... the perfect touring car IMO!

As regards the image... i really dont see them as being "flash barsteward" machines" as 75% of 5 series you see are company cars anyway. I would consider an audi S5 as being more flashy than a Twit with an M3!

Rich

go for a 5 - the E46 3 series sports have quite a harsh ride on 18s with low profiles & sports suspension.

I too have been looking at the 3 series, 56 plate coupe. You are right with there spec on the lower models, you dont get anything special for the amount of money you pay!!

Maybe a early coupe!! Seen a fair few on autotrader! 

damianmkv:

go for a 5 - the E46 3 series sports have quite a harsh ride on 18s with low profiles & sports suspension.

Couldnt get a 5, i'm young.

I could live with the 18s and harsh ride, at least it doesnt look so boring.

Having to eat my words a bit now!

http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/t/284565.aspx

no way... 5's are awesome! i'd love a 5!! and im 23!! 5 estates are awesome!

danw19:

Been after a V6 4motion for a while now (with not much success) and i'm starting to look at alternatives.

Only thing i can think of is a 3-series. Preferably would want a facelifted saloon E46, like 02 onwards shape.. 318 or 320 (not sure if my budget would stretch to a 6cylinder one) ...test driven a few, they are bloody lovely cars to drive, but the image puts me off.. and bog standard ones (without all the m-sport bits and pieces) look bloody boring. On looks, a Golf would win any day of the week imo.

Is there anyone else who's considered buying a BM but been put off by the flash-bar-steward image!?

 

IIRC, the 320 is a 6 cylinder & carries 2.2 litres, so maybe you could afford to join the straight six club!

I actually quite like the E46.  They handle very well for a 'big' car (better than the Mk4, IMO), but you're right in saying that you need the M-Tech goodies to make them stand out a little.

 The BM diesels are great cars. 427lb ft and 282bhp with oversteer