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Old Jul 5, 2011 | 10:20 PM
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Default BMW,I understand the hype

Had so many cars and so many makes over the years.VW ,Audi,Vauxhall,Ford,Skoda!!(bloody ace!) etc etc slagged BMW off like everyone else does

Bmw just seems head and shoulders above them all.Just bought basic 318d SE.Such a good drive,so well screwed together.Can't praise the car enough .Or the company! So switched on

I'm finally a very happy motorist

Much preferred to the Audi too! Skoda best of the others

I'd say BMW do make the best cars.Why can't British companies do it?!!!
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 07:19 AM
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Have to agree about the build quality. Had a 118i on hire a while back. Lovely drive too.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 08:29 AM
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e39 5 series, 97 car, 121k and going strong, odd niggle that needs repairing but nothing too major. i love my barge
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 10:12 AM
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E39 2003, 95k miles

Total faults in all that mileage

Replacement alternator
Two replacement batteries
Two sets of front disks
Rear suspension bushes

Overall a brilliant car!
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 10:29 AM
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I wouldn't dsay no to the new 1M.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 10:30 AM
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Had a BMW Mini Cooper S, and e46 BMW M3, both so solid compared to my flimsy Subarus! Great cars, loved them both.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by stilover
I wouldn't dsay no to the new 1M.
Ditto.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 11:05 AM
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Aren't they all sold?
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 11:34 AM
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What puts me off is beemer boy hairing round in a halfords bedecked 3 series coupe which has obviously done a million miles but is still the best pulling car in the whole universe
Well that and having to pay 1.5 time the price for something that does the same job
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 11:51 AM
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Yes, BMW are special cars, I had a E46 M3 for a while. Was an excellent drive.

BMW dealers are hit and miss mind you, some a very good, and others are absolutely useless.

BMW's labour charges are extortionate also, last time I had work done at BMW I was charged £135 an hour labour! But the plus side of this is any non-wear parts that are fitted by BMW are all covered by a two years parts and labour warranty.

BMW will charge extortionate prices for parts intended for ///M cars, we call it ///M tax, lol.

I have been toying with the idea of buying a new M3, but the new 1M is growing on me rather rapidly.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 01:48 PM
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i personally cant wait to get back into a subaru. the m3 is costing me a fortune just to keep it going . in the last 6 weeks ive had to replace the rear springs due to one snapping . and the front wishbones because a ball joint was worn
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 03:12 PM
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I have been in a 330D and a 535D last week and I have to say they where awesome cars
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 05:31 PM
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got a 46 and a 36. Both are awesome and streets ahead of my old classic build wise.

Rear springs are common fault but thats about it. Better than big end failure
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 05:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Trout
Aren't they all sold?
Not yet. Hope not anyway. Thinking of trading in the 370 for one. Not sure yet though.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 05:59 PM
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Mrs has had an E60 for the past 2 years, has done 30k a year, has needed a gearbox sump, 2 ball joints and some oil and some tyres. Great mile muncher!
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Trout
Aren't they all sold?
Not quite - one or two still for sale and a few slots still available.

However, a nice Boxster Spyder would also take my fancy.


Our 520d has done 65k miles over 4 years with only some part of the ABS sensor needing replacing.(not sure which bit)

Last edited by zip106; Jul 6, 2011 at 07:55 PM.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 08:20 PM
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As at Monday this week (4th July), BMW sent an email to all UK dealers stating that there were 49 cars left available to order.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 08:25 PM
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I'm a convert too.. Had my E91 about 6 weeks now.

Really good build quality, and handles beautifully..
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 11:08 PM
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They are OK up to a point. But once they go sloppy, they start to cost alot to make them handle/drive properly again.

Thing is it happens so gradually you don't notice until you jump in an identical model thats less worn out.

My Uncle just bought a E46 320cd; Only 40,000miles. I took it for a spin and he asked my opinion. I said "sloppy".

The gearshift, the clutch bite, a groan from the diff at low speed, and something very loose on the nearside front suspension (lower arm ball joint I guess). And I think the shocks are past their prime as it didn't feel settled at all.

Our old E46 Touring feels tighter than a nun's **** in comparison and its older with more miles Which goes to show; not all are perfect. And ones used on potholed roads do suffer.

Our e39 530Msport still drives perfect, although It is now starting to show its age in more ways than one (interior, engine, body etc)

Last edited by ALi-B; Jul 6, 2011 at 11:09 PM.
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 09:48 AM
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Audi wins hands down for me Audi interiors are such a nicer place to be, excellent build quality too, good residuals, cars are nicer to look at. (Personal opinion)

Also how many BMW's are undriveable when the white stuff comes down RWD and the sport models up until recently have been dominated by N/A engines that emit lots of C02 and offer poor fuel economy.
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 09:49 AM
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Bought a E90 320D M Sport back in January. Lovely car and looks and drives like brand new. Just traded it in against an E91 330D M Sport Tourer which I pick up today. Again, Was awesome on the test drive. As said, So well screwed together compared to other manufacturers. I am a convert.
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by LEO-RS

Also how many BMW's are undriveable when the white stuff comes down RWD and the sport models up until recently have been dominated by N/A engines that emit lots of C02 and offer poor fuel economy.

Ours are fine; let some air out the rear tires so the tread blocks can flex. Turn off the DSC and if it does dig in the snow, lightly use the handbrake to stop the one wheel spinning.

Oh yes, also add a driver than knows what they are doing.

CO2 buy a Prius! Economy? Buy a 116d.

Last edited by ALi-B; Jul 7, 2011 at 08:01 PM.
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by LEO-RS
Audi wins hands down for me
A lifeless, soulless car. If thats what makes a car appealing then by all means choose an Audi.

Yes they are well engineered, in fact I think they are over engineered, and thats why the lack the soul of cars such as Subaru and BMW.
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by DoZZa
A lifeless, soulless car. If thats what makes a car appealing then by all means choose an Audi.

Yes they are well engineered, in fact I think they are over engineered, and thats why the lack the soul of cars such as Subaru and BMW.
I would 2nd that, and with a handful of exceptions I would also put BMW under the umbrella of soulless. Even the E46 M3 as good as it was and ecomplished as it was, was soulless.
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 06:26 PM
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Originally Posted by LEO-RS
Audi wins hands down for me Audi interiors are such a nicer place to be, excellent build quality too, good residuals, cars are nicer to look at. (Personal opinion)

Also how many BMW's are undriveable when the white stuff comes down RWD and the sport models up until recently have been dominated by N/A engines that emit lots of C02 and offer poor fuel economy.
both my m's do better mpg than my scoob...
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by RobEvo5
I would 2nd that, and with a handful of exceptions I would also put BMW under the umbrella of soulless. Even the E46 M3 as good as it was and ecomplished as it was, was soulless.
ill have to 100% disagree with that. I take it you havent driven one in anger?

They are like snarling beasties caged in a car.

could do with another 100 bhp granted but an outstanding car, nothing compares to it untill you get into the c4s / 997 911 range and add 10k ontop.

right now the e46 m3 is the bargin of the century!
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 07:52 PM
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I fancy changing my Saab for a E39 540i.
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by J4CKO
I fancy changing my Saab for a E39 540i.
Great choice.
Did they make an E39 550i?

Last edited by zip106; Jul 7, 2011 at 08:01 PM.
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 08:02 PM
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Better off with a 530 Jacko.

The e39 V8s can get expensive as they are not so easy to work on...especially if the o-rings for the water rail fails (noted by a weap of coolant from a hole by the water pump).


Re E46s: Personally I don't like E46s as a driver's car; too unsettled when pressing on where a E39 and E60 remain planted on the same road.
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 08:16 PM
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Some of my BMW's..Great manufacturer,but i think quality has dropped in the last 5-6 years...

Past and present.






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