[rogerxp]

The saga continues, still car-less, but really need to get one asap now.

This one has popped up and the guy has indicated that £7,450 might be enough to clinch it (my initial offer of £7,250 was knocked back).

Yes, it's an auto, but from an 'investment' point of view I wonder how I could go wrong with this one (unless it's a duffer of course).

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1564221.htm

I'm pretty confident the auto box will drive me mad pretty quickly but don't know whether I can hold out for this exact car with a manual gearbox to come along (probably would as soon as I bought this one!!!).

Thoughts...

edit - this is the only serious contended (manual too) but wouldn't drop under £7,800 but that was a few weeks ago now - might try them again tomorrow http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1525638.htm .

[zltm089]

£7250....as a first offer...lol ur very generous!....I would have started on £7k...but then again, I normally just drop silly offers!....

[zltm089]

Lookin at ur car history, i still think that the 330ci e46 might not be "raw" enuff for u....anyways....gud luck with the search...

[rogerxp]

Beggars can't be choosers!!! The budget is very strict and just can't see myself in anything else at this price band - don't want a loony mobile just something that looks a bit classy.

[RagingKileak]

Hmmm I'd steer clear of the auto. The 330 will struggle to keep you interested and working the gears is about it's best chance.

Matt

[rogerxp]

That's my concern.

[RagingKileak]

Don't do it mate.

A mapped 335d has got to be one of the naughtiest sleepers on the planet but the autobox (and diesel to some extent) could never excite me in the same way as the much less powerful, manual, stock 135i.

I dare say your similar to me in driver profile - fairly savvy, not a bad driver, unlikely to enter Le Mans though etc... A nice, zingy engine and a good box mated with a compliant chassis are where it is for you I reckon!!

Matt

[rogerxp]

Cant disagree Matt but not too sure how much longer I can hold out. Yes I could easily get a pre-face lift car but the price difference (and mileage) is hardly anything. Its just waiting for a high mileage example to turn up but the inconvenience for being a one car household is getting very annoying.

[RagingKileak]

Hmmm.

It is a tough choice mate but I've been in the same boat and ended up with cars I had to seek shortly after. Lost 4k on my S4 in 3 months coz I couldn't bare to live with it through the recession!!

Just be wary. Anything aside from 330's still in the running?

What about a 320si (exclusive, hold their value etc) or an Alpina B3 (if they even do manual) or something?

I'm not absolutely sure what is sneaking into your budget but trying to think of some options.

Matt

[NFS]

Matts right. Avoid the auto unless you are 100% happy with it.

Downside is that there are more auto's than manuals about so you are limiting your choice.

As I've said before, I really wouldn't get hung up on the facelift.

It's basically:

CD Player instead of tape deck
Different position side repeaters
LED tail light

And the LED lights can be retro-fitted very easily.

[xenon]

The M54 engine is an absolute peach, the shitronic gearbox ruins it.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by xenon

The M54 engine is an absolute peach, the shitronic gearbox ruins it.

Indeed, while stood in Waitrose car park Sunday, one cam in and down shifted, I thought the gearbox had dropped out, like something from the Victorian steam days.

[Irnbrukid]

Originally Posted by NFS

Matts right. Avoid the auto unless you are 100% happy with it.

Downside is that there are more auto's than manuals about so you are limiting your choice.

As I've said before, I really wouldn't get hung up on the facelift.

It's basically:

CD Player instead of tape deck
Different position side repeaters
LED tail light

And the LED lights can be retro-fitted very easily.

Was that on the saloon, im pretty sure there was still a tape deck in the facelift coupe and it £250 to get the boot changer CD.

[RagingKileak]

The best way to deal with Roger, would be to tell him to buy it, so naturally then, he won't.

hehe!

Matt

[rogerxp]

By that argument I'd have to buy this damn automatic

I think you've managed to stop me getting soft at least and focus once again on a manual (when one eventually turns-up).

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

By that argument I'd have to buy this damn automatic

I think you've managed to stop me getting soft at least and focus once again on a manual (when one eventually turns-up).

For the first time in my life I waited for the right 135i - I can't say I WANTED Black with Lemon, but I KNOW I didnt want Black/Black or Grey/Black or Silver/Anything etc...

I wanted a nice, different colour combo and by waiting, I got a car I really love.

Matt

[toxicnerve]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

For the first time in my life I waited for the right 135i - I can't say I WANTED Black with Lemon, but I KNOW I didnt want Black/Black or Grey/Black or Silver/Anything etc...

I wanted a nice, different colour combo and by waiting, I got a car I really love.

Matt

I have to agree with the above. I REALLY wanted black with red leather, I considered compromising a few times on the colour combo but SOOOO glad I didn't.

Wait for your perfect car. Be willing to compromise but not on the factors that are important to you. Sounds like if you go for an auto you will kick yourself further down the line.