2000 BMW 318iA e46

[ajmat]

Bank Holiday Monday – we have to drive 100+ miles to Nottingham for a family do. After the turning the mondy in earlier in the week, my cousin threw the keys of her BMW 318i auto and said, "I really don’t care for driving so you do the honours – I’ll drive back if you want to drink!"

Just as well, I drove, her company was in the process of being taken over so she spent most of the time on her phone being harassed by her overseas counterparts. She was traveling in the Merc.

Getting Oriented – it was, um, hissing down, not the best time to drive an unfamiliar car. Adjusted the seat and got oriented. I was amazed, like the e90, it fitted around like a glove. Ergonomics spot on, seats were easy to adjust, everything was where one expected, no need for a manual to figure things out. Fired her up, engine was smooth but neither rorty neither was it a nail. Mind you, a real BMW is a six cylinder IMHO.

On the by-lanes – car was amazing despite wet roads, it was not perturbed by puddles etc, turn in was predicatble and accurate. Gearshifting was smooth but leaisurly but I sorted this out by switching to sport mode. Brakes were strong. By the time, I covered 5 miles, I got to grips with the car and it was time to hit the motorway, some nice curvy access roads. I attacked with aplomb and she said “no probs, I’m game!” My niece who was riding with me was impressed, she had never seen the car being exploited fully or in her words "driven so cool". I liked the car so much, I never drank and drive it back and used it for a few days.

On the motorway – It cruises very well without any floating, nice firm ride. En-route, we discovered that the other car which left after us was ahead of us ( I took the long way to the motorway and stopped for a break). I put my foot down (within legal limits) and she made it up within 10 min. They were astounded that we caught up within minutes.

Space – minimal is the most diplomatic word if you are at the back, but if you drive all the time, sod the passengers.

Car had done 75000 miles (almost 120000km) to you. It felt solid and no squeaks or creaks. Under my watch, the engine check light came on due to a duff sensor which was changed for a around 100 pounds. MY cousins avoid main dealers and go to BMW/ Merc specialists who do a decent job. It was really convenient size wise to park in tight London streets

They say the E36 was a more involving car to drive and the E90 brings it back. The E90 is a little sharper but theres nothing that a revised set of springs/ dampers could do.

On the whole - I liked it – give me a six cylinder though. Alas, out here, there are hardly any e46 on the market. I heard of a 328i coupe 2000 going for 20 lakhs which is a bit stiff, I feel.

Hmmm...time to find someone casting off an 325i E90 and enjoy the depreciation

[speedzak]

Nice write up as usual, Ajit!

The Beemers are of course, something worth forgetting your drink for. And glad to know that you really put the car to it's full potential. Also while enjoying it comfortably.

But as you said, It comes to it's real life when it has a 6 pot in the belly, right? I agree!

Great! Thanks for sharing your experience here.

[GTO]

Hey spot on with the (nice) driving report. Forget everything else, the E46 / E39 BMWs are just so good-looking. IMHO its one of the most balanced BMW designs ever and far better than the current breed of quirky Beemers.

By the time, I covered 5 miles, I got to grips with the car and it was time to hit the motorway,

Something about Beemers and Benz' which makes the familiarisation time just a handful of minutes. Great ergonomics, multiple seating adjustments, predictable behavior.

Alas, out here, there are hardly any e46 on the market.

Several in Bombay. Including some M3's for 27 - 32 lacs.

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by GTO

Several in Bombay. Including some M3's for 27 - 32 lacs.

how much would a 325/328 go for ?

[v1p3r]

Hello Ajit, I'd be glad to drop by and try out your coming-soon Beemer.

Originally Posted by speedzak

The Beemers are of course, something worth forgetting your drink for.

Something I'm sure you know a great deal about!