hi, (i'm from the u.k by the way if that helps), but i'm 25 years old and i'm after a bmw 3 series, prob something from 96'- 97 ish (cos its all i can afford right now!) and my question is, should i go for a coupe or a sedan? is one better on fuel economy or will it add to my insurance, or are they pretty similar? The cheaper the better for me! (i'm a new driver so you'll have to forgive my dumb question!) thank you!
2007-04-21 13:10:20 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ BMW
It is your personal choice. You know coupe's insurance rate is higher than a sedan. Also, you need to find a good mechanic to maintance your BMW.
My mechanic got a used BMW for free but he already spent $4000CAN on fixing the car.
2007-04-22 12:31:24 · answer #1 · answered by peteroysterdate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess you'll be looking at the E36 (this is BMW's model name) 318i, 318is, 320i, 323i or 328i. I'd stay away from the 316i - way too underpowered.
Fuel economy is going to be the same for the same engine sizes regardless whether it's a saloon or coupe.
Coupes are more stylish, with frameless windows and sleeker designs, but if you expect to carry people in the back seats often, a saloon is more practical.
Also, I'm not sure if insurance companies are still going to make a distinction on saloon/coupe rates on a 10-11 year old car. Confirm it.
My personal choice would be the 318is (coupe) with manual transmission. It has the 16 valve engine (codenamed M42), compared to the 318i 8-valve engine. Going bigger would mean a bigger petrol bill every month. Maintenance on a 4-cylinder engine is also less complex than a 6-cylinder engine.
Also, for a new driver, I also would not recommend too much power.
I believe 1997 is the final phase for the E36 in the UK, so you will be looking at the facelift version (more protruding grills) of the E36 cars with nice little options added as standard like M-technic sideskirts and bumpers, PDC, ASC, 3-spoke sports steering wheel,...etc
I lived in the UK in the 90's and still own a 1995 UK spec BMW - even though I'm in the US now.
2007-04-23 20:29:09 · answer #2 · answered by Snowie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to get your hands on a copy of BIMMER magazine. This is a US publication. This month they have a full buyers review on the e36 and e46 3 series. Covers best 3-series to purchase (which IMO is the 318ti Coupe), maintenance issues, pricing (US dollars). Would be a great re fence for you. I'm the editor of the Northern Ohio BMW Club Newsletter, no affiliation with Bimmer Magazine. Good Luck!
2007-04-24 09:51:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if you get the coupe you will feel more like your driving a sports car but if you have to take friends somewere than they might be a little clostrphobic in the back seats. If you get the sedan than you will have more room in the back for friends but you will feel like your driving a family saloon/sedan
I do not think the gas mileage is dfferent but hears a link if you want to compare the two: http://autos.msn.com/research/compare/default.aspx?c=0&n=3&i=0&tb=0&ph1=t0&ph2=t0&dt=0&v=t46&v=t44
2007-04-22 13:42:11 · answer #4 · answered by NJ-Cooliest 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, i have a 92 325is which is basicly the same as the car that u are looking for, which would be a 328is. I love mine the manual makes it much more enjoyable to drive, plus the car has more horsepower and they look better. The fuel ecomomy is the same so that is not a factor. I would stick to the coupe
2007-04-21 14:40:25 · answer #5 · answered by Supra320man 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
coup. Fuel is the same. coup is more sporty.
2007-04-22 04:15:11 · answer #6 · answered by JohnJohn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sedan
2007-04-21 13:48:17 · answer #7 · answered by metalhead 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
go for coupe!
2007-04-21 13:40:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋