http://www.bmwland.co.uk/

is an excellent resource

Chris

Thats all well and good but come the autumn, when the weather has been dull for a few weeks we'll have a couple of nice sunny days and crisp clear nights. You'll be driving along in your nice comfy Beemer regretting the day you ditched the open top MR2.

Get a rag top Beemer.

Probably the wrong forum to ask on to be fair, can't say I've read too many good words about BMW's on here

Dont believe it, they ARE good cars, very well made and reliable. Servicing by an independent can be very cost effective too.

If you dont think you'll miss the MR2 too much then go for it, its a great car BUT it isnt a sports car.

I think you're mad!!!!! I know mine is only a targa top, but I try and get the roof off as much as poss as it is such a great feeling. The great sound the engine makes and the sun on ya, it's all good

I think you'll miss the MR2 aswell.

I nearly bought a 528 M-Sport... look at the 5 mate, better value for money imho.

I went from my MR2 roadster to The Octy VRS, Dont regret it one bit.

How about a Z3?

2.2 or 2.5 - far less weight than the 3er, thus quicker. Ragtop and decent sized boot.

I'd have another in an instant (had the 3.0).

People say they handle badly but they really arent that bad! Compared to the S2000 they are more comfy, more of a touring car, whereas the S2K was no fun unless really giving it some (like you describe the MR2)

What about a 530d sport - economic and sporty, what more could you ask from a beemer?

Only downside of the 530d sport (apart from the rarity of the manual) is that their turbos are prone to failure, although with an aftermarket warranty, this may not be such an issue. I seriously considered a 540i with LPG conversion which would give it better running costs that the diesel, but in the end my paranoia about the current government upping the price of LPG put me off.....

Chris

How about a Z3?

2.2 or 2.5 - far less weight than the 3er' date=' thus quicker. Ragtop and decent sized boot.

I'd have another in an instant (had the 3.0).

People say they handle badly but they really arent that bad! Compared to the S2000 they are more comfy, more of a touring car, whereas the S2K was no fun unless really giving it some (like you describe the MR2)[/quote']I am not sure about the whole roadster thing at the moment.

The MR2 is such a fun and thrilling car but I am not so sure if it's an everyday car. You can't speak to a passenger at motorway speeds, you have to shout. Its only a fun car when driven briskly, which drinks the fuel and eats the tyres. The ride is harsh and sometimes uncomfortable...

I know the above is really obvious as its a roadster! But for the times I am not in the mood for driving, it can be a chore.

I'd love to keep it as a weekend car, I really would. It was driving this 325 M Sport that provoked this as I had forgotten how comfortable and relaxing motoring can be.

Perhaps I am getting old before my time (again) :confused:

I know where you're coming from, James. The clutch in the Z is quite heavy and tiresome when in traffic and it is noisy on the motorway with the roof down - but at least it has boot space

It's only the new BMW 3 and 5 that are ugly as sin (M5 forgiven)

I have thought many times about an older 5 series.

A4's are very nice too you know!

*Edit.Yep you are getting old before your time.Get a Hot Hatch:thumbup: .

Beemers are nice cars... *but* as now widely publicised.. they outsell mundanos..

What about a 1-series? similar debate ive had is that i can have a couple year old 3 series coope (pretty much any except the 330cd)... or a 130i msport for circa 20-25k

problem is the "new" beemers are significantly better than the old ones.. especially as far as the engines are concerned.. eg the new 3.0l D is the same power as the old 3.0l petrol and the new 3.0l petrol (in the 330 and the 130) is more MUCH more powerful than the old one... 260odd bhp compared to 230.

dont forget you can get a 06 318i msport for 24k.. as mentioned on top gear

Why Oh Why! BeEms are overpriced for what they are! Plus everyone will think you're a to55er! Why not get a Mondeo ST220!! can get 02 and 03 plates for £10K!!!!!! Even '06's with delivery miles for £15K!!!! or the diesel version for just under £14K Rarer and better than a Beemer!

Bloody Hell,I just priased a Ford!!!!! Runs off to boil head!

Why Oh Why! BeEms are overpriced for what they are! Plus everyone will think you're a to55er! Why not get a Mondeo ST220!! can get 02 and 03 plates for

Know where you're coming from with the 325i idea James. Unfortunately for me the number of 3-Series about, and the people who drive them really put me off. Like the build quality, their dash and dials, the ride and handling setup, but the two initals factors still put me off. A shame.

My Dad's had Beemers for years and they've been great cars. He kept the last one and bought it from his company and can say it proved reliable with decent priced (specialist) servicing.

I wonder whether I'll ever own one, maybe if their reputation improves. It does seem more and more people are buying Audis these days, so maybe! :rubchin:

Steve

Why Oh Why! BeEms are overpriced for what they are! Plus everyone will think you're a to55er! Why not get a Mondeo ST220!! can get 02 and 03 plates for

I had written a response but decided not to post it.

If you don't like BMW's because of the drivers Hey, each to there own

I used to own an old 3 series, and a 5 series at one point. Very reliable cars, but modern ones have to many things to go wrong. my neighbour spent more time driving the courtesy car than hers as it was always breaking down with electrical problems. She chopped it in, in the end now drives a just as unreliable E class merc.

I'm now considering a 120d. Can be had with the spec I want for 20k new. Why am I considering it? Well:

Variable servicing

Unlimited mileage warranty

Decent power out of the box - 168bhp

rear wheel drive

Not a unique fit radio therefore I can fit my own decent spec headunit

I can buy 60k worth of servicing up front for £500 - cheaper than the Octy for the same mileage

Economy is adequate

Performance is acceptable

I get to use my own lane on the motorway

Very few manufacturers offer diesels with Right Wheel Drive at this price point and they do seem to be screwed to gether pretty well.

I get to use my own lane on the motorway

PMSL

Just get what ya like Jimbo I think you are crazy like My 2 is not too bad on the motorway (which shocked me!!!) but I have never been in a MK3 so cannot compare. If it aint for you, it aint for you

I'm now considering a 120d. Can be had with the spec I want for 20k new. Why am I considering it? Well:

Hope that spec includes indicators

Nah, you don't need them in a Beemer