Want to buy a second car, BMW the car to get?

[HardHitter]

I'm looking for a second car and most likely going to replace my FD (RX-7) as a daily driver. I am keeping the FD, but I need something more friendly as a daily driver meaning being able to seat more than just 2 people. Can be 2 door or 4 door and I'm looking for something nice for if I need to pick up any kind of client. I'm not looking to spend anymore that $18k. Was possibly looking for something luxurious or something close to it.

Just looking for suggestions at this time.

Possible Considerations (if find for under $18k):

1999 BMW M3
2000-2001 BMW 325/328/330Ci
1999 Mercedes CLK430
1998-2001 Mercedes CLK320

[TonysBimmer]

Welcome to bf.c; you should be able to find most of the above listed cars for around $18k or less, although the M3 will be tough. A BMW, IMHO, would be an ideal purchase for what you describe. I am in a line of work where I have to go to my clients' homes or places of business to close loans so I feel that my 528i is professional but not pretentious.

I have done my fair share of research before I bought mine, it is my first bimmer. I actually bought a '98 with 114xxx on the clock but it came with a "book" of all the service records. I have already had it checked out by a certified mechanic and the car is solid. I paid under $12k for it and I'm very happy. Great car to go out and get a hamburger in too.

Do some research and consider your options carefully, you may be happy with another make as well, but many who purchase a bimmer becomes fans for life, like I have. I hope this was helpful.

-Tony

[HardHitter]

Thanks for the welcome.

To me I think it all depends on the style I want as far as the BMW goes. Both the e36/e46 body are very clean and professional. I think for interior the e46 has more luxurious vision of course being a newer car so that might be the string that pulls me more towards the e46.

I think it's between the CLK430/320 and the BMW 325/328/330. I know you guys are a little bias being BMW owners and all, but comparing the two cars what would you guys say?

I would not be doing engine mods most likely just a nice drop and tint. It would be ideal for me to find a car that already has a nice set of wheels on it and everything, but we will see.

[janyahera]

A Bimmer should be the choice car as it stands out from the crowd and it has prestige. Once you drive one, you are hooked for life. Take your time and do your research and I recommend that you consider cars that are within reach and which you can therefore test drive and also have a qualified mechanic check out. Good luck in your hunt.

[ontheroadagain]

I would say don't get an e36 m3 if you want to be professional. It is more of a high school dream/college car.

[HardHitter]

I am starting to lean towards the e46 series, but is there really a big difference between the 325/328/330 series in performance?

I don't really need top of the line performance like I said I'm not going to be modding the engine really (that's what my 500rwhp + rx7 is for lol), but it's always nice to have some power there incase I need to get out of some kind of a sticky situation.

[apollo322]

I'm looking for a second car and most likely going to replace my FD (RX-7) as a daily driver. I am keeping the FD, but I need something more friendly as a daily driver meaning being able to seat more than just 2 people. Can be 2 door or 4 door and I'm looking for something nice for if I need to pick up any kind of client. I'm not looking to spend anymore that $18k. Was possibly looking for something luxurious or something close to it.

Just looking for suggestions at this time.

Possible Considerations (if find for under $18k):

1999 BMW M3
2000-2001 BMW 325/328/330Ci
1999 Mercedes CLK430
1998-2001 Mercedes CLK320

I own an 01E430 and a 99 M3, and to be honest either car is a great choice for 18 grand or less. If the luxurious ride and ability to drive around clients in style are the most important features, get the Benz no question. If most of your time is spent driving alone and you want something thrilling to drive, get the M3.
Both cars require a decent amount of maintenance, but both of them are fun in their own way. When you need to spend 10 hours in the car driving from stop to stop, nothing is more comfortable than the Benz, but it's no canyon carver. between the two, however, I'd pick the m3.

[HardHitter]

As I stated above, I am not looking for anything to really satisfy high power/great handling cars as that is what my FD is for. The daily driver is going to be a "cruising" car as in I want to be able to cruise in style. No need to try to impress other cars by racing, no need to speed, only the need to catch peoples eyes as does my FD.

The Benz is of course going to have that "symbol" of luxury by just owning a Benz, but I've seen plenty of e46 BMW's look stunning and even better than Benz but of course with some decent work into the exterior.

[tcr75]

I have had a clk and it was a great car, however it isnt what you want if you are going to have any passangers. an M3 is great but I get the feeling that a 3 series is not exactly what you want. I say go with a late model 5 series. I have been buying them at the auctions way back of book here on the west coast.

[HardHitter]

Let me restate myself and what I'm looking for. I am a 20 year old sophomore in college. I am working 2 (hopefully to be 3 soon) jobs. Graphic designer, soccer coach, and then one in one of my majors of accounting/finance/operations and management information systems with possibly real estate on the side. So when I say clients, I don't really see myself having tons of clients riding in the car until possibly after graduation.

This car is just to replace my RX-7 as a daily driver and when I want to work on my 7, I have another car to drive around.

Hopefully this possibly clears some things up as I get the feeling as though people think of me as already having multiple clients.

[APav]

e46 328. the difference between the 325 328 and 330 are engine size. 99 percent of the time it works out First number is your series and the last 2 numbers are the engine size. 328 is a 3 series car witha 2.8L engine. There are a few exceptions to this rule but thats the gist of the things. Personally id go with a 328 or 330. I think the e46 sedan is one of those cars that actually look better as a sedan than a coupe. :) Hope i helped. and when you get 20 posts. Put up some pics of that FD.

[Wisky]

I would say don't get an e36 m3 if you want to be professional. It is more of a high school dream/college car.

Would you consider an E46 M3 professional?

I dont see how an E36 M3 (unless distastefully modded) is considered 'unprofessional' - neither would be an E34 M5 or and E28 M5.

Besides the point, a 540/6 speed would rock.

[leyva]

Well I'm about to get another BMW myself. I'm not replacing my old car which is a 1987 325 BMW. I want to get a 330xi..which is close to an M3 just a little minor differences here and there but less expensive. There AWD which makes them great and better. I suggest a 330 series!

[jr1966]

I've seen E39s under $18k. E39s look more professional. But among your choices, the E46 or CLKs. I personally have a weak spot for the 1st-gen CLKs.

[98silver328i]

I would recommend the 330. An E36 M3 probably isn't the most client friendly car. The 330's are pretty quick and have a really sporty look/feel to 'em.

[ontheroadagain]

Would you consider an E46 M3 professional?

I dont see how an E36 M3 (unless distastefully modded) is considered 'unprofessional' - neither would be an E34 M5 or and E28 M5.


I think e46s are okay to pick people up in..just not ideal. It really depends on what kind of clients you are picking up. I never said the e36 was unprofessional, just that there are more 'professional' options in that list.

..and if you want to do real estate, make sure you don't get a 2 door!! More often than not you are going to be driving around more than one cleint.

[lkwd318ti]

Howabout a 4 door M3 (97 98)?
4 doors, and its still an M3 haha...

[NotoriousShadie]

Ferrari Enzo ftw!!

[Wisky]

I think e46s are okay to pick people up in..just not ideal. It really depends on what kind of clients you are picking up. I never said the e36 was unprofessional, just that there are more 'professional' options in that list.

..and if you want to do real estate, make sure you don't get a 2 door!! More often than not you are going to be driving around more than one cleint.

Good point, especially for those who do real estate. My suggestion for an E39 540/6 still stands.

[ilia]

E46s are very nice cars, and definitely look more professional in my eyes than E36s. The E36 M3 is of course a great value sports car for the money, but you've already got one of the best sports cars around for any price at all, so I don't think it'd make sense as a purchase.

I'm not a fan of Mercedes because I don't like the exterior styling, the interior styling, and most of all the fact that they lack any and all driver interaction. They drive way too much like an appliance for me.

In your position, I'd pick up an E46 four door, 330i ZHP if you can afford it. It looks fantastic, is still interactive enough to not be frustratingly boring to drive, has a great looking interior, and is reliable. It's a great daily, I think.

[H20@100]

Go with the E46, but with only $18,000 to spend, you are going to be able to afford a 323, 325i, ci or 328, I don't think you can find a 330 for that price.

-Mark

[epbrown]

If I were looking for something to shuttle clients in, E39 5-series would be it. Roomier and more comfortable than the 3-series, but with the same understated classiness.

[HardHitter]

I've found a few 330ci's but they have all been in the 80-100k engine range. This is the only worry with the BMW/MB is maintence cost. Hopefully I'll be able to find a clean one in good shape.

[Alpine torque]

Don't get the Mercedes, very poor reliability cars were made in those years; i would take an E39

PS: your username sounds like Heil Hitler, i had to say it :)

[sanjoses2k]

Hardhitter, I see you are in the Bay Area... I just bought my 750iL from eMotors, a broker up in the Walnut Creek area. Check out the 2002 330i he has for sale, a couple grand more then you wanted to spend, but it looks really clean:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/252877383.html

Both Tim and Alex were awesome to work with... tell 'em Jeff from San Jose sent you. :)

[apollo322]

With only 18,000 to spend you'll get a better value out of a Mercedes. You can find an 01 e or clk 430 easily in your price range, and the car is purely for cruising they are the perfect choice.

[Mblaster]

Howabout a 4 door M3 (97 98)?
4 doors, and its still an M3 haha...

That's exactly what I was going to say. And the great thing is most of them are unmolested and still pretty nice stock cars. You can get a auto tranny or a 6spd. I've been thinking of getting one too.

[apollo322]

That's exactly what I was going to say. And the great thing is most of them are unmolested and still pretty nice stock cars. You can get a auto tranny or a 6spd. I've been thinking of getting one too.

Also not a bad buy for a damn fine car. You'll easily find a mint auto m3/4 for less than 15k.

[Nic525i]

Get a late 90's 525 Luxury Performance Understated Class