Opinions on e46 325iA

[billy in slo]

Hi Guys, billy in slo here. I finally got the Touring repaired and back on the road, more on that later.
I trust the opinions here more then anywhere else.
I need to replace my son's 03 530iA, the tranny is going out.
He drives 60 miles a day for work so we are looking at the e46 325iA. Basically a one owner car with full service history including tranny service at 60k. It has 105k now. Very unique color combo, steel grey with natural. Sport and Premium packages.
They are asking 5800k, I'm closer to 5k.
Any feedback on driving one? Way to slow or not bad? Specs have 0-60 in 8 which is on par with my e30 but it's a manual with LSD and a lot of torque so it's fun as hell.
I was wondering with good summer tires and a Shark upgrade if it could be a fun driver.
Thanks a bunch in advance.
billy in slo

[blackknight530i]

I don't understand, why not just fix or replace the 530i transmission or manual swap it? The 2.5L engine is really not great and the 3.0L is a much better engine. You could get the 325i and swap the 3.0L from your 530i if you really wanted to. I don't understand how spending $5800 on a slower, smaller car is a good choice over fixing a bigger, nicer, and more powerful car.

[billy in slo]

I don't understand, why not just fix or replace the 530i transmission or manual swap it? The 2.5L engine is really not great and the 3.0L is a much better engine. You could get the 325i and swap the 3.0L from your 530i if you really wanted to. I don't understand how spending $5800 on a slower, smaller car is a good choice over fixing a bigger, nicer, and more powerful car.

Good point. It's for my son. I think I will take the 530i and fix it up as you mentioned. Never thought about the swap. Might look into that. I have the 540iT already plus e28 e30 e34 and a couple of parts cars. The madness never ends. Thx for the input. He bought the e46 today and is happy with it.

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