Im after a 3 series as my next car,either that or an S13, depends on circumstances but i want both these cars within the next 18 months or so.

Questions

1.Is there a 3 series owners club forum thing (i have googled to no avail
2.IS the 328 TDS any good(this is my first choice of engine, 323+320 petrol being 2nd chocie and 3rd respectively
3.Is the touring just as good as the saloon,a touring would be good for me as i lug a lot of kit around when travelling

there are 2 diesels. a 1.8tds and a 2.5tds. Theyre the old type, as in not common rail diesel. I'm sure theyre decent, but the newest generation are superb compared to them.

the 1.6 and 1.8 petrols are 4 cylinders. Anything thats 2.0 and above is a 6 cylinder.

My dad's had a few over the years and theyve never given him any problems.

I wouldnt mind a 328i Sport myself, theyre lovely looking cars,

ok so no 2.8 diesel, i have to make do with

325
Engine Size: 2497 cc 12v
Cylinders: 6
0-60 mph: 10.2 s
Top Speed: 128 mph
Power Output: 143 bhp
Torque: 192 lb/ft


Not sure if thats too slow? im assuming its 50-70 time would be better than a 1.8 escort,which has a 0-60 time of 9.2 secs?

parkers mate. Those are the figures for the E36 325 TDS (diesel remember)

why go for a diesel, go for the petrol and the perfomance is good with a 0-60: 7.7 and 1/4 Mile: 16secs. U can Pic these up resonablly cheap now aswell £2500 should get you a reasonably decent one.

I want a diesel for teh torque,economy and insurance
I want a tourer(estate) for the looks,differentness and storage

However,now ive found that i can buy and insure a S13 for less than the cost of a decent escort i really want one of them,ill save gettin a beemer til i get my 4 1/2 year RAF bonus i think

The diesels pull for england in any gear, and certainly feel like more than 143bhp!!

I was looking at a 325TDS to replace the Rover, but decided to run it in to the ground before buying a new runaround.

The 2.5 TD is the same lump they fitted in the Omega TD and is very strong and reliable, though I was shocked to find a diesel pump cost over £500 when they go wrong

LSDs can only be found on the "Sport" models, and non of the diesels have them.

I belive chips can take them to 170bhp-ish

Good gen that stuy,deffo use it when i get one when i get my bonus,and dare i say it,a baby will prob be on the scene then (16 months yet)

For now tho,its S13 talk,new thread maybe