2017 230? Or 2005-6 ZHP?

[JST]

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

Yeah I was going to ask the same question, I would find it hard to pay the ZHP tax for what you get. But if you have a scratch to itch then itch it. Why not go all in and get a e46 M3? or has that boat sailed.?

Too expensive, new driver, and at the same time the thing that sticks out in my head from back in the day was how much nicer the 330 was to drive in 95 percent of normal driving.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by JST

Yeah, that's another thing I'm thinking about, though I'm also comfortable enough with the E46 chassis safety features that it's not a deal-breaker for me.

It's what I drove her around in when she was an infant, after all.

Yes. But that was you, with 15+ years of driving experience.

DC drivers are nitwit (that’s the one constant) but operator error will loom as a large variable. Through no fault of their own. Learning is iterative.

[Josh (PA)]

My gut based on experience with multiple 2 series interactions is you'll be sorely disappointed and regret it after a little while.

Any thoughts on a clubman?

[JST]

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

My gut based on experience with multiple 2 series interactions is you'll be sorely disappointed and regret it after a little while.

Any thoughts on a clubman?

I am still mad about the Gen 1 Clubman I had back in the day. I've actually thought about a regular Cooper S; small but well built and it is one of the cars I look back on and really regret having to sell. It's a possibility. So is a GTI, though...yawn.

[Josh (PA)]

Originally Posted by JST

I am still mad about the Gen 1 Clubman I had back in the day. I've actually thought about a regular Cooper S; small but well built and it is one of the cars I look back on and really regret having to sell. It's a possibility. So is a GTI, though...yawn.

I thought you had a countryman (little SUV vs little wagon)?

[JST]

Lol right, sorry. Brain fart.

Yeah the clubman would be ok, too. I’ve thought about those from time to time but just couldn’t make the value proposition work. Maybe the used ones make more sense financially.

[robg]

I drove my old e46 a couple years ago. Even though its been well taken care of and has low miles, it still felt a bit like a "shitbox" now that I'm used to more modern cars. I could tell how much less stiff the chassis was, lots of creaks/rattles, etc. And the M54 engine never sounded all that inspiring tbh (though of course the ZHP sounded better w/ its exahust). The only real advantages are looks and nostalgia. I think i'd go w/ the 230.

[Josh (PA)]

Originally Posted by robg

I drove my old e46 a couple years ago. Even though its been well taken care of and has low miles, it still felt a bit like a "shitbox" now that I'm used to more modern cars. I could tell how much less stiff the chassis was, lots of creaks/rattles, etc. And the M54 engine never sounded all that inspiring tbh (though of course the ZHP sounded better w/ its exahust). The only real advantages are looks and nostalgia. I think i'd go w/ the 230.

That's where i think the 128 is really the sweet spot. Basically all the good of the e46 with the old school BMW feel and 90% of the tech updates of the 230 without the horrible turbo 4, the first gen elect steering, etc.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

That's where i think the 128 is really the sweet spot. Basically all the good of the e46 with the old school BMW feel and 90% of the tech updates of the 230 without the horrible turbo 4, the first gen elect steering, etc.

Yes. I’ve thought that myself. Same engine as in my E91, with a lot less weight to move. All in an NA engine.

[Josh (PA)]

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

Does Carvana have a trial / return policy?
EDIT: 7 day / 400 mile money back guarantee...