Bailes1992 wrote:BMW do make good cars.
Even my Fathers 320d makes an awesome drivers car! The single turbo 16v 2.0 diesel unit makes power from 1400rpm right the way to 5,500rpm. There's petrols that struggle to do that!
But it's a shame that as they get older they get into the hands of people who want them for the badge and can't afford to look after them!
+1, my wife loved her e46 320d estate & it went like a rocket after we had it mapped to 215 bhp with the 6-speed manual box
2002 110 HDi estate, Rapier in monaco blue! ( found quite a bit more power ) SOLD I've sorted the airbag light
1998 3.0 V6 SE coupe in Diablo Red ( my baby ) sold
2006 206 1.4 16v sport in Aegean blue ( wife's shopping trolley )
dirtydirtydiesel wrote:my 330 e46 coupe was the most rewarding, fun, well built car I have ever had the pleasure of owning
must have a totally different engine management program to the e39 530i, which is a complete barge by design. Mine was good enough outside the engine bay to convince me to try the 540i (which I do like a lot!), but I was happy to see the back of the 530. Stupid unresponsive pile of driving frustration.
why can't the french make a nice sexy car with a petrol v8?
<steve_earwig> I think this forum is more about keeping our cars going with minimal outlay than giving our cars more reason to go bang
dirtydirtydiesel wrote:my 330 e46 coupe was the most rewarding, fun, well built car I have ever had the pleasure of owning
must have a totally different engine management program to the e39 530i, which is a complete barge by design. Mine was good enough outside the engine bay to convince me to try the 540i (which I do like a lot!), but I was happy to see the back of the 530. Stupid unresponsive pile of driving frustration.
You must have had a bad 530i as mine is a superb car and goes like stink.
2011 "11" Mondeo TXS est 200ps in Grey
2003 "53" 110 hdi Executive Estate in Diablo Red
2001 "51" BMW 530i sport in Black
2012 "62" Yamaha XT1200
1974 "M" Honda CB500/4
1994 "M" Kawasaki Zephyr 1100
1998 "S" Honda XRV 750
I think part of the issue is that even the "prestige" car makers are now building down to a price, rather than up to a standard.
That, coupled with increased computer control of mechanicals means when things do go wrong, you're left standing on the hard shoulder.
That's what makes me love my old 2.1, really simple and robust motor.
MacWomble. Silver 406 GLX Estate, 1998 2.1 12 valve. 302,000 miles and counting.
White Renault 5 GT Turbo, 1991 58,000 miles, all original, mint condition.
MacWomble wrote:I think part of the issue is that even the "prestige" car makers are now building down to a price, rather than up to a standard.
Indeed, I think cars are 'cheapened' now but there is a reason; manufacturers seem to be warming to the popularity of the increasing Leasing culture, this is why service intervals are stretched out to reduce the 'regular' cost in the first 3 years. In addition they want a quick turnover in newer models so don't really care so much about owners running cars past 100K miles or 6/7 years - they just want to show you the next new model.......
Sad but cars are turning into household appliances (and you know how long they last don't you).
Cars in my care:
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
My parents first fridge lasted 40ish years and was only dumped because it wouldn't go in a new house. It went to a friend who is still using it as a beer fridge in his garage. What did we know in the 60s that we've forgotten now?
1999 HDI 110 GLX Estate Sold On at 230,000 miles to the lucky John
2003 HDI 110 Rapier Estate
1998 D8 1.9XUD Estate LX 7 seater Estate sold, with regret
1999 306 1.8 petrol.
) SOLD I've sorted the airbag light 
)
run's for cover 
