E46 318ci vs 320ci

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instinct

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Hi, I'm bout to buy this 2001 318ci (1.9 litre) UK spec. I have been searching for 320ci (2.2 litres) for almost a year and didn't have any luck. So I kinda changing my mind now to buy a 318ci but I am still doubtful. I'm not getting 323ci or 325ci is simply they are out of my budget. Maybe some of the expert here can advice me. The reason I don't want 318ci is for the reason it's not a 6-cyclinder double vanos engine. However, recently I've heard that 2001 320ci (2.2 litres) have some problem in their engine, that's why in 2002, BMW go back to 2.0litres for their 320ci. And by comparison, 318ci have better fuel consumption since it's 4-cyclinder. Also the pick up of 318ci is better than 320ci even thou 320ci have better top speed. Is this all true? Can some one give me advice and pros and cons between 318ci (1.9litres) vs 320ci (2.0litres) vs 320ci (2.2litres)
 
Thanks Selvah. U r right, I'm a newbies here and can't even find the Newbies section :p care to send me the direct URL?

Aw, it's a pity u wun be getting a CI after all. Most of the forumer said is known to me as I've been looking for CI for bout a year now. It's juz what I heard yesterday shock me that a car dealer seem to be telling me that 318ci is better in term of fuel consumption, pick up. I guess he's juz trying to close sales on his 318ci. Anyway, I think I'll be going for a modified 318ci as 320ci is hard to get and kinda pricey. Might get a modified exterior 318ci and get a 2.5l 323ci engine from kedai potong and fit it in.. hehehe.
 
instinct,

go for the 6 cylinder one....320ci 2.2....its much more fun to have the 6 cylinder engine...torque, smoothness and engine sound........

I know someone who got a 318ci last year and is now changing to a 330ci...

there are 2 323ci's being advertised currently by koolio and also omegaoracle currently........think omegaoracle's might be sold by now though...but koolio just advertised his today...

diff between 320ci 2.2 and 323ci is as follows:
1) 320ci 2.2l engine is a newer engine than the 323ci 2.5 liter
2) same power but the 323ci has more torque....
3) road tax is RM500+ vs RM890.
4) resale value on a 320ci 2.2 would be better than a 323ci as its a newer engine and lower roadtax.....

Take your time and choose......
 
Thanks for the advice BMWCar. It's just that I'm wearing out with the hunt for 320ci. Also I've found this 318ci with modified CSL Trunk, M3 bumper, 18", Eibach Spring, LED rear lights, Dual exhaust, M3 side mirror, sunroof. It's going for 120k+ 01/05 car. Is it a good buy?
 
its okay but is it the new valvetronic engine - ie 143 bhp or the old one - 129bhp....the 143bhp model was built from Oct or November 01 onwards........

in my opinion, if getting a e46 ci, get the following model years for best value

1) always get the cars built after April 00...that was when the coupes had the first update on the rear subframe....
2) 00 year - best models - 318ci, 323ci, 328ci, 330ci
3) 01 year - all the same no changes except for late 01, the 318ci used the new valvetronic engine...the 323ci was replaced by the 325ci. End 01 - the tv screen option had the new wide screen compared to the earlier 1/2 screen
4) end 02 - the facelift was done.......

please note that the above dates refer to the build date which can be determined by the last 7 characters of the VIN..... u have to check on the website for the address - i think its oemparts.com that will give the build date and location..... did it some time back so cannot remember the website...try google.......
 
instinct;214540 said:
Thanks for the advice BMWCar. It's just that I'm wearing out with the hunt for 320ci. Also I've found this 318ci with modified CSL Trunk, M3 bumper, 18", Eibach Spring, LED rear lights, Dual exhaust, M3 side mirror, sunroof. It's going for 120k+ 01/05 car. Is it a good buy?

120k for all those extra stuff on the ride?? I'd say go for it bro even if the mods are not all original! :D
 
Checked on the website and it's make 99 :-( but how come? as the car registration card and AP stated the car is make 2001? It's having a non-multifunction steering, 3-spoke but triangle, not the round one.

It's not 120k, it's 120k+ but yet to negotiate on the final price, not sure if it's 129k or 121k :p
 
there have been guys whose cars reg cards had stated a later year than the actual manufacture date due to many reasons....

Another way, which i know is on my car is too look at the front inside wing (infront of the wheel housing - right side when you are standing in front of the bonnet) where the airfilter is placed, there is a little sticker on the metal that shows the build date and color of car..however, this can also not be original......

99 year would be the first of the 318ci's..... for a 8 year old car, 120k+ is too expensive...........

think you would have to continue looking.......if keen on a 318ci...01 model....will get someone to PM you..........
 
BMWCar, I can't imagine where u describe bout the little sticker with the build date. Care to snap a pic for me? It would be great if you can get some one PM with any good cars. Preferable with modified body kits and M3 exhaust ;-)
 
BMWCar, I can't imagine where's the sticker with the year make is. Do you mind snapping a pic for me? Beside relying on the website and car registration number, I was wondering if I can bring the car to service centre and let them plug in the computer unit (not sure what it's called). Will it be able to tell the actual year make?

Btw, anyone know the different between engine M43 and N42?
 
selvahraje46;214168 said:
I hope you do some research before you post a new thread..anyway PLEASE introduce urself in the NEWBIES section and here's a complete link to answer ur ques's...

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6936

Hi I'm a newbies here & this is my 1st posting. I will find the newbies section later & introduce myself. Selvah, I hv been reading the above URL until the last page still don't know whether u hv got your dream car, just kpc, hope u don't mind. It actually took my hubby less than a month to find his car. He didn't even drive & test it, just buy it on his friend's recommendation. :questionmark: Just got it last month, it's 320i year 2002, Jap spec. Well, so far I hv driven twice but I got frustrated with this car as the oil pedal is very hard, have to press very hard to get it going & I don't like the stearing as well :rolleyes: Anyway, I'm not the owner of the car so long as my hubby like it:love: Just like one of the forumer said, u hv to find time to learn how to drive it properly in order to appreciate what this car can do for you:embarassed: I will ask my hubby whether he wants to subscribe to the club & he definately has no time to log in & chit chat like me.
Cheers.
 
Dear Miss Freedome Merdeka...b4 i welcome you it best you do your introduction in the newbiezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz section..btw welcome to the club and have a nice day.......
 
Freedom@Merdeka;241867 said:
*snip*
Well, so far I hv driven twice but I got frustrated with this car as the oil pedal is very hard, have to press very hard to get it going & I don't like the stearing as well :rolleyes: Anyway, I'm not the owner of the car so long as my hubby like it:love: Just like one of the forumer said, u hv to find time to learn how to drive it properly in order to appreciate what this car can do for you:embarassed: I will ask my hubby whether he wants to subscribe to the club & he definately has no time to log in & chit chat like me.
Cheers.

funny how u put it....oil pedal very hard :)

what car are u driving? i guess bimmer is like that....heavy steering & a tad slow to take off
 
Dear Instinct,

I've just got my first BMW, 318ci 2004 with AP 2002.... Can't get my foot off the pedal... syok man... just waiting to change the rims and suspension....
 
:biggrin:
shaifulo;241886 said:
funny how u put it....oil pedal very hard :)

what car are u driving? i guess bimmer is like that....heavy steering & a tad slow to take off

I hv just introduced myself at the newbies thread. Sorry ah, me first time driving a bimmer, can say test drive as well:embarassed: . I hv been driving my red ferrari for 10 years(Red Toyota Corolla 1.3 M:proud: :biggrin: ) & now take over my hubby Chevolet Optra. That's why so not use to bimmer:driver:
That's the reason I come to this forum to learn & understand more about bimmer so that I will fall in love with it like u guys:love: Cheers.
 
Freedom@Merdeka;241867 said:
Hi I'm a newbies here & this is my 1st posting. I will find the newbies section later & introduce myself. Selvah, I hv been reading the above URL until the last page still don't know whether u hv got your dream car, just kpc, hope u don't mind. It actually took my hubby less than a month to find his car..

I couldnt find what I wanted after a long search, so I bought a Toyota instead.As I had other commitments at the time and considering the maintenance part of a used 320Ci, I opted for other makes which I could afford as new and wouldnt really worry for maintenance for the next 3 years even though its not a Bimmer.

I'm still hoping to get my E46 if a right one comes by, and would probably keep it for a long time and use it as a project car. So its important for me to have the right bimmer..cheersss:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 
I got my e46 3.18 2.0 2003 4 months ago and the pleasure of driving is definitely intoxicating. Even being stucked in the jam (in KL) at times was a pleasure in the UDM. Because i am crazy for speed maybe looking to add a second e46 ...something with over 220HP under the hoot. Watever it is one have to be behind the wheels to feel why it is a BMW and not a Toyota or Honda or even a Merc etc
 
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