The 330ci for sure and you should be able to find a good one in your price range.
Reliability-wise, they are all very similar although the 330 and 325 are newer so should be a bit better just due to age.

Don't spend all $12 k on the car, hold some back for any surprises. Also, get a PPI done

Edit: I just noticed you are in Australia, so my price assumptions are probably inaccurate.

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Since you want a coupe, go for a later model year (especially not 328ci manual) to avoid subframe issues.

 

Coming from an Alfa, you're going to be blown away by the power of a 330. I'd go 330 because of its bigger brakes.

 

323ci for cheap. Do S54 swap!


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You just listed all the coupes. So you want a manual coupe. I would stay away from the M52TU25/30 (323/328). Your budget will easily get you a 325/330. I would budget $10K for the car purchase and $2K for restoration work. That'll get you a reliable and great running vehicle. Shoot for a 2002 model year.

 

328i's have a 2.8liter engine not 3.0. But I do agree with the following statement. $2k should be able to get most e46's back in great mechanical condition.

 

i would be afraid of the subframe issues on a 323

 

From what i've read, the sub-frame issue was resolved on the 2000 323 on vehicles that were built after March 2000. I've had no probs and I think my vehicle came of the assembly line in June.

 

325 or 330. Try and get something 02-06. 325 will be cheaper insurance. Also have 1-2k of that money saved for maintenance for when you get the car. With every used car ive bought I always have about a grand to put into it to make it perfect and catch up with maintenance the PO neglected.

 

:hmm:
What's wrong with the 2001 model year?

 

Guys, OP is from Sydney. So, I can guess he is from Sydney, Australia.
Cars there are much more expensive than here in the US.

With that budget, I dont think you will get good late model 330ci in Australia.

I'd say look for a maintained early model 325 or 330. Push for 330.
I'd stay away from 323/328ci unless I have a proof of subframe reinforcement done on them.

Coming from alfa, I can imagine you know how much maintenance it takes.
If you are a DIY person, an e46 is not really hard to work on. Alfa's are much more easy to work on, but the things just keep breaking on them.

 

+1 on that 12k wont get you a good 325/330 in Australia,between 15-22k depending on kilometers and condition,bmw's downunder seem to be regarded as a tool for the rich, and if local stealership parts pricing is anything to go by,you need to be!.

 

OP,
I can't believe you are getting rid of your Alfa! Why?

Murf

 

why even ask?

I cant think of one reason to buy a 323 over a 330

 

1)price 2)no drive by wire 3)insurance

but i agree if you can get into a 330Ci then do that before the 323Ci. when all is said and done though it comes down to each individual car's upkeep and quality. i'm sure there are some 323Ci's out that are in much better shape than some 330Ci's. but the subframe issue is hard to not overlook in the 323/328 model line.

 

other than the sub frame issue on the older cars, the common problems on all the cars you listed are pretty much the same. buy the newest, most powerful car your budget allows.


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$12k can easily get you a 330 in the US, but I'm not sure about Australia. Either way, get the newest/most powerful your budget will allow.

 

323ci FTW!

 

There's a lot less things to break/ repair on 323 than later models.

 

Not really... the older models also have the older electronics which are generally less reliable

 

I used to own a 323i manual and it was a fun car. But with owning a 330ci puts a smile on my face everyday


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I took out a 2005? cabrio 330ci Steptronic from dealership last year, jus to see what all the 330 fuss was about. Yuk. That trans was hideous. I only found marginal power increase,..but perhaps I was tainted b/c of my pre-conceived notion of the auto. I was so glad to get back into my 2005 325ci cabrio stick.

 

Just bought a 330ci 2003. It is just unbelievable. Can't recommend enough.

 

I love my 323 , if I had the money at the time I would defiantly shop for a 330. It's a great platform to start with.

I got my 323 for a steal so I can't complain . I plan to put the M54 from a 330 anyway. So that's always an option for you as well if you can't find a 330

 

Get a Mazda 3

 

330ci, without a doubt. You will always wish you had bought the largest engine available, with the largest OEM brakes available. Add in the upgraded interior trim, and the fact that the gas mileage is really not that much better in a 323ci, and it is a no-brainer. A well maintained 330 will get somewhere near 30mpg on the highway. It would also do fairly well in the city if you can resist the urge to floor it at every stoplight (which I can not do).
It is a much better car all around. Sorry, 323ci owners....

 

323 is horribly slow.
You will learn to really love the second gear on this car.
Because higher gears have no pull at all.

I am saving up for a 350z

 

If you gonna buy and modify, might as well have a look are e46coupes 323. It's an absolute bargain and everything's already done to the highest possible standard.

 

If you gonna buy and modify, might as well have a look are e46coupes 323. It's an absolute bargain and everything's already done to the highest possible standard.

Too late, deposit taken last night

 

I would get whatever care you find that:
1. you like
2. fits budget
3. and is in good shape
Everything else being equal of course the 330 would the be obvious choice, but I wouldn't just pass up on a manual coupe in right color combo that's been taken care of because it's a 323/5/8. I'd rather swap a motor down the line and get the color scheme I wanted.

 

330

Torque!

 

I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say that OP has gone forever.

 

^ Lol, I think your right.. haah thread got sorta high jacked :lmao: