3k~ to spend on a car what would you buy?

[n0v0s]

For your budget, you will struggle to find a good 330d sport. Likely to be the older 2.9 engine which is wank. Most of you would cream yourselves over the delivery of the later 3.0 330d, derv head or not. It really is an astonishing engine. The chasis is quite good too with some tweaks to geometry to improve handling and refreshed suspension/bushes. At 3k, you will be limited somewhat if you have particular spec in mind. Budget for atleast thermostats, bushes and steering uj. About £200 parts.

Keep in mind that a lot of the e46s are ropey now with re to bushes and suspension. A non leggy SE is comparable to a boat, and the typical sport with 100k+ mile suspension is crashy as shit! Coupled with fked front lower rear wishbone bushes makes for a very un inspiring ride full of tramlining goodness. Also, don't forget how bmws are setup with less negative camber than the rear. A quick but of 4wheel aligning can sort the handling - adjustable front and rear camber as standard! .. All 'sport' models should have had m3 suspension fitted as standard which is more suited imo.

The e46s give you massively over optimistic bullshit mpg figures on the obc. Mine hits 60mpg on a combined run. It works out to just over 50. A 320d would struggle to match that at a similar high speed pace. They are shit, comparatively. Unless you are eking out every last drop of diesel:mile doing 50mph in a nsl for e.g.... In which case, there are more economical cars on the market..

Rust.. Most will be going on the arches, bootlid, bonnet. If not visible, it will still be there but on the inside. If you find one without, snap it up and seal it. Mines a minter, well maintained as does everything well for me after a bit of fettling. Very reliable - commuted to many exams 100s of miles away on the day in complete confidence. I'd recommend one!