New car advice again... 407 coupe

[Toms306]

BMW = proven skids per £.

As above, I miss my BMWs but they cost me too much in tyres so i cant let myself buy another.

Certainly proven... £220 per rear tyre, looking to last around 7k with current driving style!

I was getting a couple hundred miles on average out of a set of rears on the beemers

I think that says more about your driving than the car itself though.

But 306s do wear through tyres quickly, I used less tread in the Golf in the same length of time lol, the advantage of traction control right there!

[fuziduck]

Certainly proven... £220 per rear tyre, looking to last around 7k with current driving style!

I was getting a couple hundred miles on average out of a set of rears on the beemers

I think that says more about your driving than the car itself though.

But 306s do wear through tyres quickly, I used less tread in the Golf in the same length of time lol, the advantage of traction control right there!

Unfortunately at that price I tend to think about them everytime I get tail happy which ruins the fun a bit. 255/35/18 tyres are also a bad idea for back end fun as it requires a bit of provoking!

My 306 was amazing on tyres, 30k on 1 set of rainsports! Most of that was motorway mileage though! Plus could buy a full set for the price of one on this car! Maybe i should just go back to a 306!

[C.A.R.]

306s are very light cars (relatively speaking, for their class) so are pretty easy going on tyres imo. I've never had to replace the tyres on my various 306s twice, over god knows how many miles!

This thread needs some pics of a 407 coupe to aid opinions. And to remind everyone what they actually look like!

[fuziduck]

Theres a link to auto trader on the front page of a silver one with red leather interior. Not keen on silver myself its a colour people choose when they're not really fussed about cars, but it does work on the coupe, I'll find a pic of a black one for comparison.

[Curt]

I love the look of these, wouldn't mind one myself but fear I may find it boring (as I did with my E46)

[Niall]

Do like the red leather and they are actually really well built inside. Nothing like a 306! But then again you would expect it to be better considering the full spec one was a shade under 30k iirc?!

[THE_Liam]

My vote would be a £1000 406 V6 coupe. No, hear me out.

- Far better looking
- As fast if not faster
- Amazing soundtrack
- Simpler
- Much nicer to drive
- Plenty of manuals around
- I know I mentioned it at the top but seriously the 406 coupe is f*cking beautiful

Spend the difference on fuel. The 407 will only lose in depreciation what you save on fuel driving a 407 HDI...

[fuziduck]

I love the look of these, wouldn't mind one myself but fear I may find it boring (as I did with my E46)

Not much love on here for the e46?! Anyway imho after driving my old 306 HDi the other day I couldn't believe how rattly, floaty, unsafe, and flimsy it felt. I know its not a gti-6 and has 150k on the clock, but if thats the opposite of boring, then I'll stick with boring.
Each to their own, but RWD surely has to win out over a fwd 306, even in gti-6 guise.

Do like the red leather and they are actually really well built inside. Nothing like a 306! But then again you would expect it to be better considering the full spec one was a shade under 30k iirc?!

Yes 21 - 29k!!

My vote would be a £1000 406 V6 coupe. No, hear me out.

- Far better looking
- As fast if not faster
- Amazing soundtrack
- Simpler
- Much nicer to drive
- Plenty of manuals around
- I know I mentioned it at the top but seriously the 406 coupe is f*cking beautiful

Spend the difference on fuel. The 407 will only lose in depreciation what you save on fuel driving a 407 HDI...

I looked at these, love the exterior styling however I personally really despise the interior, the seats are horrible, the dash just looks like a bog standard 406 from the 90's with horrible old man buttons and a steering wheel similar to that of the 306.
The v6 soundtrack would be rather good though! Which leads me onto my other option I'm considering.... Boxster S

[Dum-Dum]

Mate if your considering the Porsche then get the Porsche.

I looked at getting one when I got my GTi6 but didn't want to borrow that amount of money otherwise they are lovely cars.

[Ruan]

Boxter everyone will think you're a chronic penis, unfortunately in this class, image is an issue...

The 407 2.7 V6 is BLOODY thirsty for a Diesel being auto only, good engine and all but they're not cheap to run.

Problems I see with the 406 and 407, they're "flobbery" to drive at best, whenever I've been in a 3.0 V6 I've always been underwhelmed by the engines performance, smoothness cannot be beaten however, I can't stand the V6 soundtrack so don't speak to me on that one and as shown by other members, body panels are HEINOUS expensive!

For a DRIVERS' car - you've got to take the E46, no point in trying going drifto-drifto as it costs a fortune, just enjoy the grip and great balance of them... I'd love an E46 as my next car to be fair, nothing is as well rounded as them IMHO, they just require a bit of work to make them more interesting... We always go on about how 306s have "character" as standard, but that's usually because you've got to modify them from day one!

IMO RWD doesn't necessarily better FWD - there's very few situations where on the ROAD RWD is better, it's just that you can't get the balance in a FWD car - a GTi6 is one of the best out there... As I've always said, a GTi6 that does 35mpg regularly and doesn't drop to high teens when using the engine, has an extra 40hp where it matters, I'd own one every day... However they are an EXCELLENT car to drive ignoring the slight lack of grunt and excessive fuel consumption - If it weren't for their problems, I'd take one over any RWD machine out there...

[THE_Liam]

To be honest, for that kind of money I'd just go buy a mint E24 M635CSi....

[Curt]

Not much love on here for the e46?! Anyway imho after driving my old 306 HDi the other day I couldn't believe how rattly, floaty, unsafe, and flimsy it felt. I know its not a gti-6 and has 150k on the clock, but if thats the opposite of boring, then I'll stick with boring.
Each to their own, but RWD surely has to win out over a fwd 306, even in gti-6 guise.

I have plenty of love for the E46. They serve a purpose, and if that's what you're after they serve it very well. But I found going from my 330d back to the '6 it was a relief, as it made noise and was more of an "experience". I'm not saying it's boring, I'm saying I found it boring. I still miss my Audi and that was plenty more refined than the 306, so I'm not bias.

I also have love for RWD, hence my other car being one...

[ozonehostile]

if you want a prper drivers car and for less than boxster money, lotus elise. the best car to drive ive owned and probably will ever own.

i think my next car will be another lotus or a vauxhall vx220 turbo

[Poodle]

Have driven a few E46s recently, think with a bit of spicing up they could be epic cars. And drifting doesn't have to cost a fortune if you work for a tyre specialist, free part-worns ftmfuw.

[Dum-Dum]

Ive gotta say knowing how well the BMWs handle ive been tempted for a long time to import a LHD only 3 series4x4. They couldnt do them in RHD due to issues over space tor the front drive bits and the steering mechanism.

[THE_Liam]

Ive gotta say knowing how well the BMWs handle ive been tempted for a long time to import a LHD only 3 series4x4. They couldnt do them in RHD due to issues over space tor the front drive bits and the steering mechanism.

A mate of mine has an E34 525ix, that drives pretty well. It feels quite rear biased in the bends, and it's a BMW you can actually drive in the snow...

[Dum-Dum]

Ive gotta say knowing how well the BMWs handle ive been tempted for a long time to import a LHD only 3 series4x4. They couldnt do them in RHD due to issues over space tor the front drive bits and the steering mechanism.

A mate of mine has an E34 525ix, that drives pretty well. It feels quite rear biased in the bends, and it's a BMW you can actually drive in the snow...

Like this E30 325ix, so much want and french ebay makes it sound gorgeous (but i don't know the french word for rust)

http://www.ebay.fr/itm/BMW-325ix-e30-/15...802wt_1217


How much is 5000 euros?

[Strikeforce]

if you want a prper drivers car and for less than boxster money, lotus elise. the best car to drive ive owned and probably will ever own.

i think my next car will be another lotus or a vauxhall vx220 turbo

Got any pics of your old elise? Interested as i do love a good lotus

[n0v0s]

Even with an m3 suspension setup and geometry settings, i'm finding mine quite boring in terms of character. Even in standard form, it is a very capable machine; my friend in his decatted rx8 (231 model) absolutely going for it with a slight head start couldn't believe how easily I sailed past him. I was in 4th, about 2/2.5k rpm with one hand on arm rest. No drama or noise. Whilst the rx was screaming away and spitting flames.

Albeit gutless and ridiculously thirsty, the rx8 seems much more fun. Maybe I should remap, 500lbft might stop me selling mine shortly. I want a polar opposite - an integra dc2!

Op- if your car is well sorted re bushes/turbo/dmf/clutch, keep it! I imagine it will have set the benchmark quite high, so I'd test drive any other car extensively before changing! If you haven't already, underseal your front and rear arches. I'd put money on them already starting to go slightly from inside in places.

[sweeney1987]

320d m sport all day, want an upgrade go for 330, or e90 335d

[fuziduck]

Op- if your car is well sorted re bushes/turbo/dmf/clutch, keep it! I imagine it will have set the benchmark quite high, so I'd test drive any other car extensively before changing! If you haven't already, underseal your front and rear arches. I'd put money on them already starting to go slightly from inside in places.

Have a horrible feeling the clutch release bearing is on its way out, not sure if it will be new DMF as well, but if it is were talking mega bucks! £500 just for parts
Have see a lot of 3ers with rust on the arches, I haven't personally checked mine, but if I decided to keep it will be on the list. On the other hand we do have a 52 plate 3er and its much less cared for with the wheel arches regularly filled with mud but there is no sign of rust there!

320d m sport all day, want an upgrade go for 330, or e90 335d

I'd love a 335d but funds won't allow. Can't really warrant changing my car for another car the same just with a bigger engine, would regret it knowing I've got a good car now and then got a duffen!! Would curse myself for years for changing.



So I have just driven one, I went out wishing to hate it, but honestly I truly loved it.

Bad points:
1 noticeable squeak inside, typical peugeot!
Bit of damage to leather, but not much.
Brakes didn't feel too reactive - more akin to a loaded van where you have to keep squeezing. (But they were a bit rusty)
It is ridiculously long and the shape of the bonnet makes its impossible to see the end - front sensors are a must!

Good points in general about the type of car -
Engine was surprisingly good, real effortless pull and so much quieter than my car.
Road / wind noise was non-existent even doing 80+.
When put in sport mode it was surprisingly firm with very little roll, although steering was a little light.
No noticeable FWD big engine traits such as torque steer, car actually felt surprisingly well balanced! This really did shock me - it felt really sure footed when planting it round a roundabout!
The car looks fantastic, even in silver, it really does have a 'special' feel to it. It certainly doesn't feel like you are getting into a peugeot!

The hand stitched leather dash and seats had a very plush feeling too, and the interior ambiance and feel is better than the BM, although with the squeak there are some quality issues.

At the end of the day, for my circumstances I have to weigh up the huge tax, increased insurance costs, increased fuel bills and the loss I'm going to make on my car having spent over £1200 in the last year on bits and pieces, including tyres.

Seriously need to mull this over more now!

[n0v0s]

That's my big fear with my 330d, the clutch and dmf. Sorting the turbo bearing is relatively straight forward and cheap. But the cost of a new clutch/dmf would wipe out any savings I've made from having a diesel this year.

Has yours been remapped? If not, As you have a 320d I would suspect you could get away with just a new clutch. As long as theres no transmission rumble under load or 'chatter' on idle/Key off. It's often the mosnter-mapped 330ds that murder the dmfs prematurely.

If you are keeping it, I strongly advise you to take the wheels off and check inside the arch. On the front, rust will be under the liners. Especially with a sport on 255s rear, stones getting flung up take off the shitty rear arch rubber underseal. The front liners rub on the inside of the wing taking the paint off and trapping dirt/moisture. Bloody things are not galvenised!

Essentially, the rust will only show externally once its gone through the metal completely. Inside out.

[Pete]

407 Coupe actually looks good in black, mainly due to fact it hides the Peugeot goppy mouth! I'm with Liam though, 406 V6 and spend the spare money on juice,not that I'm baised or anything

[Niall]

Unfortunately your always going to make a loss on your BM at that age. They seem to depreciate big time for bloody ages!

[ozonehostile]

if you want a prper drivers car and for less than boxster money, lotus elise. the best car to drive ive owned and probably will ever own.

i think my next car will be another lotus or a vauxhall vx220 turbo

Got any pics of your old elise? Interested as i do love a good lotus

i would certainly have another if i had the money spare, i sold it shortly after it had a supercharged honda type r engine dropped in. used it as a daily but changed jobs where it wasnt possible to drive the lotus so had to sell up after spending a fortune on it

[fuziduck]

That's my big fear with my 330d, the clutch and dmf. Sorting the turbo bearing is relatively straight forward and cheap. But the cost of a new clutch/dmf would wipe out any savings I've made from having a diesel this year.

Has yours been remapped? If not, As you have a 320d I would suspect you could get away with just a new clutch. As long as theres no transmission rumble under load or 'chatter' on idle/Key off. It's often the mosnter-mapped 330ds that murder the dmfs prematurely.

If you are keeping it, I strongly advise you to take the wheels off and check inside the arch. On the front, rust will be under the liners. Especially with a sport on 255s rear, stones getting flung up take off the shitty rear arch rubber underseal. The front liners rub on the inside of the wing taking the paint off and trapping dirt/moisture. Bloody things are not galvenised!

Essentially, the rust will only show externally once its gone through the metal completely. Inside out.

I hope you're right. The only symptoms are:

When engine is cold - in gear lift clutch, horrible knocking noise, raise revs the noise will go.
When engine is warm - out of gear clutch depressed slightly whirring noise present.

I am pretty sure both are related to the clutch release bearing, as its either one noise or the other. Just hope it doesn't need a DMF as that makes it expensive, but some people say you should change the DMF as standard practice?!

Unfortunately your always going to make a loss on your BM at that age. They seem to depreciate big time for bloody ages!

Not strictly true, yes all is relative, but a car with similar mileage to what I bought it on hasn't actually 'depreciated'. Plus I did get it at a good price and having put 16k on it I reckon it must still be worth £7000. Which excluding other bits and pieces makes me near enough in profit! The dealer today was willing to take 6k part ex which is 1k above the glasses guide apparently?!

[Kezzieboy]

Take the 407, it's got so much more character than your rep-mobile!

[Curt]

Have to say, that was another thing I hated about my E46... Oh there's one... there's another... and another... Hmmm

[sweeney1987]

Not strictly true, yes all is relative, but a car with similar mileage to what I bought it on hasn't actually 'depreciated'. Plus I did get it at a good price and having put 16k on it I reckon it must still be worth £7000. Which excluding other bits and pieces makes me near enough in profit! The dealer today was willing to take 6k part ex which is 1k above the glasses guide apparently?!

£7k???? i highly doubt it to be honest, if glasses is saying 5k, youd be lucky to get 6k
quick search on gumtree and theres a 55 plate black msport going for 3,700. doubt yours is much newer than that if it is at all?
another 2004 was up for 6,900 and has dropped to 4,500...

Problem with E46s is they do tend to wear through bushes etc quickly.
Can easily spend 1k plus on spurious arms for each mot that last feck all time, but shelling out for original bmw parts is a big premium.
probably better off with a cheaper brand if running costs are at the forefront of%

[silverzx]

Can't believe people are being so batty about tyres!

If you owned a BMW you'd just become chummy with your local scrap yard and blag tyres.

After all there going to be getting raped fortnightly!