the E36 compact nice car- naff car?
Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 3 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 3 Series (E21, E30, E36, E46, E90, E91 & E92)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=18728
Printed Date: 29-April-2024 at 03:38
Topic: the E36 compact nice car- naff car?
Posted By: mattd
Subject: the E36 compact nice car- naff car?
Date Posted: 09-June-2005 at 09:59
| I own a 318ti se. My first BMW....I'ts an R reg with low miles and lots of toys. Am I too easily pleased and would it be better to trade up for a E36 coupe or saloon or is it worth holding on to. A new job has firmly placed a bee in my bonnet about changing it but should I bother? |
Replies:
Posted By: john.med
Date Posted: 09-June-2005 at 15:03
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Never owned one, but if you're happy with her, run her. ------------- currently driving a RENAULT clio sport 172!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Posted By: Rhys
Date Posted: 09-June-2005 at 17:45
Nothing wrong with the compact, I used to hate them - and I ended up buying one. Can't fault it, especialy the rear load area. More performance than 318is since it's lighter. I can drive for hundreds of miles in mine (more than I could say for the E30) and not get cramp etc. Dash is slightly different to E36 sallon/coupe on a design note.If you are happy, then why change?
 ------------- V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet... |
Posted By: Nigel
Date Posted: 09-June-2005 at 18:01
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If you like any car, even an M3 ( lol ) thats all that matters. Enjoy it whilst we can still drive for pleasure ------------- Best Wishes Nigel |
Posted By: neileg
Date Posted: 10-June-2005 at 11:58
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I don't think the E36 compact is a very well balanced design, visually. The E46 manages it rather better. But when you're driving you can't see the styling, and driving is what BMWs do best. The ti is nice and nippy, too. ------------- Cheers, Neil |
Posted By: avus318
Date Posted: 10-June-2005 at 15:09
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hi mate i bought an n reg compact a few years back it was my first bmw it changed my view of bmw's for good. i thought they were overpriced, overweight and not "good looking". now i think back to all the fords,vauxhalls and rovers etc i have owned in the past and think why didn't i buy a bmw years ago. current car is E36 98 'S' 318 is coupe m tech sport, avus blue f.s.h. full toolkit, unopened first aid kit,un marked original alloys, half leather.keep your bm there are a lot worse cars out there
|
Posted By: Rhys
Date Posted: 25-June-2005 at 20:04
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Just driven mine from York to Orkney a fortnight ago (via ferry I hasten to add..) and then to Skye last week - got back tonight. Just over 2,500 miles all told (with travelling in-between). Can't fault it.
Back seats down, fully loaded - still pulls well, a great little cruiser.  ------------- V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet... |
Posted By: snapon
Date Posted: 26-June-2005 at 15:55
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Compacts are for people who cant afford a whole one! the compact is the ugliest design BMW have ever made! im quite resolute on this one im afraid.mmm. ------------- Just Touring.... |
Posted By: Robbie Bradford
Date Posted: 26-June-2005 at 16:10
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The X3, 1 Series and new 3 Series are all far worse designs. ------------- http://www.BMW-driver.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21 - http://www.BMW-driver.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21 |
snapon wrote:Posted By: Rhys
Date Posted: 26-June-2005 at 18:09
I thought that, I mean putting the filler cap under the rear window - spoils the design a bit. As for cheap, it was aimed as the bottom rung on the ladder (Ford Focus money), That may be for the bottom spec 316i, which is the no frills standard trim kicking out about 90 ish bhp, same with the deisel flavour - similar power. There is the ti which is the 318 with the M42/44 engine (140+ bhp) and a 323ti but not in this country. The Americans got a California roof option with a full roll back roof - great for their weather I suppose but not ours. The sports version has an LSD, lowered suspension, skirts and I expect a few other goodies. The ti travels well under load, and eats miles. Unloaded it's pretty nippy - maybe skittish if unawares. I don't see it as a saloon or a coupé, more of a family hatchback. The cabin design is different for a start, so I don't see it competing as such. Funny realy, I hated the design, the look - and ended up buying one, go figure. ------------- V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet... |
Posted By: Robbie Bradford
Date Posted: 26-June-2005 at 18:33
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My first BMW was a 1996 316i compact, boston green, bog standard, no frills, not even a rear wiper but i enjoyed every minute. I have to say i still have a soft spot for the E36 version although the E46 version is not so hot. ------------- http://www.BMW-driver.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21 - http://www.BMW-driver.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21 |
Posted By: Rhys
Date Posted: 26-June-2005 at 18:59
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I agree, I don't like the front lights on the E46 compact, it would look a lot better with the standard lights on. I wonder if they will make a compact version of the latest 3 series? ------------- V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet... |
Posted By: Robbie Bradford
Date Posted: 26-June-2005 at 19:25
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Well they can't make it any worse.......can they? ------------- http://www.BMW-driver.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21 - http://www.BMW-driver.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21 |
Posted By: Rhys
Date Posted: 26-June-2005 at 19:28
..don't tempt them  ------------- V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet... |
Posted By: snapon
Date Posted: 27-June-2005 at 16:26
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------------- Just Touring.... |
Posted By: Miles666
Date Posted: 27-June-2005 at 17:55
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I've owned my Silver Grey E46 Compact now for nine months Great chassis and it fits in my garage. |
Posted By: Rhys
Date Posted: 27-June-2005 at 19:33
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..and mine fits the limited parking space I have (any bigger, and next door wouldn't be able to park anything up) ------------- V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet... |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 28-June-2005 at 09:14
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Which would make you about as welcome as a fart in a space suit! ------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: bones
Date Posted: 28-June-2005 at 10:41
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Which would make you about as welcome as a fart in a space suit!
Dyslexic devil worshipper?
sold his soul to santa
------------- 318is 99T E36 : Full Leather : Climate Control : Full BMW S/H  http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=side0xd.jpg">
|
Posted By: editfmah
Date Posted: 29-June-2005 at 16:36
I own both and the compact is a 95'm and the Saloon is a 96'p, the Compact is a 318Ti the other a 328 with everything, the compact cost more and is still worth more. Sorry but there was a good reason I bought one as a second car, they have stronger residuals than similar aged Saloons. Also I suspect if you owned one you would appreciate what it has to offer over the saloon, like being able to actually fit large square objects into it! And before you start it replaced a touring version , i really didn't loose all that much from the trade up/down. Also I can't help but feel when I drive it that it just feels more nimble? But that may be that fact that it hasn't got such a huge chunk of metal under the lid. the steering feels really direct/lite compared to its big brother. Just my opinion. |
Posted By: snapon
Date Posted: 30-June-2005 at 13:51
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In response to editfmah: I do really believe you have to have an extra angle on this! Dont get me wrong but im driving along and in my rear view a bm comes up behind me and i think that looks nice! when they pass and i see the back end my face goes all twisted and contorted when i realise its a compact, i just cant get on with it. Its like other manufacturers meddling, the Audi A3 , the Mercedes compact, they just dont do it! the only small car that does it is the MINI .If you were to put to a poll other BMW owners opinions of the compact you'll be quite surprised. Im a touring man through and through.
------------- Just Touring.... |
Posted By: editfmah
Date Posted: 30-June-2005 at 14:15
|
I do hear you and of course it is just your opinion, but I
think the compact looks quite good really. The saloon to me and probably
to me alone is quite ugly, it looks proportionally wrong. Much in the
same way that the boot is just a little high to be very attractive on the
compact. But the Coupe and Touring are very stylish indeed. The
touring it replaced was a better looking car, but the compact is just not as
ugly as the press it gets. My main point was about the fiscal side of
things, as everyone could argue all day over how the damn things look, over the
past few years I’ve lost a lot on BMWS, as everyone gets one and they start
appearing for Mondeo money the only ones that have kept their head up quite
well are the Compacts. It's odd I know but they are a sound investment,
if you like the style. ------------- E36 328i Touring + E36 Compact 318Ti |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 30-June-2005 at 15:33
|
Snapon, While I agree the compact does not look as good as the saloon or the coupe, I think it looks better than the touring. Not a fan of estates myself. As for the Mini, ok if you live in toy town and your best mates a called Big ears, but other than that no thanks ------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: mell
Date Posted: 30-June-2005 at 15:48
|
ive never like the compact as said before its a entry level for those who cant afford a real beemer,that may sound abit snobish but i think they made a mistake with this model same as the x3,when i see one i just think its a cheaper version of the X5 and naff. each to there own tho,im sure there is alot of people that ont like my car but its all to do with personal taste and what you can afford. ------------- |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 03:22
|
Mell, you mean to say you don't think the X5 is naff. If BMW made a mistake IMO it was going into the lifestyle 4x4 market. Great for profits poor for image As for the compact being a car for people who can't afford a real BMW, well if ever there was a coment designed to wind up compact owners......... Do you think the same of the new 1 series? ------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: Goldryder
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 03:27
|
Having had the pleasure of driving Rhys's compact last year, I found it to be a really nice drive, very responsive and despite the 'kicked up the rear' looks, its a good all round car and being a hatchback definately comes in very handy. His car carried my old 28" telly, his pooter and a telly stand with room to spare yesterday.
Its a very practical car, very comfy to drive and as said, an all rounder with grunt built in. I found no fault with it at all tbh. ------------- October 2-6 2008 - Houston, Texas - Long Distance Wedding March 15-April 1 2009 - Transatlantic Cruise October 10-25 2009 - China, Korea, Taiwan & Japan Cruise |
Posted By: mell
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 06:01
hey its just my opinion,doesnt mean im right,as i said each to there own,i just dont like the look of the compact never driven one didnt see the point as i dont like the ar$e ot the car,and the facelift is even worse. gold do you have a licence?i didnt think you could drive. ------------- |
Posted By: Robbie Bradford
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 06:25
|
I think BMW entered the SUV market based on the fact that there was no top class performer in this sector and it remains the best in it's class. Don't forget they built the Range Rover aswell which is the another step up in luxury and pretty unbeatable IMO. As for the compact, being an entry level model meant it was always going to be slated, but it did make the BMW marque more affordable to people who otherwise might not be able to afford a new model. As stated before, i've owned the the E36 version and never regreted a minute. I bought it as it was the cheapest BMW to insure as it was'nt considered a sports model like the coupe. 5 years on i drive an E36 M3 but i owe it all to the compact putting me on the ladder I meant to add, the E36 compact was a successful model for BMW as is the X5 but i think they may have got carried away trying to make new niche's in the market like the X3, i mean what is it suppose to rival.....the Freelander? i don't see the point. Also, the more i see the new models against the old version, the more convinced i am that something special has been lost in design ------------- http://www.BMW-driver.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21 - http://www.BMW-driver.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21 |
Posted By: Goldryder
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 06:30
Mell, for heavens sake, I was able to drive until a few months ago, as I clearly stated in another thread months ago. I had been driving since 1981..motorcycles, cars and articulated lorries, oh and drag cars too but you need an FIA licence for that, which til 1989 I had one of those too. ------------- October 2-6 2008 - Houston, Texas - Long Distance Wedding March 15-April 1 2009 - Transatlantic Cruise October 10-25 2009 - China, Korea, Taiwan & Japan Cruise |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 06:39
There are two opinions, mine and the wrong one LOL Only joking of course. On issues of styling it is pointless arguing since beauty is in the eye of the beholder. ------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: mell
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 06:43
i was just askin a question,as i remember you saying that you couldnt drive thro health reason,no need to be so touchy i wondered if you were driving again!!! ------------- |
Posted By: mell
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 06:45
the compact just aint my cup of tea ------------- |
Posted By: Goldryder
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 07:20
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The compact is a practical car, it isn't meant to be pretty. Very few hatchbacks are pretty, and those that are can often be impractical, such as my old Mk3 Supra Turbo - hatchback but hardly any bootspace due to a full roadwheel instead of a spacesaver and next to no space due to its styling. The BMW compact is perfect for the task it was designed to be, spacious, comfy, safe and multi-purpose. ------------- October 2-6 2008 - Houston, Texas - Long Distance Wedding March 15-April 1 2009 - Transatlantic Cruise October 10-25 2009 - China, Korea, Taiwan & Japan Cruise |
Posted By: Nick 45
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 09:13
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That sounds suspiciously like "You don't look at the mantlepiece when you're poking the fire" to me.
|
Posted By: Goldryder
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 09:46
Apart from the Touring BMW's, on a purely practical slant, the compact is the most practical car in the range. Its still a BMW but has been designed to be an all round car and not just someone's status symbol as so many others in the range tend to be looked upon as. Its a nice car to drive, cheap to insure and does what you want it to do without being dressy. Looks are not everything, the Ferrari Testarossa is a pretty car but totally crap for the weekly shop in Sainsbury's whereas the compact BMW may not be pleasing to the eye, it most definately carries anything you want to. At the end of the day is what you want out of a car..practicality and inexpense to insure etc or something that looks pretty but the bootspace of an old Mini. You pays your money and you make your choice, but I definately wouldn't look down on the compact just cos it looks like its been shunted up the rearend. ------------- October 2-6 2008 - Houston, Texas - Long Distance Wedding March 15-April 1 2009 - Transatlantic Cruise October 10-25 2009 - China, Korea, Taiwan & Japan Cruise |
Posted By: Nick 45
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 09:57
|
I take your point mate but I know what first attracted me to BMWs was how great I thought they looked - particularly the E30 - when I was growing up. The Compact struck me as the first car they'd designed that just looked ... wrong. Of course having seen the one series, the Compact now looks relatively handsome ha ha! |
Posted By: Goldryder
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 10:08
Never be fooled by the look of the compact, its quite sparky and is also quite popular too. The old saying 'never judge a book by its cover' definately applies. ------------- October 2-6 2008 - Houston, Texas - Long Distance Wedding March 15-April 1 2009 - Transatlantic Cruise October 10-25 2009 - China, Korea, Taiwan & Japan Cruise |
Posted By: Rhys
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 10:45
The rear of this one is a bit shorter than most (as is the front)
What about this? Karmann conversion.. 
------------- V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet... |
Posted By: Nick 45
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 10:54
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What the hell is that?!!! It's saying "Renault Megane" to me! |
Posted By: mell
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 12:15
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gadtzzzzzzzzz and theres me thinking they couldnt make it look much worse lol ------------- |
Posted By: snapon
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 17:50
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ive never like the compact as said before its a entry level for those who cant afford a real beemer,that may sound abit snobish but i think they made a mistake with this model same as the x3,when i see one i just think its a cheaper version of the X5 and naff.
Touche!!!! ------------- Just Touring.... |
Posted By: snapon
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 17:54
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Boy have we hit a raw nerve here? ------------- Just Touring.... |
Posted By: Rhys
Date Posted: 01-July-2005 at 18:02
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My other half says, if you want an estate - you should buy a Volvo, anything else is just rubbish. People buy BMW estates because they think they look cool, it's an estate - so how can they? People buy estates 'cos they can get 7 dogs in them and the kids...
Do you think she's right?  ------------- V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet... |
Posted By: Goldryder
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 02:43
|
The compact IS a real BMW, just a more practical, family orientated one that was designed for the people who wanted plenty of space but not an estate. The hatchback is the middle variant, both sporty and able to carry anything and everything with relative ease.
People may think that the hatchback BMW goes against the grain of the marque as a whole but they have definately proved popular, and not just to those wishing to own their first BMW either, they are a damn fine all rounder and its a shame that it gets slated so much. Granted, I was a bit put off by the shape but once I had driven Rhys's, well tbh when driving the car it feels and handles just like any other BMW, that is extremely well for a car of its class. Its an impressive little car, perfect for those who want practicality without losing performance. I think Stephenperry will agree on that one, seeing as his car was matched alot of the time by Rhys's compact in Scotland last year...and I can tell you that Stephen was not holding back either...the compact proved to be a very nimble car. ------------- October 2-6 2008 - Houston, Texas - Long Distance Wedding March 15-April 1 2009 - Transatlantic Cruise October 10-25 2009 - China, Korea, Taiwan & Japan Cruise |
Posted By: snapon
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 05:25
|
Hang on have i missed the point again? quote: people buy BMW estates because they look cool? buy a VOLVO? 7 dogs? kids? The BMW E46 Tourer stands out in a class of its own ,its refined its elegance, it has more of a pedigree than the compact, in fact tell your wife does she know her shopping lights are still on! ------------- Just Touring.... |
Posted By: snapon
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 05:28
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Lol, family orientated? if you have half a car how can you say family orientated? why compromise on a tourer for a compact? you been drinking? ------------- Just Touring.... |
Posted By: Goldryder
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 05:42
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Snapon, Having driven a compact and travelled in the back of the same car, they are surprisingly roomy for a medium sized car.
Family orientated in respect to safety as well as size, kids in the back can't open the door before parents and maybe be run over etc cos there aren't any doors at the back. Just cos they have the hatchback does not mean they are 'half a car', they have alot of room inside and by saying they are a fraction of a normal car you are obviously thinking of the two seater BMW's, which the compact most definately is not, its a full 5 seater with plenty of legroom..even for a 6 footer like me to be comfy in. An estate car suits some people, a saloon suits others, the compact is the perfect compromise for those who want saloon comfort and space without the boxed rearend, and who want the extra carrying space given by a hatchback. The compact is a nice car, well designed for the purpose it was advertised to do. Seems you don't like them, thats fine, to each their own but those who do own them like them for a variety of reasons that may not sit comfortably with you, but you shouldn't knock the car or those who like it just cos you can't stand the car yourself. ------------- October 2-6 2008 - Houston, Texas - Long Distance Wedding March 15-April 1 2009 - Transatlantic Cruise October 10-25 2009 - China, Korea, Taiwan & Japan Cruise |
Posted By: Terrier
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 09:22
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Don't want to be picky here but the Compact is ony four seats...or at least mine is. The handling is nimble on these blighters, I'd say a damn sight better than on my old A3 1.8T Sport. Plus the boot swallows more or less everything, I had a collasped bunk bed in the back of mine (although with about two foot of it hanging out the back!) ------------- E36 Compact 
|
Posted By: Goldryder
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 09:33
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Rhys says, The Compact is a 5 seater as there is a lapbelt in the middle of the back seats, which also split and fold flat (something some other models don't do..)
Rhys also says he has had his other half and her family in his, 3 adults in the back with no problem. (He is here atm) Just loaded the back with a LOT of boxes, which there is no way you would get in a coupé, the difference is that when the seats go back up, and the parcel shelf slots back in - it's anormal car again (that's if there is actually a definition of normal we can all agree on )------------- October 2-6 2008 - Houston, Texas - Long Distance Wedding March 15-April 1 2009 - Transatlantic Cruise October 10-25 2009 - China, Korea, Taiwan & Japan Cruise |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 14:24
|
Yes, IMO she is My Fiance hates estates and says they all look awful. The BMW estate may look a bit nicer than a volvo estate but in terms of practicallity its is miles behind. Buying a BMW estate is a bit like buying a pair of wellies that are made of silk. Sure they look a lot nicer than good old green ones but they aint water proof so what's the point! All IMO of course.
------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 14:33
You could take that argument as far as you like though couldn't you. If they didn't make the compact you could say the 316 is an entry level for those who can't afford a BMW with a proper engine. If they didn't make a 316 either you could then make the same comment about the 318. You're right it does sound snobish. ------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: mell
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 16:47
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nothing wrong in liking the better things in life,if that makes me a snob then so be it lol . i had a 318 when i was 18 and it was slow sluggish and basic,but i still managed to write it off into a granite wall lol to be honest it was the best place for it. ------------- |
Posted By: Goldryder
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 16:56
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Absolutely nothing wrong in wanting the good life and all that goes with it, but some..and before you jump, I don't mean you Mell...seem to think that the smaller and more basic spec and the hatchback BMW's are either half a car or not 'real' BMW's and thus are targetted for really unneccessary unpleasantness.
The BMW marque in general has always had an aire of being out of reach for many years, which is where alot of the bad reputation has come from in respect to drivers being snobby and obnoxious. When the smaller engined cars, including the compact, were produced they were aimed primarily at those people who had wanted a BMW but felt they were out of financial reach. This doesn't mean they are downmarket or substandard cars, it just means the range is within reach for more people. And by being within reach to more people, those same people can gradually work up the range should they wish to..just as you have done Mell. ------------- October 2-6 2008 - Houston, Texas - Long Distance Wedding March 15-April 1 2009 - Transatlantic Cruise October 10-25 2009 - China, Korea, Taiwan & Japan Cruise |
Posted By: mell
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 17:03
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i havnt worked my way up gold ive always had nice cars,it was what i could get insured on at the time,i dont feel you get a proper beemer until you go up in the range same as mercs,you drive a c180 and they are a bag of sh1te,your better off with your money buying a car that doesnt have a exspensive name and get a better drive and more for your money. ------------- |
Posted By: Goldryder
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 17:25
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The only BMW I owned was the 6, but that doesn't count cos I only drove it to/from garages. I drove Rhys's compact and was pleasantly surprised by the spec level and its performance and comfort.
I started relatively small/basic when I first started out as a driver back in 1981, my last full time car was the Supra Turbo which I loved to bits and have regretted selling every day since I sold it. ------------- October 2-6 2008 - Houston, Texas - Long Distance Wedding March 15-April 1 2009 - Transatlantic Cruise October 10-25 2009 - China, Korea, Taiwan & Japan Cruise |
Posted By: Hammer1
Date Posted: 02-July-2005 at 18:00
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For my troubles i own a sport compact and if i had a choice i would probably get a coupe but the hatch is perfect for what i need. BTW bmw estates dont float my boat much or estates in general,never like their looks much but if i had to have one it would have to be one of these beasts http://www.t3.co.uk/reviews/auto/estate/audi_rs_6_avant_plus?SQ_DESIGN_NAME=print_t3 - http://www.t3.co.uk/reviews/auto/estate/audi_rs_6_avant_plus ?SQ_DESIGN_NAME=print_t3 anything else is a poor alternative to this beast ------------- e36 318ti sport |
Posted By: snapon
Date Posted: 03-July-2005 at 06:22
------------- Just Touring.... |
Posted By: editfmah
Date Posted: 03-July-2005 at 13:07
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Yeah but a volvo estate doesn't have a world class straight six engine!
------------- E36 328i Touring + E36 Compact 318Ti |
Posted By: editfmah
Date Posted: 03-July-2005 at 13:13
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Oh and exactly how much cheaper was a compact than the saloon, what was
that? not at all! I mean my 318Ti when brand new with air con and
alloys was more than a 318 saloon. Better spec, far superior
engines than the saloon! 4 pots anyway. Yeah, the cheap issue
doesn't stack up, same as the one series over 30k (source top gear, I
think, may be wrong) can be spent in the most obsene configurations and
custom paint options. If I remember rightly the compact was about 15k and the 316 saloon was 15.8k. But as i said before the compact is worth at least 1k more than the saloon spec for spec now. Why the higher price, demand. Someone must also like them. ------------- E36 328i Touring + E36 Compact 318Ti |
Posted By: editfmah
Date Posted: 03-July-2005 at 13:15
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Nope mine definatley has a lapbelt in the middle, and mines an early one. And your right about the nibleness, the saloon doesn't have that and the coupes just a firmer bloater. ------------- E36 328i Touring + E36 Compact 318Ti |
Posted By: mell
Date Posted: 03-July-2005 at 16:29
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well each to there own,if you own one and your happy good for ya,but this was a thread asking peoples opinions good or bad,we are all different and thank god as it be a boring place if we wernt lol think its far to say that its a pretty equal the likes and dislikes,its just all to do with your own lifestyle and what you need and look for in a car ------------- |
Posted By: snapon
Date Posted: 03-July-2005 at 16:46
------------- Just Touring.... |
Posted By: Mewburn
Date Posted: 03-August-2005 at 12:48
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I just bought a 318ti dakar yellow compact. It is my first beemer i could have bought a new one but i have always loved the e36 shape. I sold a new focus RS to get it! So far I love it my boyfriend and my dad both have coupes and mine is much faster maybe this is because of the chip etc? I love the individual colour and i think i will be keeping her for a while.... ps. she handles loads better than the focus and hasent stopped since i bought her (unlike the focus stopped 5 times in a month!) So i got a cheap car that i love and totally different to what i was looking for (jag XKR) and i have fallen in love |
Posted By: Rhys
Date Posted: 03-August-2005 at 18:09
..maybe it's to do with it being lighter as well. No multilink rear suspension on the ti, you get the simpler E30 rear end instead. Any pic's? ------------- V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet... |
Posted By: LuxAuto
Date Posted: 03-August-2005 at 18:28
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I've got to admit that I always thought the Compact was an ugly
car. The boot just seems to be a tad too high and short, as it it
has been cut off without any thought. However, I'm getting used to it now, and it's quite a refined drive. I don;t think i would buy another one though, I only bought this one beause i got it for a bargain price. |
Posted By: t11mfn
Date Posted: 04-August-2005 at 13:08
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Ive got a E46 compact and its a lovely car I wouldnt go as far as to say i wouldnt swap it for anything else but I change me cars more often than not to try something new.
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