E36 328, two MX-5s and usual hatchback runabouts
'Proper' cylinder count an important factor
"Having had the MX-5 bug and got that out of my system I bought a cheap E36 328, which I loved - it was more power to the rears and comfortable with a subtle but satisfying engine note. MOT time came around, and I found that despite looking shiny and clean on the outside it was keeping a dirty rotten secret underneath round the rear suspension mounts. Too much welding and work was required so I cut my losses, sold for parts and began saving up.
"My criteria was still the same in that I wanted something that could be fun and enjoyable when I want to push it but also be a comfortable and effortless cruiser when I need and had to be rear-wheel drive. I went for this newer cleaner 330Ci with the marmite SMG gearbox with the aim of having something to keep me entertained for at least a couple of years and no nasty surprises at MOT time."
What I wish I'd known:
"If the gearbox pump fails (which mine hasn't yet) it can cost a lot to change, same with the clutch as the gearbox computer will need recalibrating. I bought mine having already had a clutch change this year at a cost of just over £1,700 - scary stuff! Other than that not too many surprises having had the E36 328 previously and a very short spell with an E46 318 (not enough cylinders!)."
Tasty spec includes controversial SMG 'box
"The look of it with M Sport kit, the classic six-pot BMW engine note, the Alcantara sports seats, the firm but still comfortable M Sport suspension, the effortless acceleration and of course the SMG gearbox which, as I mentioned above, people either seem to love or hate. I find using the sequential shifter or paddles to be an enjoyable but different experience (takes some getting used to) but not any less engaging on a fast drive than a conventional manual - although I am sure plenty will disagree. I often find myself trying to work out if it shifts as quickly in sport mode as I could in a full manual. It seems pretty quick so I don't think there would be a lot in it, it might even be marginally quicker."
Things I hate:
"Nothing I really hate although I would prefer a slightly louder exhaust note as sometimes it is a bit too subtle when you are really putting your foot down. I might look at an induction kit but I don't want anything too drastic and am aware that some induction kits can reduce power so will need to research carefully. Also on a cold morning for the first couple of minutes in first gear when you come off the throttle at a junction before it has warmed up, it can be a bit jerky as you can't dip the clutch. But this is no issue after a few minutes. Finally mpg scares some people on short stop-start trips (about 21/22) but I knew that before buying and it doesn't bother me too much - I still think it delivers respectable figures considering the engine size and age of the car."
SMG gearbox defines drive; Ed's a fan
"I generally service it myself and for anything else use BMW specialists local to me of which thankfully there are a few as I don't fancy main stealer pricing. So far have had the thermostat and serpentine and air-con belts changed at around £180 all in, have fixed an airbag light for £5 well spent on a resistor off of eBay and other than that just been putting fuel in it every week. My average mpg is about 27 which is not including any motorway runs, mainly town based driving and B-road blasts. With a gentle right foot 30mpg is no problem on a long motorway cruise. Insurance is around £600 for me as I am 23 now so got some good no claims discount to apply. Tax is reasonable considering the engine size so all in all so far not too bad! Although as mentioned above if the gearbox starts playing up things can quickly get expensive, and good tyres don't come cheap on 18s..."
Where I've been:
"Nothing too exciting yet, just planting the throttle around some of the B-roads local to me for a bit of fun and an hour or so to Brighton which was pretty effortless to be honest. Got some longer trips coming up to Bristol and Birmingham which should suit the car well, and will take it to Sunday Service sometime soon. I would also like to take it to France for a poke around at some point next year and pay a visit to Monaco and test out some of the driving roads away from the tourist areas."
M3 too costly to insure; 330Ci suitable alternative
"No plans to sell it any time soon as an M3 or Skyline aren't quite affordable yet thanks to insurance. I would like to try the induction kit for a slight noise increase and am toying with the idea of tinting the rear windows. Will also need new brake discs at some point soon so will possibly get some drilled and grooved discs all round in the next few months. Other than that just plan to keep on driving it and keeping it clean."
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