I am considering trading my old benz for a old bmw.

I know that it is mostly a matter of taste as these cars are alot differnt in their driving objectives. I am wondering if it would be a reasonable decision. The history of the bmw is great. a little high miles at 170000.. my turbo diesel is as strong as ever at 276K.

It just seems that the bmw would be alot of fun to drive. 170 horsepower in that little car. I am sure that it can move out pretty good.

any general feedback is welcome.

I dont know why I am so crazy about these old cars but I am

bob c

I don't blame you. I think I'm definitely getting a 1986 BMW M635CSi (Euro). With 268hp the thing would be quite a car to drive compared to my 120hp diesel

It doesn't look as elegant or as nice inside and its AC is nowhere near as "good" (relatively) as the 300CD's.

However the BMW's driving position is almost perfect. The seats are great and the manual transmission! shifts soo nicely!

I'm not trading in my benz though... If I really like the BMW I might eventually sell the 300CD. Otherwise the 300CD has been VERY reliable and has never let me down on the road.

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe

The original small block 2.5 was the M20, I believe. It's a sweet engine, and while it won't last as long as a 617 (what will), the mileage shouldn't be an issue. One point - the M20 had a timing belt (switched to a chain in the M50 successor). If it's made it to 170k it's probably been maintained, but check the records, especially for belt replacement.

The m20 is a great little engine in both the e and i form. The gets great MPG but has 50 less HP but more low end torque beacuse of the lower red line. Good mileage, cheap to fix, pretty easy to work on, lots of torque (I don't care about HP) 170,000 is no bigg deal top ends need to be rebuilt normally around 200-250k, bottom ends good untill about 400-500k all assuming the oil level is good and the engine is taken care of. But as stated above change the timing belt it's not hard I can even walk you through it if you need. Also you need to convert to the TORX head bolts because the Hex head bolts snap. Another good thing is the fact that parts are not hard to come buy because there are e30's in junkyard everywhere in 318i,325e/s,325i/is, 325 forms. Also BMP makes tons of aftermarket parts if you really want some preformance.
I don't know which you should do but there is my info on the 325

also is it a 5 speed or auto. if auto I would stay away unless you can pay for tran. work

Hoe long have you had your car?

If you're needing a reliable everyday car, and you're looking at high milers, I would trust one I knew well more than some other one 'with good history'

IMO if you need a daily driver, keep what you've got unless you're really going for a decent upgrade of car, not just 'something similar' but with better bits here and there. Do you love the BMW or just kinda fancy the change?

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190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg

oooooooooo...I had one of these back when I was living in the bay area...silver/grey with black interior...bought it new from Peter Pan BMW (I wonder if it is still around...I always loved the name)...loved the car! I cannot recall any real serious problems with it...or any random break downs...it was pretty much standard oil change/maintenance at the dealership and that was pretty much it...car feels and drives much better than the newer E36...tosses around much nicer...the only thing that I hated about that car were the "A/C" and "air-recirculation" buttons...they would illuminate frosty blue and orange respectively when on...and when you go turn them off...you'll get a NASTY burn from the button...I believe the heat actually caused one of the buttons to crack at the corner...those were the pre "I bought a McDonald's coffee and dropped it on myself and got burned so I gotta sue" days...or I woulda been a billionaire by now Nice car...find a good example one...and I doubt u'll have any problems...

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

I dont even know yet if it is going to pan out.

The lust for the new car (1987 325i) is waining but I still would like one. I love my mb diesel but I crave another challange. I fixed just about everything on it and it runs so good that it would be borderline stupid to sell it. I do crave some speed however and there is not much of that in a 300d. Form your post I gather that the 325 is a fine little car that would be alot of fun to own. I get one soon but I might just have to wait for a while.

Human emotions cost lots of money. I am just glad that it only cost a couple of grand to stroke mine now and then.

best of luck

bob