Dsannin: So what do you guys think of the new 4 series coupe? too long? to big ? to wide ? dont like the number ?

Gee2728: . Nice point. Am not too sure abt the design of that car, honestly my heart is finding it hard to warming up to the new 4series. I jst hope it will make my favorite 3 series cheaper.

talktimi: AMEN AMEN AMEN #infelavoice

Gee2728: Sadly, lately every thing is automatic. Have been in the market for a E36 328i manual gear or a E39 530i manual shifter but it so hard 2 find one. Am not even sure costom will clear such a old car coming into this country. It so sad how the good times are fading away, its bye bye to the hard shifting by urself.

yungboss:
'96 328i...i'm sure customs will do...they clear the '97 camrys and honda cars...even the w202 c class as i know someone who just purchased one...

Gee2728: I guess I'll keep my hope alive of geting a manual shift b4 the year runs out.

talktimi: i still dont understand why i should buy the automatic version of any german sedan or coupe. There are times one just wants to DRIVE

yungboss:
it's my aim to get a '97 M3 through Siena's assistance, '97 manual, already enquired, but my madam wouldn't want a BMW..."old car" in her words (women and their ways, lol). I'm still trying to work on her mind...i told her "manual Shift" and she was like "You dont want me to drive..."
but i'm only worried about the M3's maintenance in Nigeria.
Does it share parts with the ''96/97 328i
Does it use Brembo Brakes?

Dsannin: This thing people have for manual gears still baffles me oh. I drive a 99/2000 bmw 318ci and its automatic with the steptronic and i know how fast it goes. manual would just add so much calculations to a speedy exit or getaway. i only use the steptronics to downshift but hey we are in nigeria afterall this only happens on ozumba at close to midnight. On another note i loooooove the 1 series and yes the 135i, its a smaller car with a bigger engine thats what i am looking for now mehn, i wonder how much it goes for?

Gee2728: true talk, those steptronics are quite good. But hope say u no 4get say that ur 318ci is the slowest of the ci, I bliv if its matted with a 5speed manual u'll get more out of it than the auto shift. Most bmw are high reving engine so how do u do dat on an auto shift.

Dsannin: On another note guys, say i was to have about 1.8mil to 2.0mil, would i be able to get a good x5 within that range. Then, how reliable is the x5 off the tarmac i know its classified as an SAV but i mean its all or four wheel drive whats the point of that if it will get stuck in mud or sand. Finally would you guys suggest an x3 even though i think the ground clearance is sub par to other vehicle of its class?

Gee2728: bro pls I beg u leave a 2.0mil X5 alone. It maybe a high mileage or something is up with it. They are mostly easy to run as brand new. And I hope u dnt need it as an everyday car cos the fuel consumption is not too good. This big german cars are heavily over-engineered so there's bound to be issue here and there. Remember to whom much is given much will be expected. Pls let's buy our cars wisely.

Most of the politicians and gov officials I work for have this big SUV( range, X5, LX e.t.c) but they dnt use them as daily drives with all the money they have. There's always a PAN 406 somewhere in the compound. That's jst my own advice.

Emperoh:

You know, this your advice is ringing like a bell in my ear now as i try to decide what to get for personal use and an eventual everyday run around.
My first choice will be a 325i or a C240 4Matic. But hey, cost of maintenance? I really need to consider this.
Getting the car one off isn't where all the problem lies. But, what will it cost to keep? What will labor for a normal maintenance trip cost me? Normal parts like, shocks, CV joints, plugs, sensors and what have you, what will it cost me?

I am tempted of making a detour to the Japanese that can sustain some sort of abuse, but how can i sacrifice my craving for a German machine?

Can we have a debate on what it costs on the average to keep a compact German car? Specifically, the E46 325 or 328i?
Awaiting your responses!

Emperoh: Yungboss,

I will speak with you on phone when am set to shoot.
Cos a couple of things still look somewhat vague to me.

But my main concern is still the cost of keep the car and what likely issues one needs to look out for.
E46 is where i am stuck if BMW.

Gee2728: I drive a W202 C230kompressor, but honestly any given sunday I'll pick that E46 banger over that wacky W203 C240. Pls dnt be fooled that C240 slow infact all day long it wld never run away from my kompressor. The interior maybe well finished but for me that's all abt it.

Was once in a friends E46 330ci, mennn for every time he put his foot on the gas I felt as if my neck was going 2 break. Those E46 are devilishly fast. The maintenance are usually the normal routine, trust me u'll so enjoy this car u'll want to service it even when its not due. But pls shine ur eyes and choose wisely when u buy so that u'll not get a beat down one. Best at it.

Thank you Gee.
I guess i am being carried away by the looks really.
Quite elegant and classy. . . . .the BMW doesn't have that refinement unless the 5 series of the same year range.

Per the bolded, anything i should look out for? Or any particular limits to be conscious of?
I am a dealer and i can boast to knowing almost all the tricks and all. But nothing is better than ideas from a consumer.

Gee2728: I guess I'll keep my hope alive of geting a manual shift b4 the year runs out.

Gee2728: I drive a W202 C230kompressor, but honestly any given sunday I'll pick that E46 banger over that wacky W203 C240. Pls dnt be fooled that C240 slow infact all day long it wld never run away from my kompressor. The interior maybe well finished but for me that's all abt it.

Was once in a friends E46 330ci, mennn for every time he put his foot on the gas I felt as if my neck was going 2 break. Those E46 are devilishly fast. The maintenance are usually the normal routine, trust me u'll so enjoy this car u'll want to service it even when its not due. But pls shine ur eyes and choose wisely when u buy so that u'll not get a beat down one. Best at it.

Ikenna351: @ Emperoh & au.hanson,

I wonder why you guys are so scared of BM, especially the E46.

I took a special interest in E46 328 sometime last year. From my finding, after physically examining or studying one, it's a complete DIY car. Every injection component is well layed out on the engine, and easily reached. A very simple injection system, to my understanding.

My point is, if iam to add another RWD to my collection, E46 328 it will be, for now.

So, guys, have no fear.

Ikenna

Ikenna351: @ Emperoh & au.hanson,

I wonder why you guys are so scared of BM, especially the E46.

I took a special interest in E46 328 sometime last year. From my finding, after physically examining or studying one, it's a complete DIY car. Every injection component is well layed out on the engine, and easily reached. A very simple injection system, to my understanding.

My point is, if iam to add another RWD to my collection, E46 328 it will be, for now.

So, guys, have no fear.

Ikenna

Ikenna351: @ Emperoh & au.hanson,

I wonder why you guys are so scared of BM, especially the E46.

I took a special interest in E46 328 sometime last year. From my finding, after physically examining or studying one, it's a complete DIY car. Every injection component is well layed out on the engine, and easily reached. A very simple injection system, to my understanding.

My point is, if iam to add another RWD to my collection, E46 328 it will be, for now.

So, guys, have no fear.

Ikenna

Emperoh:

And cost of replacement parts?

U know, am looking at it to be sure it's something that won't bore a hole in one's pocket.
I can also see that there are divergent views on which is a better car.

Some give it to BMW while a good number disagrees. One thing going for the Mercedes is the design and finishing.
They are top notch and eye catching! But practicability is another thing really.

Which costs reasonably cheaper/easier to keep?