I'm selling my Boxster for something more "practical".

My options: c320, BMW 330i, or possible A4 (all in the 2002-2004 range with ~60-80k miles)

I'm sure some of you were in the same situation as me before you bought your W203, so if any of you could offer me some advice I would really appreciate it. I'm sure most responses will be somewhat biased for obvious reasons, but any informations should be helpful.

Main issues I'm concerned with:
- likely costly repairs (over $1000)
- reliability issues
- any known problem areas I should watch out for when looking for a good c320


Thanks in advance, boxster pics: http://joshdowell.com/boxster

 

Josh,just depends on what u really want. The Bimmer will be the best handling of those choices,the A4,may be the most reliable,but the C320 is gonna give u a more comfortable ride than the rest as well as having a cache & heritage the other two can only dream about! U might Search The Fking Forum is a heavily-used euphemism here (STFF). U should be able to find some threads/posts regarding things to look out for before buying. I think I remember one from only a couple weeks ago or so. Being lucky enough to have owned all 3,the BMW was fun to drive (I was also a kid,driving crazy) but w/o a doubt owning my Benz has been an absolute blast! From driving (SOOO comfy!) to modding to being complimented all the time! Wouldnt trade it for anything!! Good luck dude!

 

There are recent threads in this regard. Take Ken's good advice & STFF before a dreaded veteran of the forum takes action Good luck!

 

i'd go with the 330i unless you're thinking about getting the C32. price difference between the C32 and the C320 is very little on used car market.

 

Yeah, I read some of the older posts but they are talking mostly about how the cars drive and handle. I'm kind of wondering if there are any known problems to look for when purchasing any of these cars in this year range. I know the E46's have had subframe issues and the ever-failing suspension bushings.

Do the W203 have any notable problems to look out for besides the usual?

I think I read that some of the early ones had some major hvac issues...


btw, I drove a 330i with sport package today for the first time. It was a steptronic and I was fairly impressed with the responsiveness of that transmission. I'm definitely a manual man all the way, but I'm moving to LA and need something for traffic.

 

notable problems would be

crank position sensor, MAF, swaybar bushings/endlinks, and engine mount.

just remember the rule of thumb: MB = more comfortable to drive. BMW = more fun to drive.

 

i was in the same situation about 2 years ago, and I end up buying C320. I had bimmer before, and I do miss that fun part about bimmer. Also 330i is more gas efficient as well.

I agree with Frank, either 330 or C32, forget about C320, I kinda regret for not getting C32 at first.

 

the M112 C320 can be efficient too. I was driving my sister's w208 CLK320 and I was getting 28-29mpg cruising at 70mph. not the same can be said with my C32 tho. 23mpg at most.

 

i can get around that at the same speed as well, but my freind can get over 30 on his 330, not a lot more effiicient, but it does make a little bit of difference.

 

Almost afraid to answer this, I just test drove the newest BMW the 1 series.......very cool then I drove the 645CI, IMO, with the problems Ive had with my C320 and on yeah guys in addition to the CPS, Mass Air Flow, Bushing problems and the last is the never ending ELECTRIC SHORTS......seat modules and there are a few others...............so I wouldnt hesistate to get a Beemer in fact I ll be trading my lemon in soon

 

so you are gonna get a Bike?