loddrik Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Sell the Alpina for a 330d Sport. Got a baby on the way so 4 doors would never be a hinderence. Petrol prices are ridiculous, my mate used to fill my car on his underused fuelcard with optimax once a week and I'd have to give him £25 for the privilege, but he is changing jobs and the card is going. Filling up twice a week would be easier on the pocket than once a week. I am paying £165 a month in insurance when I earn a pitance compared to many of you at the moment, the insurance on a 330d would be about £90 p/m. If I sold the B3S I could probably get a late model 330d Sport with the later 204bhp engine with a decent spec. Is this something I should seriously think about or am I being stupid and just drive the Alpina a bit less? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malagus Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Drive the alpina a bit less for now. see how finances go when the baby is here, and if you are looking short, then reconsider your options. if it turns out you can afford the alpina, you would be angry you sold it, and you can decide how much the benefits of the 330d are worth, or wether you can afford something better (or have to choose something worse) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 The Alpina is a great car. You can't drive it less. You'd just sit there looking at it knowing the fun you'd have. But then the 330d is no slouch, so you'd have fun in that too, and save a packet in fuel and insurance. I think you're right in thinking it through, but don't get rid too soon. You say earning a pittance at the moment, could things change in the short term? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Id sell it now. The new alpina I have been told is under development and will come out when the 3 series cab does so that will be bound to effect your value. Get the d save a bit of cash and if you can afford something better in a while (or a couple of weeks knowing you ) then consider that then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loddrik Posted September 18, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 [ QUOTE ] You say earning a pittance at the moment, could things change in the short term? [/ QUOTE ] Doesn't seem to be, I am seriously contemplating teaching, so money won't be great in the medium term either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Hmm, if you look at this as a car v car choice only then I still think it's an interesting dilemma. However, when you then factor in the finances you mention then the drop in insurance, coupled with the MPG you'll get, pretty much seals the decision I'd say. That is....if you want to do the sensible thing. Future BMW releases aren't going to see the Alpina affected too much anyway because it does occupy a rather unique segment of the market. Personally, if it were me, I'd buy the 330d. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danksy Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Sell the Alpina, and come over to the dark sooty side Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Agreed, welcome to the darkside. It is dirty but I love it. Personally I think the E46 looked its finest in early facelift guise with the old sport bumpers (below). A rare combination sadly. Never liked the newer style sport bumpers so much. Not sure if aforementioned 2002 MY has the 6 speed manual gearbox though? No doubt you already have year spec colour budget etc in your head anyway: Keep us updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loddrik Posted September 18, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Gotta sell the Alpina first, but I'd be after something like this - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_m Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Lodders, the Alpina is a great car, but so is the 330D sport, great performance and even better economy! From the times I have read your posts, I think it is safe to say you have more than persuaded yourself to buy it anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loddrik Posted September 18, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Don't get me wrong, if the finances permitted, I'd keep the Alpina, it is a far superior machine. But I am not too flush at present, post degree and all, and the 330d is much more relevant at the moment, petrol prices et al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_m Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 but, if things are that difficult, the 320d sport would be worth looking at!! It would cost a lot less on the outlay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesB Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 I think it's a wise course of action. Yes, you'll miss the power and handling of the Alpina but the 330d is a good car anyway. You'll save a packet at a time when a much greater expense is about to arrive and your earnings aren't so brilliant. A no-brainer IMHO. You can always get another Alpina when you've made your fifth million (or something) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Gotta sell the Alpina first, but I'd be after something like this.... [/ QUOTE ] Cool, lovely standard 18MV IIs on later sport models. Bitch to clean no doubt! Uprated torque from the original 2000 models' 288 lb ft to 302?. Manual 6 speed gearbox was standard I'm sure on for the 2003 MY on all 320d, 330d and 330i variants. The E46 is an absolute masterpiece of engineering - but you trying to set a record for the number of different E46 models one person has ever owned Lodders?! Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R32North Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 330D is a great car. I'd love one!!!! I keep hanging onto the very impractical R32, cos I have an old Audi Avant, but common sense is telling me to sell it and buy a quality diesel car, ie 330D Tourer or Audi Avant. I'll see what happens in the coming months, but in the current climate, ie petrol and your job situation I'd be inclined to go for the 330D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Lodders.. As has been mentioned. You don't have a job that pays loads yet. You have a little one on the way so I am thinking that money isn't exactly in abundance at the moment. Changing cars regularly can make serious dents in your bank balance. So hows about a nice spec'ed 320d and a few pennies into the bank or less on a loan to take the pressure off you. Fuel economy will be stunning and you will have lots more money free. When things have sorted themselves out get yourself a new motor when you can afford it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Will you do the mileage in a 330d to merit the benefits from improved fuel consuption? Been driving a 3.0d SRi Vectra and around town and stuff it isnt that much more economical than my petrol, only comes into its own on the longer journeys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattR32 Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 I find the range of a diesel very useful rather than wittering on about mpg. I've had to "downgrade" recently (mostly through vandalism damage) and therefore "downgrade" my interest in cars until I have more money again. It's not the end of the World and for all the moments when having a load of power is great (not often) the benefits of much cheaper running costs and generally thinking about life outside cars is very beneficial. I chucked a shed load of money and worry into R32 ownerships. With the Astra, I can just relax, still have a bit of fun and spend a fraction of what I used to. Got a mate who has just finished a student course and upgraded from an R32 to an S4 Avant (new shape) - Luckily for him ,his dad is obscenely loaded and he's on a miassive trust fund deal. Handy. I'd concentrate on your baby and other things for a bit - They ain't cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanW Posted September 20, 2005 Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 If you're doing the mileage to justify a 3.0 then I'd say it's a definate yes, if it's just for bobbing about in then the 2.0 may well be a better choice. I do miss my old 330D for those long motorway journeys . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonb Posted September 20, 2005 Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 Cab Lad - is that your old BMW? Very nice indeed whoever's it is!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanW Posted September 20, 2005 Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 Yeah that's my old one, cheers mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loddrik Posted September 20, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 No chance I could get a 320d, once you have driven the 330d, only that will do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanW Posted September 20, 2005 Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 I would agree with that, especially coming from the Alpina! They are a lot cheaper though, that's why I suggested it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activa Posted September 20, 2005 Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 Go for the diesel,it makes financial sense. I said I'd never own a diesel and then bought a Golf on Sunday just 'cos it runs on derv(haven't posted this yet 'cos I haven't taken snaps and don't want a "this thread is useless...." scenario!). 330d's are serious, as you know,and may put enough of a smile on your face and your pocket to make you stick with it. It may not be ultimately as quick as the Alpina but I bet there are certain real world driving situations where that massive,instant torque would give you some food for thought. Get a remap and who knows how close they'll be! O.K,it won't be as special as what you're driving now,but special doesn't pay for the fuel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudiPartner Posted September 20, 2005 Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 I spy with my little eye... Lodders' Alpina on eBay!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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