I put the C5 for sale....but

[stu9]

Got offered a 00' 316 1.8 Compact....I said no thanks

I might have did it but the thought of more expensive tax,ins (probably) and less mpg put me off, plus it's BM's idea of a hatch....I prefer saloons or estates.

Mind you, it's alot better looking and driving than a C5 will ever be....(scratches chin..)

[qprdude]

What's an 00' 316 Compact?

[stu9]

Think of a saloon with a short boot....but the window lifts ie hatch

[Deanxm]

Mind you, it's alot better looking and driving than a C5 will ever be....(scratches chin..)

If it was a proper b'em i may agree but the compact isnt a patch on the drive of a C5, its smaller, much more expensive to run and more importantly than any of that..........................ITS A GIRLS CAR

D

[addo]

I cannot see the point of physically comparing a SWB with a LWB car.

A more honest appraisal would address which one suits your needs and preferences.

From the POV of having done workshop time, the BMWs were frequently owned by people who could not quite afford them - hence they were always crumbling in some capacity - leaking hoses, worn out brakes, dodgy tyres or flogged out chassis components.

[Peter.N.]

I briefly had a BMW 5 series estate, the IDI one, it was rubbish compared with the XM, no space, no ride comfort and no low down torque. Depends what you want from a car of course, if you are a boy racer a Beemer is fine but if you want comfort and space you can't beat the hydropnumatic Citroens.

Peter

[qprdude]

I believe BMW owners sneer at the 316 hatch, saying it's what people buy when they can't afford a real BMW.
I suppose it's true, although not very nice.
Would it be like saying "I drive a Merc" then turning up in an "A" class, or even a Smart for 4?
The 316 always reminds me on a Rover, either the 200 series or the 400, can't remember which. Agree about the comparison. Totally different cars for totally different purposes, and shouldn't really have the same customer base.
It says a lot that a 2000 316 can be had for around £500-£600. Much the same as a series 1 C5, despite the "Badge appeal" for the less decerning motorist.