Hello everybody! I've tried to search for a similar topic but couldn't find one that would answer my questions.
I've been eyeing a preFL(I think it looks better and is cheaper) E46 as a replacement for my VW Polo(oh yeah, I'm on the other side of the Atlantic) since it's been a real disapointment in several aspects(slow, loud, rather uncomfortable, slow, no boot, zero practicality). What I had in mind was a 323i, but due to the subframe horror stories I think I'll pass on that and set my sights on a later 320i(170 bhp I think is enough and the insurance doesn't rip me apart). But one of the things that I really really want is ride comfort. I don't do many miles on a daily basis(30-50 max) but once in a while I like to go road tripping, and do a 1000 miles in a day. And for those occasions I need some comfort.
Is the E46 comfortable enough to do this? What are your expiriences? I'd love to hear them. Does the E46 preform well as a grand tourer and if yes, with what kind of seats? Or should be heading more in the E39 direction(nice car, but a bit too big and I don't really like it)?
I test drove a 323i, it had low profile tyres on 18" rims on standard suspenion and on a rough road that made my small hatchback wallow around, I was being thrown around in the BMW. It had standard cloth seats and they didn't provide any grip at all, so it wasn't the best of rides. It could've been just down to the silly tyres, but I'm not sure, and it didn't fill me with confidence...
I've been eyeing a preFL(I think it looks better and is cheaper) E46 as a replacement for my VW Polo(oh yeah, I'm on the other side of the Atlantic) since it's been a real disapointment in several aspects(slow, loud, rather uncomfortable, slow, no boot, zero practicality). What I had in mind was a 323i, but due to the subframe horror stories I think I'll pass on that and set my sights on a later 320i(170 bhp I think is enough and the insurance doesn't rip me apart). But one of the things that I really really want is ride comfort. I don't do many miles on a daily basis(30-50 max) but once in a while I like to go road tripping, and do a 1000 miles in a day. And for those occasions I need some comfort.
Is the E46 comfortable enough to do this? What are your expiriences? I'd love to hear them. Does the E46 preform well as a grand tourer and if yes, with what kind of seats? Or should be heading more in the E39 direction(nice car, but a bit too big and I don't really like it)?
I test drove a 323i, it had low profile tyres on 18" rims on standard suspenion and on a rough road that made my small hatchback wallow around, I was being thrown around in the BMW. It had standard cloth seats and they didn't provide any grip at all, so it wasn't the best of rides. It could've been just down to the silly tyres, but I'm not sure, and it didn't fill me with confidence...