w124 260e or e36 316i

**dx8976** · February 9th, 2006 04:12 PM

would like to get some comments on these 2.
planning to get one soon and would appreciate your input.
i think the benz would be 87-89 model and the bmw would be 94-96?
or if there is any other suggestion at this price range (i think around 350k)
which one would have better safety features, acceleration, handling, comfort, etc.
probably will be using this car myself, so driving factor would be more important than passenger factor.
thanks.

**BlueBimmer** · February 9th, 2006 04:20 PM

everyday car? 316i. weekend car? 260E.

**dx8976** · February 9th, 2006 04:49 PM

i'm thinking weekend car, pero possibly magiging everyday car kasi parang mas gusto ko wala na driver.

**kimpOy** · February 9th, 2006 04:54 PM

e36 na...lalo na kung within the city lang

**vinj** · February 9th, 2006 04:59 PM

The 260E will have a better performance given it has the bigger engine... and has more space.

The 316 should be more nimble through the corners as its a sport sedan and friendlier on the fuel budget.

It's hard to compare the two directly as they are of different vehicle classes and variants. What one has, the other doesnt so you have to look and see what you prioritize more.

At a 350K budget you'll be hard pressed IMO as you will expect repairs to be done on any of the two. A 316i at 350K may not also be in tip top condition.

Another Euro car you can get for 250-300K is a 2000 to 2001 Opel Astra.

**dx8976** · February 9th, 2006 05:06 PM

one of the reasons i put the cap at 350k is i am expecting repairs/maintenance. and i didnt want to go over 400.
would the age of a 87-89 260e make a big difference if the mileage difference between the 260e and the 316 wasnt huge (say 10,000kms)
what are common problems of these 2 cars?

nag aalangan ako sa opel because ive never had a good experience with it.

how does interior space of the e36 316 compare with the current model 318?

**dx8976** · February 9th, 2006 05:17 PM

how is parts availability? mas mahirap kaya mag source ng parts for the older 260e?

**theveed** · February 9th, 2006 05:40 PM

W124 ako... Preferably 90's model yung "E" na nasaunahan... Iba sobra dating ng W124... E36 medyo common sobra eh...

Daming pyesa for W124.. bnew, surplus... dami

*Just reread your post*

350K, medyo dehado ka pre sa ganyan na budget for a German car... Parts are not cheap compared to japs...

Based on what I know, good W124s na 260E goes for around 350K na, mga wagons around 400... I'd set aside 30-50K for repairs, maintenance (initial such as oil change, plugs etc)...

At that price, mag W126 ka nalang, although malaki sya hehe.

**dx8976** · February 9th, 2006 06:05 PM

kung may mahanap tayo 350-400 sa benz na E na ang beginning, yun na =)
sa w126, mostly S__ benzes yun right? i think ok din if we can find one that fits the budget. although we are heading towards the more vintage look already.

**squala** · February 9th, 2006 07:48 PM

I've driven a 1990 260E and a 1995 316i, both manual. The Mercedes had a really smooth ride, good power delivery and much more space, but the BMW is more fun, felt very stable with its good handling and steering feedback, and is obviously stingier with fuel. Besides a lowly 105 hp, 8-valver carrying much more weight than a regular 1.6 car should, other downsides are cramp rear space and the tendency of its chassis to hit large humps. Back to the Benz, if I'm not mistaken, it's V6 is still carbureted, so expect a rather large gas bill.