A good friend of mine who lives on the coast in Massachusetts happens to drive an E91 328i xDrive Touring equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This Touring would be the last five-door estate BMW would offer in the US with a manual gearbox. We sat around discussing potential replacements for this machine once the time comes but the only answers seemed to be buy an old car to replace it or become an expatriate. Given he’s married with two kids, the latter option would not be all that convenient. Well, if we want to take the latter route, why not size up this 2000 323i Touring for sale in Florida with the all important third pedal?
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2000 323i Touring on eBay
Year: 2000
Model: 323i Touring
Engine: 2.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 170,256 mi
Price: Reserve auction
2000 BMW 323i Wagon 5-Speed Manual
-2.5 liter 6 Cylinder
-5 Speed
-Blue Exterior
-Tan Leather Interior
-Runs and Drives Well
-Sunroof
-Good Suspension
International and Domestic Shipping Available
Courtesy Transportation from Tampa International Airport
Inspections and Test Drives Always Welcome
Happy Bidding
While I like to find cars that are in mint condition with low mileage, truth is you’ll have a hard time sourcing an E46 Touring these days in such shape. These weren’t the most collectable of BMWs but these days, there’s a wagon renaissance which is taking place. Perhaps it’s a backlash that we are seeing against the plethora of me-too SUVs and otherwise boring minivans. While this car is closing in on 200,000 miles, I can’t help but think it leaves it ripe as a candidate for some modification. Perhaps you might have a lead on a used S54 motor with a 6-speed gearbox that you could slide in. Add on some M bodykit pieces, a set of nice BBS wheels and you’d have the M3 Touring that never was.
-Paul
It’s very difficult to put an S54 in this car. major work including dash board removal. I think the best engine would be a 330 I upgrade. I have a 2003 in Mystique Blue with sport package and 330I brakes. It is a great car. The doors have a very solid thunk and the cabin has just the right amount of insulation. The only weak spot in my opinion is that the suspensions need rebuilding a little sooner than other cars I have owned.
There was an S54 swapped Mystic Blue Touring at Larz Anderson in June. It is indeed pretty involved but looked neat!