So someone might buy my e36 for a really good price. With my tax return + some extra shifts at work I can see myself saving 12-13k for an e46. First of all is this a realistic price range? I've been looking around and and I have seen some 323's for around 12k. My main concern is maintaining the car. I will be taking it to my mechanic which is a really good friend and does not charge much for work. Most of the time he won't even charge me. I'm also a DIY guy, I work at his garage with his help.

My question is: Is it that much more to maintain an e46 as opposed to a e36. If it matter's I'm 20, School is payed for by scholarships and awards and I only pay bill's, no rent. If not an e46 I will be getting a 95-99 e36.

I see a few E46's for 8K. If you're a DIY kind of person, or know someone who will work on it for cheap go right ahead. I'm not sure if it's more expensive/complicated for an e46 compared to an e36. It looks like mechanical wise alot of things are the same. I have no issues so far, I'm 22, loaded with bills and I just had a kid. All the major maintence can easily be done yourself or for cheap. Major engine repair is costly on most cars, BMW not being an exception, but these motors are built to last so..yea.. just my input..

Sounds like you are in the perfect position to find and buy a high mile but well cared for e46.

Try for the 02 or later....99-01 were the first years and certain problems seem to be more common than with the 02+ models.

We got our 2000 323 with 106k miles for 12,800. It has sport pack and all, and I am just learning some DIY stuff. With bimmerforums, DIY is surprisingly easy.

Fluid changes, brakes, air/cabin filters, fuel filter....all are 2/10 on the difficulty scale for a DIY.

Water pump, evap tank, power steering, ABS...these are about a 5/10 on the scale, and many people do them at home.

You really should consider doing everything from the first list at home...save you tons of $$.

Thats just what I wanted to hear. If I work on my own car at my boys shop I can use all his tools plus they help me out. He won't charge me for that. He only charges me If I leave the car there and they do all the work. Plus most of the time I just get out of the way and they help me when they can. It has saved me tons of money. He changed my e36 transmission for 250 dollars. Nice, I'm going to sell my car and try to get into an e46. If I have to i'll take out a 2-3k dollar loan.

We have an airforce base that we have access to that has a car garage with tons of lifts, tools, and advice. Its like Bimmer DIY heaven!!

We have an airforce base that we have access to that has a car garage with tons of lifts, tools, and advice. Its like Bimmer DIY heaven!!

Oh my GOD I would be in HEAVEN!

If I need a tool...I have to go buy one. :shifty

To the OP: Man....sounds like you have the hookup too. Nice. If you do get an E46...be sure to get the Bentley Service manual asap. Its easily the best service manual for any car I have ever owned. It makes the chilton's guide seem like it was written by capuchin monkeys.

I didn't know monkeys drank cappuccino.

Latte, perhaps.

Or do you mean " The Monkeys " with Davy jones ?

You guys want to start a legal Gumball Rally for E46 owners ?

http://rainforest.montclair.edu/pwebrf/rainforest/Background/images/capuchin3.jpg

Nice ummm....monkey