Hi all,
Looking for a new car. I'm also new to the forums!
My first car was a E36 318is that used to be my dad's and I loved that car until everything went south. That was 5 years ago. Now I'm in the market for a used car (budget of $5500) and I'm looking at BMWs again, namely an E46 (looking on craigslist). I'm aware of the potential for maintenance and I will do my best to make it work. I thought about getting a Honda or Toyota tank but I know I won't be happy with it. I'm 26 and I feel like a BMW will be good for me at this point in terms of my mindset. Yeah, I know that sounds a bit shallow but I'm just speaking from experience.
I plan on driving this next car as long as practically possible while I finish up grad school (currently a grad assistant) and get a teaching/conducting job in a year and a half. I'll be driving it like a daily driver. I usually take public transportation to school, but I'm a professional classical musician who needs a car for gigs when they come up, or when I need to use it for school errands. I plan on driving this car around 300-500 miles a month (sometimes even less). If I do drive it's about 5-15 miles at a time, usually around 2-4 times a week.
Do you think an E46 is good for someone with my driving habits? Also any buying advice or what to expect would really help. Thanks for your time.
First of all, E46's (namely with the M54 variant) don't like short drives. They like when they can be warmed up and driven to get everything flowing correctly. "peanut butter" builds up as a result of condensation and short drives, which can plug up the Oil Separator and cause issues.
Earlier models can suffer from torn rear subframes, or at least weak. With all E46's, control arm bushings, cooling systems(!), DISA valve, intake boots, suspension, and various other things wear out. Take any car for a pre-purchase inspection so you have at least an idea of what you're getting yourself in to.
Here's a good list of Part Numbers and whatnot for E46's:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=923563
2015 M235i 6MT
Try to get your hands on a 2003, I had a 2001, they tried to make it into a Toyota, but only the worst parts of a toyota..
My 528 is a German Tank..
My 2008 Chihuahua is Blue deal with it
Always teaching now getting paid for it.
The changes made from 01-03 were largely insignificant. The biggest change occured 00-01 as the M54 engines were rolled out. If missing foglights and no armrest really make you think BMW tried to make a Toyota... then turn in your BMW enthusiast card, we will add a strike to your man card, and if thats the third strike it will be revoked.
Going into my TENTH YEAR of providing high quality reproduction BMW fabrics!
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A preface lift e46 m tech 1 car can be bought for around $5500. Very sporty looking also. Chicks dig them. You can take chicks to go get their groceries.
Life is like a car wash and I'm on a bicycle.
Isn't 03 to 05 more desirable?
E39 DIYs done: Wipers, O2 sensors , MAF , Upper/Lower Intake Boots , FSU , ABS module fix , Power Steering Reservoir , Changed Rear Differential Oil , DISA , SAP, Vacuum lines , Radar Detector Hardwire , Fuel Filter , LED Angel Eyes , Headlight Adjusters--> [1],[2], [3] , Headlight Polishing, Punted: Fan Clutch/Tensioner/Pulleys , Oil cap O-rings , Window regulator ,Crumbling Cowl
Great cars, not cheap to maintain.
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