E46...which year, which model? can't decide

[BLack indian]

Bro elixi,so u r using e46 325 ah?So how is the car runs now cause most of my frens recommend this model to me,could u tell me what sort of maintenence should i do after i got that car and usualy how much it will cost?

 

[elixir]

Bro elixi,so u r using e46 325 ah?So how is the car runs now cause most of my frens recommend this model to me,could u tell me what sort of maintenence should i do after i got that car and usualy how much it will cost?

yes bro, i'm using it.
the car is ok, reasonable power and handling. Price for parts is also cheap.

one of the most expensive thing that could probably hit you is the gearbox.
other than that, normal wear and tear parts like belt tensioner, belts, hoses, bushes, mountings, couplings, brakes, absorbers, expansion tank some sensors are no big deal.

important thing is how the previous owner take care of the car. if the car is not well maintained, it could be painfull for you.

set a side a budget, say 5k-10k to make good the car. if not fully utilised, can use for performance parts, rims, bodykit.....he..he

 

[jarance]

yes bro, i'm using it.
the car is ok, reasonable power and handling. Price for parts is also cheap.

one of the most expensive thing that could probably hit you is the gearbox.
other than that, normal wear and tear parts like belt tensioner, belts, hoses, bushes, mountings, couplings, brakes, absorbers, expansion tank some sensors are no big deal.

important thing is how the previous owner take care of the car. if the car is not well maintained, it could be painfull for you.

set a side a budget, say 5k-10k to make good the car. if not fully utilised, can use for performance parts, rims, bodykit.....he..he

Spoken like a true owner who really appreciate and deserve an UDM.. :top:

 

[Zee77]

Bro Whykay & BlackIndian,
I think the e46 is a good choice for BMW ownership. Parts are easy to find and maintenance is not too high for a piece of superb German engineering. Of coz, i wouldnt recommend servicing at AB cos the service is crappy and expensive. The other thing worth mentioning is that the e46 comes with two different versions. One pre-facelift and one post-facelift. I reckon the post facelift version looks slightly sleeker but you can only get the 328i pre-facelift. Power-wise, the 328i has got slightly more torque compared with the 325. But both are excellent cars if well taken care of by their previous owners. Good luck with your search for e46! Cheers!

Do check out my review of the e46 328i@ http://bestcar-review.blogspot.com/

 

[BLack indian]

Guys i found one unit and it is the 325 smg model,well it is year 2003 and obviously the car looks fine exteriorly and i test drive it.I really like the car as it is quite nice to drive and it has paddle shift.Well i'm not sure anything else technically about this model so i hope that that anyone that use this model tells about this car.Btw when i do some review about this car on net i found most people complaining about the transmission,is that true?I really need ur guys opinion cause this gonna be my first bmw purchase.

 

[enkil]

oops...sorry...a newbie here...what do u mean by 6 potter ?

6 cyllinder engine..

 

[whykay]

hi,

just wonder, if i buy from AB pre-owned car, and take loan, it will be considered as 2nd hand car loan, right, with the high interest rates?

 

[Vroom325]

Whykay & BlackIndian Guys, interest rate now is 3.9% till 7yrs loan.

If need to pay a visit to AB & look around. Talk to the sales & get them to keep you posted if any e46 comes in. Dat's how I did it. Tell them ur budget & preference. E90 & others u will have plenty but e46 will take some time to find. When I bought my car, they are about 3-4units of 318 available. 325 is not so easy to get now, so will take a little bit of time.

if you get ur warranty, for that period u can bring back to AB for claim & oil change. After warranty, go get urself a good mechanic to help take care of your car. It can be done with cheaper rate as our sifu told us here.

 

[Vroom325]

Black Indian, er... avoid SMG if you can. Guys?

 

[Tom328]

Whykay, for your budget around 90k for an E46 den you could get a decent 328i Coupe...it'll hold the value too...or if you really need the extra 2 doors then a slightly newer 325i would be perfect...better if can get a 6 potter...hahaha...good luck in your search

 

[whykay]

hmm..seems like nobody favoring e46 318....and the wind blowing towards 325.....
is 318 really that bad meh ? there are sharing the same chassis isn't it ? only the engine, and some other things different la...correct me if i'm wrong

 

[elixir]

hmm..seems like nobody favoring e46 318....and the wind blowing towards 325.....
is 318 really that bad meh ? there are sharing the same chassis isn't it ? only the engine, and some other things different la...correct me if i'm wrong

whykay, i would not say the 318 is a bad car. all you need to do is test drive the 318, 325, 328 and 330

then you will decide which one suits you better. as long as you are happy with your choice, then it's a good car.:top:

 

[whykay]

hahaha..elixir...thanks

but just like i heard rumors or news that the 318 / 4 cylinder got many many problems.....is that true? gearbox la,..etc etc...until scare oredi...

but the price of 318 is cheaper...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[avizec]

hahaha..elixir...thanks

but just like i heard rumors or news that the 318 / 4 cylinder got many many problems.....is that true? gearbox la,..etc etc...until scare oredi...

but the price of 318 is cheaper...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Hello whykay (nice meeting you here),

No worries, if 318i giving lots of problem, I'm sure that we can't see any of it on the road. :top:

I just test drive 318i 01/05 yesterday, lady owner. Car still in good shape + she is selling at 75k. I would like to get an advice here, what should I look detail about this car before making my move to buy?

 

[DrThiru]

I just bought a E46 325i. 2.5L engine
beautiful car...power is great and handling a breeze