Newbie needs advice

[SamanthaG]

Hi all,I've always been a fan of BMW. Recently, I've decided to give this Continental Marque a good go. I'm looking for a facelifted 318 E46 with a budget of around RM100k. However I'm open to other options within the E46 family. I know there's probably plenty of experts here. Can anyone share some invaluable advice? e.g. is it a good model to start with? wht's the price range; wht are the things to look out for when buying; where is a good place to start looking; Buy from used car dealer or direct from owners....Thanks first

 

[mizhan]

hello there.. go six cylinders, biggest your budget will allow.

 

[azam318]

Bro, go for e46 M3 type... huhuh...

Anyway, Welcome to the BMWCM... Cheers...

 

[zammie]

Hi Samantha, I went down the route you are looking at just a couple of months ago. After about 2 months of research, I took the plunge and went for a 01' 325i.

You really need to do your research into the car, understand its quirks and weaknesses. Se if you can live with them. It's more an enthusiast's car rather than a buy and drive car. I think the good points you already know la, otherwise you won't be asking here

My advice? Go for the 6 cylinder models like mizhan said, 325i - 330i. The 318 seems to either be underpowered (M43 engine) or possibly problematic (the newer N42 engine).

Useful threads:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156315
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E46

At your budget you could be looking at a '02 325i. I'll put aside RM5k of that budget for repairs and refreshing the interior if I were you :wink:

 

[zeedo]

Try to get one with full service history and preferably you gonna be the 2nd owner. 4 or 6 potter depends on what you need, but off course 6 potter will give you that extra grin when you floor it. As Zammie mentioned, set aside a few thousands for repairs at all times....I just blew my radiator hose right before I have to drive to KL from Kuantan....not expensive but it happened on Sunday evening, end up with wifey Myvi to travel to KL...huhhuhuhu....

 

[SamanthaG]

Bro, go for e46 M3 type... huhuh...

Anyway, Welcome to the BMWCM... Cheers...

I dun think it can fit into my humble budget....

 

[SamanthaG]

Hi Samantha, I went down the route you are looking at just a couple of months ago. After about 2 months of research, I took the plunge and went for a 01' 325i.

You really need to do your research into the car, understand its quirks and weaknesses. Se if you can live with them. It's more an enthusiast's car rather than a buy and drive car. I think the good points you already know la, otherwise you won't be asking here

My advice? Go for the 6 cylinder models like mizhan said, 325i - 330i. The 318 seems to either be underpowered (M43 engine) or possibly problematic (the newer N42 engine).

Useful threads:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156315
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E46

At your budget you could be looking at a '02 325i. I'll put aside RM5k of that budget for repairs and refreshing the interior if I were you :wink:

I've heard much good things about the 325i. I figure since I'll primarily use it as a city car, I'm not sure if I'll ever need the extra power. Given my budget, would u think I could find a facelifted 325i?

Today I've just been offered a recon (dunno which spec) 2002/2005 318 which comes w an M-sport steering. Immaculate condition. Well under my budget. Do u know which model has tht kind of config? (w M-sport steering)

Btw, how much u got for ur 01 325i?

 

[affan66]

the 320 2.2 is also a six-pot. Decent power. However, you can only get the recond version. I have one, M-Sport version. Quite a number of members have this as well. I would say good enough for city, short-trips. I use my E39 for the long distance, highway sweeper duties.

 

[astroboy]

The 318 is restricted to 215kph while the 325 is 242kph.. U must decide now..

There is a lady driver in this forum bought the 325i and complain speed not enough..

1. Pick the one with the latest manufacturing year u can afford.
2. Pick a CKD model over CBU model just to make sure its "clean" car, no future Kastam problem..
3. Pick the one with the lowest mileage clocked.
4. Of course accident free car..

The CKD 2005 E46 318i is feature packed! with rear electric blind, rain sensor, on dash CD player, front electric seat and so forth.. but should be out of your budget..

 

[zammie]

Amongst the cars was viewing was a '03 325i facelift model going for 105k. A pre-facelift '02 325i model might set you back around RM95k and a '01 model can be had around 85 - 92k. All depends on the condition of the car, but you definately pay a slight premium to get the facelift model.

 

[BlackCat]

Welcome to the Club's forum Sam...

A sure bet way to know the warts and all of the roundel is to come join our TTs... You'll learn about years worth of information in one night than even 10 pages or more in this thread. Besides, you'll meet the real people behind all these nicks. Go to the members meet up section of the forum for details of TTs. Good luck on your hunt


BlackCat

 

[SamanthaG]

Welcome to the Club's forum Sam...

A sure bet way to know the warts and all of the roundel is to come join our TTs... You'll learn about years worth of information in one night than even 10 pages or more in this thread. Besides, you'll meet the real people behind all these nicks. Go to the members meet up section of the forum for details of TTs. Good luck on your hunt


BlackCat

wht's a TT??? Btw, I'm from Penang, dun mind getting a KL car though...

 

[SamanthaG]

The 318 is restricted to 215kph while the 325 is 242kph.. U must decide now..

There is a lady driver in this forum bought the 325i and complain speed not enough..

1. Pick the one with the latest manufacturing year u can afford.
2. Pick a CKD model over CBU model just to make sure its "clean" car, no future Kastam problem..
3. Pick the one with the lowest mileage clocked.
4. Of course accident free car..

The CKD 2005 E46 318i is feature packed! with rear electric blind, rain sensor, on dash CD player, front electric seat and so forth.. but should be out of your budget..

Is the speed electronically limited? I think 215km/h is pretty high for me already. I'm from Penang, if you're familiar with the traffic condition here, you'll know that maybe a 600cc Kancil is all that is needed just joking

In terms of priority... should it be (4) (2) (1) then (3) ?

 

[SamanthaG]

Amongst the cars was viewing was a '03 325i facelift model going for 105k. A pre-facelift '02 325i model might set you back around RM95k and a '01 model can be had around 85 - 92k. All depends on the condition of the car, but you definately pay a slight premium to get the facelift model.

Wow... ur lobang very good. Could it be becos it's KL? more choices... Currently this is wht I've been offered (all 318):-

1) 02/05 facelift, 140km mileage, recond German spec w M-sport steering, immaculate condition, no service record available. 95k

2) 2002 facelift, 70k mileage, local spec everything original, 1 owner, full AB service record. 97k

3) mid 2003 facelift, 100k mileage, local spec everything original, 1 owner, full AB service record 100k

I dunno how to check whether accident free or not..... considering the one w/o service record....

Anyone got other good offer for me?

 

[zammie]

Wow... ur lobang very good. Could it be becos it's KL? more choices... Currently this is wht I've been offered (all 318):-

1) 02/05 facelift, 140km mileage, recond German spec w M-sport steering, immaculate condition, no service record available. 95k

2) 2002 facelift, 70k mileage, local spec everything original, 1 owner, full AB service record. 97k

3) mid 2003 facelift, 100k mileage, local spec everything original, 1 owner, full AB service record 100k

I dunno how to check whether accident free or not..... considering the one w/o service record....

Anyone got other good offer for me?

Well the info comes from religiously poring over used car ads, visiting used car dealers, etc

I would say option 2 and 3 looks better - the AB records are a big factor. Not sure if CBU is a good idea - German model not suitable for our climate? Got air-con? I'm sure the sifus here can chip in on this discussion topic.

Anyway why not look at all 3 if you can? Have to see the actual condition and test drive. Remember to send the shortlisted cars to BM specialist or AB for a check before buying.

 

[SamanthaG]

I finally went with option 2.... got it at 95k
thanks everyone for the advises....
One last note... would u reccommend that I send the car to AB for service and maintenance everytime? Or jsut get one of the Bimmer specialist that came highly reccomended by this forum?

 

[benjichris88]

i have a few units..
call me if interested..
all below ur budget..
016-337 5548

 

[SamanthaG]

Mine is the early 2002...so the side headlamp is amber colored one. How much is it to change to the white colored ones?
It also doesnt come with reverse sensor... how much is it to fit that? thanks

 

[EuJax]

Hi Sam...congrats on the new car. Its sure a beautiful car but mind the engine. Anyway, the reverse sensor by original BMW would be RM 2k plus....not sure bout the white lights though.



Regards

 

[Rayman]

Mine is the early 2002...so the side headlamp is amber colored one. How much is it to change to the white colored ones?
It also doesnt come with reverse sensor... how much is it to fit that? thanks

Hi samanthaG,
this is a MUST before you signed the dotted line. Go to any reputable mechanics, (AB would be a good choice) and perform checking on the road worthiness. Beemer is all about electronic and sensor. Ensure that everything, ie engine, tranny, sensors are in good condition. Do not trust your naked eye. The computer box would be able to tell you whether the car is in a good condition.