WTA - E46 a good first BMW?

[mvaght87]

Dear sifus and forum pros,I'm a young dude who loves BMWs and am looking to get my first car as soon as I can. I don't have the cash on hand to outright buy a car cash... so financing is a must. I was wondering if the E46 would be a good first BMW.Of course I know owning a BMW is a not as cheap an affair as driving a Toyota/Honda etc but life's too short to drive Japanese Want to realise my dream as soon as possible so would really appreciate if I could get some insights from you pros.Regards,mvaght87

 

[anaksarawak]

Personally E39 is the model to go for ultimate BMW experience at budget.

 

[ICEMAN 68]

with the current price tags on the e46 ...yehhh indeed it should be a good buy, but do hunt down for a good one carefully and take your time ... decide your budget for the down and then set a target for the maintanance ....

hope you'll find one out there ...and yehh get a 6 potter ya ...

 

[ICEMAN 68]

Personally E39 is the model to go for ultimate BMW experience at budget.

heard you're eyeing an e39 ///M5 ka ?

 

[mvaght87]

Really respect your input, sifus... I love the E39, E30, E36--the older BMWs. My impression of the E39 is that it's a heavy car and a petrol guzzler, and that the E46 would be lighter, easier to handle and less of a petrol guzzler because it's lighter. Am I right or wrong?

 

[mvaght87]

Not to mention, the E46 is a newer model as well...

 

[ICEMAN 68]

Really respect your input, sifus... I love the E39, E30, E36--the older BMWs. My impression of the E39 is that it's a heavy car and a petrol guzzler, and that the E46 would be lighter, easier to handle and less of a petrol guzzler because it's lighter. Am I right or wrong?

yehh you could be wrong ... BMW is more about a drivers car and petrol should not be considered much in your purchase i would say ...indeed an e46 4 potter too guzzles fuel and when compared to a heavier car ..it's the same ...and indeed an e30 with a much more lighter weight guzzles like there is no tomorrow ...

but the sheer driving pleasure is one thing that you need to find that suits your budget and driving style ...

 

[mvaght87]

BMW is more about a drivers car and petrol should not be considered much in your purchase i would say

Of course, but reverting to my main question--is E46 a good first BMW for a first-time owner on a budget?

 

[anaksarawak]

Of course, but reverting to my main question--is E46 a good first BMW for a first-time owner on a budget?

When you refer to "best first BMW" on budget E39 530 is one amazing BMW around 50-60k. You get the power with lots of comfort to spare. Many extra features only available in 5 series ie electric adjustable steering, comfort seats, rear aircon vent and many more.

 

[pussy]

what would you say if I told you the e30 is the first good bmw ? I would be lying or others might think of the otherwise that their choices was the best model.

go and feel all. check the sub forums on the models you are keen, then go hunting. expect your own maintenance on the car up keep. what you can afford, is based on your monthly budget.

cheers. ..

 

[anaksarawak]

what would you say if I told you the e30 is the first good bmw ? I would be lying or others might think of the otherwise that their choices was the best model.

go and feel all. check the sub forums on the models you are keen, then go hunting. expect your own maintenance on the car up keep. what you can afford, is based on your monthly budget.

cheers. ..

Well said bro

 

[Strider74]

My 2 cents worth.

If you want to go for E46, get the 6 potter, the engine is more robust. The BMW inline 6 is legendary.
The 4 potter is good too, if you're on a budget and fuel consumption is your main concern, in both cases try to get a mech to look at it before purchase.

For maintenance cost, there is a thread dedicated for that, you can browse through, try to filter out the mods and the actually needed maintenance.
Make your mechanic your new best friend, ask about their family , hobbies and how many times they go to the toilet in the morning...hahahaha...hey if you can knock off a couple of bucks from the price, what the heck right? hahaha

My advice is go through this forum, get the info, it took me about 2 months researching and searching before i made the jump.

 

[mvaght87]

My 2 cents worth.

If you want to go for E46, get the 6 potter, the engine is more robust. The BMW inline 6 is legendary.
The 4 potter is good too, if you're on a budget and fuel consumption is your main concern, in both cases try to get a mech to look at it before purchase.

For maintenance cost, there is a thread dedicated for that, you can browse through, try to filter out the mods and the actually needed maintenance.
Make your mechanic your new best friend, ask about their family , hobbies and how many times they go to the toilet in the morning...hahahaha...hey if you can knock off a couple of bucks from the price, what the heck right? hahaha

My advice is go through this forum, get the info, it took me about 2 months researching and searching before i made the jump.

And you jumped for the *BMW 3 series E46 325i 2.5 2004 M54B25* ?

 

[Strider74]

And you jumped for the *BMW 3 series E46 325i 2.5 2004 M54B25* ?

Yup, i went for a 6 potter 325i.

 

[integramania]

Ive tried the 318 4 cyc and also the 325 6 cyc....bro if budget permits and you want a nicer to drive ride, go for the 325...u wont regret it....BMWs are well know coz of their 6 potter

 

[mvaght87]

Did you gents buy them used or when they were launched?

The E46 isn't a new model but there are so few for sale on this club's for sale page--and I'm quite wary of Mudah.

 

[Strider74]

Did you gents buy them used or when they were launched?

The E46 isn't a new model but there are so few for sale on this club's for sale page--and I'm quite wary of Mudah.

Mine was used, in fact i bought mine from a fellow forumer.
Try to get your car from the owner direct.

 

[mvaght87]

Mine was used, in fact i bought mine from a fellow forumer.
Try to get your car from the owner direct.

Agreed. Unfortunately the cars for sale section here's moving very slowly.

 

[ICEMAN 68]

@mvaght87 ---come by for TEA and can talk more with some of the e46 sifu's and you'll get a much more clearer picture of what you need ...

till this very moment have you viewed any e46 out there ?

@pussy ---yehh the e30 saved your life ...

 

[mvaght87]

@mvaght87 ---come by for TEA and can talk more with some of the e46 sifu's and you'll get a much more clearer picture of what you need ...

till this very moment have you viewed any e46 out there ?

@pussy ---yehh the e30 saved your life ...

Eh, not so much, bro. I'm a young guy, not loaded with money, don't want to bother other people when I don't have money to put where my mouth is. Am currently saving up for a UDM, am only looking to get one in first half of 2013.

I am also looking at a "dependable" albeit boring car like a Kia Forte (no offense to Forte owners) since that is what most people "advise".