WTA - E46 a good first BMW?
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integramania
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Bro what's your budget? coz financing could be a problem and you will likely need a high deposit...so better find all these out first...
Another option is to get an older UDM...learn about it first then proceed to get the e46 at a later stage
Another option is to get an older UDM...learn about it first then proceed to get the e46 at a later stage
ICEMAN 68;790755 said:
I realised how that can be confusing that's why I edited my post to "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"."
As in, I am looking into a BMW E46 but I am also checking out other safer "dependable" marques although my heart is leading me to a BMW.
If you are looking into e46, then the followings are some considerations:
1. in-line 6 is smooth and powerful, if u were to choose the 4 potter, go for the 318 PFL, it has the cast iron engine block, this engine is more robost with less oil leak problems as compared to the alloy engine blocks found in all the 6 potter and FL models.
2. The double vanos found in the 6 potters needs regular maintenance and can be problematic at times where else the valvetronic is easier to maintain. If the vanos is having issues, there is a great lost in power.
Personally, the e36 is under powered, the handling and build quality in the newer e9x are a letdown (sorry, no offence to all bros who owns this). The e46 is still having the BMW sheer driving experience.
Do get a mechanic to inspect all areas before committing any car of your choice.
1. in-line 6 is smooth and powerful, if u were to choose the 4 potter, go for the 318 PFL, it has the cast iron engine block, this engine is more robost with less oil leak problems as compared to the alloy engine blocks found in all the 6 potter and FL models.
2. The double vanos found in the 6 potters needs regular maintenance and can be problematic at times where else the valvetronic is easier to maintain. If the vanos is having issues, there is a great lost in power.
Personally, the e36 is under powered, the handling and build quality in the newer e9x are a letdown (sorry, no offence to all bros who owns this). The e46 is still having the BMW sheer driving experience.
Do get a mechanic to inspect all areas before committing any car of your choice.
wingzee
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@mvaght87:
Just join us in any of the official/non-official TTs. Besides the usual TCSS, you will get to know more and first-hand experience from actual owners themselves.
Many of us were in your shoes previously, with 80-90k in hand, new Vios, Forte, City, used Camry or get a UDM. Many of us went the UDM route and never looked back since.
Just join us in any of the official/non-official TTs. Besides the usual TCSS, you will get to know more and first-hand experience from actual owners themselves.
Many of us were in your shoes previously, with 80-90k in hand, new Vios, Forte, City, used Camry or get a UDM. Many of us went the UDM route and never looked back since.
Strider74
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wingzee;790798 said:@mvaght87:
Just join us in any of the official/non-official TTs. Besides the usual TCSS, you will get to know more and first-hand experience from actual owners themselves.
Many of us were in your shoes previously, with 80-90k in hand, new Vios, Forte, City, used Camry or get a UDM. Many of us went the UDM route and never looked back since.
bro wingzee, very true, before this i was looking at the new inspira...
andrewk
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May be cheaper to drive a used E46.....
The 1.6 Forte SX is RM85k new. On Mudah, a 2 year old is selling around RM58k. That's already a RM27k depreciation. An 08 Spectra (Forte's predecessor) is going for about RM30k. That's a RM55k depreciation over 5 years.... so you would have "lost" RM55k after 5 years (don't count maintenance).
The average E46 can be had for around RM50k. Good samples from the club are going for RM60k or less - just buy and drive. Some examples:-
http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?51329-lt-WTS-gt-Mint-Condition-E46-325i-2001
http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/foru...12-For-Sale-Rare-BMW-E46-320i-Original-Manual
After 5 years, I highly doubt it'll lose its entire value. Say, after 5 year, residual value is RM20k (that's E36 prices now), your "loss" is RM40k (based on RM60k car). This still leaves you RM15k to include maintenance over 5 years. If you buy a good sample, IMHO RM15k is sufficient over 5 years for wear and tear (don't count mods la...).
Financing wise, you may get better rate for new car, but banking system is so flush with cash right now, if your credit is good they will practically throw money at you. Plus, you'll be financing at a lower value. So, all in all, could work out even depending on your initial cash outlay.
All this, PLUS you get to drive a BMW.....
Still thinking about other "safer dependable" marque? :4:
The 1.6 Forte SX is RM85k new. On Mudah, a 2 year old is selling around RM58k. That's already a RM27k depreciation. An 08 Spectra (Forte's predecessor) is going for about RM30k. That's a RM55k depreciation over 5 years.... so you would have "lost" RM55k after 5 years (don't count maintenance).
The average E46 can be had for around RM50k. Good samples from the club are going for RM60k or less - just buy and drive. Some examples:-
http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?51329-lt-WTS-gt-Mint-Condition-E46-325i-2001
http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/foru...12-For-Sale-Rare-BMW-E46-320i-Original-Manual
After 5 years, I highly doubt it'll lose its entire value. Say, after 5 year, residual value is RM20k (that's E36 prices now), your "loss" is RM40k (based on RM60k car). This still leaves you RM15k to include maintenance over 5 years. If you buy a good sample, IMHO RM15k is sufficient over 5 years for wear and tear (don't count mods la...).
Financing wise, you may get better rate for new car, but banking system is so flush with cash right now, if your credit is good they will practically throw money at you. Plus, you'll be financing at a lower value. So, all in all, could work out even depending on your initial cash outlay.
All this, PLUS you get to drive a BMW.....
Still thinking about other "safer dependable" marque? :4:
It depends on what's your budget. The buy-in cost could be affordable, but maintenance and repairs could strain you financially - not including mods.
If you're the kind of person who want to keep it in mint condition then your repair cost can be staggering. If you can ignore the occasional creaks or the constant nagging feeling that a certain mod will make it drive better, then perhaps it wouldn't cost as much.
2.5 liter roadtax will be around RM880 a year, 2.8 liter around 1.6k, 3.0 liter I think in excess of 2k.
Besides the initial cost to acquire the car, it would be wise to have a stash of money ready for repairs and maintenance, especially emergency ones - like a radiator failing on you.
I'm a young guy too, and if I were to do it again I'd still go ahead and buy my BMW. If you think you can kinda afford it, buy it and worry about incidentals later.
Or, like the ang moh like to say on forums, when you're young you're better off spending money on beers and broads - nice cars can wait.
If you're the kind of person who want to keep it in mint condition then your repair cost can be staggering. If you can ignore the occasional creaks or the constant nagging feeling that a certain mod will make it drive better, then perhaps it wouldn't cost as much.
2.5 liter roadtax will be around RM880 a year, 2.8 liter around 1.6k, 3.0 liter I think in excess of 2k.
Besides the initial cost to acquire the car, it would be wise to have a stash of money ready for repairs and maintenance, especially emergency ones - like a radiator failing on you.
I'm a young guy too, and if I were to do it again I'd still go ahead and buy my BMW. If you think you can kinda afford it, buy it and worry about incidentals later.
Or, like the ang moh like to say on forums, when you're young you're better off spending money on beers and broads - nice cars can wait.
YK9
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I was in the same situation 2+ years back....took a plunge with a E46 325i M54B25 engine year 2001 and over the course of my ownership, I've probably spent about RM20+K (for the normal wear and tear, bits of upgrades here and there...) but excluding road tax, insurance and some samans..
Do I regret making that decision? Not a single bit!
Do I regret making that decision? Not a single bit!
tropos_net
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bro mv87, every bmw model ever produced has had a very distinctive character so much so its hard say one is better than the other. its you who would be ultimately deciding which of these characters would suit yr needs. so go drive the various models to evaluate.
maintenance of them would require some patience/time/money to sort and fuel consumption?......i have not known a thirsty BMW engine!
yr journey will soon enable you to quickly realize, why the BMW is called the ultimate driving machine......because that is going to differentiate
you from the rest of the pact.
maintenance of them would require some patience/time/money to sort and fuel consumption?......i have not known a thirsty BMW engine!
yr journey will soon enable you to quickly realize, why the BMW is called the ultimate driving machine......because that is going to differentiate
you from the rest of the pact.
Bro, just buy the car lah....
Don't bother too much about going through all the threads on maintenance and other costs in the forum.
It will definitely scare the hell out of you.
I bought my e46 325i 2003 about 3 months ago WITHOUT reading a single thread.
And I must admit, should I have joined the forum and go through all the postings on the maintenance cost, I am pretty sure my balls will fall and I would have back off from buying a BMW. Its quite scary.
But, hey.. those bad experiences and high maintenance are not the general rule of owing a BMW.
If someone were to start a thread on the sheer joy and pleasure of driving a BMW, I am sure its going to be a very long thread with thousands of postings.
So, just buy the damn car laa...
Take the risk.
Enjoy the ride..
Don't bother too much about going through all the threads on maintenance and other costs in the forum.
It will definitely scare the hell out of you.
I bought my e46 325i 2003 about 3 months ago WITHOUT reading a single thread.
And I must admit, should I have joined the forum and go through all the postings on the maintenance cost, I am pretty sure my balls will fall and I would have back off from buying a BMW. Its quite scary.
But, hey.. those bad experiences and high maintenance are not the general rule of owing a BMW.
If someone were to start a thread on the sheer joy and pleasure of driving a BMW, I am sure its going to be a very long thread with thousands of postings.
So, just buy the damn car laa...
Take the risk.
Enjoy the ride..
NKTOB
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Yup, you won't go wrong with the most 3 series model sold in the BMW history.
The E46 design till today, is timeless.
I started with a 318 1.9L M43 6 years ago as my first entry level into the world of 'Banyak Masuk Workshop' - BMW
Then again, after all these - the pleasure of owning & driving one albeit an used unit, beats a new Kia, Ford or Honda anytime.
Then I con't on with my love for another E46 last 3 years ago. To me, the 3 series is a model that fits both young & old (that want to feel young/young at heart).
Either 4 or 6 potters, try and look for one from an enthusiast who has diligently kept the ride in a meticulous pampered condition. Price wise, may a thad higher than some you find from the used car market (which has not much service / ownership history). In the end, you'll get a less trouble ride with a peace of mind.
Get it diagnosed and inspected before committing to a buy.
Thereafter, enjoy the "Ultimate Driving Machine".
Happy Shopping!
The E46 design till today, is timeless.
I started with a 318 1.9L M43 6 years ago as my first entry level into the world of 'Banyak Masuk Workshop' - BMW
Then again, after all these - the pleasure of owning & driving one albeit an used unit, beats a new Kia, Ford or Honda anytime.
Then I con't on with my love for another E46 last 3 years ago. To me, the 3 series is a model that fits both young & old (that want to feel young/young at heart).
Either 4 or 6 potters, try and look for one from an enthusiast who has diligently kept the ride in a meticulous pampered condition. Price wise, may a thad higher than some you find from the used car market (which has not much service / ownership history). In the end, you'll get a less trouble ride with a peace of mind.
Get it diagnosed and inspected before committing to a buy.
Thereafter, enjoy the "Ultimate Driving Machine".
Happy Shopping!
Hi sifus, thanks for all the input. Quick question--why do some 325i's come in 2,000cc config? I thought 318=1,800cc, 320=2,000cc, 325=2,500cc? And why do some E46s have Double Vanos, or Shiftronic, etc?
p/s why is it that europe has manual mercs and bmws but we don't?
p/s why is it that europe has manual mercs and bmws but we don't?
andrewk
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huskar3399
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if possible buy direct from owner. they know the history of the car better than anybody else including the used car dealer.
if you keen to get from car dealer. get it inspected inside outside. plug in bmw scanner to see problems. computer will not lie. like my case, i discovered a black tape put behind the obc intended to hide the fault light.
next after you got the car make sure you have at least 10k in hand to replace wear & tear parts and to bring back the car to its UDM state how it should be felt when driving. do not jolly upfront. it is totally different from japs car in term of maintenance.
just my 2 cents.
if you keen to get from car dealer. get it inspected inside outside. plug in bmw scanner to see problems. computer will not lie. like my case, i discovered a black tape put behind the obc intended to hide the fault light.
next after you got the car make sure you have at least 10k in hand to replace wear & tear parts and to bring back the car to its UDM state how it should be felt when driving. do not jolly upfront. it is totally different from japs car in term of maintenance.
just my 2 cents.
anaksarawak
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mvaght87;791524 said:
From what I know..
Only very old E46 with M43 1.9 or 320/323 M52 engine come with non shiftronic gearbox. Newer N42/N46 4 potters and M54 engines comes with 5 speed shiftronic or SMG gearbox
M54 engine is with double vanos N42/N46 is valvetronic
I would go for M54 engine 325 if possible
andrewk
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mvaght87;791524 said:
My mistake for not understanding your question. From reading your posting, I thought you wanted to know why do some 325i's come in 2,000cc config and why do some E46s have Double Vanos, or Shiftronic, etc? My "reading between the lines" skill is horrible, and I do apologise....
Double vanos reportedly has better fuel consumption. Shiftronic (or Steptronic in BMW speak) is what most E46 comes with here. If you look hard enough, there are a few SMG models and manual models. I'd be hard pressed to find one with a regular autobox.
IMHO, not marketing fluff....
There is a lot 325s out there that you can get around 60-70k. Well worth the money IMO.
Bro B33mer once advised me that time is your friend when you scout for used car. Its the single most important statement, ever. Do not rush your purchase, do not fall on gut feeling, do not trust car salesmen (no offense, many do not know a single thing about the car they are selling).
Try bringing trusted mechanics (from reputable bmw workshops), or bring the car to these workshops for inspection. Worse case, try to get a fellow sifu level forummer to help you with the initial car inspection. This will give you confidence on asking the right questions to the owner/salesman and distinguish yourself from "anak ayam boleh makan punya" type of buyer hehe. Once you know what to look for in identifying a decent bmw, you should explore the market more to gain more confidence on your pursuit for the right car for yourself.
I found my muse after 6 months digging information and engaging discussion with many sifus in this forum (not to forget other international forums too, and google). Not to mention more than 10 cars that i tested, few that were brought to workshops (half a day event for each cars), and countless hours of browsing them on the internet.
Patient, young padewan. You will get there. May the UDM force be with you keh keh keh.
Bro B33mer once advised me that time is your friend when you scout for used car. Its the single most important statement, ever. Do not rush your purchase, do not fall on gut feeling, do not trust car salesmen (no offense, many do not know a single thing about the car they are selling).
Try bringing trusted mechanics (from reputable bmw workshops), or bring the car to these workshops for inspection. Worse case, try to get a fellow sifu level forummer to help you with the initial car inspection. This will give you confidence on asking the right questions to the owner/salesman and distinguish yourself from "anak ayam boleh makan punya" type of buyer hehe. Once you know what to look for in identifying a decent bmw, you should explore the market more to gain more confidence on your pursuit for the right car for yourself.
I found my muse after 6 months digging information and engaging discussion with many sifus in this forum (not to forget other international forums too, and google). Not to mention more than 10 cars that i tested, few that were brought to workshops (half a day event for each cars), and countless hours of browsing them on the internet.
Patient, young padewan. You will get there. May the UDM force be with you keh keh keh.
