Thinking about buying 2000 328i

[Afredo]

Hey guys, just wanted to get some opinions. Found a 2000 328i sedan, 5speed, 110k miles, looks to be in great shape (haven't looked at it yet). Their asking $4000 cuz sounds like they need to sell it quick. This year a good year? Any major repair issues? How's reliability? I currently have a 97 impreza outback sport with no issues, 110k miles as well, car is mint but I want another BMW, would it be worth it for me to sell my Subaru to get this 328? thanks.

[craiggroves91]

Don't know many specifics about the 328i besides vanos goes bad like all BMW's with vanos.

Like every other car, check that maintenance has been done, bushings aren't worn, suspension isn't bad.

I'm sure someone here knows specifics about it

[Afredo]

OK thanks. Anyone else? Going to look at it this evening.

[Pantless Spency]

the older the better :)

[brutus87]

My mom bought a 2003 325i no problems so far.

[Holland]

the older the better :)

Not necessarily, considering the early years of every car have their kinks. This should be the 1st or 2nd year e46 sedan OP is posting, so it might have it's share of recalls. M52 is a stout power plant though, as it's been with the E36 previously.

[VinniE30]

Not necessarily, considering the early years of every car have their kinks. This should be the 1st or 2nd year e46 sedan OP is posting, so it might have it's share of recalls. M52 is a stout power plant though, as it's been with the E36 previously.

I think what he meant was the older the generation of car the better. (e.g. e30 is better than e46)

[Holland]

^ True, but it could have been took the wrong way.

[Pantless Spency]

I think what he meant was the older the generation of car the better. (e.g. e30 is better than e46)

dis.
e46's are cool.
but older bmws got more spunk,
atleast where im from the population is filled with newer 5ers and 3ers,

[Julien]

check to make sure the rear subframe hasn't ripped out of the unibody
other than that control arms, oil sep, vanos, window regulators and make sure ses light is off

[Ryann]

I've been the 'primary care provider' for an e46 (2000 330i, 115k) for the last few years and have so far replaced:

1. Blower motor final stage unit
HVAC fan motor was randomly coming on while the car was idle, draining the battery.
2. Two window regulators
They must've come from the Pontiac Grand Am parts bin!
3. The entire CCV system, valve and associated hoses. Also the dipstick o-ring
Vacuum leaks were causing extreme drivability issues and multiple DTC's.
4. Thermostat/housing, rad. hoses, broken plastic impeller water pump, radiator
Replaced the pump with a metal impeller unit. The engine bay is rife with brittle black plastic.

I'd say that if you like doing your own auto repair (or can afford to pay someone) and don't mind expensive parts, the e46 is a great looking/driving comfortable car. I can also say that as much money as I've collected for repairs to the above car it's owner still loves and drives the shit out of it.

[TimKninja]

I Hear the rear subframes on E46s like to fall out of the car. BMW has a recall on it I believe.

[slammin.e28]

I Hear the rear subframes on E46s like to fall out of the car. BMW has a recall on it I believe.

No recall, but if you bitch enough they'll fix it.

E46s have their quirks, but they are fairly easy to work on. I love mine. Cooling system is junk, oil leaks, etc, etc, normal BMW shit.