opinions about e46's

[DLag]

hey guys. Well my parents are looking to get a 2003 325i soon and I wanted to know what you guys think about them. Any known common problem with them? what should I look for?

[Car Addict]

well i have driven quite a few through work. I think they are a great DD car only problem, you feel very detached from the driving experience.

[Maluco]

The below ought to give you a good idea... (thanks MothaRussia) Research, be patient and sow the seeds of a great e46 purchase.

The "75k Mile List"

http://edgemotorworks.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=55

[e34john]

I like the older ones with the M3 style headlights. As mentioned make sure it is maintained, they might be selling just because their warranty is just up. How come every E46 I've seen that wasn't owned by an enthusist is missing a piece of trim somewhere?

[Maluco]

^ everyone I looked at, and I looked at a lot of them, were in really good condition but, you have to take your time and find the best buy (fk I hate Best Buy.)

You'll have to make good on judgement. I've never minded a little repair but then again my cousin is a tech. With an e46, definitely make records part of your criteria. I was able to find a guy that requested and brought printouts of the vehicle's maintenace records etc... and it is still in warranty. To give you an idea, 2003 325i Sports/Premium pkg bought with 90K for 10.5K with all records and warranty - rental when we take it in.

Other day we took it in for an electrical whine coming from the left side panel. They removed the dash, changed some electrical motors within and also changed the front brake pads.

[Asbradley21]

My brother has a 2000 323Ci. I absolutely hate driving it, it was like driving a friggin big ass SUV or something. However, I guess it would be good for the average older individual. Comfy seats I'll give it though.

[Hallen]

They are good cars. The make very nice dd's and the gas mileage is quite good. I have a 99 323i. The newer models are a bit better because they seem to suffer less from the (very rare) rear subframe mount point cracking. Make sure that gets checked out before they buy.
The window regulators are a problem on the older cars. They crack and strip themselves out so they don't work anymore. If any of them sound like they are grinding, you will have to have them replaced. Not a big job, just a bit of a pain.
The water pump sucks, like in most modern BMW's. Makes sure it has been replaced within 60k miles. The AC fan sounds like a giant hoover, but that is normal.

The car can stand a bit of stiffening up, but it is surprisingly nimble in stock form. It does well for itself out on the track given its size and weight. It won't feel as tight or as small as the E30 for sure, but it does pretty much everything better (comparing stock to stock cars). It just isn't quite as raw.

[devonjordan]

I have on, 86k, 2002 325i. No major problems as of yet... many minor ones.

Oil level senders, tailights out (when they really arent, the ground wire likes to burn out and melt), window regulators (ive had at least 5), etc...

[jflip2002]

My E30 gets better gas mileage than our 2000 323i. If its for your parents, go for it, they'll love it. I do enjoy cruising around in the E46 when Im feeling too lazy to shift or dont wanna deal with the stiff ride of the E30.

[Maluco]

This guy approves... Do it, do it.

[eric (^__^)]

I love e46's

[biglar]

i love my E46... stop the hate.

[Jonathan M3]

I like mine. Definitely not as nimble as an E30, but then again nothing made in the last 10 years is.

[Aptyp]

Ever seen rear subframe torn out? Have to drive it really hard, but I'm paranoid of it every time I drive one.

[mattdk318i]

most of the owners are snobs