E46 Reliability?

[jz416]

Ive been working since last summer in preparation, and now that spring is coming in, its time to buy my first car.
Currently i'm driving a solara that my dad got for free (long story), but I have 10k and I wanna buy a E46 330i.

I can get a 2001 330i in immaculate condition with 100000 miles for 5.5k
That leaves me with 4.5K for maintenance, and considering the car im looking at has recently had the cooling system done (the most common problem so ive heard), i think this will be good.

Obviously, there are more reliable cars, my dad recommended an is300 but its impossible to find with a proper manual.

the 330 has everything I want in a car: Great handling, a powerful straight six, and a 5 speed.

My only question is will i get ****ed with the costs of upkeep?
I dont want a car that spends half its time in the shop, and my dad keeps telling me thats whats gonna happen. Opinions?

To be clear, I know its not the cheapest car to own. I know its bad on gas, I know that little things will pop up more than they would in a civic, thats not a problem per se. What is a problem is if its gonna be 5k in a year or something crazy like that.

Feel free to recommend other cars, but just know my heart is pretty set.

[KilaByte]

Find a stick IS300, wait and you'll get one. Enjoy your 300k miles of $1000 in maintenance.
Sticks it to any non M e36 or e46 power and handling wise, N/A supra powerplant to start with too esp since you're in Canadia and don't have to worry the CEL failing inspection once turboed.


And this is coming from someone who likes BMWs and had been on bimmerforums since '03

[jz416]

Find a stick IS300, wait and you'll get one

The only one within 200km on autotrader at the moment is 15k... but my grandfather has an is300 with 150000 miles and no problems at all, so it def is reliable.

I really like the looks of it too, better than the bmw actually.

[KilaByte]

The only one within 200km on autotrader at the moment is 15k... but my grandfather has an is300 with 150000 miles and no problems at all, so it def is reliable.

I really like the looks of it too, better than the bmw actually.

Even if auto, the r154 tranny is not hard to swap, or even the weak stock w55

[jz416]

Even if auto, the r154 tranny is not hard to swap, or even the weak stock w55

Interesting. Im gonna look into this more.

Ive never driven a toyota stick, Is the r154 enjoyable to row?
I know it was found in mkiii supras, so id imagine its pretty decent.

[cphustla]

M54b30 is a very good motor. Good power delivery and fuel economy for daily driving(so I don't know what you mean bad on gas.. should average 25-30mpg). Same power output as s5x e36 m3 for north american market. The transmissions are equally as strong.. the only thing I would really look out for is any problems related specifically to the e46 chassis. Never owned one so I can't tell you.

The e46 is probably the last "reliable" bmw made.. also you can work on it in your front yard. BMW always have a big stigma of being in the shop... but they aren't especially if they have good service records.. just change the oil at proper intervals and replace parts once they pass their mile marker.

With a 10k budget I would look into other cars though.. don't get me wrong e46 330i is a great car but if you have a 10k budget there are other bmw I would get. Also a 5.5k car with 100k on it and service records should NOT need 4.5k in maintanence maybe 1-2k(paying for labor).. just for peace of mind.

It all depends what you want.. maybe just buy a 1k car and save for something else in your life if you really aren't a car guy.

[jz416]

M54b30 is a very good motor. Good power delivery and fuel economy for daily driving(so I don't know what you mean bad on gas.. should average 25-30mpg). Same power output as s5x e36 m3 for north american market. The transmissions are equally as strong.. the only thing I would really look out for is any problems related specifically to the e46 chassis. Never owned one so I can't tell you.

The e46 is probably the last "reliable" bmw made.. also you can work on it in your front yard. BMW always have a big stigma of being in the shop... but they aren't especially if they have good service records.. just change the oil at proper intervals and replace parts once they pass their mile marker.

With a 10k budget I would look into other cars though.. don't get me wrong e46 330i is a great car but if you have a 10k budget there are other bmw I would get. Also a 5.5k car with 100k on it and service records should NOT need 4.5k in maintanence maybe 1-2k(paying for labor).. just for peace of mind.

It all depends what you want.. maybe just buy a 1k car and save for something else in your life if you really aren't a car guy.

I am very much a car guy.

Regarding fuel economy, my point was just its certainly not a car to get if you are looking for pure practicality.

In terms of upkeep, my concern isnt about the engine, tranny, or chassis. Its pretty common knowledge that a BMW straight six is one of the best engines to have under your hood. Im talking about the horror stories ive heard about the electrical components.

Out of curiosity, what BMW (or other cars) would you be apt to recommend. Keep in mind I am only interested in rear wheel drive sport sedans (or coupes potentially, but I like the look of most sedans better) and I cant think of anything that sounds better than a 330.

Some cars ive looked at but crossed off my list for one reason or another: G35 Coupe, CTS, WRX, 5 Series, Pontiac G8 with a v8.

[cphustla]

hhehe well my tastes are a bit expensive.

For BMW I would get any series up to a e46,e39.. those are the last good years imo. I only like RWD or AWD cars too so yea..

e36 m3 can be had for about 4-10k.. obviously the more you spend the better it will be and less maint. needed. There is a rule though ... you should probably buy the 10k car instead of the 4k car that needs 6k.

but yea any e36... but not a fan of their interiors they feel cheap and fall apart. I love the 318ti, it is a very fun car to drive ... look for swapped cars I have one swapped with an m3 engine and it is very fast, think e90/2 335i fast.. only just a tad bit slower. I just saw one fs the other day 7k obo for one with m3 swap... that is a steal! So yea buy someone elses finished project lol but make sure it was done right or it will be more headaches and money down the drain.
My personal favorite of the 3 series e30, but they lack a bit of power by modern standards but are fun to drive and easy to maintain. e21 as well. but with 10k you can buy a shell and swap a motor in.

I like driving my e28 over my e30.... problem is the 535i is gas guzzler and 528e is too slow(still a fun car though).. but again 10k budget can swap a motor in. You can grab an e28 m5 for 10k but if the engine needs a rebuild your gonna be screwed. TBH I wouldn't buy a 10k one anyway(unless it was mechanically pristine and just had bad paint or something), it would have problems...good ones go for about 15k. On my e28 I am still pulling original parts.. some 30 years later that are just now failing(or just replacing it and it still works), thats quality.

e34 is good too, I would grab a 540i 6 speed, but again it is a v8. Or a 535i and slap a turbo but gas guzzler.... or e39 530 (same motor as 330) or e39 540i 6 speed.

I love porsche 80s 911(out of your budget) and 930. I like the 944 / 951 too, also the 968 (can get a good 951 or 968 for about 10k).. maintainence is also a bit more expensive but if it was kept up by previous owner it shouldn't be too bad... but for a 16 y.o I am not sure I would get em because when something breaks it will be expensive. Personally I think the next thing I am going to do is grab a 944 shell and put a LS1 into it.

So as you can tell I love 80s euro cars..

[m0nst3rb1c3ps]

lold. op just buy a civic and call it a day m8.

[jz416]

hhehe well my tastes are a bit expensive.

For BMW I would get any series up to a e46,e39.. those are the last good years imo. I only like RWD or AWD cars too so yea..

e36 m3 can be had for about 4-10k.. obviously the more you spend the better it will be and less maint. needed. There is a rule though ... you should probably buy the 10k car instead of the 4k car that needs 6k.

but yea any e36... but not a fan of their interiors they feel cheap and fall apart. I love the 318ti, it is a very fun car to drive ... look for swapped cars I have one swapped with an m3 engine and it is very fast, think e90/2 335i fast.. only just a tad bit slower. I just saw one fs the other day 7k obo for one with m3 swap... that is a steal! So yea buy someone elses finished project lol but make sure it was done right or it will be more headaches and money down the drain.
My personal favorite of the 3 series e30, but they lack a bit of power by modern standards but are fun to drive and easy to maintain. e21 as well. but with 10k you can buy a shell and swap a motor in.

I like driving my e28 over my e30.... problem is the 535i is gas guzzler and 528e is too slow(still a fun car though).. but again 10k budget can swap a motor in. You can grab an e28 m5 for 10k but if the engine needs a rebuild your gonna be screwed. TBH I wouldn't buy a 10k one anyway(unless it was mechanically pristine and just had bad paint or something), it would have problems...good ones go for about 15k. On my e28 I am still pulling original parts.. some 30 years later that are just now failing(or just replacing it and it still works), thats quality.

e34 is good too, I would grab a 540i 6 speed, but again it is a v8. Or a 535i and slap a turbo but gas guzzler.... or e39 530 (same motor as 330) or e39 540i 6 speed.

I love porsche 80s 911(out of your budget) and 930. I like the 944 / 951 too, also the 968 (can get a good 951 or 968 for about 10k).. maintainence is also a bit more expensive but if it was kept up by previous owner it shouldn't be too bad... but for a 16 y.o I am not sure I would get em because when something breaks it will be expensive. Personally I think the next thing I am going to do is grab a 944 shell and put a LS1 into it.

So as you can tell I love 80s euro cars..

I was actually seriously considering a 944.
It looks like a great time: Very light and nimble, with a stick Its probably the most fun and personality you can get for 10k and nice looking too, but then I realized that if I bought a 944, I can imagine pulling up beside a 944 turbo and realizing I bought the wrong car. A 944 with an LS1 in it sounds absolutely bonkers. I would love to see one.
On another note, my dad is currently considering picking up a 968 as a summer car. Really want this to happen.

As for an E36 M3, If I could pick up a clean one for less than 9k, id jump on it, but I dont see that happening considering the availability where i live (Toronto).

In terms of a 5 series, I just dont feel the need for a bigger car right now. When im older I plan on an e39 m5.
I love how at first glance it will just look like an older executive car, but when you want to you have a full blown driving machine. King of sleepers imo.

I could get an E36 328IS, but I like the extra power of a E46 330.

lold. op just buy a civic and call it a day m8.

Please go

[BuildUpNow]

E46 330 has power? I recall 3.5l v6 jap sedans walking *******s in 330ci all day.

[tdnick]

lold. op just buy a civic and call it a day m8.

Best advice ITT. Enjoy your money pit OP. No you won't be cool in a 2001 BMW.

I thought the same way when I was 16. Glad I never got one.

[FearNoHardship]

The only one within 200km on autotrader at the moment is 15k... but my grandfather has an is300 with 150000 miles and no problems at all, so it def is reliable.

I really like the looks of it too, better than the bmw actually.

what e46 for 15k? unless its very low KMS and very well taken care of its a little high.

i have one and there are certain things i had to do (replace) thats common on all e46 like the coolant reservoir, gasket cover, belts, vacuum tubes, and a final stage resistor and regular maintenance of course. if its an e46 its an old used car so check to see if they have problems with anything and do a thorough inspection if you do buy one. overall its been reliable for me but the cost of parts and labour can be a bitch if something does go wrong. it all depends on how well it was maintained.

edit: saw u were not talking about the bmw.

only thing i hate is when i am filling the tank at 1.40L

but if you do buy make sure you check everything out. a used car is a used car. do your due diligence.

[DTM999]

owner of an e46 zhp.

you're good to go opie if all service records check out

[cphustla]

a 944 N/A should only be about 2-6k... you can get a s1(turbo) or s2(same engine as 968) for 10k. a 328i is another great option...just turbo the m52 and you have power for days. Or just build an NA Engine with s52 cams, BBTB, MAF, etc the next motor I am going to build is an m52b28.. e36 m3 should only be about 10k for a good condition. I would seriously consider going the distance for the right car. Staying local is hard and can really shaft you.. trust me I was forced to buy my first car local.

I was actually seriously considering a 944.
It looks like a great time: Very light and nimble, with a stick Its probably the most fun and personality you can get for 10k and nice looking too, but then I realized that if I bought a 944, I can imagine pulling up beside a 944 turbo and realizing I bought the wrong car. A 944 with an LS1 in it sounds absolutely bonkers. I would love to see one.
On another note, my dad is currently considering picking up a 968 as a summer car. Really want this to happen.

As for an E36 M3, If I could pick up a clean one for less than 9k, id jump on it, but I dont see that happening considering the availability where i live (Toronto).

In terms of a 5 series, I just dont feel the need for a bigger car right now. When im older I plan on an e39 m5.
I love how at first glance it will just look like an older executive car, but when you want to you have a full blown driving machine. King of sleepers imo.

I could get an E36 328IS, but I like the extra power of a E46 330.

[jz416]

Best advice ITT. Enjoy your money pit OP. No you won't be cool in a 2001 BMW.

I thought the same way when I was 16. Glad I never got one.

Its truly not about being cool buddy - If it were Id get... actually I dont know, and I dont care.
I just like cars.

owner of an e46 zhp.

you're good to go opie if all service records check out

Wanna sell it?
But seriously thats good news. I think the key is gonna be finding one thats been taken care of meticulously.

a 944 N/A should only be about 2-6k... you can get a s1(turbo) or s2(same engine as 968) for 10k. a 328i is another great option...just turbo the m52 and you have power for days. Or just build an NA Engine with s52 cams, BBTB, MAF, etc the next motor I am going to build is an m52b28.. e36 m3 should only be about 10k for a good condition. I would seriously consider going the distance for the right car. Staying local is hard and can really shaft you.. trust me I was forced to buy my first car local.

Im gonna start looking at listings across the border... but M3 wise I would like to have some money left over maintenance. The old expression: you can only afford it if you can buy two.

If I did find an m3 at the right price, Id have to debadge it and tell my mom its a 330 otherwise she would go ape****.

[LIGHTSH0W]

Currently own a 147,000 mile ZHP.

One of the best cars I've ever driven IMO. Pefect mix of connectivity, handling, power, & MPG's. Sure, it's not that fast compared to most other cars. Hell, New Carmy's give me a run for my money. But I have a couple suspension mods and keep up with E46 M3's with ease.

Just keep eyes on suspension bits, cooling system, gaskets and oil changes. I have a lot of money into mine, perhaps too much, but IMO it still looks and drives better than almost any normal new car. I've driven tons of e9x BMW's and I won't be caught dead in one of those heaps.

[Philip81193]

2001 330ci checking in

Love this car. I've only owned it two months but I bought it with service records an inch thick going back 13 years. Check engine light (service engine soon light, technically) came on once and I fixed it by cleaning out my MAF sensor. Poor reliability/expensive maintenance is blown out of proportion with these cars. Most things you can fix yourself with some elbow grease and the internet. 5.5k for 100k miles is a great deal. I bought mine for 6.9k and it had 99k and even that was a good deal. I'd go for it if it doesn't need work.

[ghettocandyman]

You say you like cars but u want some slow eurotrash that will eat your wallet, u make no sense brah

[18ToLife]

but youre paying 5k on a 14 year old luxury car

1. power/handling
2. reliability
3. aesthetics/ brand name

for every 10 grand you can pick one option

[jz416]

but youre paying 5k on a 14 year old luxury car

1. power/handling
2. reliability
3. aesthetics/ brand name

for every 10 grand you can pick one option

Lexus IS 300 with FI = all 3 for less than 10k

Why am I buying a bmw again?

[giannski]

nissan 180sx
nissan 240sx
porsche 944
e36 328i
e36 m3
lexus sc300
350z

list goes on and on..

[chevy72blu]

2001 330ci checking in

Love this car. I've only owned it two months but I bought it with service records an inch thick going back 13 years. Check engine light (service engine soon light, technically) came on once and I fixed it by cleaning out my MAF sensor. Poor reliability/expensive maintenance is blown out of proportion with these cars. Most things you can fix yourself with some elbow grease and the internet. 5.5k for 100k miles is a great deal. I bought mine for 6.9k and it had 99k and even that was a good deal. I'd go for it if it doesn't need work.

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/aLupid2.jpg[/IMG

lmao

[PipeHitter808]

nissan 180sx
nissan 240sx
porsche 944
e36 328i
e36 m3
lexus sc300
350z

list goes on and on..

Ok he isn't some ******* formula D drifter.