[archipelagoing]

Literally just need opinions because I'm torn.

Orient blue metallic ext, black int, automatic (pls don't make fun of me). Pretty stock, no major mods. Zero problems under the hood (for now) and it's pretty much functional. 6 grand, is it worth it?

Edit 08/14: Stupidly forgot to mention, it's 172k miles. I rarely drive though and take the bus to work because screw city driving. For reference, I put <21k miles on my current car in the 3 years I've had it.

[Our03z4]

Not to me it isn't, but how many miles are on it?

[GTS Daddy]

Get it.

[archipelagoing]

Originally Posted by Our03z4

Not to me it isn't, but how many miles are on it?

My bad, forgot to mention that. It's at 172k right now. The reason why this isn't a dealbreaker right away is due to the fact I rarely drive. I've had a lease for 3 years and put less than 21k miles on it in the time I've had it.

[BzsBimmer]

Check that subframe, VANOS, cooling system, etc.
it’s a 2001. If you’re wanting it as a collector, meh. If you need alternate transportation, maybe.

How’s the interior? My 03 engine blew so I donated it. I’m over E46 chassis.

[archipelagoing]

It would be for alternate transport since I take the bus to work (driving in the city is a huge headache)

Interior is pretty nice. There's a scratch in the driver's side panel, but other than that, nothing.

[dangerus_car]

Only if it's a one or max two owners car.

i would never buy 20 years old car, too much risk as a money pit

[whyzee125]

IMO no. Only way an e46 makes sense is if it's enthusiast owned or bought at wholesale price to bring it up to spec yourself. This is retail price from a used car lot with no service history. You'll be 11k into it in no time at all and you'll still have an auto 325. I'd pass.

[overcoil]

who is selling it ?

[IcewaterPete]

Why do you want it? If it’s just because it’s a BMW and it’s cheap you need to run away. The front pic looks like it is in rough shape and unless you are a wrencher costs will eat all you are saving riding the bus.

[1SloeEm3]

Originally Posted by archipelagoing

Literally just need opinions because I'm torn.

Orient blue metallic ext, black int, automatic (pls don't make fun of me). Pretty stock, no major mods. Zero problems under the hood (for now) and it's pretty much functional. 6 grand, is it worth it?

Edit 08/14: Stupidly forgot to mention, it's 172k miles. I rarely drive though and take the bus to work because screw city driving. For reference, I put <21k miles on my current car in the 3 years I've had it.

No. E46 is the worst car especially for 6 Gs. Expect to do a complete cooling system overhaul, vanos, ccv, secondary air pump, fuel pump, fuel filter, maf sensor, air intake boots. The list goes on.

[Vireboy]

I mean it's a fun car to drive around but really depends on if you're prepared to DIY basically all of the weak spots. Wouldn't recommend for someone not willing to get their hands dirty.

[lordnikon]

Why a 325; might as well get a 330

[pikkagtr]

E90/E92 make better daily
the N51/N52 are decent minus a few known issues that are easily addressed
find a SULEV model with less than 150k and under 15 yrs old and you'd still have the emissions warranty

Look around, 2008-2012 E90*E92s can be had for under 140k ~$7-$8k

[AmuroRay]

I don't really know of any E46 problem areas other than the water pump (a 45min job) and subframe? Maybe window regulators.

I agree that the E90 is better in every way though.

[LOW4LYF]

Originally Posted by 1SloeEm3

No. E46 is the worst car especially for 6 Gs. Expect to do a complete cooling system overhaul, vanos, ccv, secondary air pump, fuel pump, fuel filter, maf sensor, air intake boots. The list goes on.

After owning a 330ci & 325i wagon, I would totally disagree.
I drove both vehicles for years without any issues.

[M5Rick]

A pock marked front is always bad to see and is a sign of previous owners driving too close. First thing to do is to respray the front bumper and hood tip.

[M5Rick]

... but price wise if the car is running well after a thorough test run and starts okay from cold then it's worth the price, offer lower if things like tires, brakes etc seem worn.

[1SloeEm3]

Originally Posted by LOW4LYF

After owning a 330ci & 325i wagon, I would totally disagree.
I drove both vehicles for years without any issues.

Hearing people say this is why I bought a 330i when I was 16 about 9 years ago. I’m not saying it’s a bad car but it needs a lot of maintenance to be made reliable. Everything is well documented on e46fanatics.

[f30.jd__]

I wish it was manual bro

[pbonsalb]

Just a year or so late….

[B58 parts]

Originally Posted by 1SloeEm3

No. E46 is the worst car especially for 6 Gs. Expect to do a complete cooling system overhaul, vanos, ccv, secondary air pump, fuel pump, fuel filter, maf sensor, air intake boots. The list goes on.

Agreed E36 is the same just slightly worse.

Add oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, power steering system, suspension, brakes, driveline fluid service to the list. The list goes on.

I bought three now $7,000 BMWs in the past 15 months. The one just showed up but in the other two I put about $5,000 worth of parts into each. Give or take I'm too scared to sit down and add it all up. And 6 months underneath them myself rolling around.

This one you could do that to if it was manual but I don't think it's worth bothering with. It would be 6 months before you got it to decent reliable shape and then it's still an automatic.