Buying a Used 3-Series

Replying to: backy (Sep 15, 2008 8:10 am)

Replying to: backy (Sep 14, 2008 11:34 am)

The E46 has proven to be durable and reliable. The six cylinders need a water pump at 60K intervals but other than that there really aren't any major problems. I also recommend that you have the car inspected by a good BMW tech. The E46 3er is a great car, and there are enough of them around that you can afford to be selective. As for maintenance and repair, here's a brief overview:
 
On an E46 some services are determined by time, some by mileage, and some by the on-board Service Interval(SI) system(which calculates service based on driving conditions).
The time based services are: Brake Fluid(every 2 years) and Coolant(every 3 years)
The mileage based services are: Spark Plugs, ATF, and Oxygen Sensors(every 100K miles for all three).
The SI system has 3 levels of service: Oil Service, Inspection I, and Inspection II. An Oil Service is called for at 15K intervals(or every year, whichever comes first). It is just an oil change.
The Inspection I rolls up at 30K; it is an oil change, a cabin air filter change, and a comprehensive inspection of the car.
Inspection II occurs around 60K and is essentially an Inspection I + an engine air filter change.
  
If you are planning on flipping the car in a couple of years I'd just follow the BMW schedule. However if you're going to hang on to it for a while I'd advise changing the transmission fluid(slushbox OR manual) every 60K at least. Ditto for the final drive oil. If you take your 3er to the track I'd reduce those mileage intervals by 50%. I change the engine oil on mt 3er at 7.5K intervals due to the fact that it sees the track every so often and my wife's X3 chews up its oil in less than 9K miles(based on used oil analysis). Some people go 15K without any problem but I'm not one of them.

Replies to this message:
• backy (Sep 15, 2008 5:41 pm)
  • ashleymarie (Sep 18, 2008 10:42 am)
    • roadburner (Sep 18, 2008 11:16 am) and 2 more...

Replying to: roadburner (Sep 15, 2008 10:13 am)

Replies to this message:
• ashleymarie (Sep 18, 2008 10:42 am)
  • roadburner (Sep 18, 2008 11:16 am)
    • ashleymarie (Sep 18, 2008 12:59 pm) and 1 more...

Replying to: backy (Sep 15, 2008 5:41 pm)

Replies to this message:
• roadburner (Sep 18, 2008 11:16 am)
  • ashleymarie (Sep 18, 2008 12:59 pm)
    • roadburner (Sep 18, 2008 4:19 pm)

Replying to: ashleymarie (Sep 18, 2008 10:42 am)

My only experience is with BMWs. If you are serious about the 330i you need to have it thoroughly inspected by a tech who knows BMWs. I'd set aside $75 per month for repairs and maintenance. Maintenance costs will be reasonable if you find a good dealer or independent BMW tech. Whatever you do, don't scrimp on maintenance.

Replies to this message:
• ashleymarie (Sep 18, 2008 12:59 pm)
  • roadburner (Sep 18, 2008 4:19 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Sep 18, 2008 11:16 am)

Replies to this message:
• roadburner (Sep 18, 2008 4:19 pm)

Replying to: ashleymarie (Sep 18, 2008 12:59 pm)

Went for a 2000 328Ci coupe with Premium Package--leather, moonroof, xenons, etc. etc., 68k miles, grey/grey. Original MSRP $39k (window sticker was in the glove box). My price, $12,400 +T&L. Or about the same as a two-year-old base Elantra. Oh, it's a stick. One owner trade on a new Bimmer, bought and serviced where I got it. Dealer had the complete service records, including recent new brakes, tires, battery, major servicing, etc. Having some minor bodywork done to take out some scratches and dents (part of the deal), then it will be all miiiiiiiine. Except for a tiny hole on the passenger side door interior trim and a little dig on the rear bumper, it looks new (or it will after it leaves the body shop). It drives great, very smooth and rattle-free, great linear tracking and handling (of course).
 
Time for my second childhood.

Replies to this message:
• roadburner (Sep 25, 2008 7:48 pm)
  • backy (Sep 25, 2008 8:03 pm)

Replying to: backy (Sep 25, 2008 4:51 pm)

Replies to this message:
• backy (Sep 25, 2008 8:03 pm)