I'd love hearing some opinions about past/current owners of the 325i/330i models, automatic only, 5AT ZF version, in my country we don't have a GM transmission version.
How's the driving experience compared to modern cars? currently driving a 2016 automatic G165 mazda 3, loving it, a little lacking in power, though.
How's the fuel economy of the E46?
Are the chairs comfy with good lower back support?
How reliable is it? (as much as a 17 year old car can be)
I am prepared to give it the TLC i know it need, the question is what should i look for when buying one so i don't get a total lemon which will make me regret buying it.
In my limited experience, they drive quite nicely, are comfortable (at least to my back), decent but not Mazda 3 level fuel mileage. Reliability? Not so hot - it was the first "CAN bus" version, and my neighbor had a heck of a time keeping his 06 M3 running properly as a weekend toy (and he's an electrical engineer). Great fun when it did run. There are a wealth of BMW-specific online forums, and that would be the best place to get model-specific things to look for. We don't seem to see so many BMW owners/fans here, probably because Scotty is constantly throwing shade on them. Following are some sample years/models, each year and model will have it's own items.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/BMW/325/
https://repairpal.com/2004-bmw-330i/problems
Note that the 2006 3 series is the E90.
I'm inquiring about the E46, span from 1999-2005.
Not much tech in that car, i know it has unreliable water pumps, a tendancy for rust in salty areas, and that's pretty much it?
The 5 speed ZF steptronic is a good transmission, same goes for the M54 engine, considered pretty much bulletproof if taken care properly.
I don't know about any other complex modules prone to fail, unlike more modern luxury cars especially mercedes.
It's a pretty straightforward car regarding technology
You want more info? BMW folks are very busy online
https://www.e46fanatics.com/
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?15-1999-2006-(E46)
https://www.e46.com/
I had a 2001 325ci. When I bought it, it was a certified pre-owned. So it came with a generous maintenance plan (we're talking 2004-time frame when good things were offered). While I had it, I loved it, fuel economy was mid 20 mpg's. But when I saw what it cost to do simple maintenance, I was hell-no, there's no way I'm keeping it. Never mind any repairs. The parts are stupid expensive and so was the labor and this is 17 yrs ago. Now, forget it. The master car techs that I know all call BMW's (Big Money Waste).
Unless you can find a totally pristine one that is checked out by a mechanic that knows BMW's then maybe, but I couldn't recommend getting an E46 Bimmer today.
Not much tech in that car
There's a lot more technology in the E46 than you think. My 1999 Ford Ranger has "not much tech", an even better example, my 1979 Pontiac, or the 1960 AMC Rambler in the back garage.
automatic only
You want to get a manual transmission if you're serious about buying one of these cars.
The 5 speed ZF steptronic is a good transmission
Good if it were taken care of. This prospective car is pushing 20 years old. Lots can happen in 20 years. Also electronic nightmares if something goes wrong.
Same goes for the M54 engine, considered pretty much bulletproof if taken care properly.
That's a big IF. 20+ year old BMWs aren't in their prime anymore. You're gambling on whether or not someone before you changed the oil regularly and didn't drive like a freak. 20 years is a lot of time for neglect and abuse.
anyone
If you're looking for someone who approves of your prospective purchase, you probably won't find it around here, I'm sorry to say. Having owned a 1994 BMW 540i of the E34 generation, BMW makes really fun cars to drive, but they are hallacious to work on. Changing a high pressure power steering hose should be pretty easy. That 540i was built so you had to pull the engine out to change a $75 part. In another example of BMW craziness, the PCV valve is a simple thing on most cars, except BMWs, in my experience. In that 540i, it was an entire plate and gasket, and you had to work blind to get at it, without taking the entire intake manifold off. It also cost $100. My truck's PCV valve was $4.99. It's not an E46, clearly, but there will be stupidity like my 540i on the E46. They're all considered rich men's toys (or endless money pits by Scotty) for a reason.
anyone