Looking at 2000+ BMW 3 series, anything to avoid?

[Childs]

I'm leaning towards something like a 330i AWD, as there doesn't seem significant mpg penalty over the smaller engines. Preferably a coupe (non convertible), although an AWD coupe greatly shrinks the pool of available cars. Manual would be nice, but just not a lot of them out there, and from what I understand since they have steptronic I can add paddle shifters fairly cheap.

So I'm going under the assumption that these cars are fairly bullet proof, but are there mileage milestones to look out for where certain things need replacing? Anything before 2006, its just a temp car so my expectations are fairly grounded. 2007+ is looking like a more permanent car, although I've seen plain 2009 328i versions for under $20K.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Pretty sure e46 bmw's don't come in awd and manual. One or the other.

The 330ci is a blast. Look up that car.

I also have heard that E46s can be rough maintenance wise, but i can't speak from experience.

 

[exdeath]

Avoid the ones that don't say "M3" on the trunk lid.


:awe:

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Disregard above. I see you are considering the new generation of 3 series. Not much experience with those. Interior feels more plastic than older bmw's and the run flat tires make the ride nasty. Only driven on once, they drive nice. Good engine and nice brakes.

Buddy of mine has one, it has given him lots of grief in the electric department. But I think his is a fluke.

 

[ViviTheMage]

soooooo, what year range are you considering?

I just went through 335xi vs 135i vs 335i

coupe vs non coupe

you probably know, but I ended up with a 08 135i

 

[Childs]

I don't need an M3, as I don't race. Just want something on the nicer end that has some power when I need it. I like the look of the E46, minus the curvy headlight trim. Thats pretty much the only reason why I'm looking at E90s. I can find lots of E46 sedans with under 100K for a reasonable price. E90s can creep in $15-20K range around here, which while not cheap, will give better value over many new cars in that price range, minus gas mileage.

I have found E92 328xi, but they are the same price as the 330 or more, so I'm not sure how much AWD is worth. But then maybe 60 or so hp isn't worth it as well.

 

[Arkaign]

Any reason you want AWD? The TC/SC is pretty good on even the RWD models, I would normally reserve AWD for areas that see significant snowfall. I'm sure it might come in handy with lots of hills + rain though.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I have both an E46 (2002 M3) and an E90 (2006 330i). Some general thoughts:

- I don't see the percentage in getting an AWD car. I have driven literally at least 20 AWD 3 series, and the AWD really takes away from the driving experience. I think you would regret getting an AWD model living in the Bay Area, and I live in Minnesota! (Actually I went to grad school in SF.)

- Personally while I think the E46 is a better looking car, in many ways I prefer the handling of the E90 platform, and actually prefer the handling on my non-M E90 to my E46 M3.

- The E90 is electronically more complex and that may have negative consequences. On the other hand, it also means you can get OEM Bluetooth/NAV/iPod connections, etc., and these are nice things to have.

- In general the E46 interior feels better-built, but since any E46 will be at least 6 years old, age will take its toll.

- I would personally never buy a 3 series without the Sport package (which includes sport suspension, seats, wheels/tires, and steering wheel). Do yourself a favor and at least test drive a Sport car before buying anything.

- The E46 Performance Package (aka ZHP) cars are great and deservedly get more money on the secondary market than other E46 cars.

- Both my cars are manual and so I can't comment on the slushboxes. I am reasonably certain, though, that the E46 never had any kind of paddle-shift auto (other than the SMG on the M3), and that you can't add paddles to a Tiptronic E90 without some hacks.

- I wouldn't call any of these cars "bulletproof," but they are not terribly unreliable (talk about damning with faint praise!). If your budget permits it I would try to get a Certified Pre-Owned E90/92, so you'd have a 6-year/100K-mile warranty. That was how I bought my 330i and it worked out great. Actually I was in a boat similar to yours and literally went and bought my 330i the first day it was listed online because it was exactly what I wanted, including 6MT and Sport, Premium, and Cold Weather packages, with Comfort Access, but no iDrive or Active Steering.

My cars:

 

[Saint Nick]

Get a Geo Metro

 

[Childs]

soooooo, what year range are you considering?

I just went through 335xi vs 135i vs 335i

coupe vs non coupe

you probably know, but I ended up with a 08 135i

E46+. I generally like the look of the E46, minus the curvy headlight trim. Thats why I'm looking at E90s. I was somewhat looking at 1 series as well, since the top priority was a coupe. I think they are in high demand in my area, as 135s still almost cost the same as new.

Any reason you want AWD? The TC/SC is pretty good on even the RWD models, I would normally reserve AWD for areas that see significant snowfall. I'm sure it might come in handy with lots of hills + rain though.

No particular reason, other than its a nice option. Last year I bought a 03 Xterra, and I went all over CA hiking and what not, but I did not engage 4WD once. In thinking about it, its not a must have option.

I have both an E46 (2002 M3) and an E90 (2006 330i). Some general thoughts:

- I don't see the percentage in getting an AWD car. I have driven literally at least 20 AWD 3 series, and the AWD really takes away from the driving experience. I think you would regret getting an AWD model living in the Bay Area, and I live in Minnesota! (Actually I went to grad school in SF.)

- Personally while I think the E46 is a better looking car, in many ways I prefer the handling of the E90 platform, and actually prefer the handling on my non-M E90 to my E46 M3.

- The E90 is electronically more complex and that may have negative consequences. On the other hand, it also means you can get OEM Bluetooth/NAV/iPod connections, etc., and these are nice things to have.

- In general the E46 interior feels better-built, but since any E46 will be at least 6 years old, age will take its toll.

- I would personally never buy a 3 series without the Sport package (which includes sport suspension, seats, wheels/tires, and steering wheel). Do yourself a favor and at least test drive a Sport car before buying anything.

- The E46 Performance Package (aka ZHP) cars are great and deservedly get more money on the secondary market than other E46 cars.

- Both my cars are manual and so I can't comment on the slushboxes. I am reasonably certain, though, that the E46 never had any kind of paddle-shift auto (other than the SMG on the M3), and that you can't add paddles to a Tiptronic E90 without some hacks.

- I wouldn't call any of these cars "bulletproof," but they are not terribly unreliable (talk about damning with faint praise!). If your budget permits it I would try to get a Certified Pre-Owned E90/92, so you'd have a 6-year/100K-mile warranty. That was how I bought my 330i and it worked out great. Actually I was in a boat similar to yours and literally went and bought my 330i the first day it was listed online because it was exactly what I wanted, including 6MT and Sport, Premium, and Cold Weather packages, with Comfort Access, but no iDrive or Active Steering.

My cars:

I am looking to buy from a dealer, as I might trade in my Xterra. I do like the modern electronics in the E90s, but really all I need is working AC and a way to connect my iPhone and I think I'd be set. I'll continue to look at the E90s to see what comes up. Here is what I was referring to in regards to the paddle shifters:

http://www.burgertuning.com/paddleshift.html

Plugs into the OEM harness.

So the consensus is that there is no common major issues that pop up on these over time?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

E46+. I generally like the look of the E46, minus the curvy headlight trim. Thats why I'm looking at E90s. I was somewhat looking at 1 series as well, since the top priority was a coupe. I think they are in high demand in my area, as 135s still almost cost the same as new.



No particular reason, other than its a nice option. Last year I bought a 03 Xterra, and I went all over CA hiking and what not, but I did not engage 4WD once. In thinking about it, its not a must have option.



I am looking to buy from a dealer, as I might trade in my Xterra. I do like the modern electronics in the E90s, but really all I need is working AC and a way to connect my iPhone and I think I'd be set. I'll continue to look at the E90s to see what comes up. Here is what I was referring to in regards to the paddle shifters:

http://www.burgertuning.com/paddleshift.html

Plugs into the OEM harness.

So the consensus is that there is no common major issues that pop up on these over time?

That's the hack I was talking about. Be aware that it will require a new steering wheel, which is hundreds of dollars more money (the normal wheel doesn't have any mounting point for the paddles). On the plus side, assuming you start out with a Sport package car, it will let you get an M3 wheel - I have one and really like it.

The only common issues I am aware of with the E90 is that the turbo cars (335i/xi) have a recurring issue with failures of the high pressure fuel pump. The only recurring issue I have had on my E90 was failures of a VANOS solenoid. There are two, each of which failed. The first time, they tried cleaning and replacing them, but both failed again. They then replaced them entirely, and since that time I haven't had a problem.

 

[Childs]

That's the hack I was talking about. Be aware that it will require a new steering wheel, which is hundreds of dollars more money (the normal wheel doesn't have any mounting point for the paddles). On the plus side, assuming you start out with a Sport package car, it will let you get an M3 wheel - I have one and really like it.

That site implied that you could get whole wheels with shifters on ebay for ~$200. After doing a search that doesn't appear to be the case!

The only common issues I am aware of with the E90 is that the turbo cars (335i/xi) have a recurring issue with failures of the high pressure fuel pump. The only recurring issue I have had on my E90 was failures of a VANOS solenoid. There are two, each of which failed. The first time, they tried cleaning and replacing them, but both failed again. They then replaced them entirely, and since that time I haven't had a problem.

OK, that doesn't sound bad. If I go that route I can look for service bulletin and just get it done, especially if I get one with a warranty. Thanks!

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

That site implied that you could get whole wheels with shifters on ebay for ~$200. After doing a search that doesn't appear to be the case!



OK, that doesn't sound bad. If I go that route I can look for service bulletin and just get it done, especially if I get one with a warranty. Thanks!

If memory serves BMW has extended the standard 4 year/50K mile warranty specifically to cover the HPFP on the turbo cars until 6 years/100K. Don't consider me an authority on this - that is just my recollection.

 

[pmoa]

Avoid the run flats, they are a pain to replace when they go


Tappin' dat pad on tapatalk

 

[satyajitmenon]

If memory serves BMW has extended the standard 4 year/50K mile warranty specifically to cover the HPFP on the turbo cars until 6 years/100K. Don't consider me an authority on this - that is just my recollection.

I thought that was only on the N54s? Do the N55s still have the problem?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I thought that was only on the N54s? Do the N55s still have the problem?

My understanding is that they do suffer from this problem. Not sure if BMW has extended the warranty on the N55 though.

 

[ViviTheMage]

You are right, N54 got HPFP warranty extended..unsure about N55 as well.