BMW 3 Series - any advice/experience etc?

[HMP]

I'll make this quick - Im currently following an auction on a 2001 325i Touring (3 series wagon).
Its got 171k on the clock, the color I want (white), and it's a 5 speed.
Im following it, thats all right now, no bids. But it ends in 3 days and Im trying to get more information on it from people with experience.

Its the E46 chassis, which, in my opinion, its a great looking car.

Owner has been very transparent about the vehicle, I already know it needs a diff bushing replaced sooner rather than later (just started to crack), and there is an airbag light on which, according to some, is a common issue and easy fix. He said he might even have that fixed before new owner takes delivery.

There is one small paint chip on right in front of the roundel/hood ornament - how hard to fix that? Never dealt with paint chips before.

 

[Jerzsubbie]

Fixing paint chips is pretty easy with either Dr Paint Chip or just a touch up paint pen and lacquer thinner using the same technique as Dr PC instructs.

Looks like a nice, clean car. Good luck!

 

[HMP]

@Jerzsubbie have you owned before?
Im asking the owner more and MORE questions.
It's in Flagstaff AZ, so Im looking up how much a one way ticket would be.
Sure, I could probably save a little bit by having the car shipped, and my time is (sort of) valuable, but the road trip idea sounds cool too.

It's at 171k miles, which isnt low, but, considering its 17 years old, thats not much per year.
Hell, my car is almost 101k and its a 14...

It would be a FUN car for me, something to play with and have for going out etc. Plus it'd carry my hockey gear even more easily than my current eco car, and I could throw my bike in the back without removing both wheels etc lol

 

[NoNameHaveI]

Do you like to work on your own vehicles? Parts and service for BMWs are exponentially higher than your typical domestic or Japanese import.

 

[HMP]

Do you like to work on your own vehicles? Parts and service for BMWs are exponentially higher than your typical domestic or Japanese import.

I have before, and dont mind doing tinkering.
This wouldnt be my primary vehicle, wouldnt drive it as often as my car now, so, hopefully, maintenance would be minimal.

 

[kcult]

From my experience, the airbag light can be reset and is probably on because someone turned on the ignition while one of the airbags was unplugged (most likely during a window regulator replacement). Oh, and get ready to learn how to do that. I've done it so many times on the multiple E46s I've had that I now have a tool kit just for that and could very possibly do it with my eyes closed. In fact, I've got two I plan to replace this weekend...on one car!

If I was going to get another E46, it would either be an M3 or the one you're looking at. That wagon would look great with smoked tails and blacked out wheels.

 

[kcult]

Do you like to work on your own vehicles? Parts and service for BMWs are exponentially higher than your typical domestic or Japanese import.

Our '09 left my daughter stranded about 30 minutes from home. We drove the '04 to her location to try to get the car running. I failed at the moment, although I figured it out later.

While I had my head under the hood, a fellow cruised by in his Chevy truck and yelled, "You know what BMW stands for? Bring Money Witcha!"

I couldn't help but laugh along.

 

[BowWow]

BMW = Expensive maintenance. Even if you don't mind doing the work yourself, parts are generally expensive.

 

[HMP]

From my experience, the airbag light can be reset and is probably on because someone turned on the ignition while one of the airbags was unplugged (most likely during a window regulator replacement). Oh, and get ready to learn how to do that. I've done it so many times on the multiple E46s I've had that I now have a tool kit just for that and could very possibly do it with my eyes closed. In fact, I've got two I plan to replace this weekend...on one car!

If I was going to get another E46, it would either be an M3 or the one you're looking at. That wagon would look great with smoked tails and blacked out wheels.

M3s are super nice, and the price of the e46 isnt bad...but I am looking hatch or wagon.
Ive been casually looking around at cars for a while now, again, wagons and hatches...unless someone wanted to sell me a 911 for REALLY cheap lol

RWD is a must, though AWD wouldnt be bad either.
So that ruled out a lot of the hot hatches and such (like, a GTI can be had cheap and make a lot of power, but I dont want FWD, I want to be able to kick the ass end out), and then I wanted a manual.

Been doing MORE research today, and Im still such a newb to this stuff, but it seems like the wagons are pretty rare here in US, even more so if it's got the manual in it.

I love white cars, so that lowered my search.

I dont know, Im strongly considering this and your post only fuels that more.

PLEASE - any help/advice you have, spill it on me

 

[JimP42]

I too am tempted by the same things. An M3 manual would be ideal, but alas.
And I would expect to do most maintenance myself.
That is a lot of miles - I would try to figure out how many miles are the normally good for.

 

[JimP42]

Yes, manual wagons are very hard to find. I went looking for a while a year or so ago.

 

[HMP]

I too am tempted by the same things. An M3 manual would be ideal, but alas.
And I would expect to do most maintenance myself.
That is a lot of miles - I would try to figure out how many miles are the normally good for.

Some posters on BaT have said they have 250k etc
I would think that for a major manufacturer of over 50 years that longevity wouldnt be too much of a concern, but it's still 170k haha
And with my drive back it'll be pushing 173.

Beauty, too, would be IF/when something happened to the engine I could look into a S54 Mseries engine swap etc, and gain about 100 hp.
Or add in something much crazier to it.

 

[kcult]

Merely a '99 323I, but I think your imagination can fill in the missing features.

My daughter's first car. I bought it with 169k on the clock. She drove the snot out of it for about six years. The only real issue was a neglected maintenance item. The transmission pan gasket was old and had hardened in one spot. On a 19° morning, all the fluid pushed past it. The car wouldn't move and I was in France. Lol. It was a really great first car.

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[BatteryOaksBilly]

I have NO personal history with these cars. I have several buds with all manners of them. The fellow who set up the 50s last Saturday has had 3 7 series and is now driving an Alpina. All I ever hear is how labor intensive and costly they are. It has been enough problems from them that I have been able to hold back the urge. With the problems they have with new ones, I'm afraid a 17 year old one would be out of the question.....for me.

 

[HMP]

I, too, have friends with them. Well, I know two guys that like them a lot (one has had two of his featured).
Ive been in contact with both about this, waaiting to hear back (one is at Tail of the Dragon today)

 

[HMP]

@kcult thanks man
how many miles did she eventually put on it?

 

[wvsig]

If you are really interested have a local indy BMW mechanic look over the car. These cars can last for a long time but they need to be maintained. People don't have the $$$ to maintain them and let the maintenance go which you can get away with for a bit but then you get a cascade of problems all at once. This is why you see so many of them get sold after the factory maintenance ends. This is also why so many people lease them for 3 years and simply trade them back in for the latest and greatest.

For one of this age you need a proper scan tool to reset warning lights because your dash will look like a Christmas tree because all of the sensors will go off often and you will want to be able to read the code to determine if they are a "real" issue or just old wiring. I would not buy this car site unseen without an inspection. I agree 100% with the DR Paint chip for a small spot or simply have a local body shop touch it up for you. You must be prepared to pay $$$ for parts. You should always stick to OEM or high quality European parts for all repairs. IMHO. Aftermarket stuff from the secondary market are not worth the headache. If you can do you own work great but if not locate a quality Indy BMW shop and build a relationship. The car will need work no matter how good a condition it is in.

I am new to BMW ownership but have had multiple Audis, MBs and VWs. I just sold a 12 year old VW GTI and am driving a 10 year old Audi A8L. I drove a 1988 Audi A8L until it was 15 years old. It was still in solid shape but for me it was time for it to go.

As @BatteryOaksBilly said there are issues even with new BMWs but if you go in eyes wide open then you can still enjoy the ride. My wife took the BMW plunge and I am glad she did.

2018 BMW M3 Avus Blue with Competition package, executive package and DCT.

 

[kcult]

@kcult thanks man
how many miles did she eventually put on it?

She says she thought it was close to 300k. My wife says she knows it was over 280k. We sold it for $2500 a couple years back.

Now, to piggyback on what @BatteryOaksBilly just said. If I were to buy one today, it wouldn't be my daily driver, but more for the giggle factor. My wife drives my '04 ZHP daily. I drive a '95 Tacoma as mine. But, when I plop down in the seat of the ZHP, I get all kinds of stupid. The peppy 3.0L and a 6spd manual? Mmhmm. I sometimes wish I didn't have those sticky Nittos on it. Lol.

 

[Jerzsubbie]

@HMP i sold my F30 (2013 328 M sport) earlier this year when I bought my new Tacoma, but I definitely enjoyed the BMW. If it was the 335 (6cyl turbo) I probably would have kept it as a 2nd vehicle.

A coworker is a BMW fanatic, has had 3, and has been quite lucky with them aside from suffering the same issue as me. DEPRECIATION. I’ll never buy a newer BMW again; It took him 3 cars to learn the same. However I don’t think I’d buy an older one as the maintenance can kill you.

As others have said, either find a great Indy shop that caters to BMW or learn to DIY. The fact that this won’t be your primary vehicle certainly changes things a bit but still keep in mind maintenance costs which are inevitable on high mileage German cars.

 

[wvsig]

@HMP i sold my F30 (2013 328 M sport) earlier this year when I bought my new Tacoma, but I definitely enjoyed the BMW. If it was the 335 (6cyl turbo) I probably would have kept it as a 2nd vehicle.

A coworker is a BMW fanatic, has had 3, and has been quite lucky with them aside from suffering the same issue as me. DEPRECIATION. I’ll never buy a newer BMW again; It took him 3 cars to learn the same. However I don’t think I’d buy an older one as the maintenance can kill you.

As others have said, either find a great Indy shop that caters to BMW or learn to DIY. The fact that this won’t be your primary vehicle certainly changes things a bit but still keep in mind maintenance costs which are inevitable on high mileage German cars.

Another big consideration is that these a cars a made to be driven. When they sit as a third car they do not stay "in tune" IMHO. The seals and gaskets tend to harden and cause issues. They can be a 3rd car or non-daily but they need to be driven and maintained enough to keep them in good working order.

 

[kcult]

Another big consideration is that these a cars a made to be driven. When they sit as a third car they do not stay "in tune" IMHO. The seals and gaskets tend to harden and cause issues. They can be a 3rd car or non-daily but they need to be driven and maintained enough to keep them in good working order.

100% agree.

 

[drypowder]

When ebay Motors first started, I thought this was a dumb idea - only morons would buy a used car sight unseen with no guarantees. Turns out I was the moron and ebay Motors turns over a huge number of used cars.

I am still confused why so many buyers are willing to buy sight unseen for a relatively large ticket item that is so complex (and thus susceptible to thousands of different issues).

 

[wvsig]

When ebay Motors first started, I thought this was a dumb idea - only morons would buy a used car sight unseen with no guarantees. Turns out I was the moron and ebay Motors turns over a huge number of used cars.

I am still confused why so many buyers are willing to buy sight unseen for a relatively large ticket item that is so complex (and thus susceptible to thousands of different issues).

I bought this on Ebay with an inspection around 2005. I took the train to PA to pick it up and drove it home. Drove it for 6+ years. It was an amazing car. One of the last truly hand built production MBs. I bought it via Ebay because there were none available local. There were only a few in the condition, that I bought it in, in the entire US at the time so buying local was not an option.

 

[wvsig]

She says she thought it was close to 300k. My wife says she knows it was over 280k. We sold it for $2500 a couple years back.

Now, to piggyback on what @BatteryOaksBilly just said. If I were to buy one today, it wouldn't be my daily driver, but more for the giggle factor. My wife drives my '04 ZHP daily. I drive a '95 Tacoma as mine. But, when I plop down in the seat of the ZHP, I get all kinds of stupid. The peppy 3.0L and a 6spd manual? Mmhmm. I sometimes wish I didn't have those sticky Nittos on it. Lol.

View attachment 80945

@kcult Imola Red right? It is a great color.

 

[drypowder]

I bought this on Ebay with an inspection around 2005.

How did that work - i.e., what are the logistics of having an ebay car inspected?

 

[wvsig]

How did that work - i.e., what are the logistics of having an ebay car inspected?

I recommend going to a message board that is focused on the brand in question. They almost always have regional sub forums. You then ask in that sub forum for a recommendation for a shop in the area where the car is located. Once you find a shop call them and tell them you are looking to buy a used car from the area.... How much will it cost for them to inspect the car. Then call seller and ask them to take the car over there and have it inspected. Pay via credit card for the inspection and go from there. Any seller who is unwilling to let the car be inspected is hiding something and you should run not walk away.

 

[drypowder]

I recommend going to a message board that is focused on the brand in question. They almost always have regional sub forums. You then ask in that sub forum for a recommendation for a shop in the area where the car is located. Once you find a shop call them and tell them you are looking to buy a used car from the area.... How much will it cost for them to inspect the car. Then call seller and ask them to take the car over there and have it inspected. Pay via credit card for the inspection and go from there. Any seller who is unwilling to let the car be inspected is hiding something and you should run not walk away.

Excellent suggestion!

Now I'm gonna go waste time browsing ebay Motors.

 

[kcult]

@kcult Imola Red right? It is a great color.

Yes sir, with the Anthracite interior. If you say that in Thurston Howell III's voice, it becomes very impressive.




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[HMP]

Since it is an auction, there is no time for an inspection from an independent shop - it closes on Monday.
We'll see what happens, price might jump up in the next two days, who knows.
But it's something Im thinking about and truly appreciate all advice and expertise!
Please, keep it coming!

I know it's a risk to buy sight unseen, but, as stated above, there arent any local and there really arent many for sale PERIOD.
I was on bimmerforums.com this morning and it seems any of the wagons that pop up go quickly for about the same money as it's currently at or a little more, depending on year/condition/mileage etc.
Ive got time to think before I make any decision such as even bidding, but it's a nice looking car that will get driven weekly for some spirited drives

 

[CZfool68]

@HMP go buy a used Subaru Outbsck to drive your hockey gear around, save a bunch of $$, and then go buy more guns and ammo.

Or hookers. I hear they can be fun too.

 

[HMP]

@HMP go buy a used Subaru Outbsck to drive your hockey gear around, save a bunch of $$, and then go buy more guns and ammo.

Or hookers. I hear they can be fun too.

But Im not a lesbian

 

[wvsig]

@HMP go buy a used Subaru Outbsck to drive your hockey gear around, save a bunch of $$, and then go buy more guns and ammo.

Or hookers. I hear they can be fun too.

The Outback is a decent car but the European Sport Wagons are a different beast. I wish Audi would bring in the RS 6 Avant but we don't buy wagons.

 

[Majicmike]

SOR,, friends don't let friends buy old Beersers.

 

[OldNascar]

The BMW's are extremely sensitive to voltage variations and a slight change in electrical connectivity can park the car. Unless you're good with a multimeter and love using dielectric grease I would pass. Great cars when new but a real pain after they reach the ten year mark.

 

[Carolinatlc]

When ebay Motors first started, I thought this was a dumb idea - only morons would buy a used car sight unseen with no guarantees. Turns out I was the moron and ebay Motors turns over a huge number of used cars.

I am still confused why so many buyers are willing to buy sight unseen for a relatively large ticket item that is so complex (and thus susceptible to thousands of different issues).

I've bought 5 or 6 cars off ebay and only had one bad experience. I've flown out to Texas and Ohio, driven down to Atlanta, Lexington KY and outside DC and the bad experience was taking a greyhound to Boston. Ended up not buying the Landcruiser in Boston and caught a one way flight home. That entire experience was terrible but it was in early 2002, airport security got ridiculous and I had to check my bag which has some handtools and spare parts for the landcruiser in it. They ended up loosing the bag and all my tools. I won't even go into the greyhound bus ride or the super shady dealer selling the Landcruiser.

Part of it for me is finding something you can't find or get a deal on locally, the other is the adventure. Looking now for a 4th gen 4Runner for my 15 year old son. I bought his twin sister a subaru outside DC. I'm kinda hoping the one I find is to far to drive out to so we can fly out and have a road trip back.

By the way, I was in Phoenix back in May and was minutes away from buying a E46 M3 and driving it back. Reality set in that I had 2 15 year olds that would be going on insurance first of the year and I reluctantly decided against it.

 

[Get Off My Lawn]

My son's owned two used manual Beemers and loves them. He changed the transfer case and differential oil last weekend.
He's found the parts are more expensive, but they last longer. You get what you pay for.

 

[CZfool68]

But Im not a lesbian

Well I don't know that for sure. If it makes you feel more scure in your manhood then feel free to substitute any decent utility type vehicle that is reliable and easy to maintain.

 

[CZfool68]

The Outback is a decent car but the European Sport Wagons are a different beast. I wish Audi would bring in the RS 6 Avant but we don't buy wagons.

Sure they are, but there is a price to be paid for all that. I'd much rather haul ass down the highway in a 7 Series BMW, but my Toyota does a decent job for a lot less $. But if you are a 'car guy' and want to spend your disposable income that way go for it. To me cars are pretty much tools.

 

[wvsig]

Sure they are, but there is a price to be paid for all that. I'd much rather haul ass down the highway in a 7 Series BMW, but my Toyota does a decent job for a lot less $. But if you are a 'car guy' and want to spend your disposable income that way go for it. To me cars are pretty much tools.

Not sure what cigars have to do with this conversation.... I assume that is some sort of dig. Just because one considers something a tool does not mean you do not want a good one that is made to perform and bring joy to the owner and user. I consider my guns to be tools but that does not mean I only buy Glocks or leave my CZs stock. It seems like every time there is a discussion about higher end things, food, cars, trucks, houses etc... someone has to come in and piss on the idea that higher end things have value. I am not sure why that is.

If you like your Toyota rock that. To me they are boring and uninspired in just about every way. These days they are not really any more reliable than Hyundai yet they cost a lot more. See what I did there... LOL. In the end buy whatever you can afford and suits your needs.

 

[CZfool68]

Not sure what cigars have to do with this conversation.... I assume that is some sort of dig. Just because one considers something a tool does not mean you do not want a good one that is made to perform and bring joy to the owner and user. I consider my guns to be tools but that does not mean I only buy Glocks or leave my CZs stock. It seems like every time there is a discussion about higher end things, food, cars, trucks, houses etc... someone has to come in and piss on the idea that higher end things have value. I am not sure why that is.

If you like your Toyota rock that. To me they are boring and uninspired in just about every way. These days they are not really any more reliable than Hyundai yet they cost a lot more. See what I did there... LOL. In the end buy whatever you can afford and suits your needs.

Ha! Pretty funny. I am the last guy to go cheap. I was just giving the OP options. Taking a little emotion out of it. Plus there is a difference between buying a nice Dan Wesson or Les Baer 1911 and springing $10k for a Cabot or something crazy. There is more optins than a cheap piece of crap and highest priced status symbol.

And for the record there is a BMW sitting in my garage right now.

But nice try. Know your audience mext time.