Why do we like e46s?

Knurled wrote: And you're posting about it online, placing you firmly into the "bad experience" camp...

I drive a manual 325i. Do I wish it was a 330? Sure. Is it a problem? No.

I somehow doubt you were cross-shopping 350Zs at the time or trying to partially replace the torque thrills of a V8 Mustang, but that's exactly what's going on here. I think the 330/325 distinction is pretty huge in that context.

I was not cross-shopping 350Zs. I was cross-shopping 330is and IS300s. In 2006, used IS300 prices were insane, and 330is commanded enough premium that I was able to buy the 325i AND use the spare change to buy the Manic Miata for thrills.

In 2016, the price difference between 325s and 330s has narrowed significantly, but 330s in ZSP trim or above are a little harder to find, and ZHPs still command a substantial premium.

I sold my ZHP for a decent chunk of change with almost 100k miles on it.

dyintorace wrote: I've had four e46s now and they are simply wonderful. Currently selling my e46 M3 to most likely move back into an e46 sedan.

^And now I own this one, and I love it. Best all-around car I've owned. Rear left subframe was cracked though. Could you see it or would a visual inspection turn it up? NO. Would it have gone a long time like that? YEP. But now it is welded up properly and it's one less thing I have to think about. You have to grind the paint to see the fatigue, unless it's really bad. None of these issues would prevent me from buying an E46.

Fatigue != failure. I wish I were wired to just forget about it, but I'm not. :)

In reply to ManhattanM (fka NY535iManual):

I agree, and did all the work on my car, but it wasn't the labor that got me, it was how much parts cost, and how often they broke, leaked, made noise, etc.

I love E46s and other older BMWs, but I am at a point in my life were I don't want to be dealing with the higher maintenance cars. BMWs fall into that camp for me. Just my experience. I may own one again, but I just don't expect it to be as trouble-free as my Miata.

CyberEric wrote: In reply to ManhattanM (fka NY535iManual): I agree, and did all the work on my car, but it wasn't the labor that got me, it was how much parts cost, and how often they broke, leaked, made noise, etc.

My stepson's '02 325i Sport needed a water pump at 200k miles. $50 and a few minutes with normal hand tools. An alternator at 220k miles. $100 and a few minutes with normal hand tools. The car, in total (it was owned by his real dad since new) needed very little in the 250k miles that his dad and he owned it.

Of course, we bought the parts online from OEM parts vendors like oembimmerparts.com and not at the dealer, so saved a bit of money there. Same for my E38s. My last one needed $1500 in parts over a 5 year period and my current one has needed nothing in the year and 10k miles I've had it so far.

He now has an '05 330i ZHP as his daily driver and while only at 84k miles, it's in great shape and has needed nothing while he's owned it.

My friend has the 330i ZHP. He looked for one for a really long time with a manual, to use as his combo daily driver and HPDE track car. This is a guy who, before that, wore out an E90 M3 sedan using it for the same duty. Whenever it's time to drive out to lunch or dinner from the paddock, we take HIS car. Way plush.

rslifkin wrote: In reply to secretariata: An E46 330 is kinda between those 2 extremes. It's composed and refined (and grippy with the right tires), so you can get yourself into trouble. But it's got enough power to hoon it around a bit like the Mustang, just without the V8 noises and with a bit less tire smoke.

Don't really need the V8 noises, just don't want to be in something so composed and competent that I can't have any fun without risking my license. Some days I just wish I could find a solid 83-84 GTI for a reasonable price...fun all the time and you might not be over the speed limit.

Vigo wrote: Secretariata, based on that description i think a manual 330 will work for you. Not a manual 325 though, just to be clear. Big difference in satisfaction when you get on the throttle.

Yeah, I think a 330 is the only way for me to go for an E46...