Decent BMW for 3-4k E46 330i? E39 530i? Something else?
Discussion
My dad wants a new car and has shortlisted an E46 3 Series (or E39 5er).
In terms of engines, I advised him to do it properly i.e. 3.0 litre petrol straight six. None of that diesel malarky or those povvo 4 cylinder petrols.
He's retiring soon and mileage/mpg are not an issue - it should come as no surprise he wants an auto (non negotiable).
From what I can make out the E46 seems pretty decent from a mechanical point of view. Early ones had subframe issues iirc but only affecting 323/328s. Engine has no major issues though I understand it does like a bit of oil.
Anything in the spec which is essential? - I was thinking leather, climate, xenons and cruise. Anything else (PDC, auto lights/wiper bo11ox etc) is a bonus. I assume nav isn't worth holding out for (regardless, he has a Tom Tom if required).
Saloons - am I correct in thinking that split fold rear seats was an option (and actually quite rare)?
The engine - 231bhp iirc. Was there ever an update/revised version in the E46 or did that not arrive until the E90?
I hear the auto box fitted to these isn't the best - prone to failures (which is surprising to me as IME of BMW autoboxes they've always been solid).
E46 vs E39? What do you chaps reckon.
3-4k to spend btw.
TIA for any advice/experiences.
In terms of engines, I advised him to do it properly i.e. 3.0 litre petrol straight six. None of that diesel malarky or those povvo 4 cylinder petrols.
He's retiring soon and mileage/mpg are not an issue - it should come as no surprise he wants an auto (non negotiable).From what I can make out the E46 seems pretty decent from a mechanical point of view. Early ones had subframe issues iirc but only affecting 323/328s. Engine has no major issues though I understand it does like a bit of oil.
Anything in the spec which is essential? - I was thinking leather, climate, xenons and cruise. Anything else (PDC, auto lights/wiper bo11ox etc) is a bonus. I assume nav isn't worth holding out for (regardless, he has a Tom Tom if required).
Saloons - am I correct in thinking that split fold rear seats was an option (and actually quite rare)?
The engine - 231bhp iirc. Was there ever an update/revised version in the E46 or did that not arrive until the E90?
I hear the auto box fitted to these isn't the best - prone to failures (which is surprising to me as IME of BMW autoboxes they've always been solid).
E46 vs E39? What do you chaps reckon.
3-4k to spend btw.
TIA for any advice/experiences.
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