Im tempted by an e46 3-series.

[Piepiepie]

Im putting too much fuel in my st220, and its a 2004 model with 68k on the clock. Im also a little bored with it and want something new, and not with leather seats

I wanted an e90 M Sport but the prices are stupid for a low mileage one.

Have considered an e46 or an s-line a4 avant (but price is also a bit of an issue here too).

I dont need a fast car to be honest, the novelty has worn off, as long as its got brisk accleration (to an extent), i'd take a 320d. They look beautiful as an M Sport in Grey.

The only thing is i dont know if im gaining anything, the age will be similar to my Mondeo, and will probably have more miles. What should i look out for, and am i being daft spending money on a car with the same amount (maybe less) options and more miles but the same age?

I just dont know what to do frownbiglaugh

[Jw Vw]

Google swirl flaps issue for a starter.

[Risotto]

Then google e46 subframe.

[vescaegg]

Then get an M3

[Martyn D]

Risotto said:

Then google e46 subframe.

on a 2004 car??.... google search results on 2004 BMW E46 subframe problems = Zero

The 330d would be a better bet, not a lot of difference in mpg or insurance (age depandant) swirl flaps removed is a must and Turbo replacement if a high miler

[Jw Vw]

Martyn D said:

The 330d would be a better bet, not a lot of difference in mpg or insurance (age depandant) swirl flaps removed is a must and Turbo replacement if a high miler

Agree with this.

The 330d is a much better car. However, the 320d is still very good. Swirl flaps must be blanked off otherwise look forward to a potential £5k+ bill for a wrecked engine.

[Bitzer]

Subframe only an issue on prefacelift e46s.

Remove swirl flaps and you're onto a winner.

Check for leaking transmission fluid, if an auto, as this can result in early failure.

[Piepiepie]

Advice received and understood. Would be a manual so no autobox problems.

In case of the e46 being put on the back burner, whats the general feeling on an E90 with intergalatic mileage?

[Matt UK]

Get an e39 5 series. Different class to the e46 3 series.

[Jw Vw]

Piepiepie said:

Advice received and understood. Would be a manual so no autobox problems.

In case of the e46 being put on the back burner, whats the general feeling on an E90 with intergalatic mileage?

I would rather have an E46 over an E90 anyday. The E46 feels much more of a quality product than the E90 IMO.

[Thom987]

Jw Vw said:

I would rather have an E46 over an E90 anyday. The E46 feels much more of a quality product than the E90 IMO.

Are you sure it was an E90 you were in and not an E Class?

[Jw Vw]

Thom987 said:

Jw Vw said:

I would rather have an E46 over an E90 anyday. The E46 feels much more of a quality product than the E90 IMO.

Are you sure it was an E90 you were in and not an E Class?

Nope, it was a 335d and the interior feels much more classy in a E46 IMO.

[andy-xr]

I prefer the E46 to the E90 as well, the seats weren't the best in the 46, but better than the E90 which made me feel sat more at an angle than any other BMW I've driven

[Piepiepie]

Never driven an e90, but i think it has a little better than the e46 in the looks department.

[Bennnn]

Get one... I have had my 330ci for 3 weeks now and it is a great car. Works well as a B road car and wafts quite nicely on the motorway too. Don't look at the petrol models for mpg though.. currently getting 21-25mpg from mine. The smaller engine petrol models will also return ok/poor mpg as your shifting the same weight of car with a smaller engine. The sport pack is kinda a must too, much nicer wheel, front/rear bumper, and the seats they are great.

[Patrick Bateman]

Bennnn said:

Get one... I have had my 330ci for 3 weeks now and it is a great car. Works well as a B road car and wafts quite nicely on the motorway too. Don't look at the petrol models for mpg though.. currently getting 21-25mpg from mine. The smaller engine petrol models will also return ok/poor mpg as your shifting the same weight of car with a smaller engine. The sport pack is kinda a must too, much nicer wheel, front/rear bumper, and the seats they are great.

They're not bad for what they offer, the quoted combined figure is easily achievable on the 330i.

[Patrick Bateman]

Piepiepie said:

Never driven an e90, but i think it has a little better than the e46 in the looks department.

I'd say the e92 looks good but still not as good as the e46 coupé.

Overall, the e46 is easily the better looking range.

[Jw Vw]

Patrick Bateman said:

Piepiepie said:

Never driven an e90, but i think it has a little better than the e46 in the looks department.

I'd say the e92 looks good but still not as good as the e46 coupé.

Overall, the e46 is easily the better looking range.

Much better looking!