150K on a E46 325i - FSH / OK or Avoid ?

[Old Greg]

I have been offered a really nice E46 325i coupe - only downside has 150k miles.
Just wondered what whether these engines/cars in general have issue around these mileages.
It has full documented history, and looks well cared for.
Spec is exactly what I am after as well.

I do about 15K miles a year and would like to keep for a couple of years without it becoming a money pit.
Any advice ?

[Vixpy1]

It depends how much it is, mileage should not a problem

[Rollcage]

As long as it is cheap enough ,then go for it.Does need to be cheap though - remember that after a couple of years it will be nearer 200k than 150k ,and a bit harder to sell ,but everything has its price!

[Fox-]

It depends who has owned it and what they've done with it.

If its had one owner from new who has done mainly long trips it'll be in fantastic condition and be a brilliant buy. If its had 6 less than careful owners and has seen many laps of the Birmingham ringroad with the odd Maccy D's pitstop it'll be a complete moneypit.

With a car like this you 'buy' the seller as much as the car..

[Old Greg]

Sounds OK then.
It's a two owner car, excellent condition from what I can see.
Full history - and a genuine reason for sale - company car.
As for price £3500 for a 2001 325i coupe M sport - sounds good to me ?

[christer]

Old Greg said:

Sounds OK then.
It's a two owner car, excellent condition from what I can see.
Full history - and a genuine reason for sale - company car.
As for price £3500 for a 2001 325i coupe M sport - sounds good to me ?

yes, 6 cyl chain driven cams - simple and robust setup. At that price, even if you get nothing for it in 3 years is much less depreciation than you would get on pretty much any other car. I say go for it but do the due diligence (MOT's s/h, bmw records if any etc etc)

[john_p]

Ask if water pump, thermostat, front suspension wishbones and balljoints have been replaced recently. They seem to be the main high mileage items that go or are worth replacing at about this time. Is it an auto?

[bazking69]

I doubt it will be a money pit if it's a decent one but you will have to throw money at it if you plan to keep it for 2 years and run it to 180k on wear and tear items like bushes, arms etc.

[Fox-]

Great deal for £3500 but it's not an M Sport, they didn't appear until 2005 and are only available as a facelift Coupe. It'll be a Sport.

[vimulator]

I would ask the seller how many parts have been replaced and when. I am not sure about the E46 but I drove an E36 325i to 182k and sold it 3 years ago. Everything was original up to 140-150k after that I replaced brakes, rear suspension, various steering and suspension components fuel lines rotted, drives power window, reinforced rear diff when it became loose, battery, O2 sensors, MAF sensor. That is all I can remember off the top of my head. The engines are pretty much bullet proof though, I once mis shifted into 1st at 50-60MPH, I am sure I was 2000 over redline, the engine was never a problem, and the car never left me stranded, but it did become a cash pit.

I assume it has DSC? Wheel sensors do go bad, and like most cars, O2 sensors. Bottom line if you are concerned about spending lots of money on repair, a 150k BMW might not be a good choice.

[Old Greg]

Many thanks for that. Good advice I think.
Basically I currently run a VW Bora GTTdi.
Very efficient, comfortable, very reliable and goes very well for what it is (ie it cruises at 90 all day long, and is punchy when accelerating.

However, it has just hit 140K and I need something else as I am bored, bored, bored. I always promised myself a nice new(er) car, and a nice E46 looks about my best bet for approx 5K (could stretch to 6K).

Main concerns are fuel and sevicing.
I have calculated that fuel should cost me max approx £1K extra in fuel a year.
And tyres and servicing I gues maybe another extra £500 - £1K, but I don't want to throw money away. If that is the case I will save my money and wait and buy something newer - or a second fun machine !

[Old Greg]

Yeah, I thought of that, as the E39 look very tough and are highly recommended by many on the forum, but the truth is - I just don't like the look of them so much IMO.
They also seem a bit thin on the ground and are a bit too big for what I wanted.
I just think that a stock E46 with the sport kit looks really nice - nicer than the E90's actually.
I have tried thinking of what else would fit the bill, and there isn't anything I really like the look of, would be comfortable, reliable, not TOO thirsty on juice, and still be enjoyable to drive...

[vimulator]

If you feel like you have to stretch just to come up with the money to buy a used BMW.... then it is probably too expensive, you can pretty much count on having it in the shop for something that will run you $500 minimum, whether it is new rear tires, a sensor, or whatever. Keep in mind that it just gets you from A to B, and may take a big chunk out of your income.

[Old Greg]

It's not a stretch, but at the same time, I don't want to spend 7K over 2-3 years on a car that cost me 5K !
I don't think that is being too unreasonable or unrealistic.
All I am thinking is that if I have been offerred a nice 2001 E46 for approx £3.5-4K but high miles, will it last me 3 years with regular maintainence.
I will budget about £1K a year for servicing.

If, on average that seems unrealistic, then your right, it is probably the wrong car for me and I will wait until next year and spend more to get the right car.
Ultimately this car will be used for work, so it's not going to be my pride and joy, just something nice and fun to drive.