the one thing I I will say due to not having my e46 that long is that fact your going to save alot getting a used e46 over the mini due to some one else taking most of the loss already I just picked up a 2001 325i sedan and I'm getting just better than 30mpg
but if this is going to be your year round car and you get alot of snow think about having a rwd car vs a fwd