What should I look out for? - United Bimmer Community

**TheTechnician** · 05-17-2007, 01:47 PM

Im looking at purchasing a used E46 very soon. (1999-2001). Alot of ones Im looking at have around 100,000 miles or more. Should I purchase one with that many miles, or will it be too much trouble? What maintenance intervals have to be performed around that mileage? Also, are there any common faults I should look for while testing out the car? Thanks.

**dinan540** · 05-17-2007, 05:59 PM

Welcome to Ub.c

Which e46 are you looking at buying? I would't shy away from a high mileage car if it has been maintained by an enthusiast. A dealer maintained car means squat to me. If the car has been maintained and their are receipts to prove it, the 6 cylinder cars are tanks.

I can't speak about specific trouble spots, but you might want to ask Hoppy. He had an e46 with a lot of issues. Good luck with your search.

**theSMELSINATOR** · 05-17-2007, 09:40 PM

yeah, "dealer maintained" means "STAY AWAY!"

**BMWLotAttendant** · 05-17-2007, 11:14 PM

You'll have less problems with the later models, and the 330s are better than the 325s. Just my thoughts.

If you are a technician, why are you asking these questions?

**RSF5** · 05-18-2007, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWLotAttendant

If you are a technician, why are you asking these questions?

Maybe he's a medical technician

On e46 make sure it have been maintained, looks for signs of wear and tear in the engine bay and shock towers. Make sure you take it for a test drive, keep the radio and air conditioning off and listen to the car noises to see if anything is abnormal (Then turn those things on of course to make sure they work). It you want to be really safe take it to a trusted mechanic and have them check it out for you.

**TheTechnician** · 05-18-2007, 05:04 AM

Lol, Im a PC technician, for now. Specifically, Im looking at a couple of 328i's, manual transmission. One of them near me is a '99 with 135,000 miles, but is fully loaded with the performance package. Kind of tempted.

**c1apton** · 05-18-2007, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTechnician

Im looking at purchasing a used E46 very soon. (1999-2001). Alot of ones Im looking at have around 100,000 miles or more. Should I purchase one with that many miles, or will it be too much trouble? What maintenance intervals have to be performed around that mileage? Also, are there any common faults I should look for while testing out the car? Thanks.

100k is not real issue with most BMWs (depending on previous maintenance) IF anything that should be the 1st thing you look at when considering a BMW - the more DOCUMENTED records = the better the experience will be. Many early in their "lives" were lease cars that rec'd minimum maintenace and have been neglected. Also when shopping for one, drive it and DON'T let the "newness excitement" overwelm you. Drive it and get the feel of it in realistic driving situations (city, highway, braking, etc...) Test ALL the electronics - windows, seats, mirrors, heat, AC & check closely the wear items - tires, wipers, belts, hoses and bigger wear items like seats and pedals. (Pedals are a tell tale sign that sellers overlook when presenting a car for sale) Don't let mileage or price be the primary determining factors.

**TheTechnician** · 05-20-2007, 02:35 PM

Are the AWD xi models worth it if you don't live in a winter climate? Does the extra drivetrain equipment noticeably slow down the car and is gas mileage significantly affected? Thanks.

**chizel** · 05-24-2007, 10:12 PM

good luck ..if i were you i will took it to the professional mechanic and let him do the things you're worried about, and also ask him to test ALL the electronics - windows, seats, mirrors, heat, AC & check closely the wear items - tires, wipers, bmw belts, hoses and bigger items, etc......all that stuffs..

**TheTechnician** · 05-25-2007, 04:51 AM

Gonna be looking at a few within the next couple of days, will post pics once Ive decided.

Rooz · 05-25-2007, 10:00 AM

I'd personally try to get a rear wheel drive over a awd, just personal pref. but, if you are in a region that needs AWD, then by all means go ahead.

The 328 with the performance package is quite fast actually, but make sure it's actually the performance package and not the sport package.

**Jerry Lochman** · 07-25-2007, 12:36 AM

if it's over 100k take it to a mechanic and have him do a compression test.... trust me on this cause if the car has a shitty valve you do not want that expense. also 1 owner is always a plus. 1 owner with highway miles and a clean carfax is your salvation....