3rd Gens and ///BMWs

[Seattle_SR5]

Also, I'm pretty sure there's a big difference between BMW and Toyota for resale values. Toyotas seem to hold their values very well. BMWs not so much.

For a car that was about $50-55k new, E46 M3s hold their value pretty well. Please tell these sellers that BMWs don't hold their resale value well so I can pick one up! :heh:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/bmw-e46-mspd-manual-tiag/6475545324.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/2004-bmw-m3-coupe-e46/6499986345.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/d/bmw-e46-m3-6mt-aw-2003-like/6496476573.html

 

[dcT4r808]

I have to admit I do like the old BMWs. Way more cool factor to see those driving down the road and in nice shape.

The M30, S52, N52 engines are actually easy to work on since they are basically the same inline six. Only one valve cover, the exhaust and intake on opposite sides, adequate room in engine bay so it's easy to work on. A lot less electronics so you can diy. Oem parts are actually affordable and easy to find online along with many go fast parts. But..driving a Bmw with a clutch is more than a cool experience. :hat:

 

[Seattle_SR5]

My 3rd gen this past weekend on the drive home from Bend, OR - flew in, bought her, drove home.

Here's my E46 330i. 6MT, ZSP sport package. The bottom photo is with a drive with the Puget Sound chapter of BMWCCA a few years back.

My fiance enjoyed my E46 so much she bought one for herself. It's an '03 325i, 5MT, sport and cold weather package (I'm jealous of the heated seats) and had 46k original miles with one owner when purchased. This car is incredibly smooth and quiet. It's really like a time capsule.

 

[FinSport]

Techno FTW. Best car on here by far! I'm drooling over it - it makes me miss my former E36 M3/4/5s.

Here is one of my old Byzanz cars (yes, I had 2 Byzanz and one of each silver)...

 

[FinSport]

Isn't this sort of an oxymoron. Toyotas are known to be fairly easy to work on with affordable replacement parts and BMWs tend to be a pain in the ass to work on with very expensive replacement parts.

To each his own, but I'd never purchase a BMW, nor would I purchase a VW unless it was one of the cool old bugs or vans. I'll choose Japanese automobile engineering over German engineering any day of the week. Japanese engineering is just more user friendly.

Also, I'm pretty sure there's a big difference between BMW and Toyota for resale values. Toyotas seem to hold their values very well. BMWs not so much.

Tim, let me share a few thoughts as someone who has owned 7 BMW cars and 6 Toyota trucks/SUVs...

The genesis of this thread was my suggestion after seeing a bunch of 3rd gen guys with BMWs post in a thread about manual transmissions. This makes sense. Drivers love BMWs and manual transmissions.

People buy cars for a lot of reasons and there are some that chase the badge...who BMW will gladly sell to...but in their core, BMWs are still driver's cars. There is a DNA in my wife's new 2011 335 that exists in my 2000 M5 and existed in my 90s M3s.

If maintenance cost and resale is important to you, please go buy a Toyota or Honda. They just work. But if you want to drive something with a soul, go test drive a BMW. Frankly, Toyota hasn't made a fun car in 20 years (Supra).

P.S. I also ride a European bike (KTM). Maybe that will be my next thread idea...3rd gen + BMW + KTM owners

 

[dcT4r808]

Here's my Zhp, sorry it's upsidedown :noidea:

 

[Lamer]

Here's my Zhp, sorry it's upsidedown :noidea:

fixed

 

[Longhorn425]

Here's my Zhp, sorry it's upsidedown :noidea:

The Australia filter isn't helpful

 

[aykalper]

Isn't this sort of an oxymoron. Toyotas are known to be fairly easy to work on with affordable replacement parts and BMWs tend to be a pain in the ass to work on with very expensive replacement parts.

To each his own, but I'd never purchase a BMW, nor would I purchase a VW unless it was one of the cool old bugs or vans. I'll choose Japanese automobile engineering over German engineering any day of the week. Japanese engineering is just more user friendly.

Also, I'm pretty sure there's a big difference between BMW and Toyota for resale values. Toyotas seem to hold their values very well. BMWs not so much.

haha, well, you're definitely not completely without ground to stand on. Yes, Toyotas are incredible reliable and dependable with cheap parts. Yes, BMWs are less reliable, or rather, have parts that "wear out" that are expensive to replace.

However, I don't drive both of my vehicles because they are easy to fix. In fact, if I wanted a car that was easy to service, it'd be a Honda, every time. Toyotas require too many SSTs and BMWs...are too German haha.

But, as said before, I love driving, which is why I want a manual 4Runner, and the best possible drivers car I can get right now is a BMW. Manual, rear drive, front engine sedan. It's a perfect mix of a daily that I can also autocross and take to the track.

 

[IBallEngineer]

I hate BMWs.

Why, I've owned them and I've worked on them. BUT most importantly I've bought parts for them. And Power steering fluid too. I don't actually think they are all bad, I just don't think they are that good. Maybe it's the BMW owners that I hate?

Can we stick to 3rd gens on the the 3rd gen 4runners forum?

You all can find a forum for your other preferences.

Please.

:repuke:

 

[aykalper]

Two quick pics of the BMW in winter mode and the 4Runner in tow mode:

 

[Seattle_SR5]

Here's my Zhp, sorry it's upsidedown :noidea:

That is the car I wanted when I was looking for my 330i back in 2010 but couldn’t find in good shape. Right side up though

 

[JohnMc]

No BMW's. just two hot rodded Volvos ('63 PV544 coupe and '93 240 wagon) and a TDi VW ('03 5 spd MK4 Jetta wagon).

 

[Arnezie]

R.I.P. 2004 325XI


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Big fan of the older BMWs. I just can't say the same for their newer models.

In the next few years, I'd like to hopefully lock in an E46 in Laguna Seca Blue, hardtop and 6MT (not SMG).
A rare combination but it's the only way I would go.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

Maybe it's the BMW owners that I hate.

Probably; it's the popular thing to do.
What BMWs have you owned?

 

[aykalper]

I hate BMWs.

Why, I've owned them and I've worked on them. BUT most importantly I've bought parts for them. And Power steering fluid too. I don't actually think they are all bad, I just don't think they are that good. Maybe it's the BMW owners that I hate?

Can we stick to 3rd gens on the the 3rd gen 4runners forum?

You all can find a forum for your other preferences.

Please.

:repuke:

This is the truth...every hydraulic PS BMW ever has a leaky PS bottle. I understand the thinking that they aren't that good, but, I'll say in this day and time, it's nice that someone is making good driving rear wheel drive, manual sedans.

We could; but isn't this more interesting than the usual "will this tire fit with this lift" or "my lower ball joints failed" thread?

 

[I_bRAD]

Love the paint on this.

 

[2ndhandyotaman]

You guys are making me miss my old MK IV TDi and the e30 iS that I had years ago.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Too much BMW in this thread and not enough 3rd gen 4Runner.

To the All Other Vehicles Subforum you go...