E46 BMW, any thoughts?

So it looks like this is not going to happen. The guy now tells me he doesn't want to sell.

I will be saving up and looking for a 330 manual to buy in June / July. I am hoping to find something 17-19k with < 60k miles.
 
brianemc2_42 said:
So it looks like this is not going to happen. The guy now tells me he doesn't want to sell.

I will be saving up and looking for a 330 manual to buy in June / July. I am hoping to find something 17-19k with < 60k miles.
Click to expand...

Get a an 06 IS350, much better car (much quicker and more reliable)!

Koz
 
The downsides of an IS350, automatic, well established CHICK car, lower mpg, at least $5k more expensive then a 330.

I do like the styling of the IS250/350 but I see a lot of the ladies driving them.
 
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brianemc2_42 said:
The downsides of an IS350, automatic, well established CHICK car, lower mpg, at least $5k more expensive then a 330.

I do like the styling of the IS250/350 but I see a lot of the ladies driving them.
Click to expand...


Yes the IS350 only comes in automatic but the trans in the IS is bulletproof and it is one of the reasons why the IS is so quick (especially from the dig). It shifts perfectly every time. I wanted a manual car but because I wanted the IS I settled for the auto. After owning it, I'm now so glad I got the automatic. I don't think I could go back to a manual.

"well established CHICK car" I've seen more chicks driving 3 series then 250s. Not many chicks are driving 350s. What is fact is the 3 series BMW are a dime a dozen.

They both get approx the same mileage; (BMW=18/27 IS350=19/26) The BIG difference is the amount of power and smoothness. The IS embarrasses the BMW. So much so, BMW immediately dropped twin turbos on it the next year, to match the IS's power. I've raced a couple brave 330i's and they are pitiful (over a second slower in the 1/4).

There is a good reason why the IS350 is more expensive used (and $5K is really reaching, more like $3K), the IS retains its value better. The 330i and IS350 cost approx the same when new, but if you option them the same, the BMW cost more.

Koz
 
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I guess I just dont want to have a sports car and I admit that the IS350 is more sporty than a 330. But I dont want to spend more than $20k +taxes and finding a low mileage one will be difficult.

I will keep an open mind. I originally wanted a two door 330 manual but those are super rare. You are right though, I do see a lot of women driving 4 door 3 series BMW.
 
I firmly believe you do NOT want to own a BMW (or any other German car) without a warranty! There is a reason BMW was forced to extend the warranty on the 335i to 100K miles. They also lost a class action law suit where they had to pay owners for each failure they had. Some owners have experienced 3 and 4 failures.

Koz
 
The advice I got from a Toyota mechanic (that I trust) was that 3 series are completely good until 100k miles and then the electrical issues become an hassle.

I just looked up California PP prices on KBB.

Lexus 2006 IS350 | 65k miles | sport | $21,800 | very good PP

Lexus 2006 IS250 | 65k miles | sport | $18,900 | very good PP

BMW 2007 328i C | 65k miles | sport M | $19,500 | very good PP

BMW 2006 330i | 65k miles | sport M | $17,500 | very good PP

BMW 2006 330CI | 66k miles | sport M | $19,600 | very good PP


Those prices are all for Private Part. For any dealer price, add $3,000.
 
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Prices corrected.

I won't be purchasing anything until June/July. I need to save up at least $4000 for a down payment BC I don't want my loan payment to be higher than $300 / mo => $16k loan max.

In the mean time I will keep driving my 01 Camry and collecting $.55 / mi.


Kos, I understand your pro Toyota points but I still believe the BMWs are reliable. You could say the same things about 4th and 5th gen 4Runners.

I agree with you about the 335, stay away from Turbos and SC. They have issues on any vehicle after 120,000 ( even 4Runners!)
 
Do not buy a IS250 unless you can live with 200hp!

BTW - The 250 can be had with a manual.

Koz
 
brianemc2_42 said:
Prices corrected.

Kos, I understand your pro Toyota points but I still believe the BMWs are reliable. You could say the same things about 4th and 5th gen 4Runners.

I agree with you about the 335, stay away from Turbos and SC. They have issues on any vehicle after 120,000 ( even 4Runners!)
Click to expand...

I understand how you could like the BMW but don't fool yourself by thinking they are anywhere near as reliable as a Lexus or Toyota. They are NOT! Also you will be getting a used car and reliability is even more important then for a new car that is under warranty.

I'm not sure what you are referring too as far as the 4th/5th gen 4Runner, they were and are the most reliable vehicle in there class.

Koz
 
I agree with Koz...buying a Bimmer out of warranty is a dangerous thing. Now, a Porsche i am OK with. :)
 
If I had the savings I would consider getting this one.

2006 | E90 | 254 HP | 330i Manual | 56k miles | Listed @ $17,995 by dealer


Probably can be had for $17k


2006 BMW 330 i, $17,995 - Cars.com
 

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Isn't the main benefit of the sports package, the stiffer suspension?

That would be nice but I can live without it since I will probably replace the suspension at the car's 10 year mark anyways. I can always install the stiffer suspension at that point in time.
 
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