new commers-need urgent advise on e46 325

[aviator]

hi guys, my name is lan need some advise from u all regarding the bmw car.actually recently ive some plan to buy the e46 325 year 2003 with price of 70k++,so far the condition of the car was good, engine clean ,interior was great, and most important the milage is just around 60,000. technically i was so interested but still need some advice from u all regarding the following aspects.1. how about the fuel consumption?.for info that car will be use as second car and my wife will drive it with daily mileage around 20-30 km perday. i really wonder is this car is practicle for for that purpose since i guest 2.5cc is too much. lastly how about the long distance travel??2.how about the maintenance, for info i stay at shah alam,is that easy to find the bmw workshop around shah alam?3.what are the general problem with e46, i mean the common problem that e46 always experiance.so i realy hope sombdy will advise me on that mtters.thanks in advance.

 

[wingzee]

Dear aviator, you may first do a brief introduction here: http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?30-Newbies

1. FC-wise just like any other normal car, town driving will generally have higher FC compared to highway driving. A mixture of town & highway driving gave me combined FC of around 10.4 to 10.9L/100KM.

2. Maintatence-wise, since it's a 6 potter, normal service which consist of engine oil & filter should costs you around RM400, depending on the engine oil used. Not sure of any specialists located in Shah Alam but ost of us did our service in KL/PJ area.

3. For various issues reported with E46, you may try to do a search and reading in the E46 section as plenty of drivers been sharing their various issues and thoughts.

 

[tIANcI]

aviator ... if its just for wifey, for her to run around the E46 325 of 2003 is impractical. Low mileage, not running around much = highr consumption. You are talking about 16l/100kms. Then its a 2003 car, its going to need a lot of maintenance unless the one you have is a gem. Being old, if it breaks down, of which it will, your wifey will be stranded. Frankly, at 70K, I would go with a Preve. Its not bad at all. You will easily see 3-5 year of minimal maintenance. Pay a bit more and you move up to a Honda City or Toyota Vios. Both are great cars for wifey. Unless you love the E46, I would say drop the idea.

 

[aviator]

thanks for ur advise will think about it

 

[EL118]

aviator ... if its just for wifey, for her to run around the E46 325 of 2003 is impractical. Low mileage, not running around much = highr consumption. You are talking about 16l/100kms. Then its a 2003 car, its going to need a lot of maintenance unless the one you have is a gem. Being old, if it breaks down, of which it will, your wifey will be stranded. Frankly, at 70K, I would go with a Preve. Its not bad at all. You will easily see 3-5 year of minimal maintenance. Pay a bit more and you move up to a Honda City or Toyota Vios. Both are great cars for wifey. Unless you love the E46, I would say drop the idea.

Agreed. unless your wife really enjoy the "driving" of UDM (of which less likely for a lady) or you are going to drive it during weekend for fun. the maintenance part may haunt her.

 

[aidilj]

aviator ... if its just for wifey, for her to run around the E46 325 of 2003 is impractical. Low mileage, not running around much = highr consumption. You are talking about 16l/100kms. Then its a 2003 car, its going to need a lot of maintenance unless the one you have is a gem. Being old, if it breaks down, of which it will, your wifey will be stranded. Frankly, at 70K, I would go with a Preve. Its not bad at all. You will easily see 3-5 year of minimal maintenance. Pay a bit more and you move up to a Honda City or Toyota Vios. Both are great cars for wifey. Unless you love the E46, I would say drop the idea.

This must be after seeing the preve smoked all other BMWs at sepang during the track day :burnout:

 

[B33mEr]

aviator ... if its just for wifey, for her to run around the E46 325 of 2003 is impractical. Low mileage, not running around much = highr consumption. You are talking about 16l/100kms. Then its a 2003 car, its going to need a lot of maintenance unless the one you have is a gem. Being old, if it breaks down, of which it will, your wifey will be stranded. Frankly, at 70K, I would go with a Preve. Its not bad at all. You will easily see 3-5 year of minimal maintenance. Pay a bit more and you move up to a Honda City or Toyota Vios. Both are great cars for wifey. Unless you love the E46, I would say drop the idea.

How does low mileage, not running around = high consumption??? Please explain how did you derive the 16l/100km figure?

It's all about driving style and the type of traffic regardless of the mileage driven.

 

[LiteBulb]

Consider this pepatah "cars are cheap, repairs arent".

While its tempting to be able to own a bmw for as low as 60k, the repair will usually be the ones that dries you.

So, unless you have the moolah to spend, you should steer away.

 

[tIANcI]

Beemer ... Think for youself why, its obvious.

 

[anaksarawak]

Hi Aviator,

Guess you're a commercial pilot based on your nick, go with your wish. Just buy the E46 325, if your wife start to complains then sell it next year, we shouldnt starve ourselves from our dreams.

It is good to have a reliable back up car ie VIOS, ALTIS, MyVi, or City as this 325 beauty requires extras visits to the SPA and health centers..

Let your wife enjoy the pleasure of BMW, you will definitely a happier husband. Hahahaaa

 

[tIANcI]

This must be after seeing the preve smoked all other BMWs at sepang during the track day :burnout:

Smoked me with ease

 

[B33mEr]

Beemer ... Think for youself why, its obvious.

Please indulge me Do tell

 

[swansonsz]

Smoked me with ease

seriously they smoked you ka? dennggg...

 

[tIANcI]

seriously they smoked you ka? dennggg...

I shit you not ... down the straight la ... easily 20 km/h faster. Its a works machine. Dun need to talk corners la ... lagi malu for me.

 

[gendong]

Get it and enjoy the ride bro........

 

[MyBimmer]

aviator, I have the similar situation like yours. I bought the E46 325 for my wife 2 years back. The expenses on the petrol is acceptable since she only make around 20-30KM daily. My wife love the BMW as compare to the previous 1.5 City. We spent about 10K++ initially just to change whatever oil,hoses, gasket, filter, bushes, battery.. and the car running great without much problem and just regular service and maintenance after that. Even myself addicted to the ~200HP UDM. I would say go ahead.

 

[polaris78]

Aviator, u will not regret to get 325 for yr wife & I believe she love to enjoy it, treat her nice then u will get double return from her :rock:
Bring yr mechanic to check the car properly & allocate RM10k+- to change like what MyBimmer did. It won't be 100% maintenance free but wear n tear will occur occasionally. Do login forum frequently to know more knowledges abt BM then u will pay less when visit spa centre in the future and welcome to join us as OM. :wink:

 

[eujinee]

325i is much less hassle compare with the 318i..bmw well known for their 6 potter...reliability for e46 so far 325 and 330 are one of the most reliable engine wise...

other things like, abs sensor, lower arm bushing, hose, ac compressor, cooling coil...all are part and wear and tear..come on..the car is almost 10 years...dun compare to vios o city....those are drop dead basic like ur 3210 phone....e46 is 3gs at tht time...

just hear the 6 pot raw...u will know why...

 

[paklongm]

hi guys, my name is lan need some advise from u all regarding the bmw car.actually recently ive some plan to buy the e46 325 year 2003 with price of 70k++,so far the condition of the car was good, engine clean ,interior was great, and most important the milage is just around 60,000. technically i was so interested but still need some advice from u all regarding the following aspects.

1. how about the fuel consumption?.for info that car will be use as second car and my wife will drive it with daily mileage around 20-30 km perday. i really wonder is this car is practicle for for that purpose since i guest 2.5cc is too much. lastly how about the long distance travel??

2.how about the maintenance, for info i stay at shah alam,is that easy to find the bmw workshop around shah alam?

3.what are the general problem with e46, i mean the common problem that e46 always experiance.

so i realy hope sombdy will advise me on that mtters.thanks in advance.

just recently bought E46 318i 2004 and i have to say that i am very pleased with the purchase. havent had any problem as the first owner had done all major maintenance esp related to gasket change (normal wear and tear). this is my first experience with BM and i am very satisfied!

my advise, in general BM owner takes care of the car very good and that can be seen on the car interior and engine conditions. just check and make sure no oil leak and no alarms on instrument panel, you are good to go. again, reserve some spare RM for potential repair required so you are not caught in surprise.

 

[Iceduke]

congrats on your purchase, well not to pour cold water on you but be vary of the oil level...your car maybe starting to use oil due to the deterioration of the valve stem seals just my 2 cents...

just recently bought E46 318i 2004 and i have to say that i am very pleased with the purchase. havent had any problem as the first owner had done all major maintenance esp related to gasket change (normal wear and tear). this is my first experience with BM and i am very satisfied!

my advise, in general BM owner takes care of the car very good and that can be seen on the car interior and engine conditions. just check and make sure no oil leak and no alarms on instrument panel, you are good to go. again, reserve some spare RM for potential repair required so you are not caught in surprise.