E46 325 for first-time BMW buyer

Hi all,

I am new to the BMWFanatics forum, and also a potential first time BMW buyer.
I am currently looking at purchasing a used BMW 325i (2002 - 2004 models), with the automatic 'box. Still test-driving at dealers, have not found one I want yet (looking for cream-coloured interior).

Problem is, my budget is about R80k, so inevitably I will be looking at a high-mileage vehicle. Thus, I understand that the vehicle will (a) be out of warranty and (b) require proper care.

My question:
Is a BMW (3 series specifically) really so much more expensive to maintain (considering the mileage), or is that just an urban legend coupled with rip-off costs at BMW dealers? I will be looking at buying parts and having them installed by... not a BMW dealer. Also, I drive like a decent human being, with the occasional manic-driver syndrome. So I wont be abusing the car.

I have found this post: bimmerwiki which seems to lay out the potential issues nicely. Maybe this will be handy for others on the forum, too.

Any opinions regarding South African maintenance costs would be greatly appreciated.

i dont find it any more expensive than any newish car... you get the odd guy that sees $$$ when you order parts because he hears BMW, but most guys are reasonable...

i agree,
i have an E46 330i as a daily drive. has almost 184k kilos on , and costs me
about R3500 a year to service it ( non dealer)

E46's are solid cars, with all the creature comforts etc and safety features needed.

my 2 cents

Welcome to the forum actionman :thumbs:

Nice choice, the 325i is a very well balanced car between the powerhouse 330i & 4 pot 318i. You wont find many fans of auto's here but I prefer an auto over a manual.

Maintenance wise a BMW will always be more expensive then your average Corolla Joe, but as Moranor said not as bad as newish cars.

Welcome to the forum bud.
I drive an e46 325i station wagon which is out of motorplan, and its a pleasure driving. As for maintenance its reasonable, as per Moranor, but i do lost of driving and it cost me a little more, but its worth it. Oh and my one is auto. No issues.
Hope you find a clean one soon. :thumbs:

The e46's are pretty solid cars, and if you look after them, they will last for a long time (guess that is true for most cars). I don't think you would necessarily be looking for such a high mileage one as you are looking for a auto and they usually tend to go for a bit less as the manuals are more in demand.
In terms cost most service and maintenance parts can be bought from places other than the dealers that will save you a lot of money.
Also with regards to the auto box, make sure to save up for when you need to rebuild it cause you will have to do so somewhere in the future.

Its a good start to the BMW kingdom , Its a very balanced car , I'm loving it :rollsmile:

To all who responded so far,

raise:

Thanks a million - you guys have made me a lot less nervous about this. I have contacted some dealers, putting my name out there to see if anything crops up. These cars are not exactly running loose all over Port Elizabeth. Lot of 318s and 320s around, though.

@Sankekur - thanks, I will find me a specialist mechanic in the meantime, and find out the cost of a possible rebuild. I have been thinking about this, but would still prefer the auto, if only for the best-of-both functionality.

If anybody knows a decent BMW private mechanic here in PE, please mention it as well.

If this will be your 1st Beemer, i reckon you shud get a 6 cylinder for the ultimate experience, preferably a 325i!! Beemers aren't that expensive to maintain as the haters stress! :nonono:

imp:
So I wonder if he bought a bm??

If u like auto, I would rather get a 330i, not much diff between the 2, 330i power delivery is very noticeable, consumption also similar, after buying a 325, 1 tends to regret not getting the 330i! :thumbs: