Advice: New Car Purchase

[Rishie Rish]

Hi All

So I'm looking for advice on my next ride which is going to be a BMW obviously although with a budget of around 250k

Problem is, whats out there that is considered a good buy?

After owning the Audi, choices seem to be limited

I have some choices in mind

1. 135i/335i - Although I have heard that these cars are not cheap when something breaks and at the same time some are very problematic and you lucky if you get one that's reliable

2. Other option is a E46 M, but looking at the age of the car now, maintenance could be a lot to get back into excellent condition. M motors are known to be strong but at the same time, certain parts need to be changed at certain km's

Anyone out there with personal experiences who can justify if this is true with the 135i's and 335i's, and if a M3, what should I be prepared for or look out for with regards to having major services etc done on the car

 

[Xeqtr]

I've been looking slowly for an e46 M3 and there are so many bad ones out there. The good ones are hard to find, and if you do find one the owner aint selling it. But either way, you more than likely gonna need to spend some cash sooner than later on the M you purchase. And maintainance is pricey if you want to keep her running like she should.

Have a look at my thread below:

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=59505

A lot of great info from the nest of the e46M owners on the forum.


As far as 335i and 135i go, at that price you probably gonna get one out of M-Plan or one thats almost out of M-Plan with the N54 engines. (twin turbo) I've known a few guys that have had these cars with no probs. Both are solid machines I feel. I've researched them both. I have heard though that the newer N55 engine with a single twin scroll turbo is a more reliable build.

One thing to remember is dont focus too much on what you hear unless its from a reliable source. Guys arent gonna speak about all the good miles, but as soon as something breaks, they make it known to the world.

 

[akash]

Maybe consider a 330D

 

[KarshS]

All the good e46 Ms arnt for sale they are being kept.
I would go this route if i had a run around car and the M would be a weekend car which i can throw spare cash at to get it tip top.

Get the 135i, go through its history to see if there is any trend in failure. If its clean and still has another year/20 000km left on plan. Buy it.

You can pick up some good ones privately and can neg with the seller.

 

[Rishie Rish]

I've been looking slowly for an e46 M3 and there are so many bad ones out there. The good ones are hard to find, and if you do find one the owner aint selling it. But either way, you more than likely gonna need to spend some cash sooner than later on the M you purchase. And maintainance is pricey if you want to keep her running like she should.

Have a look at my thread below:

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=59505

A lot of great info from the nest of the e46M owners on the forum.


As far as 335i and 135i go, at that price you probably gonna get one out of M-Plan or one thats almost out of M-Plan with the N54 engines. (twin turbo) I've known a few guys that have had these cars with no probs. Both are solid machines I feel. I've researched them both. I have heard though that the newer N55 engine with a single twin scroll turbo is a more reliable build.

One thing to remember is dont focus too much on what you hear unless its from a reliable source. Guys arent gonna speak about all the good miles, but as soon as something breaks, they make it known to the world.

Thanks for that, found really valuable information. Actually making me lean towards a e46 M now, even though turbo is the future. :thumbs:

---

Maybe consider a 330D

330d is an awesome car, my bro has one so drive it quite often. It is definitely value for money. If it came out in a e92, would have definitely gave it thought

---

All the good e46 Ms arnt for sale they are being kept.
I would go this route if i had a run around car and the M would be a weekend car which i can throw spare cash at to get it tip top.

Get the 135i, go through its history to see if there is any trend in failure. If its clean and still has another year/20 000km left on plan. Buy it.

You can pick up some good ones privately and can neg with the seller.

going to be very difficult trying to find a clean e46M.

135i is a good buy as well, its newer, lower mileage. Although its a risk getting one off plan if the stories regarding the issues are true.

 

[tcal69]

Don't buy Devon's car, because it has "never" been race before:fencelook::roflol::roflol::roflol:

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

With you coming from the A3 2.0T I would suggest a 135i with some MP left

 

[Rishie Rish]

Don't buy Devon's car, because it has "never" been race before:fencelook::roflol::roflol::roflol:

:fencelook:

---

With you coming from the A3 2.0T I would suggest a 135i with some MP left

To go from Turbo to NA would be a difficult change...Boost!!:rollsmile:

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

Agree with your boet. Or even my car. Hasn't been any serious failure and the n55 has been a more reliable platform, but you won't necessarily see the same power modded AND mine is manual. You probably want gay shift. :fencelook:

 

[Rishie Rish]

Agree with your boet. Or even my car. Hasn't been any serious failure and the n55 has been a more reliable platform, but you won't necessarily see the same power modded AND mine is manual. You probably want gay shift. :fencelook:

I will definitely do some homework before purchasing, also agree, history on the car would be a good reference to look at before buying that specific vehicle

:roflol: Auto over Manual as a daily car is a bonus, would that being said, DCT, not normal tiptronic. Although the N54 motor never came in DCT. Going for a N55 means raising the budget

A lot of aspects to take into consideration

 

[131GAV]

If you want a slower fuel saver maybe a z4m:fencelook:

 

[Shabz]

Agree with your boet. Or even my car. Hasn't been any serious failure and the n55 has been a more reliable platform, but you won't necessarily see the same power modded AND mine is manual. You probably want gay shift. :fencelook:

I will definitely do some homework before purchasing, also agree, history on the car would be a good reference to look at before buying that specific vehicle

:roflol: Auto over Manual as a daily car is a bonus, would that being said, DCT, not normal tiptronic. Although the N54 motor never came in DCT. Going for a N55 means raising the budget

A lot of aspects to take into consideration

E92 335i's came in DCT :idea:

 

[dvst8]

Speak to Hole and make find a good car at a even better price.

:thumbs:

 

[tumzozo]

Any car is a risk and at that price range if e46 M is going to be your only car then rather opt for a more recent car.

 

[Rishie Rish]

Agree with your boet. Or even my car. Hasn't been any serious failure and the n55 has been a more reliable platform, but you won't necessarily see the same power modded AND mine is manual. You probably want gay shift. :fencelook:

I will definitely do some homework before purchasing, also agree, history on the car would be a good reference to look at before buying that specific vehicle

:roflol: Auto over Manual as a daily car is a bonus, would that being said, DCT, not normal tiptronic. Although the N54 motor never came in DCT. Going for a N55 means raising the budget

A lot of aspects to take into consideration

E92 335i's came in DCT :idea:

The N54 motors? I know 2010 upwards, which was not the face lift though it was a N55. I could be wrong

---

Speak to Hole and make find a good car at a even better price.

:thumbs:

Will give him a call once I decide what I'm looking for, still thinking what exactly to get

---

Any car is a risk and at that price range if e46 M is going to be your only car then rather opt for a more recent car.

That is also true :thumbs:

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

2009 e92 335is had a DCT option therefore also being n54 platform.
Going for around R300k though currently still.

 

[Shabz]

:+1: ^^

What he said :thumbs: