E46 lifetime: when to sell

[Jason330i]

I would love to keep my my car forever... but realistically how many kms is too much for these cars???
Mine is a 2001 330i with 235000km and i travel 20000km a year so 5years ill be close to 350000km ... would love to get your guys opinions on whether i can keep the car for long or if i should sell and get a newer model

 

[herr bmw]

if well maintained and looked after then it will last as long as what you would like it to last

 

[ChefDJ]

Would you rather pay a car off monthly or would you rather use that cash to maintain the car you still love in any and every way?

 

[ChrisBrand]

My e46 is on 301 000km and still going strong, touch wood. Just do regular oil changes and preventative maintenance.

 

[moranor@axis]

realistically you can spend less on maintenance than what a new car repayment would be if you want to keep then do if you want a new car then do that :rollsmile:

 

[Yuben]

Samman325 has a 325i with 425000km and still going strong.

 

[Bmw.wp]

290000km also a 2001 330i. Gonna keep mine.

 

[Zound]

The M54 is supposedly one of BMWs most solid and reliable engines ever built. I'll find a link to the article...

If any car is capable of doing unforeseen high milage, the M54 e46 is definitely a top contender. And on another note, the E46 is such a looker, and I prefer it to many new model BMWs, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Bmw.wp]

I am with Zound. If you own a e30. Do you ask yourself that question.? I see my e46 as the next sough after model in future. 330i 328i 325i and m3. They just keep turning heads wherever you go with some nice looking mods.

 

[335i Lci]

:cartel: try a new cabbie, we only live once

 

[DieselFan]

I would save until you can buy a newer car cash. Be it e90 or f30

 

[Jason330i]

Thanx for the replies guys.... i would like to save and one day buy a new car but keep mine [WHITE SMILING FACE] all my friends keep saying how long will your car last though BUT i think they just jelous because all they see is the back of my car everytime we on the road[FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY]... when i bought my car cash i said i will keep it forever because it has been my dream car since i was 14 and i alsways said ill get it and because i dont owe anything on it. Ok so keep her in tip top shape it is haha

 

[Die_Miek]

Would you rather pay a car off monthly or would you rather use that cash to maintain the car you still love in any and every way?

Fully agree.
You either pay for maintenance or pay installments. You decide which is cheaper.

 

[Rudi]

I still have my 1999, e-46 328i, 474,000km and eight years down the road.

I kept a complete and comprehensive record of all the expenses, it is more economical than buying new. Very reliable if you maintain it properly. Only let me down twice, once a petrol pump and at another occasion a plastic fitting on the cooling system.

I have however ""replaced" the above with an e-39 530d as my daily car.

Don't know what to do with the e-46 as buyers want it for "free"

Rudi

 

[Jason330i]

I still have my 1999, e-46 328i, 474,000km and eight years down the road.

I kept a complete and comprehensive record of all the expenses, it is more economical than buying new. Very reliable if you maintain it properly. Only let me down twice, once a petrol pump and at another occasion a plastic fitting on the cooling system.

I have however ""replaced" the above with an e-39 530d as my daily car.

Don't know what to do with the e-46 as buyers want it for "free"

Rudi

I agree with you there...wont be worth selling thats why i wanted to know if i can keep it.

Ok well 474000km gives me 10-15 years haha and iv replaced the petrol pump and the whole cooling system [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

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26000km and you have half a million geez

 

[anton-sa]

well... think of this... pay 2k or 3k or 4k or more a month on installments and this is before even 1 bolt or screw gets bought for maintenance..

 

[Jason330i]

So can we add all things that should be replaced in a e46s lifetime to keep it running like a beast.....
Iv replaced: entire cooling system( water pump, expansion tank, hoses)
Thermostat
Radioator fan
Clutch and fly wheel
Control arm bushes
Engine mountings
Alternator
Tappet cover gasket
Oil filter housing gasket
Transmission oil
Crankshaft seal
All belts and pulleys
3x window mech
Window button
Window washer pump
Window wipers
Thats what i can remember so far

To do:
Vanos seals
Camshaft sensor
Diff oil change

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Rudi i would love to know what you have replaced