Low miles and no servicing records or high miles with servicing records.

[2Fast2Good]

I'm deciding between two very good cars, both in great condition and ones I look forward to DIYing my self

E39: https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5693625780.html

E46: http://www.cacs1.com/mobile/mdetails.aspx?VID=264265676

I'm leaning towards the E39 because it's been taken care of by two enthusiast owners, this'll be my first car by the way. I'm setting $500 on the side for emergency and I will be working during school.

My Dad is against BMWs as a first car so I have a chip on my shoulder in something goes terribly wrong mechanically. I want to get into DIYs so I think it'll help.

The only concern with the E46 is that it's old and barely driven so many things need to be replaced?

[XAlt]

Drive both. If you have to get a mechanic to take a look and inspect the E46 and scan for codes on both. Check the subframe, but since it's not exactly a super high output engine, it'll probably be in good shape compared to a shitcan $10k M3.


I found the E46 330 ZHP sedan boring compared to my 540i (which is a higher maintenance car than both) and the 530i I tested out. There's something about the E39 I prefer, but it's mostly personal. Regardless, that's up to you.

The rule of thumb is towards the 80k interval, maintenance tends to curve up (cooling system, plugs, gaskets for days) and then slowly head down. That E39 has probably gone past that midlife crisis, but if that E46 can't be too bad either.

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5695037551.html

this one wouldn't be too bad, relatively overpriced and probably needs a cooling sytem overhaul\vcg\ccv within 15k. The rule of thumb is that you'd want at least a quarter of the car's value in reserve if anything was to go wrong, but looking at that first E39, it doesn't look like that bad of an idea.

[montaillou]

I'd have both checked out, and if the low mileage one came back with no problems...

[BimmerBreaker]

$500 isn't a large enough buffer to keep an M54 well maintained IMO. I'd look into something a bit cheaper to have a larger margin there for maintenance if you need it.

[cheech1]

Whatever you do, get a PPI from a experienced BMW tech before you decide. It will be money well spent.

[Team Neverlift]

E39, if it passes inspection.