E46 before an E60 as first car

[bolyki]

Just about to get my driving license, I did not need it before. I'm 24, and now I'm working. Two hours are wasted daily on a bus, which is not even reliable.

Now, my dream car since 2003 is the E60. However, it cost 7500 GBP which I would happily pay off, but what would happen if I wreck the car as a new driver? That would be painful for my pocket too. The E46 would only cost me about 2500 GBP.

Now, the insurance is the same for a Corsa and the E60 for my new license and age so insurance doesn't matter.

I basically hate every other car because of their look apart from BMWs and from BMWs I only liked the 5 and 7 series. However, today as I started exploring, I found the E46 which looks pretty neat and I think I would get over that it's not an E60. Anyway, firstly it would be only needed as a commute car (25 miles daily).

Any thoughts as an E46 for the first car? Is it a good idea to choose a car you don't like that much to learn driving on it, then got for your dream car?

What problems could the E46 have? What I will get is a minimum of full service history, 1-2 owners top, less than 70K mileage.

Any other advice is appreciated!

[maxell0405]

Late model E46's are rock solid and simpler and cheaper than an E60, which is a nice car. A service history and good inspection will get you a really good, reliable and inexpensive car. You'll have your whole middle age to drive 5 series cars.

[XAlt]

Other option is the E39 530, usual rock solid big six and 5 series feels. Timeless interior to boot

Cooling system/Susp refresh and go tbh, 25 minute commutes won't really put much stress on the car.

[beshannon]

Late model E46's are rock solid and simpler and cheaper than an E60, which is a nice car. A service history and good inspection will get you a really good, reliable and inexpensive car. You'll have your whole middle age to drive 5 series cars.

My E46 was leaps and bounds better than my E60

[bolyki]

Brilliant, thanks for the advice guys. I'll go with a e46 then!

[M5CHOTT]

Welcome to the driving world! The most common issues are going to be oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket), as well as water pump/ thermostat replacement. Most of the other expense will be in servicing the car. Expect to pay anywhere from $700-$900 for an inspection II service at 100k, check to see if that has been done or not yet. These cars are amazing runners and I have had multiple e46 run past 200k miles no problems, they're bulletproof. I would take an e46 if I were you over the e60, you're going to be happier in the long run.

[IvanC]

I like the E36 better than the E46 and E60, but I would rather take the E46 if given your choice. The lower cost will also give you more flexibility to pay for the inevitable repairs, so I wouldn't spend that money on other things. As M5CHOTT said please check the water pump and radiator carefully, and of course the infamous rear strut mount (RSM). Other than that the rest should be fairly good.