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Thread: In hopes to get back to the BMW life, need your advise

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    SEATTLE, WA
    Posts
    1,193
    My Cars
    03 325i, 02 Jetta

    In hopes to get back to the BMW life, need your advise

    Long story short, I had an E46 325i but sold it after 4 years or owning it(regret this), leased a 2014 Lexus CT200h and had that for the last 3 years. I just returned the Lexus yesterday but I also bought a 2014 Silverado 1500(a few months back) for a fun truck. Now I am used to having 2 cars and I miss my e46.

    Here is what I am thinking of doing to get back to the BMW life:

    -Buy an e46 M3 (manual-no SMG).

    -Buy an e39 M5 (manual)

    -Buy an e46 330i or 330ci ZHP (manual)

    My question to you guys is which one do I go for? and why? I am well versed with all the common fixes on the e46 (non M) engines as I did a lot of the work on my 2003 325i when I had it.

    Thanks in advance and I look forward to getting back to the BMW life after 3 long years.

    *picture of the Ct200h, my truck, and the pictures of my e46 before I sold it
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Vancouver Isl, BC, Canada
    Posts
    4,173
    My Cars
    98 Euro M3, 04 M3, 06 M5
    Depends what you are looking for, are you wanting the power of the M cars and willing to pay for it?

    BMW M cars are exponentially more expensive to purchase and maintain. I love both the e46 m3 and e39 m5. If i was going to the track id take the E46, If i was heading across the country id take the E39.

    Ive owned many 330i's and they are great cars for daily commuting. Enough power to have a bit of fun, that being said they are tuned to pretty much their max, and your not going to get much more power out of it aftermarket.
    Last edited by legoman67; 09-16-2018 at 02:02 PM.
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    SEATTLE, WA
    Posts
    1,193
    My Cars
    03 325i, 02 Jetta
    @legoman67 thanks for the info. I am thinking this car would be my "fun car" on the weekends and summer time. As for the initial purchase price, I am looking at cars within the 15k range. I guess the maintenance on M cars do worry me a bit. In your opinion how much more expensive is to maintain an e46 M and e39 M in comparison to a e46 non-M?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    284
    My Cars
    E21, E46

    In hopes to get back to the BMW life, need your advise

    If you want lower maintenance costs however maximize features go for the ZHP.

    The e46 is a great series since the engine trans and diff maintenance is minimal.

    The m3 requires ongoing valves adjustments whereas the non-m has hydraulic lifters thus self adjusting.
    Last edited by RobertDenali; 09-16-2018 at 03:15 PM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    SEATTLE, WA
    Posts
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    03 325i, 02 Jetta
    Quote Originally Posted by RobertDenali View Post
    If you want lower maintenance costs however maximize features go for the ZHP.

    The e46 is a great series since the engine trans and diff maintenance is minimal.

    The m3 requires ongoing valves adjustments whereas the non-m has hydraulic lifters thus self adjusting.
    Do you have any idea of the yearly repair cost for either the M3 or M5? With my e46 325i I would spend about $500 annually.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Vancouver Isl, BC, Canada
    Posts
    4,173
    My Cars
    98 Euro M3, 04 M3, 06 M5
    Quote Originally Posted by Martin 03 325i View Post
    Do you have any idea of the yearly repair cost for either the M3 or M5? With my e46 325i I would spend about $500 annually.
    DIY an M car is going to cost you 2-3x more on average in maintenance.
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

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