2006 BMW 330i

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OVERKILL

OVERKILL

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My sister is looking at picking up a low mileage specimen that is in the GTA. Has all service records, clean CarFax, no accidents....etc. Any problem points with this car that she should look out for? I expect it to be cheaper to maintain than my M5.
 
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As a point of reference, my 1998 323i with 140K miles just now started having trouble with the cooling system. First it was the plastic thermostat housing, and then the water pump went out. I use a good independent mechanic, and neither repair was all that expensive. Knock-on-wood, everything looks good now.
 
Originally Posted By: crw
As a point of reference, my 1998 323i with 140K miles just now started having trouble with the cooling system. First it was the plastic thermostat housing, and then the water pump went out. I use a good independent mechanic, and neither repair was all that expensive. Knock-on-wood, everything looks good now.
Excellent! No cooling system issues with the ///M thus far either. Only real problem was one of the CPS's and that turned out to be a 10 minute swap. It does still need a clutch however. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), my purchase of a BMW has prompted other family members to car shop. Dad is still looking at getting a Mercedes, and now that the Explorer has died, my sister wants a Bimmer. She's highly motivated to buy, since she has no wheels at the moment, and this car is priced very well. She's been in the M5 a few times, and that pretty much sealed the deal as to what she wanted.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
I think the only major reported issue was subframe damage, so that should be checked. If you google for E46 subframe damage, you'll find plenty of info. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=585472 Depending on how many miles are on it, cooling system overhaul may be in order. Nice car overall!
This would be an E90.
 
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: crw
As a point of reference, my 1998 323i with 140K miles just now started having trouble with the cooling system. First it was the plastic thermostat housing, and then the water pump went out. I use a good independent mechanic, and neither repair was all that expensive. Knock-on-wood, everything looks good now.
Excellent! No cooling system issues with the ///M thus far either. Only real problem was one of the CPS's and that turned out to be a 10 minute swap. It does still need a clutch however. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), my purchase of a BMW has prompted other family members to car shop. Dad is still looking at getting a Mercedes, and now that the Explorer has died, my sister wants a Bimmer. She's highly motivated to buy, since she has no wheels at the moment, and this car is priced very well. She's been in the M5 a few times, and that pretty much sealed the deal as to what she wanted.
I guess as long as you can "supervise" the maintenance of it, it should be a good car. I think women get targeted all the time for unneeded repairs and probably having a luxury car makes it worse.
 
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: crw
As a point of reference, my 1998 323i with 140K miles just now started having trouble with the cooling system. First it was the plastic thermostat housing, and then the water pump went out. I use a good independent mechanic, and neither repair was all that expensive. Knock-on-wood, everything looks good now.
Excellent! No cooling system issues with the ///M thus far either. Only real problem was one of the CPS's and that turned out to be a 10 minute swap. It does still need a clutch however. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), my purchase of a BMW has prompted other family members to car shop. Dad is still looking at getting a Mercedes, and now that the Explorer has died, my sister wants a Bimmer. She's highly motivated to buy, since she has no wheels at the moment, and this car is priced very well. She's been in the M5 a few times, and that pretty much sealed the deal as to what she wanted.
I guess as long as you can "supervise" the maintenance of it, it should be a good car. I think women get targeted all the time for unneeded repairs and probably having a luxury car makes it worse.
Definitely supervised wink She lives close to me and we hang out a lot. She does her own oil changes and stuff. A lot more mechanically inclined than most women, that's for sure.
 
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
This would be an E90.
Ci = coupe. In 2006, the Ci was still an E46. Only the 2006 sedan was an E90, at least in the US. Not sure if it was any different in Canada.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
This would be an E90.
Ci = coupe. In 2006, the Ci was still an E46. Only the 2006 sedan was an E90, at least in the US. Not sure if it was any different in Canada.
Sorry, my mistake. it isn't a Ci, it is just an "i". She was originally looking at a Ci and then I guess changed her mind. I checked the ad again, as I knew the body style wasn't right for an E46, LOL. Maybe Bill can change the thread title for me.....
 
I'm quickly converting to become a BMW fan. It started with the 1975 2002. That car, it's hard to describe in a few sentences, but that car was built to last. How many 4-cyl cars from the 1970's are still on the road? So, my experience with it has led me to acquire the 1998 3-series vert. The vert is not as fun as the "totally tossable" '02, but it's a great car. It feels much like a new car even though it has 140K miles. I think it would enjoy new front struts, but there is no rush to get that done. All of the little things, the wipers, the side windows, basic electronics, all of that stuff works!
 
>> She does her own oil changes and stuff That's awesome! Get an oil extractor, and together with the cartridge filter, there is no need to get under the car to do an oil change.
 
Originally Posted By: crw
I'm quickly converting to become a BMW fan. It started with the 1975 2002. That car, it's hard to describe in a few sentences, but that car was built to last. How many 4-cyl cars from the 1970's are still on the road? So, my experience with it has led me to acquire the 1998 3-series vert. The vert is not as fun as the "totally tossable" '02, but it's a great car. It feels much like a new car even though it has 140K miles. I think it would enjoy new front struts, but there is no rush to get that done. All of the little things, the wipers, the side windows, basic electronics, all of that stuff works!
Yes, the driving experience in a BMW has got to be best I've ever experienced. I love getting behind the wheel of the M5. I had a bit of fun with it this morning, as I had to drive my sister to work and I took a hairpin at DSC-engaging speeds. Followed of course by a spirited romp up the rest of the on-ramp grin
 
Originally Posted By: crw
All of the little things, the wipers, the side windows, basic electronics, all of that stuff works!
Consider yourself lucky. The electrical/electronics in my 5-er failed on numerous occasions, and I'm at half the mileage of yours.
 
Originally Posted By: crw
>> She does her own oil changes and stuff That's awesome! Get an oil extractor, and together with the cartridge filter, there is no need to get under the car to do an oil change.
Yessir, she's pretty capable. She changed the filler neck on her Explorer, has helped me with a brake job....etc.
 
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
This would be an E90.
Ci = coupe. In 2006, the Ci was still an E46. Only the 2006 sedan was an E90, at least in the US. Not sure if it was any different in Canada.
Sorry, my mistake. it isn't a Ci, it is just an "i". She was originally looking at a Ci and then I guess changed her mind. I checked the ad again, as I knew the body style wasn't right for an E46, LOL. Maybe Bill can change the thread title for me.....
Done!
 
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
This would be an E90.
Ci = coupe. In 2006, the Ci was still an E46. Only the 2006 sedan was an E90, at least in the US. Not sure if it was any different in Canada.
Sorry, my mistake. it isn't a Ci, it is just an "i". She was originally looking at a Ci and then I guess changed her mind. I checked the ad again, as I knew the body style wasn't right for an E46, LOL. Maybe Bill can change the thread title for me.....
Done!
Thank you VERY much Bill, really appreciate it.
 
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: crw
>> She does her own oil changes and stuff That's awesome! Get an oil extractor, and together with the cartridge filter, there is no need to get under the car to do an oil change.
Yessir, she's pretty capable. She changed the filler neck on her Explorer, has helped me with a brake job....etc.
I guess the next question... is she married? hide As for the e46, great cars, bad design flaw, check the sub frame areas for rips, if it isn't ripped, I suggest you buy it and then buy the preventive kit to stop the chance of damaging it. As for the E90, I have never heard anything bad about them shrug
 
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my wife's is a 325i and has had some issues with electronics, but nothing major - usually something where a sensor is tripped for safety and then has to reset over a short time. (ie full roll-down on the automatic windows etc). I think she will love it, especially because she is willing to do some of her own work. IMO one of the most best driving experiences I've ever had in a sedan. Make sure she gets glass coverage on her insurance, the windshields typically cost almost 800$ if she has the rain sensor.
 
Originally Posted By: crw
>> She does her own oil changes and stuff That's awesome! Get an oil extractor, and together with the cartridge filter, there is no need to get under the car to do an oil change.
+1. One of the last BMW engines to include a dipstick tube.
 
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