I want to part with my E46

[knsaber]

After 6 years and 130k miles, I think I am ready to give up on my 330xi. I've had a lot of fun with the car and I actually still have fun driving it, but it seems like I have to fix something every 4-6 months that runs a minimum of $500-1000. I have a 2007 M Roadster that I absolutely love, so all I need now is a reliable commuter car. I've been very interested in the Honda Fit for some time now and test drove it too. Seems like quite a downgrade but I can't imagine how much headache, time, and money I'll save down the road - and still have a ton of fun on weekends with my M.

My 330xi is currently at Bimmer Clinic and they say I need to replace a leaking Bilstein shock that is only 4 months old, new brakes, new tie rods, new bushing, and a few more items. This never ends.

Any opinions?

[Kgolf31]

I'm selling my E46 as we speak (5spd 325xi).

I had alot of things done to it (P46s, Clears, LED Tails, Tint, Exhaust, Intake, Grills, Wheels) just off the top of my head. It's sitting at 132k miles right now as well.

I was able to part the CSLs and make decent bank on them (Read $800). So I was able to lower the price of my car significantly. I just kept everything else on the car and I'm selling it as it is...it attracts more attention to it that way IMO.

Anyways; I'm finally ahead of service on the car (just replaced ANOTHER CV boot); and I don't want anything else major happening to the car...just like you want as well.

I'm DD my M right now, I just really need to find a car for winter now if it does sell...Best of luck

[ANUSTART]

For a second car the Fit is great. Fantastic gas mileage, low maintenance, with decent storage for trips to Costco. Do it. It's actually a fun car to drive too. I wouldn't think twice about it.

[3002 tii]

My daily is a G35x. It's really reliable, ATTESA (Nissan's awd system) does great in the winters, only prob is the mileage. That aside, the car is pretty boring though and I get that sense from most Japanese sedans but it does its job. Oil changes every 5k, fluids every 30k and whatever wear/tear I incur along the way... not one major problem yet.

If I was looking for best mileage though, I'd consider a CRZ or a golf tdi...

Btw - if you're the original owner of the shocks, Bilstein should replace those, lifetime warranty no?

[esqu1re]

Man, I venture over to the e46m3 forums once in a while---1/3 of their threads are about something going wrong with their cars---leaky differential seals, leaking steering fluid, rattles, fractured subframes, vanos bolt issues...etc.

Is that the fate that awaits our cars when they hit 100k+ miles? =/

Honda fit is nice--you can put a decent amount of stuff in it while still getting decent mileage. Good luck w/ your sale and purchase.

[knsaber]

I'm glad to hear all of your support, and I'm sure the E46 forums will be defending the car till the death. My ex-tech friend from BMW said they build M's much better than regular BMW's so as long as it's a weekend car, it should last significantly longer? I hope he's right.

Driving the M 6,000 miles a year, it'll take me another 12 years to hit 100k.

I've replaced my tie rods, boots, control arms, bushings, anything you can think of a few times on the E46 already.

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by esqu1re

Is that the fate that awaits our cars when they hit 100k+ miles? =/

I hope not! So far, judging from the lack of complaints here, even though we're e46 based, its pretty damn reliable. Hope that lasts

[wonton180]

I'm with you too. My old 3-series had plently of maintenance costs in the upper years (10 years for me). I've got a Mazda as a DD now. I've owned other Hondas for years too and frankly believe American or Japanese cars make the best DDs. (from a cost perspective)

[krnnerdboy]

easy...keep the e46 and learn to do basic maintenance yourself

tie rods, brakes and shocks are pretty basic to me and cost very little.

[Kgolf31]

But when the car goes through another CV boot or Axle then you hit the wallet hard.

There is also the threat of expansion tank failing...if OP hasn't done the overhaul yet.

[Eccentric]

If you're looking at the fit, check out the ford fiesta, or even the upcoming focus st

[ZZZZ]

I moved from a 2002 e46 sedan 330i premium (120km) over to a 2004 Z4 3.0i premium/sport (105km). After half a year, I still miss a lot about the e46... that thing the reliable to the end, never had a single issue with the entire car. Never had a check engine light, never had a airbag light, it just drove and drove and drove. But I kept it pretty much stock. Only mods were window tint and red/clear lights all around.

The Z4 has been pretty good so far... more fun, a lot of compromise. Have some leaking coolant right now, think it might be a leaky reservoir but will know more on Monday when I can get it on a hoist. The airbag light is on (drivers side seat belt buckle apparently), and it needs a few small things such as driver side cup holder, and one of the LED lights on the rear bumper isn't working for some reason, engine needs a new DISA valve, sometimes the Nav screen doesn't open up.

Not to say that the Z4 isn't as reliable. It's tough to judge because I had the 330i when it was a baby with only 13k on the clock, and the Z4 I purchased later on in its life after 2 previous owners---and I really don't know how well the took care of it.

I'm considering an 5er as a daily now, and keep the Z4 as a weekender.

[3002 tii]

Off topic - Tony, thanks for the photo lessons yesterday!

[roo97ss]

Depends on budget and if you buy new or used.

For a daily on a budget id look for gti or mini s used for a lot more driver involvement

Fit is a neat little car and priced right.