1999 Models? - BMW Forum

drz · 08-18-2005, 01:52 AM

I'm thinking of upgrading to an e46 328i. What has been your experience with 1999 US models?

PMB · 08-18-2005, 06:19 AM

I have a 1999 E46 328iSE (not in US). It is a great car. The only problems I have had have been stupid things that the stealership wants to charge lots of money for. Find a good non dealership mechanic and you will be fine.

drz · 08-18-2005, 09:41 AM

Thanks for the contribution. Anyone else?

storme · 08-18-2005, 11:55 AM

i have a 2000 320 ci

no problems so far...had it since new

only went in for a resistor on the a/c

zibby · 08-18-2005, 01:11 PM

Hi ! I drive 1999 E46 323 i ,a very low milage (35 000 miles/56 000 Km), , belive me or not ! I did not touch anything, even small sensor ( knock it off on the wood!) only every 8 000 miles oil change (Castrol Syntec 5w/50) and recently I changed front brake pads. One thing I do not like on these cars is auto transmission- it sucks! but if you into manual you are perfectly fine.

drz · 08-18-2005, 02:21 PM

Yeah -- I'm going to get a manual. I don't need the extra power from a 330, nor do I really want to pay for it. However, I really don't want to feel a step down in power when "upgrading" cars, so I think a 328 will be the least costly option that will not result in less power. My concern was that the 1999 was the first year of production. However, from what I read, BMW seemingly caught many things from the 1998 e46s they released in Europe. I am liking how this is shaping up.

Flacke · 08-18-2005, 08:08 PM

[attachmentid=23332]

Quote:

Originally posted by drz328i@Aug 18 2005, 02:21 PM
Yeah -- I'm going to get a manual. I don't need the extra power from a 330, nor do I really want to pay for it. However, I really don't want to feel a step down in power when "upgrading" cars, so I think a 328 will be the least costly option that will not result in less power. My concern was that the 1999 was the first year of production. However, from what I read, BMW seemingly caught many things from the 1998 e46s they released in Europe. I am liking how this is shaping up.

[snapback]370562[/snapback]

Hi, I have an e-46 '99 328i [see attached]. It is a very well-designed and refined car. I like it much better than the e-36 models. The car has been very reliable and a pleasure to own. The interior room is very comfortable and spacious and the Myrtle-wood trim is gorgeous. I think that you would find your e-46 a great car when you buy it and get used to its handling etc. IMHO.

yzracer420100 · 08-18-2005, 09:46 PM

99 323i, first day of driving (today) was a pleasure, outhandles all my previous cars... although they were a ford tempo and 84 trans am, so its not saying anything at all. I'll keep you posted with any issues i run into.

///M Power · 08-18-2005, 10:34 PM

My friend bought a 00 328iA. It's decently fast. Just a side note, the e46 328 is slower than your current e36 328. If you are OK with that, you will love the car. My buddy has yet to have any problems.

drz · 08-19-2005, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ///M Power@Aug 18 2005, 10:34 PM
My friend bought a 00 328iA. It's decently fast. Just a side note, the e46 328 is slower than your current e36 328. If you are OK with that, you will love the car. My buddy has yet to have any problems.

[snapback]370714[/snapback]

My understanding has always been that the e46 is slower. That is what I always told people here on the board. I have browsed around for test numbers, and most show the e46 as being just as fast or even a little bit faster. I know the increase in hp is minimal (from 190 to 193). I wonder if the Double-Vanos may affect acceleration, which is what I really care about -- I doubt I would feel any difference outside of this area. I know the e46 is over 200 lbs heavier. I guess all will come down to a test drive.

///M Power · 08-19-2005, 01:52 AM

The e46 is slower plain and simple because of weight. I dont thinkt he differenc eis 200 pounds, probably closer to about 100 pounds.

drgeeforce · 09-06-2005, 12:50 PM

1999 328i 36,345mi replaced cracked windshield, 6 sets of wiperblades, 5 oil changes 2 sets of tires, 1 antisway bushing, 2 microfilters, 2 sets of key batteries, 1 car battery, 1 powerwindow governor, 4 gallons of Meguiar's wash, 4 quarts of Meguiar's wax, about a thousand gallons of gas more or less. It still a great car overall.