E46 328ci

[delta530]

I am new here and wanted to ask about buying a used 2000 328ci. While reading some threads here, I have noticed a few people saying that it's not a good idea to buy an E46 with more than 60,000 miles because of transmission failure. Well I am looking for an automatic and my budget is only about 18K and saw an 00' 328ci automatic with 78,000 mile for about $15,900. Do you guys think it's a good idea to go for this car?

[Hootie]

I bought my 2000 328i with 58,500 miles on it for $23K (includes interest on the loan). I have had problems with sensors on the car, but no issues with the tranny yet. The biggest issue is the history of the car and how the driver treated it before you. I've heard the horror stories too, but have yet to see a problem.

If you maintain the car well from this point on, and don't try to do a "running start" from the reverse gear, the tranny should be fine. Basically, don't compound any problems. That sounds like a pretty decent buy. Compare it to the blue book and then subtract accordingly if the owner hasn't replaced the following:

Camshaft position sensors ($240)
Oxygen sensors ($400)
Spark plugs ($24)
Air filter ($10)
Cost of oil change, if not recent ($40)
Brake pads (have a mechanic verify adequacy) ($60)
Tires (ditto on the mechanic) ($400) - don't forget to check the spare for use!!

Most importantly, and this is my personal opinion, if you've decided you want to purchase a BMW, and you know the approximate year and model, purchase a code-fault reader. It will be the best $150 you ever spent. You can diagnose a car right in the owner's driveway and find out what errors are stored in the computer... and deduct from the price accordingly.

[delta530]

Thanks for the reply. Do you know where I can purchase a fault code reader?

Also the transmission problem only occurs when someone consistently does a "running start" from reverse?

[LongHairedHippy]

Bavarian Autosport (www.bavauto.com) carries fault code readers.

[Hootie]

Many people, understandably, in awe of their new corner-hugger, will often back out of a parking spot or driveway only to immediately through the car into drive and floor it. Nothing quite like throwing the heads of your passengers back against the headrests to show off your newfound power.

Unfortunately, that's the cause of this transmission problem. When moving the car in reverse, come to a complete stop before changing into drive and hitting the gas. Not as fun, but less costly in the long run.