Need some advise and guide

[kmrpt1]

Hi Guys,

I want to buy a bimmer and for that I need your advise.

Thanks in advance:

- I am going to buy BMW as my second car, I have limited income so cannot buy new one or even newer models. I can afford $3000 - $8000.
- I want to buy a starter BMW which is easy to maintain and more reliable and affordable. Please I understand that any car require maintainnce
has to go to mechanic for regular works (breaks/oil ) and some time irregular work,But I mean that some series(Modals) would be more reliable than others, so as beginner which series and modal should I choose. and also which year.

- I like to do car work myself if possible. In BMW can we do some maintaince work ourselves and repair it?
Which BMW is more reliable, means that if I take care of it well?
- 5 series vs 3 series which are more fun to ride?
- 5 series vs 3 series which are easy to afford and maintain?

Thanks.

[Jack Dabsy]

Firstly, welcome to Bimmerwerks buddy...
Secondly, the E46 3-series 2.0 - 3.0 diesel would be a great starter with your budget, would be decent to maintain and insure !

[kmrpt1]

Thanks for the reply. I am in Canada and not sure if I can find some diesel engines here.
If I am not wrong, E46 is 98 - 2004, can you please more specific to year and modal 318/325/328/330/ please?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Dabsy

Firstly, welcome to Bimmerwerks buddy...
Secondly, the E46 3-series 2.0 - 3.0 diesel would be a great starter with your budget, would be decent to maintain and insure !

[Jack Dabsy]

Ok, other than the Diesel I would go for the 2.5 or 2.8... These are the M52 straight-six units and work very well in the E46 3 series, they are bullet proof engines and in my opinion the best that ever came out of a BMW factory !!

[kmrpt1]

Originally Posted by Dabsy

Ok, other than the Diesel I would go for the 2.5 or 2.8... These are the M52 straight-six units and work very well in the E46 3 series, they are bullet proof engines and in my opinion the best that ever came out of a BMW factory !!

Thanks again for your kind reply. Two more things:
I did some search and found that E46 came from 1998 to 2004. But releases dates of modals in US are different. My question is when I will go to see the car to buy how can I confirm that it has E46 engine? Is it written on engine somewhere?
Second question is when I go to buy the Bimmer (specially E46 2.5 or 2.8) what are things which I should check must, where I should not compromise and which things are that I can say ok or which are normal) like suspension, breaks, etc.

Thanks again.

[Jack Dabsy]

Your first... E46 is the body-shape but will still have the M52 engine in (2ltr-2.8ltr straight-six), exactly the same engine but with restrictions if lower than 2.8ltr...
Your second... Take it for a run (From cold) and take particular notice of ANY noises or knocks. Examine the Service-Book, check ALL fluids and make sure everything works as it should (windows, Climate-control.. Etc) Everything !!!

[kmrpt1]

Originally Posted by Dabsy

Your first... E46 is the body-shape but will still have the M52 engine in (2ltr-2.8ltr straight-six), exactly the same engine but with restrictions if lower than 2.8ltr...
Your second... Take it for a run (From cold) and take particular notice of ANY noises or knocks. Examine the Service-Book, check ALL fluids and make sure everything works as it should (windows, Climate-control.. Etc) Everything !!!

Thanks.