A TTAC reader named Don has requested a semi-private audience with our Best and Brightest. Don wants to purchase a used BMW 3-Series. Here's Don's dilemma: "I'm looking for a 2003 to 2008 model four door. I am replacing a 1994 Lexus SC400 and I want to experience BMW's great handling and road feel. 80% of the time I will be driving alone or with 1 passanger, but 20% of the time I will have my wife and some or all of my 3 kids along with me. I am undecided as to an automatic or a stick shift. My main priority is handling and feel and I am hoping for good reliability (are BMW's reliable?). Power, speed, and fast acceleration are not that important to me. Is there a superior model year in my range (I think that a body style/size change took place around 2006) or have the characteristics that I am looking for slowly evolved and improved each year?" Feel free to think laterally here, lady and gentlemen. But remember: most of the time people buy what they want to buy regardless of anyone's advice. Or, as my beloved wife reminds me (to no avail, obviously), no one ever got into trouble by nodding their head. At least not straight away.
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Reliable? Compared to what? A Hugo then yes much better. A Toyota, no, worse and expensive. Stick or automatic? If you have to ask buy a Camry. I personally like the previous generation better than the bloated new ones.
Whichever one doesn’t have their gawdawful “run-flat” tires. The BMW OEM tires are horrible – poor treadlife, not great handling (don’t even ask about wet-road traction) and very loud on the road, especially grooved pavement, which is what lots of the freeways in California are.
In fact, they are so bad, that if I knew 7 months ago what I knew now about the car, I would have never darkened the doors of a BMW dealer.
I believe that buying a BMW with the expectation of Lexus-like reliability is setting up ones self for angst and other German words that you’d rather not think about.
Some fans will disagree, particularly those offended by Banglefication, but the newer cars (2006+) are probably better than the older ones, as BMW sought to address QC issues that were arising previously. The sticks are more fun than the automatics, but good luck finding many manuals out there — most BMW’s are sold in the US with autoboxes to hinder them.
I’m not generally a big fan of car leasing, but I personally think that leasing BMW’s isn’t such a bad idea, assuming that you can live with spending that kind of money on what is effectively a rental car with strings attached. BMW leases are often subsidized — look for deals, and be patient as new ones come and go — and you don’t have to worry about the long-term costs of ownership. You’re better off with a Lexus or Infiniti if you want a long-term ownership experience.
I question whether this is a great choice if you plan on hauling three kids in the back seat. The kids had better be small, and you should hope that they don’t grow too much.
Your best bet is a 2003-2005 330i with performance package, or a 2006 330i. You actually will get better fuel economy with the larger engine, especially with stick shift. If you want an automatic transmission, do not buy a 2003-2005 325i. These have a SULEV-certified engine, which means that parts replacement are significantly more expensive. In many cases, the entire assembly must be replaced if something breaks. The 2006 is a newer body style and looks slightly larger.
I have only been in 1 bmw in my life and it was a 335i. I really enjoyed it and can reccomend it. The one I was in, if I recall, was a 2 door. I am not sure if it comes in 4 door or not.
I can’t speak to reliability…
Do you hate your children so much you’d stick them in the back of a 3-series? How old are they? Over the age of 10 or 12, I’d be wary.
If you want usable space, good value, and European feel, get a Passat. Otherwise I’d go with a pre-facelift 323 or 325 with the fewest gadgets on it (manual seats, manual A/C, etc). 2003 maybe? That should at least hedge the potential trouble spots. It won’t be as fast or luxurious as your Lexus, but should be more fun.
2004-05 E46 330i with the ZHP performance package and manual transmission. Closest thing you can get to an M3 without dealing with the M3 cost of ownership premium.
If you are coming off a Lexus, you are going to have to vastly re-define “reliability” when you switch to a Bimmer. The car will run forever but there will always be little things going wrong that cost $$$$ to fix. For that reason I would suggest getting the newest lowest mileage Bimmer possible, unless you are handy and have lots of tools, then save money on an older model and do your own maintenance. One nice thing about BMW is the huge DIY support online.
Personally, I like the styling of the E46 better, so I’d recommend getting the latest model (ie. should have most bugs worked out) E46, which was the 2005 MY. Definitely go for the 330 as the 325 only had ~ 197 hp. Make sure it has the sport package as well, so you get the better seats and suspension. Don’t get the xi, as the perfect weight balance of the Bimmer will allow you to get around on snows in the winter without it.
Another thing you may want to consider, especially if you can do your own maintenance, is an E46 M3. That car is many orders of magnitude better than a normal 3 series, can fit real people in the back, and can be had for mid to upper $20K’s now.
E46 330i Touring. Well, that’d be my preference. Or a newer 335i sedan.
I’ve owned both an ’03 325ic (the coupe) and currently drive an ’06 325i sedan. Both were manual and with their respective sports packages. Before that, I had an E36 M3 that became a track toy.
The E46 is a great car. Even going on 10 years, E46 sedans and coupes are still tight, clean and sexy looking sports sedans and you can’t disagree with the dynamics the E46 evolved from the great E36 chassis. Style wise, I thin the E46 will go down as the last of the “Classic” BMW looks.
Aside from that however, the E90 is simply a phenomenal motor vehicle because it is utterly competent in every situation you can throw at it. It is really hard to describe, but this is a car that goes from trudging around town doing errands, to a quick relaxing run through the twisty roads up in the hills to midnight transcontinental blitzes at some serious extralegal speeds. I’ve had this car for 56,000 miles since I bought it new about 3 years ago and I have yet to find a single situation where it wasn’t utterly perfect. That includes taking it to PIR, Thunderhill and Laguna Seca.
I will say the 330i Performance Pack. it’s got tighter suspension than the standard 330i sport, it has a 6-speed manual instead of a 5-gear, another 10 horses from that creamy straight six, and quite a bark to it’s exhaust note.
Really though, best 03-08 3 series? 2005+ Infiniti G35 Sedan 6MT. :)
Go for an 03-05 E46 with the sport or performance package. The suspension tuning is darn near perfect and it has a much more precise steering feel than an E90.
The 2.5L engine is more reliable than the 3.0L (although a bit less fun.) The others are right, stay away from the automatic trannies! Big trouble.
My 03 325i Sport Package has 126K miles on the clock and has been trouble free since I got it (including the dreaded window regulators), except for drivers seat leather that has utterly turned to shreds. The upholstery quality in the E46 was pretty bad… don’t know if its still that way in E90.
If we could get it in North America, the 320si is the lightest of the bunch. Not fast, but with a good suspension and tires it’s quick.
Shame you have to use this car to haul all 3 kids. Can’t the other car handle that duty?
The current coupe (E92) is the best. The E46 coupe is 2nd.
If it must be a sedan, get a 2005 (E46) 330i. The current sedan just doesn’t do it for me.
As the Monty Python “Lion Tamer” skit goes, perhaps you should go from banking to accounting, rather than straight on to lion taming. BMW’s have wallet mauling capabilities that rival its corner carving ones.
Fortunately yesterday’s podcast was entitled: “the G35 wrecked everything”. That’s a good place to start, with deals on NOS Acuras being strong contenders if you live in a snowy climate. The TSX in particular is held in high regard amongst TTAC members.
I spent 5 years as a BMW mechanic and service advisor.
2003-2005 330i performance package, auto or manual. If you live in a snowy area, get a 330xi. Try to get one with CPO warranty and extended maintenance.
How in the heck did you fit 5 people in a Lexus SC400? If you want European flavor and feel but with Toyota’s level of reliability – frankly I’d opt for the Lexus IS250 (inline 6) or even an Acura TSX. The TSX is much cheaper and much more reliable (though it does have fwd – but I own one and it’s quite fun to drive with a 6 speed manual and get’s almost 30 mpg highway).
I think the new BMWs have become overrated and porky so much they just don’t feel as nimble. If you really want to experience a BMW stay with the Pre Bangled versions.
The best 3-series, assuming road feel and reliability are really the things you’re looking for, would probably be a Subaru Legacy. Really rewarding to drive and you can probably pick one up for cheaper than a Bimmer.
although i prefer porsches, i’ve owned three bimmers during the middle years of my life – and loved them all.
the only one i bought new was a ’94 318is which i used as my daily driver until just last year, when it finally died. i found it to be a very pleasant, though somewhat underpowered, car. if you go for one with a small motor, try to get a stick – it’ll deliver far more of that spirited bmw driving experience owners seek.
do want to mention a couple of things regarding service and longevity. i have found bmw cars and bmw dealers notoriously expensive; so line up a good, trustworthy, independent mechanic before-hand and be sure to have the car carefully inspected before you purchase it.
also, for what it’s worth – several years ago i was talking with my independent mechanic about three-series cars and he mentioned something i’ve never forgotten. he told me that i would probably get no more than 15 years and/or 150k miles out of mine before it would begin to implode. and he was right. mine was almost 14 years old and had 161k miles on it when became seriously, expensively problematic.
in the end, the car wouldn’t even start. the best i could do was donate it to charity and take the tax write-off for $2400. but it was fun while it lasted.
I have an ’04 330i with the performance package (option ZHP) and am very happy with it. The ride is a bit firm on rough pavement, but that comes with the territory.
More details about the ZHP package here:
I purchased a 2005 E46 325xi with the 5-speed manual a couple of months ago. Without hesitation, I can recommend any manual 325 as an ‘entry level’ into the 3-series galaxy. It will be the lowest cost of entry into the field and leave room to enjoy upgrading to the 330, 335, M3 in the future…
Personally, my only regret is getting an all wheel drive model. The added traction may come in handy some day, but the added cost, weight and complexity do nothing add to the driving enjoyment one bit.
I have owned several BMW’s.
I suggest that you get a certified pre owned. BMW’s are not the most reliable, but they are really nice. Usually, its little bugs, unless you get an engine other than the inline six.
Still, the CPO will allow you to get the car with a long enough warranty that you can either become confident you got a good one with few bugs, or be ready to sell again.
If you, or your kids are very tall, the later models offer more back seat room.
It can sometimes be harder to find the sticks, so you can’t be too picky if you want one. That will narrow the field. You can use the web to search for CPO’s in nearby dealerships.
Enjoy.
My ’01 330 was ok but cramped. Avoid the performance package especially if you live in snow country. Every BMW is designed to handle well so you don’t need it. The downsides include: harsher ride, balls-crushing sports seats, 10,000-mile “performance” tires which are expensive to replace and whose low-profile is guaranteed to nick up the giant wheels while parallel parking. Those “performance” tires will also get very loud and give you a terrific headache as they get closer to end of life. Plan on buying/storing your “winter tires” somewhere if you live up north. The manual transmissions are overrated (1st is geared like a stump puller) and the automatics, I’ve heard, are AAMCO’s best friend. Overall, these cars are expensive to repair and the dealer service depts are complete ass____s.
Having has a few generations of 3 series, I would go for an 04 or 05 330i with sport package. While the last model was smaller it’s way more fun to drive and don’t come with runflats or Bangle styling. Auto vs manual will depend on the driving you’re doing. I prefer manual on the open road and auto in the city. My 330ci was an auto and in sport mode it was the perfect way to go for my urban driving. As far as reliability goes, my old E36 323is had some issues but the E46 330 never missed a beat.
2000 e46 328 original owner here: 118k miles, 8 yrs later:
repair:
1 water pump impeller
1 exhaust camshaft position sensor
1 valvetrain cover gasket
1 climate control resistor
4 front turn signal bulbs (should replace sockets instead)
1 set rear shock mounts
1 door seal (right side)
maintenance:
1 set front rotors, 1 set rear rotors
2 sets front pads 1 set rear pads
6 plugs
17 oil filters
6 air filters
8 cabin air filters
1 rubber carpet
2 alignment checks
4 sets of tires
Other than alignmet and diagnosis of camshaft sensor, everything else was DIY. This car has been cheaper to maintain (and way more reliable) than previous GTI, Mondeo SHO, BroncoII and ML320.
Which is not saying much, of course…
Wife’s 4Runner only replaced a battery and brake pads in 5 years of farm work towing horses…
A stripper e90, manual. You can probably find one certified used as well. A little too ricey a look for my taste but a great engine.
The e90 was the first sedan I seriously considered buying since my ’92 e36. If my job required a commute, it would have been my daily driver.
We ended up with an ’05, e46, manual, 325ci with the (removeable) hard top option. I doubt if we will ever sell this car. A classic look and a great driving experience.
The ’97 M (yes I read the question)
Actually the ’03 wagon is pretty awesome too.
@ Cleek-
The E46 will be easier to have repaired at an independent and most of the bugs were either worked out or easy to diagnose by 2004/2005. (Fan’s acting up? It needs a final stage resistor. For example.) I’d stay away from an E90 for a couple years yet.
Get an M3 and stay light on the throttle.
I’d pick a manual transmission 2005 E46 330 with the ZHP performance package. The newer E90 are nice cars (with more interior room) but suffer from standard Run Flat Tires, and optional IDrive and Dynamic Steering. If you get an older model, you’ll want to check out the excellent BMW forums on the net and save a fortune on repairs and maintenance. Always get the Sport Package to insure easier resale down the road.
The back seat is snug for adults, but with kids, OK.
You want to get a 330i or xi. The cost difference is less now. go for the spring 2003 revision or later. You get better radio, and a bunch of other stuff.
You get the sport suspension stock, and the bigger discs with the 330i. Try for a sport package…the seat is amazing.
Avoid the Zhp, because while it has a few more beans there appear to have been some camshaft issues you don’t need.
You will not regret it. The E46 is bulletproof. You avoid the run flat tire issue, and I drive. The satnav system is rare, but good if you can find one.
From crawling through manhattan to searching for the speed limiter in wide open spaces, nothing compares. This car is basically set up like the E36 M3, sans m motor, in a comfier (some would say fat, with an “f”) package.
OK, I’d trade for a 335i Sport sedan, but thats about it.
If possible, grab a CPO car.
I noticed that models with more options tend to be the ones with electrical problems. Also, earlier models tend to be the ones with worn bushings, torn subframe mounts, etc.
Cost of ownership for an E46 should be somewhat lower than an E90 in the long run, especially if you perform your own maintenance.
@ guyincognito:
My parents bought a preowned Lexus a few years ago and it was the least reliable car we’d ever owned.
The E46 330i Auto was a little boring for me. The steering is really light. (atleast coming from the E30 and E36). Brakes are sensitive at low speeds also (make sense as speed increases though). Leatherette seats are a little irritating. Throttle is sensitive . It was just a little too twitchy for me. Although it may make sense at higher speeds. Also the interior was not up to my quality expectations. Perhaps I need time to get to know the car better in everyway. I’d look into a E46 325i with leather and manual to see whats up with that one. Than I’d look into an E90 325i or 328. I do not think the extra power of the 330i or 335i is preferable to winding up the motor. Same goes for the sport package. I have a right to be wrong though.
I’ve always felt that the top of the line 3 Series other than the M3 is the way to go. That would be the 330 or the 335i. The lesser models are just not good car for the money. Better off with a G35 than one of the lesser models like the 325/328
The E90 has the most impressive crash videos I’ve seen of any vehicle, ever. (Contrast the ’97-’03 F-150 for amusement.) Simply stellar structural integrity. The E46 was merely par for the course in 2000. If you plan to have your family in the car, I’d choose a 2007 E90 for that reason alone.
None of the E46 BMWs fall within the ordinary definition of “reliable.” As was pointed out above, while you’re unlikely to be stranded, you are likely to encounter a stream of small, but annoying problems. If you choose this model, pick the most recent year available with the lowest mileage, preferably with a CPO warranty. Do not buy an M3. It’s requires frequent and clockwork upkeep, parts wear twice as fast, and anything M3-specific costs twice as much or more.
Be aware that BMW is not the only company with cars that can handle. The Lexus IS300, G35 sedan, and ’03-’07 Cadillac CTS are highly capable, less maintenance-intensive, and often available for a song. The IS most closely resembles the BMW combination of ride and handling. The CTS, a bit softer, and the G35, a bit harder. Given that the SC400 was always more of a GT than a genuine sport coupe, you may find that the difference in handling between “the best” and “very, very good” is not worth the premium.
I have a lightly optioned (sport package, xenons, cold weather) 2006 325i that’s been entirely trouble free for 20,000 miles. With a stick, there’s not a lot separating the 325i from the 330i in that year, unlike the 328i and 335i starting in 2007. If you like to drive the sport package is a must, if only for the seats, but if you live where it snows, you’ll have to get a set of winter tires.
I’ve seen some ’06 325i’s sold on Ebay for around $20,000; dealers will want several thousand more for a CPOed car. I also have a 2000 528i that I bought as a CPO. The CPO premium was probably worth it, as there were enough minor problems (mainly engine and ABS sensors) that needed replacement at 40,000 – 50,000 miles. That car is approaching 80,000 miles now, and I’m concerned about it needing a lot of non-routine maintenance repairs soon. I’m not as familiar with the previous generation three-series’ reliability record but I assume they have their own issues as they get into that mileage range.
Hello there,
We recently picked up a one year old loaner car from Bellevue BMW (2007 328i, bright blue, CPO with 8700 miles) with Seat Heat and the six speed auto as the only options. Fantastic! My wife and I love driving it and the added room in back is a real bonus for our kids (currently 7 and younger). The minivan is our main family hauler. This is the “other” commuter car. No iDrive, no power seats to break. Also, don’t let the plethora of negative comments about the run-flat tires scare you. I was dubious but after driving the car, I really don’t see what all the fuss is about. I’ve run performance Bridgestones for most of my life on one car or another and these have excellent on-center feel, stick well in corners and are not particularly noisy (nor are they particularly quiet). Drive a base E90 with a few options and see what you think. No problems so far (touch wood). A wonderful car! Averaging 24 MPG in mixed driving. When I put the automatic in DS mode, it really feels like another 30 HP has come online…really changes the character of the car. My $.02.
PS> My first car was 1974 2002 my father and I restored in 1986ish. Ah, sweet memories. The E90 is not that car, but I do miss it for the nostalgia. Not for the asthmatic defroster or 4 speed transmission…
The best ’03-’08 BMW 3-Series you can get is…..a Mazda 3.
You get 80% of the performance, 90% of the handling, and 95% of the driving fun/road feel…at a 50% discount, both in purchase price and maintenance costs.
Given Don’s limited performance needs, he’ll never miss the 60+ hp he’s giving up (unless he gets a Mazdaspeed 3).
i would personally look into an 04 or 05 330 with the ZHP package. do not be fooled by people who say it’s the same as the sport stuff. upgraded flywheel, suspension, alcantera tiller, and carbon fiber dash . . . to name a few. plus yuou get a tastedul “M appearance” on the front facia.
i think the previous body style BMW was much nicer than the “new” version . . . not to mention it’s lighter. if acceleration is not your main focus the 230 odd hp you get in the 330ci/i is more than enough. the new twin turbo v6 is exceptional, but that’s if you’re into hp wars . . . id much prefer to go sub 3000lbs. than 300+ hp. but that’s just me.
If possible, I would always go for a 2006, eventhough the E46 is an incredible car that really set the benchmark for many years when it came out in 1999.
The E46 was launched in 1999, and today you want the technological advancements they made in the meantime, especially in terms of safety and arguably reliability. For that reason, the E90/91 (2006-) is the way to go.
I’m not completely sure about the US engine range for the 3, because in Europe it’s quite different, but the I6 petrols are always good IMO, I believe the 330i is the same as the European one and that’s never a bad option, probably one of the best engines ever built.
Since it would be used as a family car I would say a Touring might be nice, although I believe in the US you can’t get a 330i Touring for some reason…If the children are tall you might even consider a 5. They usually aren’t that much more expensive used because of the huge popularity of the 3 series (at least that’s the case in Europe).
Anyway, unless you are in a snowy area I’d not go for the xi models. Although BMW did a good job to limit the effects of AWD to the driving experience, it’s a BMW, and you want that pure RWD experience, no traction interference in the steering feel. Plus it adds a little weight and lowers mileage. Also, it’s a BMW, and you must honour that by getting a stick shift.
One last possible advice; they just launched a facelift of the E90 model, so maybe you can use that as some extra leverage to pick up a pre-facelifted used one.
I drive a 2004 325i, 4 door sedan, manual transmission, with 60,000 miles on the odometer. No complaints whatsoever. There was a an ignition coil recall, replaced for free under warranty. Needs new rotors and pads on front and back about every 40,000 miles. Otherwise, just scheduled maintenance. My driving conditions give me about 25 mpg each tank. On highway travel only, it will get over 30 mpg.
Car still looks good and get lots of compliments on it. I recommend it without reservation. Can’t comment about other years, though.
andyinsdca Says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 am
Whichever one doesn’t have their gawdawful “run-flat” tires. The BMW OEM tires are horrible – poor treadlife, not great handling (don’t even ask about wet-road traction) and very loud on the road, especially grooved pavement, which is what lots of the freeways in California are.
In fact, they are so bad, that if I knew 7 months ago what I knew now about the car, I would have never darkened the doors of a BMW dealer
Can’t agree more – I was SO happy to return my 2006 Z4 and repeatedly kicking myself for not getting an S2000.