BMW 3 series - 2004/5

december

Anyone got one of these and if so, any opinions?

Thanks

harveybobbles

E90?

Ok enough, but people seem to prefer the E46. Me included.

The E90 has a funny line on the bonnet edge which people can find miss leading when it comes to letting your eye judge where the corner of the car is in car parks.

They also have problems with the electric steering coloumn and ABS pumps.

december

I think it'll be the E46, prefer the E90 but don't think funds will stretch

motorguy

If its an e46 make sure its cheap. They are going off the boil very quickly in the motor trade and with buyers so they will drop like a stone.

harveybobbles

I've seen E90's around £5000 recently...

december

Ooooh Harveybobbles, you may have just made my day as we're looking at buying in about 4 months ish so they mind come down a bit

december

pgilc1 wrote: »

If its an e46 make sure its cheap. They are going off the boil very quickly in the motor trade and with buyers so they will drop like a stone.

Thanks pgilc - is that due to them being unpopular or just one of those things? I've seen a few for £2500 at 2004-54 reg and tbh had assumed that there must be something other than high mileage wrong with them, am I being over cautious?

harveybobbles

Last of the E46's are a good buy. All get decent spec. Even the base ES gets a few extra's

gilbert_and_sullivan

E46 coupe in the right colour....ie not black or silver...is probably one of the best and prettiest popular cars ever made.

They are very good cars but they need to be serviced properly and regularly, especially Diesels, if the service history is missing or the self servicing owner (many of us do this and often better than the dealers) is an obvious liar walk away, they will not tolerate neglect.

Plenty of them have been well cared for, so search wide and far, well heeled toff or caring DIY private seller just might be the best sources.

harveybobbles

I've seen late 2004/2005 E46's M SPort Coupe's fetching more money than the new shape E90's. I can see why to be honest, the E90 isn't anywhere near as good as the E46.

Try to aim for a facelift 2003 onwards.

december

Thank you very much for that advice Mr D and I were in the dark a bit, I'm so glad I posted