Should I buy it? 1999 328i sedan

Well since your dads a BMW nut you won't have any issues lol.

Originally Posted by MercForHire

Here is a list of things you must do or already done.
Subframe reinforcement kit plus installation $150 + 8-10 hours labour welding shop. Total: $1000
Cooling system overhaul $300 parts + 3-5 hours labour. Total: $600-800
Ccv hoses. Not sure how much but $500+ job for shop and at least few hundred in parts for diy.
Random other fixes $1000

Total everything and see if you can afford.

I think your crazy. I'm glad they built my car before they figured out where to cut corners to produce them cheaper and quicker.

Op, look at the FAQ tab at the top of the page, I'm pretty sure the differences are listed between what I have and all the newer ones.

I'd go for it, I bought mine for 4K @ 186,000 miles. Price is a bit high, maybe 4-4,500 for the one you want.

And I think you are a fool. If you think everything I mentioned never happens then why don't you look around on the forum.

I love my 99 328i but it is expensive to maintain! I bought it a few years ago with 95k from original owner that was well maintained. I have about 5k into it since I bought it in just parts. I did all repairs diy including vanos seals, cooling system, auto to 5 spd swap (reverse went out in my auto), belts, pullies, valve cover gasket, plugs, window regulator, etc. etc. etc.

Now that the car is practically brand new I will keep it and drive it for a long time but my next car will be a Honda or Toyota.

It sounds like you're on the right track. Get a pre-purchase inspection so you'll know if there are any major problems with the car.

Once you get past a certain point (seems to be like 5-7 years on my BMW's) you have to replace more than just "wear items". The main parts that seem to have experiation dates are usually made of rubber, like gaskets and seals and stuff. They just wear out in the weather.

Originally Posted by MercForHire

And I think you are a fool. If you think everything I mentioned never happens then why don't you look around on the forum.

you actually deliver pizza with your e46? They pay you by the kms or something

I work on Friday and Saturday nights. They pay a lousy $7 a hour plus $.25 per pie.
With tips I get $12-20 a hour after gas.
My car has no sunroof. Spare tire removed. Manual seats. And light weight rims.
So I get 8.5L / 100km even in city.

Originally Posted by MercForHire

I work on Friday and Saturday nights. They pay a lousy $7 a hour plus $.25 per pie.
With tips I get $12-20 a hour after gas.
My car has no sunroof. Spare tire removed. Manual seats. And light weight rims.
So I get 8.5L / 100km even in city.

I should do it with a Metro. Up to $20 an hour for a driving job isn't bad.

Manual seats and no sunroof ftw I've been getting 8.8L without a working MAF this week.

Depends OP a BMW isnt the best starter car but if its what your set on and are confident you can do all nessiary repairs and have the tools go for it (if the car is in good shape) We all know you will mod it even if you say now you wont, One thing dont get caught up on is trying to make it fast if you want to do that buy an E46 M3 or at least a 330i and even then they are slow

Originally Posted by E46330iguy

Depends OP a BMW isnt the best starter car but if its what your set on and are confident you can do all nessiary repairs and have the tools go for it (if the car is in good shape) We all know you will mod it even if you say now you wont, One thing dont get caught up on is trying to make it fast if you want to do that buy an E46 M3 or at least a 330i and even then they are slow

An M3 is waaaayyy to fast for a first car

A 328 or 330 is fine. A geo metro can get you in trouble. Insurance sucks though

Originally Posted by Andy2108

An M3 is waaaayyy to fast for a first car

A 328 or 330 is fine. A geo metro can get you in trouble. Insurance sucks though

Agreed Im just saying OP is 16 and i can see it now . He is going to want to make it faster and after putting his CAI on and getting 5 horse hes gonna wonder why. Unless your gonna go FI with a 328/330 theres no point except for headers/ cams

Originally Posted by ac_2007

I should do it with a Metro. Up to $20 an hour for a driving job isn't bad.

Manual seats and no sunroof ftw I've been getting 8.8L without a working MAF this week.

hah that's good mileage too. but hell why is something always goes broken on your car man?

Honestly, buying any car that old with that many miles will have more issues than you can speculate about. The fact that this one has the known issues discussed (subframe, ccv, cooling) just adds to the mix. Honestly, I'm not sure Id recommend an older BMW for anyone that doesn't plan to get their hands dirty... otherwise its just incredibly expensive! That being said, at that age Id spend 4000 on the car, but plan to spend another 2k relatively quickly getting it into a good reliable state.

Originally Posted by MercForHire

hah that's good mileage too. but hell why is something always goes broken on your car man?

What else has broken on my car?

Nvm what i said. Great car!!

Originally Posted by E46330iguy

Agreed Im just saying OP is 16 and i can see it now . He is going to want to make it faster and after putting his CAI on and losing 5 horse hes gonna wonder why. Unless your gonna go FI with a 328/330 theres no point except for headers/ cams

Fixed

The intake is perfect as is on a BMW. Scoops are right in the grille. The aftermarket will just add noise and restrict airflow.

Originally Posted by ac_2007

you actually deliver pizza with your e46? They pay you by the kms or something

Haha... Not a fool actually. If the car had always been serviced at the dealer then he should be getting nearly a brand new car. Those things listed he should never have to worry about. My car is just as old and I've never had any of those issues. It'd be nice to see some data on those problems sorted by model year.

Based on the position you describe, I'd recommend getting an E30 and swapping in an S50/S52.

Spending $5K on a high mileage early E46 just to dump a bunch of time and money into it is probably not worth it. If you have the time and resources, invest it in a car that you'll be able to sell at break-even or better.

Unless he gets rear - ended in traffic or has an accident in which case his s52 e30 that he spent more money than you might think to build is totaled by the insurance company for 1k. plus there's nothing that says reliability like a budget-built 24v swap e30.