Farewell E39, Hello E46???

[crusader]

My '03 530i SP/5sp is no more. I'm considering an E46 coupe comparably equipped in the last couple production years. The engine remains the M54 (even in the 2006?), no surprises there.

E39 common issues:
Control Arm bushings
Pixels failing in Inst cluster and MID (head unit)
Sunroof lift arms breaking (no tilt, loose sunroof)
Door vapor seal leaks (water in foot wells)
Cooling system longevity (rad, water pump primarily)

Are there any OBTW's (rear floor failures?) for the E46 that might be good to know about? I'll be doing most of the maintenance. Does the smaller engine compartment make routine work more challenging?

I'm sure it'll be a challenge to find the right car: reasonably low miles for its age, PP, SP, 6sp, and a color combo that is not ubiquitous.

Thanks,
Crusader
Crusader



2003 530i SP/PP/Xenon

[HBWT]

ZHP manual

[@ otto99]

Greg

2005 330Ci ZHP

[@ otto99]

Welcome to the fold. I think you'll like the way an E46 feels, as it's not altogether different from the feel of an E39 based on my experience. As far as common issues across platforms:

Control Arm bushings - common to all of them
Pixels failing in Inst cluster and MID (head unit) - haven't heard of this as a common problem, not sure
Sunroof lift arms breaking (no tilt, loose sunroof) - haven't heard this mentioned as a problem, not sure
Door vapor seal leaks (water in foot wells) - not so much as E39 if at all
Cooling system longevity (rad, water pump primarily) - yes, similar potential issues

There was a recall on rear subframe cracking, so make sure any potential candidate has been inspected. Mine was checked with no apparent problems. There may be other things that others will mention. And that white one that is linked below appears to be a fine example.
Greg

2005 330Ci ZHP

[crusader]

Still up in the air. Problem is there are so few manual transmission cars (albeit not as rare as in E39s). ZHP would be wonderful, but any nice coupe that's been well-cared for (AKA more than "free" maint sched) would be wonderful.

I've driven the E92 and it's an excellent car except for being virtually unmaintainable by the owner.
Crusader



2003 530i SP/PP/Xenon

[Stinger9]

[HBWT]

[HBWT]

[@ otto99]

Greg

2005 330Ci ZHP

[Stinger9]

[HBWT]

[Stinger9]