Buying Guide Overview
Buying Guide
Section titled “Buying Guide”The E46 330 is an excellent sports sedan/coupe that offers a great driving experience at an accessible price point. However, buying a 20+ year old BMW requires careful inspection and realistic expectations about maintenance costs.
Key Considerations
Section titled “Key Considerations”- Maintenance history is everything — A well-documented service history is more important than low mileage
- Cooling system status — Has it been refreshed? If not, budget $500-$800 for immediate cooling system overhaul
- Subframe condition — Check for rear subframe cracking (see Common Problems)
- Rust — Major concern in salt-belt states
- Manual vs Automatic — Manuals hold value better and are preferred by enthusiasts
What to Expect
Section titled “What to Expect”- Purchase price: $4,000-$15,000 depending on condition, mileage, and options
- Annual maintenance: $1,500-$3,000 for DIY, $3,000-$5,000 at independent shop
- These are not cheap to maintain — budget accordingly