Purchase Pending Advice Appreciated

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Hi All,

This is post number 1, hopefully the first on many. I'm looking to get into a BMW in the near future but I need some help. I have experience with Bimmers in the early 00s I spent 4 years as a yard manager of a luxury european car dealership, I saw the E36 change to the E46 and dealt with a ton of E39s. I have a fair idea of the possible issues with these cars but that was 10 years ago, and I'm no mechanic.

Initially I wanted to get into a E39 540 but have been told in no uncertain terms to stay away from the V8s, this is not on an economy basis, but a, if the engine goes, scrap the car basis because they're too expensive to fix. Before I was told this I presumed a 130,000km 540 would've been a pretty decent car, even better with a service history but now I'm second guessing myself.

While looking for a 540i I was introduced to the E46 330Ci with the turbo 6. The 330s were just coming out when I got out of the 'car game' and I don't know a thing about them.

Can somebody please help sway me one way or another, I really want a straight, un-tampered-with car for around the $10k to $15k mark (is this a pipe-dream?)

Thanks in advance!

[yng_750 247]

i dont think the v8s are that bad

service history is a great adviser of condition

but it depends on what your after

if you like to barrel friends and luggage all around the country in luxury go for the e39 540i

If i had the money for one i would probably sacrifice the space and comfort and go for a 330

as with anything get a bmw specialist to check it out before purchase, money well spent if you do

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That's the kicker, service history. Finding something NZ New with service history with around 130,000kms is going to be a mission, especially within my price range.

I quite like the look of the 330Ci's, are the all straight 6 turbos?

[yng_750 247]

i wasnt aware any were turbo

i havent had that much to do with late model 3 series but i didnt think they made any turbo versions

[Neal 545]

Only the Diesel versions of the e46 330's where turbo'd.

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You'll be pleased to know they're an inline 6, typical car salesman, no idea what he was talking about... Oh well, I feel a bit better knowing that I knew more than him...

[Greg111 13]

E46 330i were a straight six non turbo.

E90 and F30 335i are the only turbo sixs in 3 series platform.

[elmarco 56]

That's the kicker, service history. Finding something NZ New with service history with around 130,000kms is going to be a mission, especially within my price range.

You mean like mine? Linky. No mission - just give me a call and come over to take a look....

End shameless plug.

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^^^ haha already on my watchlist

[jeffbebe 1559]

Can't see if this is a 330 from the pics (probably not judging by the price for low kms) but might be worth a look if you're in AKL. http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index....showtopic=41103

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^Thanks, have flicked the poster a couple of questions... It would help to find out what model it is

[elmarco 56]

CarJam