Reliability??

tonga3 · 08-01-2011, 08:45 PM

I'm looking at condensing my cars. I have had a great time with my E36 and reliability has been fantastic!! I am looking to get rid of the E36 and my '06 Lexus IS300 and pick up a more current BMW in the $18-$25k area. I've been looking at the 335i's, my question is.... what current Bimmers offer the same reliability as my E36???
Thanks
Andy

Eurostyle · 08-02-2011, 12:54 AM

A super low milage, one owner, no accident, spotless E46! You will still get the same "feel" as the E36, just a lot newer. E90's are pretty far from what you have now. Quality of the older/cheaper models will not be the best.

tonga3 · 08-02-2011, 05:44 AM

What about the M3's??

SiR · 08-02-2011, 10:16 PM

e46 have the same feel as e36s now? hrmm :p

I think they have fixed the high pressure fuel pump issue on a 335i...so a well taken care of one should be alright

noodles101 · 08-02-2011, 10:34 PM

E46 is closer to E36 than a E90+ models imo

kenmar · 08-02-2011, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonga3

What about the M3's??

While browsing a BMW mag last month, I read a comment which stated that some E46 M3 engines self-destructed but the article did not elaborate. I'd be interested myself if anyone could chime in with details.

noodles101 · 08-03-2011, 12:01 AM

^ ya i heard that too

Eurostyle · 08-03-2011, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiR

e46 have the same feel as e36s now? hrmm :p

I think they have fixed the high pressure fuel pump issue on a 335i...so a well taken care of one should be alright

Do you just post things for posting!!!? Go sit in an E36, then an E90 and see how it feels! Then go back to the E46 and you MIGHT see my point!

5style · 08-03-2011, 02:00 AM

yeah e46 is alot closer to a e36 then a e90. e46 is like a smaller e39 in interior feel

tonga3 · 08-03-2011, 05:51 AM

My problem is that I drive my E36 daily (except winters) but always have the IS if I want to work on the car and for the winters. The IS is a very reliable car, I don't know if I am going to get that kind of reliability out of a newer BMW or not.

noodles101 · 08-03-2011, 05:58 AM

lexus, as they call it ' japanese mercedes' is reliable but i dont think you will get the same high milege reliability you got with the E36 .

like some1 said ^^ MINT E46 with low km would be a good choice for you.

tonga3 · 08-03-2011, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles101

lexus, as they call it ' japanese mercedes' is reliable but i dont think you will get the same high milege reliability you got with the E36 .

like some1 said ^^ MINT E46 with low km would be a good choice for you.

So you would say that a good E46 would be a more long term reliable car than the Lexus?

noodles101 · 08-03-2011, 08:34 AM

^^ yup i do.

ive owned E36 328i, and E46 330ci.now with 328is

i had the 330ci from 100k to 170k with very minimal maintenance because i am a student...and dont have alotta cash to throw around.. and it was basically bulletproof, fluid changes and thats about it, same goes for the E36.
from what ive experienced bmw inline 6 engines have to be the most reliable engines out there. im pretty sure the M52 engine and the M54 engine is almost identical? i think they put aluminium block for the M54 for..more hp and that is about it .

tonga3 · 08-03-2011, 08:51 AM

So let me throw another wrench into the discussion. What about a well taken care of e90 328i??? I hate buying cars!! But I do enjoy driving

noodles101 · 08-03-2011, 08:04 PM

lol no idea. i have no experience with the E90s...

i heard they have a fuel pump failing defect? not too sure