Looking to go with a Bimmer

[FoxTrot]

Hey all,

I'm looking to sell my current vehicle (heavily modded, lifted 03 chevy silverado) and buy an e46 and have a few questions maybe you guys could help out with. I have been trying to do a lot of research but I am still confused about some items, so please forgive if I ask some relatively retarded questions

First off, I'm looking into a 330i manual transmission.

My first question is about the different packages/options. I "think" I am looking for a 330i with the Performance Package (ZHP?). Is it this package that gives the car the nicer front fascia, lip spoiler, black trim, 6spd, better susp., perf., etc, etc...? This package became available in 03 if I am not mistaken?

Also, what is included in the Premium Package?

I deffinately want the car to have the nicer front bumper and black trim. All the other options would be nice too (if I have what is included in the Performance Package right) but not necessarily a must really. The only other options I really want would be the moonroof and maybe the onboard computer/nav unit.

My next questions/concerns are about maintenance and reliability.

After reading this forum, a few others, and a bunch of web pages it seems that BMW's maintenance schedule waits too long on a lot of things, like oil changes. I guess that's fine if you're buying the car new and selling it after or toward the end of the 4yr/50k mi full maintenance coverage, but I'm looking to get into a car that's probably going to be coming close toward the end of it.

My concerns are that I'll be getting into a car that didn't quite have the maitenance it needed and will be less reliable or need more maintenance down the road because of it, even if the owner did follow BMW's maintenance schedule religiously. If I'm not mistakend BMW has 15k oil change intervals. I run 5w30 Mobil 1 in my vehicle now and wouldn't take it over 6k mi. I actually change it every 3k just because I like to run synthetic and play it safe just to know I'm doing everything I can for my engine.

Should I have much concern over the maintenance and the long oil change intervals or should the car still be ok?

Last, I've come to gather that BMW's aren't as reliable as other cars and may need more maintenance and will cost more. That's fine, and I'm fine with it. However, I don't want to get into something that I'm going to feel like it's a pos or a lemon because of it. I'm sure that won't be the case and it won't be that bad but a lot of what i've read makes me feel like a person is taking a big chance to own "the ultimate driving machine". A lot of it seems a little exagerated though. I'm not looking for a Honda or anything. Any piece of mind you all could offer would be great.

I guess overall I'm just looking for things to look for and watch out for when looking for a used BMW.

That, and what options to look for to get the car I want, 330i manual, nicer front fascia, lip spoiler, moonroof, and maybe nav unit.

Sorry for such a long post and thanks in advance for any advice, opions, help, or anything else.

*Edit*
Oh yea I want Xenons too, that's the other option I really would like

 

[4DSC]

You want a bimmer? Go for it.. They are beautiful reliable cars, with nice top notch technology. I have read about(and experienced) small electrical issues with some of the newer ones, but mechanically they are amazing. They can also be quite expensive though when it comes to repair, so be prepared if anything. I don't think you will be experiencing problems from the prolonged oil change intervals they recommend in the long run, but Im no expert.. Getting a low mileage one would be your best bet so you can change at the intervals you want to.

You can just feel when sitting inside one, how well they've been built. When you drive it, you can feel the quality that went into each model. You don't feel that way in just any car. "The Ultimate Driving Machine" thing is definatly not over exagerated. You will get amazing power, handling, braking, etc. out of one. The list goes on and on, on why you should get one.

 

[JCsE46]

Premium package in addition to performance package consist of the following (I believe):
-4-way power lumbar support for front seats
-Montana leather upholstery
-Automatic-dimming inside rear-view mirror
BMW Assist is a Global Positioning System and wireless communication system for Automatic Collision Notification, Emergency Request, enhanced Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services. Bluetooth® wireless technology is standard with the BMW Assist option.

About the Oil change, here some information you might want to read:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=1820&page_number=3
This is a very interesting article but I set myself to change the oil every 7500 miles.

Here's some articles about oil facts:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=168505&highlight=oil+change

And other info.: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=228054&page=4&highlight=0W-40+oil

I know maintenance will be costly if you bring it to the stealership. Most forum have experts and BMW master technician who are members in the forum, offered some tips and DIY instructions that can save you a lot of $$$. Don't be afraid to ask and posted your car problem in the forum and I'm pretty sure that someone will come and answer it for you.

Oh yeah, Xenon headlights is a must!!!!! Don't settle with halogen.

 

[codex57]

If it's new enough, it's prolly still covered under warranty. BMW's come with a really comprehensive maintenance warranty. Covers brakes, scheduled, oil changes, etc. Pretty awesome. After that, go to independent service places cuz they're far cheaper than dealers.

And yes, xenons are a must!

 

[Wadula]

regarding oil changes i have a strict opinion:

BMW knows what they are doing. oilchanges all 3kmiles is waste of money. there is simply no need to do it. they tested their cars and proove they stay in perfect shape with long distances between the oil changes. btw, they have always been longer in europe than in the US, and our cars get also quite old. don´t worry ont that, the car will let you know what it needs and when it needs it.

 

[FoxTrot]

Thanks for all the info and replys guys. You've helped out a lot!

As for...

You can just feel when sitting inside one, how well they've been built. When you drive it, you can feel the quality that went into each model. You don't feel that way in just any car. "The Ultimate Driving Machine" thing is definatly not over exagerated. You will get amazing power, handling, braking, etc. out of one. The list goes on and on, on why you should get one.

... I deffinately know what you're talking about and it's why I want to get one. I love the feel of them, the look of them, the handling, the apparent quality. They are sweet as can be.


Now all that's left is to find one!

 

[FoxTrot]

Just finished reading all of the info about oil changes.

Thanks for those links JCsE46, answered all my questions and enlightened me some on the subject.