BMW 3-Series E46 (1998 - 2005) - Which estate?

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Mon 8 Dec 2008 20:35
Which estate? - csgmart
In the next 6 months or so I'm hoping to be in the position to do away with the bangernomics Polo and get into something a bit more modern.

I could really do with an estate as I often find myself going to the local tip with all sorts of stuff and it's also going to be handy if/when we go on holiday next year.

I quite like the look of the BMW 3 series estate from 2002 until the new shape launched a year or 2 back.

What's the best engine for this car - quite fancy the 330d. Any horror stories?

Also what is an absolute must when buying a used beemer - things like service history etc?

Are there any better options I should also consider?

I do about 120 miles per day on average, although 200+ is not unusual.
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Mon 8 Dec 2008 20:50
Which estate? - CJay{P}
At 200 miles a day, economy would be paramount, so go for a 320D. Look for a car registered AFTER Nov 2003. If going for an earlier car, make sure that the turbo has been replaced.
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Mon 8 Dec 2008 20:54
Which estate? - csgmart
Cheers. How much less efficient is the 330d over the 320d?
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Mon 8 Dec 2008 21:06
Which estate? - Pugugly
I had a 330d which invariably returned aroung 35 to 40 mpg in use, I could tease it to get around 45 when on a decently quiet m-road. It was a very good car with superb performance and if I hadn't have had a succession of 5 series including a 535 twin turbo, I would say its near perfect dynamics linked to that engine make it very good. I know plenty who've had a 320d and were happy with them with no major troubles - just slightly harsher - the performance was pretty good in them as well, but the economy was more around 50mpg. You pays your money and takes your chance. The 330d is an addictive car thanks to that engine. What's your budget ?
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Mon 8 Dec 2008 21:10
Which estate? - csgmart
Budget? Well I reckon on £6k or so. I've seen a number on sale for this sort of money with miles from 85,000 upwards.

To be honest the mileage doesn't botther me too much - as long as the engine has been looked after I figure it should last for a while.
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Mon 8 Dec 2008 21:15
Which estate? - Pugugly
Try to get one with a proper BMW history, try to get one from a specialist dealer (not necessarily a BMW franchise ) - it may be worth paying a bit over the odds. Some people hate them as they are biased against the badge - that engine, is arguably, the best diesel in its class.
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Mon 8 Dec 2008 23:34
Which estate? - Avant
If you're within striking distance, try James Paul, BMW specialists, on the A281 nearer Horsham than Guildford. They supplied my Z3 and did a terrific job of making a seven-year-old car look like new. They are very knowledgeable and could advise you on what to get for your budget.

Edited by Avant on 08/12/2008 at 23:35

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Mon 8 Dec 2008 23:41
Which estate? - Pugugly
Avant alluded to it - BMW paint quality up until recently was absolutely spot on. My old E46 is still in the family. The only regular washing it had was at the dealer at service time. A tub of polish still makes the old girl shine as new - really a deep lustre.
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Tue 9 Dec 2008 21:03
Which estate? - vtecfan
would chose a 320d as the economy in 330d is just extremely high for a diesel, also from what I've heard (only stories) the 320d is more reliable.
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Tue 9 Dec 2008 21:09
Which estate? - Pugugly

"would chose a 320d as the economy in 330d is just extremely high for a diesel"


How does that work then ?
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Wed 10 Dec 2008 02:17
Which estate? - CJay{P}
My last 320DSE (52 plate, new turbo at 90k) - from 90k to 120k - returned 46mpg, calculated brim to brim, every time I filled up the tank.

6k is more than sufficient for comparatively low mileage late 320DSE. Expect to pay a good 10-15% more for the sport version.

I sold mine, in June this year for 5k. Cars have fallen a lot since.
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Wed 10 Dec 2008 07:19
Which estate? - csgmart
Thanks all very encouraging.

I'm now slightly worried that the 3 series estate may not be big enough although 99% of the time it would only be me in the car.

Is the boot big or would I be better looking at a 5 series or something else altogether?
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