[CamasM3e93]

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently in an e93 M3 dct. It's a daily and this is my second winter with the car. I supercharged it over the summer and have found that even with all season Michelin's, that extra power makes winter driving precarious. I'm also thinking I'd like something more analog. There's a couple e46 sedans available in my area with the 330 engine and all wheel drive. I'm aware that AWD adds about 200 pounds. One car is fairly updated/well maintained but has 170k miles. the other car has 125k miles but comes off a dealer lot without much info. Both are 2003s and around $7k. I've done some reading and am aware of the subframe issues. The e46 forum here is discontinued; what things should I be thinking about as I consider adding one of these to my fleet?

BTW - I do most of my own work on my cars.

[TAZ007]

I had an '04 E46 CIC and it was a solid performer even at 150k mileage. I would check the frame for corrosion before deciding.

[The-Traveler]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

I had an '04 E46 CIC and it was a solid performer even at 150k mileage. I would check the frame for corrosion before deciding.

Mine rusted like crazy twice. Stay away!

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by The-Traveler

Mine rusted like crazy twice. Stay away!

Well, I guess it depends on where it comes from. Mine didn't live in cold environments that salted roads.

[The-Traveler]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Well, I guess it depends on where it comes from. Mine didn't live in cold environments that salted roads.

Fair

[1SloeEm3]

Originally Posted by CamasM3e93

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently in an e93 M3 dct. It's a daily and this is my second winter with the car. I supercharged it over the summer and have found that even with all season Michelin's, that extra power makes winter driving precarious. I'm also thinking I'd like something more analog. There's a couple e46 sedans available in my area with the 330 engine and all wheel drive. I'm aware that AWD adds about 200 pounds. One car is fairly updated/well maintained but has 170k miles. the other car has 125k miles but comes off a dealer lot without much info. Both are 2003s and around $7k. I've done some reading and am aware of the subframe issues. The e46 forum here is discontinued; what things should I be thinking about as I consider adding one of these to my fleet?

BTW - I do most of my own work on my cars.

I owned a 03 330xi and maintenance on the car was ridiculous. Off the top of my head you need to overhaul the complete cooling system,Ccv.
, Fuel pump, Vanos seals, front axels and alternator. Almost all of those things have leave me stranded when I owned that car. Take the 170k mile one if maintenance records check out

[m5james]

My mom's got one and it's been great for her. The M54 is a good engine, just make sure it NEVER overheats or the engine will be done...every 100k requires a COMPLETE cooling system replacement and like any BMW you have to be ritual about 5k oil changes vs BMW's attempt to sell leases with 10k+ oil change recommendations.

[The-Traveler]

Originally Posted by 1SloeEm3

I owned a 03 330xi and maintenance on the car was ridiculous. Off the top of my head you need to overhaul the complete cooling system,Ccv.
, Fuel pump, Vanos seals, front axels and alternator. Almost all of those things have leave me stranded when I owned that car. Take the 170k mile one if maintenance records check out

This!!

[Tommysalami]

Hope you like fixing leaking gaskets, in addition to what everyone else said.

I had a 03 330ci with the 5 speed and while it was a great beater car to drive, Id have been much better off getting a cheap Camry instead

[The-Traveler]

Originally Posted by Tommysalami

Hope you like fixing leaking gaskets, in addition to what everyone else said.

I had a 03 330ci with the 5 speed and while it was a great beater car to drive, Id have been much better off getting a cheap Camry instead

Said everyone who ever owned an e46

[CaTalyst.X]

You would do well to ditch the all seasons. A real winter tire makes all the difference

[CamasM3e93]

Originally Posted by CaTalyst.X

You would do well to ditch the all seasons. A real winter tire makes all the difference

Thanks for mentioning that. That's kind of a deep plan D - staying in the e93 and maintaining two sets of wheels - summer and snow.