Hey guys, I'm looking into buying a used BMW here in the States (studying here).

Within the BMW brand, I'm thinking about either a..

1) '0x BMW Z3 Roadster
2) '9x BMW 328ci E36 Convertible
3) '0x BMW 325ci E46 Coupe/Convertible

I'm just having a little hard time trying to decide between cars. Hopefully you guys can help me decide. All used cars in USA have similar mileage (1xxk miles) and alls the cars I am looking at have good maintenance records.

Do you guys know how much will maintaining each of these cars cost? If any of the models I've listed have known shortcomings or anything? Just give you guys opinions on this car.

This post has been edited by latias93: Feb 24 2012, 03:01 PM

Yup, it's running on M54B25 (some 325ci models have M56B25 though).

That's what I was wondering.. I've always been attracted to the E46's sleek design (compared to the E36.. in which it has squared shapes all over!). Now I have the chance to own it, but I don't want to have a car that will give me a hassle as I am a college student.

Maintenance costs might be cheaper.. I'm not sure. But all used cars here have shockingly high odometer readings (on average, 125k miles) which goes to about 200k km. Doesn't matter if it's a '92 Mazda MX-5 Miata, or a '06 BMW 328i E90 sedan, pretty much all used cars here have similar mileage due to USA being a big country and they usually drive far to work daily. Anyway, at such a high mileage, surely some parts in the car will give way soon.. honest sellers will list recent maintenance records in their ads. While the others.. well I don't want to drive a car off a used car lot and find out I have to change the timing belt.

Yeah man, I'd rather pay a mechanic $100 to inspect the car than to find out that my new purchase needs $2000 in repairs.

I believe it's the same man, I would definitely go with a stick shift as it's more fun and not as costly to maintain/replace.

Hmm that's true man. But it doesn't comfort buyers that the car has been well used! Either way I will still look at the service records.

Bro, mind sharing your exhaust setup? Resonator delete? Muffler delete? Magnaflow? Eisenmann? Spill the beans!

Alright man! Mind sharing how much is the total (or expected) cost of installing the quad exhausts? Anyway I prefer to unleash the raw sounds, especially at traffic lights. Total head-turner.