New DD opinions: E46 Wagon/1 series/MK5 GTI or ?

[dan79brooklyn]

Hello from Japan.

I am probably going to be in the market for a new DD/family car soon.
We are a one car family, with two boys ages 3 and 9.
Currently I am driving a 1999 MK4 GTI, we bought it for the equivalent of $500 and it was in great shape for a 15 year old car. However it is having increasing little issues and I don't find it especially exciting to own.
We really only need one car, as much as I would like a little sports car (Miata or boxster) just for myself. It is pretty unlikely at the moment.

There are three cars which I am considering. Budget is $4000-$8000. They have to be automatics as my wife drives as well and it's easier to live with.

First option BMW E46 Touring M Sport.

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The only BMW I have owned before was a 1976 2002, but I am a fan of the marque. The E46 seems to have it's share of issues but they're generally well known and there is a huge following online. Another possibility is the slightly newer E90 touring:

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Any advantages to the newer 3 series over the E46 ?

The other BMW I like is the first generation 1 series. Over here in Japan this can also be had with the M sport package in either straight six or 4 cylinder. I think the six is the way to go?

Here is an example:

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The 1 series with the six cylinder is pretty expensive compared to the E46 with a similar engine. But it looks like a fun car. The two liter 4 cylinder can be had for slightly less Money.

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The other car I like is the Golf GTI that followed the one I have now: the MK5 this is the first one with the DSG gearbox. I would hate to have something go wrong with it. But I really like the looks and performance.

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As you can see I'm partial to German cars. I am open to other suggestions and would love to hear some feedback on the above three models.

Here is some more criteria so I don't hear wild suggestions....

I prefer RWD over FWD, I have no need for a 4WD car. I want something sporty/reliable/10-15 years old/can seat four comfortably/a hatchback or wagon/sport seats...

Thanks.

[fastfredracing]

We have an e 46 sportwagen , It has been a decent car, typical BMW issues, check engine lights, cooling system, belts, pulleys, a window regulator, etc.
Car now has almost 160k, and although I have pissed and moaned about it before, it has turned out to be a pretty reliable car .
She runs the wheels off it every day, with a hellish commute, and it does its job . Small enough to drive in the city, yet has enough cargo room to be practical . Car still runs very well and reasonably fun to drive

[dan79brooklyn]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

We have an e 46 sportwagen , It has been a decent car, typical BMW issues, check engine lights, cooling system, belts, pulleys, a window regulator, etc.
Car now has almost 160k, and although I have pissed and moaned about it before, it has turned out to be a pretty reliable car .
She runs the wheels off it every day, with a hellish commute, and it does its job . Small enough to drive in the city, yet has enough cargo room to be practical . Car still runs very well and reasonably fun to drive

That's good to hear. Japanese drive much less distances than Americans and maintain their vehicles quite well. All the cars I see for sale have less than 100,000 KILOMETERS.

Used cars also depreciate like crazy here. Japanese people love new tech.
Works for me!

[dewolf]

Had both the E46 wagon and the E91 wagon. If you can get an E91 it's a much better car. Nicer to drive, nicer to look at and just a more modern interior. The E46 served us well for years with no issues whatsoever and it had 210,00kms on it. Same with the E91. The only thing that annoyed me about the E91 was no temp gauge.

[dan79brooklyn]

Originally Posted by dewolf

Had both the E46 wagon and the E91 wagon. If you can get an E91 it's a much better car. Nicer to drive, nicer to look at and just a more modern interior. The E46 served us well for years with no issues whatsoever and it had 210,00kms on it. Same with the E91. The only thing that annoyed me about the E91 was no temp gauge.

Good to know. Is the E91 friendly to an average DIY'er?
I heard the E46 was the last series of BMW with a dipstick.

[rfloz]

Quote "Any advantages to the newer 3 series over the E46?"


Well, the E-90 has an nifty electric water pump that costs about $400.00 as opposed to the E-46 belt driven pump at around $100.00 (parts only).

They both last about 60,000 miles, but by then both cars will need the rest of the cooling system replaced anyway.

The good news is both cooling systems are pretty straightforward to work on.

And then here are the power window switches . . . Al least the E-90 has one switch per window. My 325ci puts two switches in a single unit. That way you get to replace both even if only one is broken. Maybe that's just a two door issue. Anyway, both malfunction at random times, most often on rainy days it seems. Great fun if you have to park on the street.