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If I were you I would give it the same treatment you would an old 911 that you don't know. I would find a good Indy BMW person (with a BMW computer) and have them go through it. From experience you should also look at the control arms and bushings, make sure the idle is correct and the gas mileage is near 28 - 29mpg. If that stuff looks good I think you have something that is worth going to the shop for a lift and a computer read out. If it is an automatic you should make sure it is GM(?) slush box - the other ones have an issue with reverse that is around $6k to fix. You should also make sure the sub frame is looked at - it sounds like they mostly tear when abused, things like donuts, etc...
I have 2 e46s a 2000 328Ci and I just got a 2005 325iT, both with sticks, and the coupe is just coming off an expensive year (2008). The items outside of maintance were VANOs needed to be replaced, which caused the idle to surge, the cam sensor, and the oil seperator froze on a ski weekend in Vt and it needed a tow home. With all of that said I think the e46 is great platform that is fun to drive - I would really like to get at least 300k miles out of both of mine.
I'm sure you have taught your daughter well, but BMWs are like Porsches in the sense that when the oil light comes or the car is overheating they need to be shut off immediately.
Anthony
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'05 BMW 325iT
'00 BMW 328Ci
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