Thanks for all the input everyone, I agree. Gonna wait for the right one to come up - well documented is the most important thing for me. I’m looking for an auto sedan in Southern California - not afraid of higher miles at all. Would actually rather a higher miles example that’s had a lot of major things addressed (like cooling system and suspension work) than one that’s just over 100k that’s only had oil changes.
Plus side to a light interior, it wont get hot AF in the summer sun. I need to get window shades for the side windows. Black leather in SoCal sun is enough to burn skin lol
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Beige just doesn't look good in most cars imo, there's few applications that it does, plus it gets dirty very easily. Don't let these people scare you away from black leather, I live in the bay area and honestly window tint + a sunshade keeps the car comfortably cool. But if you have no tint at all prepare for 2nd degree burns.
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I like beige interior, actually. Three of my cars (black e46 323i, black e90 330i, silver e90 335i) had beige color and it looked good IMHO. Plus, I live in TX and that helps during the summer.
2005 IR / black / 6MT157,000 miles
I agree with this statement! I bought one at 100k miles with no work done. I woulda rather get one around 125k with work done. By the time I hit 125K I had done the following (leaving some items out and not including additional items from the accident, check my old build thread):
- entire cooling system
-All pulleys and belts
- Entire CCV
-OPG
-OFHG
-Tie rods, control arms, new boots (needs new struts, bushings everywhere, and I still need to rebuild rear suspension)
-New intake boots
-All new vacuum lines
-DISA
-Washer bottle motor for sprayers
-and the list goes on and on.
You are right about documentation being the most important part because it proves the maintenance. I keep all my receipts, have a huge spreadsheet tracking my work, dates, miles, etc, and have 100s of photos to back it all up.
In retro spec, I should have waited for one instead of jumping on the first one I liked in the colors I wanted. I wanted the suede, but was fine with leather, and now prefer it because I'm a dog owner.
I bought my car in Lake Elsinore, which is 200 miles away. I drove my GFs car the first time when I went to inspect and test drive, then took a train down when I bought, so just widen your search area and you'll find the one for you.
Yep. I bought mine not knowing anything about E46s, only common issues and horror stories. Figured it couldn't be that bad...it was. I have replaced almost everything on the car. I did buy it pretty cheap so it balances out.
If were to buy another, I would pay a bit more for documented repairs. That premium is very much worth it, unless you enjoy doing the repairs...
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-Corey
2003 Blue ZHP Sedan @ 210k
Dead due to damaged valve. Parts are being transferred to a wagon:
2003 325iT Japanrot 6MT @ 230k