[Technic]

Good luck! Check the rear subframe though...

Originally Posted by tomes

Technic, this car is gorgeous

Thank you for all the answers. I rethought everything and most likely I'm gonna buy my cousin's E46. I like the way it drives and feels more than 320i. The car is in very good condition (but I know it will require some work). I think it's the best and the cheapest way to start an adventure with BMW.

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

It's simply amazing how few people actually understand this fact.

+1

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by tomes

Technic, this car is gorgeous

Thank you for all the answers. I rethought everything and most likely I'm gonna buy my cousin's E46. I like the way it drives and feels more than 320i. The car is in very good condition (but I know it will require some work). I think it's the best and the cheapest way to start an adventure with BMW.

Originally Posted by Technic

Good luck! Check the rear subframe though...

Subframe issues mainly affected the first two or three years of E46 production. I can't recall ever reading of subframe issues on a 2004 model, so that shouldn't be a big concern. Still plenty of other considerations - cooling system, oil separator, power door lock actuators, sagging door window trim, moonroof shade going off its track, etc.

[USC2000]

Originally Posted by F**Enthusiast

Huh. Wonder why Mike_L got banned...

[greekcs]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Subframe issues mainly affected the first two or three years of E46 production. I can't recall ever reading of subframe issues on a 2004 model, so that shouldn't be a big concern. Still plenty of other considerations - cooling system, oil separator, power door lock actuators, sagging door window trim, moonroof shade going off its track, etc.

All model year E46s were effected. I opted to have turner plates welded on mine. Most seem to prefer the expanding foam deal bmw offered. In the end, even with all the fixes available, people still reported tears in the sheet metal. No worries though; the E92 finally solved the problem that plagued the E36/46. Now if

[sjpaul]

Originally Posted by Technic

The last person to know all these ordering details is always the CA. By the time I get to the dealer I have all the ordering details of the car and the factory custom order paperwork pre-made.

This is SO interesting! So when you're ordering a car, your first call (email) is actually to someone in BMWNA? Do you work out the build when them, then take that build (with approvals) to your dealer?

BTW, every time i see pictures of your car I'm reminded that you have excellent taste. Just a beautiful car.

[Technic]

Correct, I contact first BMWNA only for special orders. I rather get a deny from the actual source than from a CA.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by sjpaul

This is SO interesting! So when you're ordering a car, your first call (email) is actually to someone in BMWNA? Do you work out the build when them, then take that build (with approvals) to your dealer?

BTW, every time i see pictures of your car I'm reminded that you have excellent taste. Just a beautiful car.

[beinginthemind]

I went to my local dealership five years after college, having spent the previous two year recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury and Basil skull fracture. I earned a career in that recovery process, I had wanted to own a BMW since I was 14 years old. It started with the e46 M3 and then I decided I loved the 4-door 3 series. The 320i xDrive was what I could afford. 11 months now after purchase I am adding upgrades. One of those upgrades was the M Sport Kit for a 328, it fits, have a good body shop put it on and move forward with life.

[CalCarNut]

Originally Posted by tomes

Hey guys, I'm considering leasing a 320i. I read that I can custom order car even if I lease it, that's probably what I'm gonna do. I was wondering if it is possible to custom order a 320i with M Sport and SAT. I know those options are available in Europe for 320i.. In the worst case scenario I'm gonna go for 320i with sport package (or 328i with M sport if I get a good offer )

I don't see any M-Sport option available for the 320 as you said..just the Sport package as you've listed. Not sure if you can do it under the I/Individual program...kind of doubt it. If its a company lease..go the 328 route...a 320 is rated at 180hp...the 328 240+. Kind of answers it

[CalCarNut]

should have read the entire post. Technic covered it much better!! Guess you can. Technic, that car is gorgeous.

[pocoyo_3]

Originally Posted by Heel328

Here's a fan favorite - http://jalopnik.com/let-chris-harris...bmw-1514877066

I love this spec. The essence of what a BMW should be i.e. a great drivers car without all the useless nonsense. Get it with the manual though ☺

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by tomes

Just to clarify - I'm a college student who has been dreaming about Bimmer for many years. Now, working part time, allows me to make my dreams come true. Of course, I'd rather get 335i. But it makes no sense to spend all the money you make on a car. I'm also considering getting the CPO 328i E90.. The last 3er with naturally aspirated inline 6 and hydraulic power steering. The good aspect about getting a new car is the free maintenance, I know it doesn't cover everything but at least something. Maybe you guys can give me an advice?

I do like the earlier e-series cars but here is something to keep in mind. Due to low oil prices a lot of oil expansion and exploration has been shelved. That means when supplies run low gas prices will spike and with no new supply that spike will stick. Say hello to $6-8/gallon gas. Don't get a gas guzzler in the next few years.

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by tomes

Hey guys, I'm considering leasing a 320i. I read that I can custom order car even if I lease it, that's probably what I'm gonna do. I was wondering if it is possible to custom order a 320i with M Sport and SAT. I know those options are available in Europe for 320i.. In the worst case scenario I'm gonna go for 320i with sport package (or 328i with M sport if I get a good offer )

Can the 320 be Dinaned yet? That's the ticket. A lot of 328 M body parts fit the 320. You're set. But, don't over mod the 320i. Just bump up to the 328 instead.

[Pauleebe]

Originally Posted by greekcs

All model year E46s were effected. I opted to have turner plates welded on mine. Most seem to prefer the expanding foam deal bmw offered. In the end, even with all the fixes available, people still reported tears in the sheet metal. No worries though; the E92 finally solved the problem that plagued the E36/46. Now if

But it greatly affected the 323 and 328, before the 2001 models were introduced with chassis and engine changes (325 and 330).

[skw]

Originally Posted by menncars

Can the 320 be Dinaned yet? That's the ticket. A lot of 328 M body parts fit the 320. You're set. But, don't over mod the 320i. Just bump up to the 328 instead.

Yes (to the Dinan question)

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by skw

Yes (to the Dinan question)

1.5 years left in the current lease and 1.5 years till the kid goes to college. Yeah, a Dinaned 320 will get me through her college years. Unless she goes for law then it's a riced up honda fit.