E46 to F30

INROADRACR · 03-12-2021, 09:15 PM

I purchased my first BMW, a 1999 328i (5-speed manual, Sport Package), 22 years ago. Ordered it and waited for its delivery and took possession on 12/31/98. I've driven that car and cared for it for 22 years. I've been lucky to have short commutes along the way and the car has "only" 187,000 miles on it.

Finally got the bug and found a beautiful low mileage 2017 F30 which I couldn't resist (340i, 6-speed manual, RWD, M-Sport, M-Track...). Not sure if I'll get 22 years out of this one, or if we'll all be forced into government-issued, self-driving, electric pods before then, but I just can't get the smile off my face.

Loving the experience. Enjoy the ride.

tturedraider · 03-12-2021, 10:00 PM

Looking good. Congrats!

FrankDK · 03-12-2021, 11:40 PM

What an upgrade. Congratulations.

vmaniqui · 03-13-2021, 12:49 AM

You can’t go wrong with that choice. Nice.....

zamboni · 03-13-2021, 01:19 AM

Congrat nice car do a BMW MPPK kit and get additional 40HP.

Blueeyesredpanda · 03-13-2021, 01:36 AM

Skipped one of the best generation, E90. F30 with VSS, sucks.

INROADRACR · 03-13-2021, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zamboni

Congrat nice car do a BMW MPPK kit and get additional 40HP.

Was thinking about the BootMod3 retune. Cheaper than going to BMW. Appreciate any opinions.

dmaxdmax · 03-13-2021, 05:51 AM

I took exactly the same route as you, OP. A '99 328i in hideous Fern Green, to a '16 340i 6-spd.

I still cry every night I miss my e46 so much--we did 240k miles together in my 14 years with it--left it running great with only 386k miles.

Still getting used to this f30.

Pauloxxi · 03-13-2021, 09:09 AM

I bet you wished keep both!
Nice F30 anyway. Enjoy!

adhrp · 03-13-2021, 11:31 AM

Congrats and welcome to the F30! I love hearing stories of people who take good care of their cars to keep them running for several years.

I love my 2012 F30 (N20), and while I hope to keep it for several years, I have started to get the itch for an M340i. With 118k miles on the odo, I have numerous maintenance items coming up, not to mention a turbo wastegate rattle that needs fixing ($3500). The total prospective maintenance is in the ballpark of $6-7k (having already spent $6k since 2016 when the complimentary maintenance/warranty expired). I don't mind spending this amount (still cheaper than a new car payment!), but I will be really bugged if after all this the timing chain suddenly fails (an achilles heel on the N20 engine) and causes catastrophic engine failure. That makes me wonder whether I should just save the $7k in maintenance, trade the car in for $6k, and get an M340i.

I guess the point of my essay is to ask you: what inspired you to keep maintaining an older car for so long, and how much did you spend overall maintaining it in the post-warranty years?

Sigtran · 03-13-2021, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adhrp

That makes me wonder whether I should just save the $7k in maintenance, trade the car in for $6k, and get an M340i.

If you have $$$ to spare, I would suggest to avoid headaches and make yourself happy. Life is short!

zamboni · 03-13-2021, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INROADRACR

Was thinking about the BootMod3 retune. Cheaper than going to BMW. Appreciate any opinions.

I tend to stay with OEM for durability of the engine since you'll keep the car for a long period, no one know and understand the car better than BMW engineers.

Al Bundy's Dodge · 03-13-2021, 02:30 PM

No other car from 1999 as aged as well...still catches my eye every time I see one.

Congrats on your upgrade!

frchdragon · 03-13-2021, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sigtran

If you have $$$ to spare, I would suggest to avoid headaches and make yourself happy. Life is short!

I agree, life is short. I am guessing that the resell value on the N20 cars will be quite lower if the timing chain isn't replaced.

frchdragon · 03-13-2021, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zamboni

I tend to stay with OEM for durability of the engine since you'll keep the car for a long period, no one know and understand the car better than BMW engineers.

BMW engineer didn't get everything right: aftermarket brake pads are better than OEM, some control arm bushings are better than OEM, there is upgraded engine parts that fix mistakes from OEM...
Should we talk about the lifetime transmission fluid?
And wheel bolts??? Can I get studs already!!!

frchdragon · 03-13-2021, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INROADRACR

Was thinking about the BootMod3 retune. Cheaper than going to BMW. Appreciate any opinions.

Isn't the BMW MPPK included in the BMS3 free maps?

INROADRACR · 03-13-2021, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adhrp

I guess the point of my essay is to ask you: what inspired you to keep maintaining an older car for so long, and how much did you spend overall maintaining it in the post-warranty years?

I could probably go back and add up all the maintenance costs I spent over the years, but overall the car was a very solid, dependable vehicle. I did most of the maintenance myself, including PCV/Vacuum System overhaul, Vanos rebuild, front and rear wheel bearings, fuel pump & filter, multiple rounds of rotors, pads, and calipers, oxygen sensors, water pump/radiator/thermostat, belts, pulleys, alternator, ... The Vanos rebuild was just last year and after removing the valve cover the engine looked like new. I attribute this mainly to oil changes every 5,000 miles with a good full synthetic.

Anyway, my point is that over 22 years and 187,000 miles there were certainly a lot of repair and maintenance tasks, but the car was fun to work on and I developed a keen respect for its construction. I always told people, 'when you have a 20-year-old car, you have a hobby'. And it was a very enjoyable hobby.

I hope my F30 is as rewarding as my E46. So far, so good.

adhrp · 03-13-2021, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INROADRACR

I could probably go back and add up all the maintenance costs I spent over the years, but overall the car was a very solid, dependable vehicle. I did most of the maintenance myself, including PCV/Vacuum System overhaul, Vanos rebuild, front and rear wheel bearings, fuel pump & filter, multiple rounds of rotors, pads, and calipers, oxygen sensors, water pump/radiator/thermostat, belts, pulleys, alternator, ... The Vanos rebuild was just last year and after removing the valve cover the engine looked like new. I attribute this mainly to oil changes every 5,000 miles with a good full synthetic.

Anyway, my point is that over 22 years and 187,000 miles there were certainly a lot of repair and maintenance tasks, but the car was fun to work on and I developed a keen respect for its construction. I always told people, 'when you have a 20-year-old car, you have a hobby'. And it was a very enjoyable hobby.

I hope my F30 is as rewarding as my E46. So far, so good.

Thanks, I guess it is another thing if you enjoy working on the car and it becomes a rewarding hobby in the process. That is quite a bit of maintenance btw!

Wish you as many happy years with the F30, and more

adhrp · 03-13-2021, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sigtran

If you have $$$ to spare, I would suggest to avoid headaches and make yourself happy. Life is short!

I can afford it, but the thing is I am very happy with my current car other than the couple of what-ifs I mentioned earlier. I guess I'm not feeling inclined to get rid of an otherwise good car based on what-ifs, as tempting as the M340i is.

CJ421 · 03-13-2021, 06:44 PM

Congrats - great upgrade! The 340i is nicely balanced from the factory ...the B58 engine really sings with a good exhaust like the MPPSK (expensive) or Dinan. It sounds pretty good stock, too.

One thing I notice going from an E46 to an E90/F30 is the stiffer chassis.

Best of luck with the car.

Charles

03-12-2021, 09:15 PM	#1
INROADRACR Enlisted Member 75 Rep 47 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW 340i, 6MT, RWD Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Westfield, IN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW 340i [9.50]	E46 to F30 - 22 Years of Joy I purchased my first BMW, a 1999 328i (5-speed manual, Sport Package), 22 years ago. Ordered it and waited for its delivery and took possession on 12/31/98. I've driven that car and cared for it for 22 years. I've been lucky to have short commutes along the way and the car has "only" 187,000 miles on it. Finally got the bug and found a beautiful low mileage 2017 F30 which I couldn't resist (340i, 6-speed manual, RWD, M-Sport, M-Track...). Not sure if I'll get 22 years out of this one, or if we'll all be forced into government-issued, self-driving, electric pods before then, but I just can't get the smile off my face. Loving the experience. Enjoy the ride. Attached Images
	Appreciate 10 tturedraider4958.00 FrankDK170.00 zamboni1127.50 Chaos236208.50 CJ4211524.50 Pauloxxi339.00 CianoAmerico21.00 e_b_d_i18.00 anielsen71557.00 Boiler34014.00 Tweet Quote

03-12-2021, 10:00 PM	#2
tturedraider Major General 4958 Rep 6,222 Posts Drives: 2018 340i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [9.38] 2020 BMW M340i xDrive [10.00] 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [8.00] 2006 BMW 330i Sport [4.50] 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [7.25] 2000 BMW 328i [6.00]	Looking good. Congrats! __________________ www.bmwcca.org member #388003 - Use me as a referral & you could win a one day ///M Driving School!! ___________________________________________
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03-12-2021, 11:40 PM	#3
FrankDK Private First Class 170 Rep 139 Posts Drives: f36 435i Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Silkeborg Denmark iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 435i gran coupé [0.00]	What an upgrade. Congratulations.
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03-13-2021, 12:49 AM	#4
vmaniqui Private First Class 70 Rep 140 Posts Drives: Toyota Land Cruiser/340i M Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: California iTrader: (0)	You can’t go wrong with that choice. Nice.....
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03-13-2021, 01:19 AM	#5
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 1128 Rep 5,554 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (7) Garage List 16 K71 F800GT [10.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [10.00]	Congrat nice car do a BMW MPPK kit and get additional 40HP. __________________ 18 F80 Imola Red 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
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03-13-2021, 01:36 AM	#6
Blueeyesredpanda Major 401 Rep 1,425 Posts Drives: E90 / F30 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Canada iTrader: (-2)	Skipped one of the best generation, E90. F30 with VSS, sucks. __________________ 3IM . Okada Plasma Direct . Euro Ram Intake . AA header (Pending) . PE . 2nd Cat Delete . F30 340mm 6 pot . EBC Yellow Stuff . StopTech SS Brake Line . BMW Performance CF Strut Bar. 219M . PSS
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03-13-2021, 05:51 AM	#8
dmaxdmax Captain 417 Rep 923 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i 6-spd Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I took exactly the same route as you, OP. A '99 328i in hideous Fern Green, to a '16 340i 6-spd. I still cry every night I miss my e46 so much--we did 240k miles together in my 14 years with it--left it running great with only 386k miles. Still getting used to this f30. __________________ '92 325i, '99 328i, '16 340i, '16 M235i all manuals dmax on FB My last pre-covid standup set
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03-13-2021, 09:09 AM	#9
Pauloxxi Captain 339 Rep 660 Posts Drives: 2014-320Xi / 2017-330Xi Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW / 330xi [0.00] 2014 BMW / 320xi [0.00]	I bet you wished keep both! Nice F30 anyway. Enjoy!
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03-13-2021, 11:31 AM	#10
adhrp Lieutenant Colonel 1266 Rep 1,589 Posts Drives: 2020 M550i (G30)/2021 X3 (G02) Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Congrats and welcome to the F30! I love hearing stories of people who take good care of their cars to keep them running for several years. I love my 2012 F30 (N20), and while I hope to keep it for several years, I have started to get the itch for an M340i. With 118k miles on the odo, I have numerous maintenance items coming up, not to mention a turbo wastegate rattle that needs fixing ($3500). The total prospective maintenance is in the ballpark of $6-7k (having already spent $6k since 2016 when the complimentary maintenance/warranty expired). I don't mind spending this amount (still cheaper than a new car payment!), but I will be really bugged if after all this the timing chain suddenly fails (an achilles heel on the N20 engine) and causes catastrophic engine failure. That makes me wonder whether I should just save the $7k in maintenance, trade the car in for $6k, and get an M340i. I guess the point of my essay is to ask you: what inspired you to keep maintaining an older car for so long, and how much did you spend overall maintaining it in the post-warranty years? __________________ 2020 M550i (G30) \| Carbon Black/Black Nappa \| DHP \| DAP \| Executive \| Luxury Seating \| Park Asst \| Ceramic Controls \| Front/Rear Heated Seats \| 20" 668M wheels 2021 X3 (G02) \| Dark Graphite Metallic/Cognac \| Premium \| DAP \| Front/Rear Heated Seats Sold/Retired: 2012 328i (F30)
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03-13-2021, 02:30 PM	#13
Al Bundy's Dodge Captain 1639 Rep 903 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 6MT Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	No other car from 1999 as aged as well...still catches my eye every time I see one. Congrats on your upgrade! __________________ 2009 328i xDrive 6MT (Retired and I miss her) 2015 335i xDrive 6MT (Retired and I dont miss her) 2018 M2 6MT (Never retiring)
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03-13-2021, 06:44 PM	#20
CJ421 Brigadier General 1525 Rep 4,101 Posts Drives: BMW M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Blue Bell, PA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2024 BMW M3 Sedan [9.50]	Congrats - great upgrade! The 340i is nicely balanced from the factory ...the B58 engine really sings with a good exhaust like the MPPSK (expensive) or Dinan. It sounds pretty good stock, too. One thing I notice going from an E46 to an E90/F30 is the stiffer chassis. Best of luck with the car. Charles __________________ 2024 BMW M3 Sedan Frozen Pure Grey II/Fjord Blue, 6MT Past: 2021 Z4 M40i Frozen Grey II/Black Alcantara \| 2017 F30 340i Mineral Gray/Coral Red, 6MT \| 2011 E92 335i Le Mans Blue/Black, 6MT
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