Mercedes & BMW owner's opinions
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
Likes: 58
From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
True, I guess everything anecdotal can be interpreted subjectively, but that's the beauty of car ownership, right? Anyhow, to reply to nlpamg's comments, I agree that it sounds like your M3 and M5 are great cars maintenance/reliability-wise, but I had two close friends with E46 M3s have terrible engine issues outside the typical normal-wear-and-tear timeframe, and ended up selling both cars before the warranty period was up. They never drove their cars that hard (Both were weekend cars) but they always had to go back to the dealership with random issues.
So I guess it's just luck of the draw? I'm sure there are exceptions to everything.
So I guess it's just luck of the draw? I'm sure there are exceptions to everything.
I think if you get any car later into its life-cycle then it'll be a little less problem free than the ones that were the first year or early into the life-cycle. My M3 was the last year of the M3. My M5 is an LCI (BMW's term for face-lift) M5, so by not running out and buying the car when it came out, it saved me a little hassle and I got the nice little upgraded taillights and such...
I would say to anyone buying a w203 now, definitely go for a face-lifted 2005+ car and if you can, get a 2006 or 2007 (or a late build date 2005) where they've worked the kinks out. I would never recommend anyone get a 2001 w203.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento/San Gabriel/Riverside
01' C32o
All the M3's with engine issues were the first model year 2002 ones. Same thing with the M5's with SMG problems, they were early model 2006 cars. First model year/runs will ALWAYS have problems. It's best to wait a year or wait for the LCI or face-lifted models.
I think if you get any car later into its life-cycle then it'll be a little less problem free than the ones that were the first year or early into the life-cycle. My M3 was the last year of the M3. My M5 is an LCI (BMW's term for face-lift) M5, so by not running out and buying the car when it came out, it saved me a little hassle and I got the nice little upgraded taillights and such...
I would say to anyone buying a w203 now, definitely go for a face-lifted 2005+ car and if you can, get a 2006 or 2007 (or a late build date 2005) where they've worked the kinks out. I would never recommend anyone get a 2001 w203.
I think if you get any car later into its life-cycle then it'll be a little less problem free than the ones that were the first year or early into the life-cycle. My M3 was the last year of the M3. My M5 is an LCI (BMW's term for face-lift) M5, so by not running out and buying the car when it came out, it saved me a little hassle and I got the nice little upgraded taillights and such...
I would say to anyone buying a w203 now, definitely go for a face-lifted 2005+ car and if you can, get a 2006 or 2007 (or a late build date 2005) where they've worked the kinks out. I would never recommend anyone get a 2001 w203.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,545
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
We were very lucky with our cars. We had an '01 C240 that was just amazing. Not a single issue. It was very surprising.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 6
From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
I haven't heard a lot of reliability problems from the engine itself. There have been cases of the high pressure fuel pump going out, especially on tuned cars. Also, there are some concerns about oil temperature on them when driven hard for extended periods of time. It's still a fantastic engine and I wouldn't hesitate to get a 135i or 335i.
the motor is fine, just the fuel pumps are crap. The non sports package 335i's didn't come with oil coolers unless you bought the sports package.
I'm sure libenz will chime in soon be more specific.
To the OP, if you can afford a 335i, i would just get a 335i. Its a much better car compared to the w203 or e46.
There a few in the 25k range with CPO.
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From: VA
THE C350
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: VA
THE C350
his account got banned then suspended for 30 days. for a stupid thing from my understanding. and in an email he said he was leaving if his account was not fixed before the 30 day mark. 
https://mbworld.org/forums/off-topic...ml#post4003117
https://mbworld.org/forums/off-topic...ml#post4003117
Last edited by samaritrey; Mar 26, 2010 at 12:59 AM.
