[Mavus]

Only my opinion but e46 interiors fall apart, swichgear, consoles peeling, headliner and pillars sagging etc.

Also e9x chassis is like a piece of granit compared to e46. The only e46 I would consider is 330i zcp or m3 comp that were not roasting in hot climates.

[fiveohwblow]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

Only my opinion but e46 interiors fall apart, swichgear, consoles peeling, headliner and pillars sagging etc.

Also e9x chassis is like a piece of granit compared to e46. The only e46 I would consider is 330i zcp or m3 comp that were not roasting in hot climates.

Agree completely. Interior was trash until e9x chassis. E36/46 were amongst the worst.

[jmg]

The i3 was/is the best commuter I have ever had. I'm on my 3rd one so far.

1 hour (40 mile) commute each way in heavy Los Angeles traffic. Carpool sticker and adaptive cruise transformed my commute from horrible to relaxing. I was commuting in my F80 M3 prior to that.

Giga World interior with the moon roof and tech package which includes a bigger iDrive screen and Adaptive Cruise Control which is a MUST.

I may or may not have enabled video playback while in motion for really heavy traffic days to have movies and tv shows playing in the iDrive in the background with ACC on (just keep your eyes on the road).

I saved ~$200 in fuel expenses. My lease is a 15k/year 30 month lease with effective zero drive off for $199/mo including tax after full MSDS, fed tax rebate, state rebates, and SCE energy rebate. Insurance is under $100/mo.

I'm in the opposite boat as you however, it looks like I'll be working from home from now on, so I went from an 80 mile/day commute to a 0/mile a day commute and my i3 is just sitting there only being used occasionally for errands.

[Germanauto]

BMW
Reliable

Pick one.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by jmg

The i3 was/is the best commuter I have ever had. I'm on my 3rd one so far.

1 hour (40 mile) commute each way in heavy Los Angeles traffic. Carpool sticker and adaptive cruise transformed my commute from horrible to relaxing. I was commuting in my F80 M3 prior to that.

I frequently trash on EVs/PHEVs but since moving to the LA/OC area my perspective has shifted a tad for this reason. The amount of driving here is just insane. Commuting in a vehicle with minimal gas expenses and HOV access would be life changing.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I frequently trash on EVs/PHEVs but since moving to the LA/OC area my perspective has shifted a tad for this reason. The amount of driving here is just insane. Commuting in a vehicle with minimal gas expenses and HOV access would be life changing.

So did I... until I drove the i3 and found out how cheap I could get it for!

[W///]

Originally Posted by spielnicht

Thanks again for all the additional insights. Definitely narrowing my search for the following (in order):

• i3
• 128i
• E90
• E46

Coincidently FCP Blog just posted this article on exactly what I was looking for. It's reassuring to see so many overlaps with your recommendations. You guys definitely know your BMWs. I'm getting there, but I only have 4 years of ownership experience.





Exactly. BMW novice mistake 101. Coming from a 2013 C350, I wanted a bigger car and a V8. Didn't want to spend E63 or M5 money at the time and so I was left with the 550i or an S6. Glad I made the decision to go with BMW but had I known more about the N63 (even if tu), probably would have talked myself out of a V8 and got a F80 M3. Oh well.

Be careful with the E46, make sure the subframe recall was done. Personally, if I'm looking at cars from that era again, I'd go with the E39 over the E46 (I used to have a 328i from back then).

As for the i3, I can't help but looking at them as well because they offer something completely different than what I have now. Beware of the early models though, they had issues with AC compressors sending shrapnel all over the cooling system for the battery, potentially totalling the car. Not sure if the new compressors fixed that problem or not.

[vt100]

Originally Posted by pikkagtr

MK7 gti
Best.......commuter......ever

Even a regular TSI is really good as a commuter.

[Fined]

128i would be my choice

[bimmerman14]

I daily a 2004 x3 m54 it's great

[kyrix1st]

M240i MT is a good option.

[LOW4LYF]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

Only my opinion but e46 interiors fall apart, swichgear, consoles peeling, headliner and pillars sagging etc.

Also e9x chassis is like a piece of granit compared to e46. The only e46 I would consider is 330i zcp or m3 comp that were not roasting in hot climates.

So you prefer a east coast rost bucket over a California car?

It's all about maintenance, my E46 does not show any symptoms like mentioned by you but my E91 did instead...

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by LOW4LYF

So you prefer a east coast rost bucket over a California car?

It's all about maintenance, my E46 does not show any symptoms like mentioned by you but my E91 did instead...

no, that is incorrect interpretation. Hot climate state examples are Florida, Arizona, Texas etc. bit not Cali. I think most people would agree with this.

I agree that individual care is #1 but there are additional benefits if the car was not parked outside in Fl over the last 20y. Many e46 that I sat in came from various states. I looked at e46 M3s and 330i zhp models. What my general observation is what I stated. It is a general rule and not applicable to one specific vehicle like yours. The only peeling on E9x that's been a common problem per my observation are door handles. Otherwise the interior is more durable than e46, again not applicable to e46 maintained by an enthusiast.

[monkeyboy]

Originally Posted by happyjack

i think an E90/N52 will be the sweet spot for you. i just sold my well maintained 2009 E91(wagon) /N52 with 140K miles for $7K. i kept a 2006 E90 / N52 for my kids because it still has less than 40K miles. Since you start looking for them, you will realize just how many E9x are still on the road with many of them over 15 years old...the definitely run with proper maintenance.

Exactly why I've kept my 2011 328xi 6MT w/ 87K. Still runs and handles well, 6MT is fun, no silly iDrive, Echo Auto handles the leap to connectivity, streaming etc. I did have to do a bit of maintenance, but oh well...

[10"]

7 years ago I bought a 1M for commuting.
7 years later there are 0 other cars I want.

Buy the BEST car you can and drive it daily; our lives are way too short to compromise to save cars for only special occasions. Every day is a special occasion.

Drive your 550i—-it's not glass jewelry.

[Alfisti]

I'd sell the 550, it is the true source of your issues. It's not like it's a 911 or an M car.

Then pick up a dual function car rather than run 3 cars. M235 for example.

550 as a 3rd car is not special enough, i get a 3rd car that is proper special but otherwise running a 550 on the side is expensive.

[Alfisti]

I'd sell the 550, it is the true source of your issues. It's not like it's a 911 or an M car.

Then pick up a dual function car rather than run 3 cars. M235 for example.

550 as a 3rd car is not special enough, i get a 3rd car that is proper special but otherwise running a 550 on the side is expensive.

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by monkeyboy

Exactly why I've kept my 2011 328xi 6MT w/ 87K. Still runs and handles well, 6MT is fun, no silly iDrive, Echo Auto handles the leap to connectivity, streaming etc. I did have to do a bit of maintenance, but oh well...

my biggest regret in shopping for a low mileage E90 for my kids was that i didnt keep looking for a manual transmission for them to learn how to drive it. that said, my buddy who is a car wholesaler, found me a single-owner '06 E90 with 37K miles for under $7K...so that was a no-brainer.

[houbmw]

I have a 2007 530i 6 speed manual with 110,000 miles that my family keeps trying to get me to get rid of. I dont DYI so I pay a independent to keep it in top condition as a daily driver. I am the original owner and have had the car since 19. Always treated it with the respect and care it deserved. Have 2 set of KW coilovers, 3 sets of rims and so much hard earned $$$$ in mods, maintance and exterior detailing lol. It was an original SMG that I enjoyed until 2016 and then converted to BMW OEM 6 speed. So much sentimental value. Sadly, I do not think it would sale for more than $7k and what is really the price I could swallow to let it go for? I cant even say $20k lol. I am delusional and in love with a car that is probably had over $100,000k total with original price paid of $60k included. That was very sad to type.

Would love for my 3year old daughter to learn how to drive this car.

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by houbmw

I have a 2007 530i 6 speed manual with 110,000 miles that my family keeps trying to get me to get rid of. I dont DYI so I pay a independent to keep it in top condition as a daily driver. I am the original owner and have had the car since 19. Always treated it with the respect and care it deserved. Have 2 set of KW coilovers, 3 sets of rims and so much hard earned $$$$ in mods, maintance and exterior detailing lol. It was an original SMG that I enjoyed until 2016 and then converted to BMW OEM 6 speed. So much sentimental value. Sadly, I do not think it would sale for more than $7k and what is really the price I could swallow to let it go for? I cant even say $20k lol. I am delusional and in love with a car that is probably had over $100,000k total with original price paid of $60k included. That was very sad to type.

Would love for my 3year old daughter to learn how to drive this car.

not all heroes wear capes.

[sspade]

Have had two N20 powered F30s and they have been extremely reliable for me.

Literally the only issue I have had was a coolant thermostat being replaced under warranty on the first one. Other than that, zero cost on repairs except maintenance related.

If you do go this route, look for one with a build date after 02.2015 for piece of mind about it having updated timing chain components.

[jmg]

My i3 is the best commuter I've ever had. I'm on my 3rd I love them so much. I weekend a 2018 M3 CS so I enjoy a fast performance oriented car, but for a commuter, the i3 is hard to beat. If you are in traffic, just get one with ACC and enjoy the stress free commute.