3 Series Purchase help

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by connman

How is the relibility of the older models? I really like the grills and the look of the early 2000 models.. Sorry for my ignorance but does the 3 litre have a timing belt or a chain?

Don't hold me to this, but from what I remember reading in consumer reports was that reliability got better as the years of production increased. In other words, the newer the car the more reliable it should be. This is typical with most model runs though. You can look up reliability on Consumer Reports, etc.

I am pretty sure BMW "facelifted" the e46 sedan in 2003 and the coupe in 2004. However, the M3 retained the original headlight and grill design throughout it's production life.

For anything e46 3-series related, check out e46fanatics. Tons of info over there.

E46 Fanatics: 3-Series, BMW Forums, BMW Modifications, E46 BMW

Also, should be a timing chain.