Gee2728:

Ur not all 2geda right. It depends on the condition ur buying tho I've heard of pple who bought it brand new and still complain of them @ 70k miles. On the right side u'll not go wrong with that 3.0 V6. Its less on power and easy 2 run.

234CustomCars:


I'm speaking from my experience in the U.S and from also what i have seen in Nigeria. My 2001 E38 (740iL) had issues, my 2004 Range Rover had issues (same engine). The X5s I repeatedly see getting sliced like ghana-bread at Ladipo are 4.4s. The majority of them seem to have issues. I didnt speak in absolute terms. When not in the shop though, it's a beautiful engine. Absolutely molests the asphalt.

Emperoh: No one has given me an indepth review of the X3?

Gee2728:

Sorry brother, not as common as the X5. Dnt even know an enemy that drives it.

Emperoh:

Lol. . . . . . . .get to see it more often in Abuja these days.

Emperoh:

Lol. . . . . . . .get to see it more often in Abuja these days.

The truth is, i had initially settled for the 2005 325i but the elegance of the Benz C class of the same year is just giving me sleepless nights.
So what i have done is to look for a more beautiful but reliable BMW to take my heart away from the Benz.
My options include; the E90 and E60 which would have made my decision easier. But budgetary and maintenance costs scare me.
The X3 came in handy but lack of information is not helping matters. The next target is the E39. . . .any info on that?

Emperoh: No one has given me an indepth review of the X3?

Emperoh: No one has given me an indepth review of the X3?

godssonibk: Please any info on bmw E90 (2006-2007)...I am considering getting one....Either an E90 or Lexus IS250 same year but i have a special desire for the E90...Advice pls

Emperoh: Ok.... so what are your takes on the E39 (2003 5 series)

lungwun:

Now that you mention it, i saw an X3 by Transcorp Hilton getting towed just yesterday. Something must have gone wrong as he had his hazard lights on

Loads of E46's in abuja so i will definitely go for one. Seems our mechanics have gotten to grips with them.

Just put down an initial payment on a 323Ci on 18's. Anyone know how much the 328 engine costs? I just might do an engine swap down the road.

xerotop:

E39 is one sweet ride that u shld nt miss. Very quiet, sleek, smooth,fuel efficient, rugged and balance ride.
Its parts areso cheap and infact far more cheap than the E46.
When that idles, u will not hear a sound.
The 2003 is near perfection since all d teething probs have been taken care of. Its almost the end of dat generation.

Only downsides are, u get to replace arms often cos of d weight of d car.even d arms are cheap to buy.
Also due to bad roads and potholes, ur head lights becomes shaky and faces downwards in d night. Dats also cheap to fix.
Everything on that car is affordable. U will surely enjoy it.

Emperoh:

Lol. . . . . . . .get to see it more often in Abuja these days.

The truth is, i had initially settled for the 2005 325i but the elegance of the Benz C class of the same year is just giving me sleepless nights.
So what i have done is to look for a more beautiful but reliable BMW to take my heart away from the Benz.
My options include; the E90 and E60 which would have made my decision easier. But budgetary and maintenance costs scare me.
The X3 came in handy but lack of information is not helping matters. The next target is the E39. . . .any info on that?

Emperoh:

Uncle God bless you. I was a little wary about this cos of likely issues.
I am also conscious of maintenance cost. I was torn between the E46, X3 and C Class.
The C class was winning but i felt i haven't explored well until something asked me to check out the E39.
I am not SOOO passionate about the BMW but care enough to own one.
From what i get from you, i can close my eyes and say that i have found a ride that will not hurt my pocket and will also mean less visits to a repair workshops.

Aside the issues mentioned above, any specific issue i should pay attention to?

yungboss:
that's great, I plan to do a swap 323/330 swap, but the issue is one is an M52 engine and the other is an M54. My mech tells me it is possible but I'm doubtful of a seamless state of the car thereafter...a 328i swap is easy, just flash or change the ECU, same gearbox, same wiring cos they are same Generation...you get an instant +20hp and +25lb-ft gain. Your spec is exactly mine, 323ci 18". The 323ci is fast though, ample power for the highway.
the cost here in PH is about N130,000.00. Paid for it but haven't done it yet.

Emperoh:

Still waiting on your opinion about my inquests above!

yungboss:
the e46 has the same engine as the e39, difference would bein the suspension system. The e39 has same aluminum components as the e46, but the set up is similar to its older brother's, the e34. Parts are relatively cheap too. It is weightier than the e46, and the latter feels sportier and more nimble. I have driven extensively the e39 528i

yungboss:
the e46 has the same engine as the e39, difference would bein the suspension system. The e39 has same aluminum components as the e46, but the set up is similar to its older brother's, the e34. Parts are relatively cheap too. It is weightier than the e46, and the latter feels sportier and more nimble. I have driven extensively the e39 528i

Emperoh:

I didn't initially see those comments above. My internet connectivity this evening has been wanking.
Now, you have addressed my fears. But i am basically struggling with what is practical, easy on the pocket to an average 9-5 worker with small sized family so that i won't have heart attack any time the car acts up. I know owning one requires the owner to at least have some above average knowledge of the car. But i won't do the E60 even if i can afford to buy it just because the cost of keeping it is high.

I am also just planning of sticking with 525 or 325i for fuel economy. Overall, i can only depend on practical information from users like you to be guided properly.

yungboss:
okay sir, I have not lived with the e39 for long, but a relative owns a 528i, he's had it for up to 3-4years now, he came from the e34 525i. He told me the car is relatively easy to maintain...my Mech is good with BMWs, he had a e34 535i, which he complained was a gas guzzler (though his was old). He now drives an e36 320i. The e39 having a vanos engine would way be economical compared to the e34.
call this number: 08030976735, crown autos. A specialist in BMWs. He'll give you a breakdown of running cost of the car, just tell him a friend gave you his number, a friend working in old GRA, who owns a coupe e46.....the e46 is very good on gas by my judgment. Mine is a smaller 2.5l engine, 323ci.

xerotop:

They the same in the books but not in the market.
Why its so? I might not be able to explain. Probably law of demand & supply.

To be practical here, i can tell u the parts of the e39 are far cheaper than E46.

I have E39 engine 2.5l sold for below a 100k and same E46 2.5 still goes for abt 169k
I have also seen 2.8l E39 engine sold for 110k while 2.8l e46 is sold for close to 200k
Same goes for transmission and arms.

If u doubt, take a trip to d market and u will be convinced.
I knw u havean e36. Which shares engine parts with the E46 and E39. Now ask why the E36 components are cheaper.

Nigeria is a Gods own country where what is applicable in other countries might not be here.

I have had the E39 and also 2 E46. So am telling u practicality embeded in experience

lungwun: What options do e46 owners have for aftermarket Head Units?
The one i have my eye on has the Tape deck up front and a changer in the boot. can i upgrade the front head unit and still make use of the CD changer in the trunk?
My Car also does not have steering wheel controls which i think is rather odd.

Emperoh:

Thank you so much for the information. I guess my decision is made. I will speak to the guy and then firm things up.

Barring any new discovery I think the E39 is it. I will just stick to the 525i or 525iT. Love them wagons.

Will also do more research. I kept wishing the E60 was any cheaper. Would have been an easy decision since I LOVE the car.

yungboss:
the e60 is definitely going to be more expensive to run...

Yes it is. . . . the one in page 9; i pre-ordered it for my colleague.
We did a water pump and thermostat change all totalling - N110k

The erections i had for the car went flaccid INSTANTLY!!!!!
I was already plotting to nick up a 2004 model until i experience this.
I also felt it was more advanced technically than any other BMW bar the 7 series.

Emperoh:

Yes it is. . . . the one in page 9; i pre-ordered it for my colleague.
We did a water pump and thermostat change all totalling - N110k

The erections i had for the car went flaccid INSTANTLY!!!!!
I was already plotting to nick up a 2004 model until i experience this.
I also felt it was more advanced technically than any other BMW bar the 7 series.