How reliable is bmw e46 3 series?

Question

If I do basic maintenance such as changing belt, keep the fluid level (oil, power steering, etc). Is it a reliable car?

Thanks.

Answer 1

It has average reliability. It's more reliable than anything from Audi or Mercedes, but not as reliable as an Acura or Lexus. It's expensive to own (repair, and maintain), but if you take care of it and can afford the cost of ownership, it will last for many miles.

Answer 2

Make sure you maintain it well and NOTHING can go wrong. Change your oil every 3k miles and make sure it is great oil. Have it checked up on frequently as well. Treat it as your child, not an object that can take care of itself. Your child needs to go to the doctor regularly to make sure everything is fine just like your car.

Also, I believe BMW, Mercedes, and (forgot what other car company), uses chains and therefore does not need for the timing belt to be replaced.

Answer 3

reliabilty varies, however an earlier well maintained edition in the line (e46) will yeild lower maintainance costs as well as cost to obtain

bmws if well maintained (preventative maintainance) can easily last 200k miles