[DM1]

So I moved outside the US back to my hometown Monterrey in Mexico and I had to sell the E85 and the E39 so I'm looking to get a replacement and thought to share the options and get the valuable opinion of the forum friends.

I am between two options that seem reasonable within the price range that I have for now until I save enough for a brand new M3.

2002 E39 525i F1 automatic (In Mexico BMW uses F1 as a reference for M-Sport) with about 60K miles for $10K USD.

or

2005 E46 320i F1 also,... manual with 45K miles and for $14K USD.

I like the E39 as a roomier car but it also weights a bit more and both cars won't really be performers as both have small engines, both L6 with 0.3 liters more for the E39.

I'm inclining towards the E46 for the fun to drive factor but I'd like to get some opinions.

[sbce90]

do you need the space or the e39? if not, just go for the e46 i reckon. like you say, neither will be particularly fast but the e46 may be more 'chuck-able'

[Chriztofor]

e46, "newer", manual, and less miles. I like automatics, but 8 years is pushing it.

[DM1]

Thanks,... I'm keeping that in mind,.. plus the best thing about the 320 is it's fuel economy, a tiny L6 just 2.2lts. I will check it out tomorrow and hopefully upload some pictures. Too bad there's no previous 3er forums in bimmerpost,... only like e46fanatics and other ones.