Am I nuts to consider buying a e46 coupe?

marie-louise · 05-31-2006, 10:44 PM

I've purchased an e90; it has already been built, awaiting a boat. I was really excited about it. This will be my second BMW; my husband currently drives his third-an e46. So... we are big BMW fans.

This whole run flat tire business has me running scared. I really think I need to cancel my order, even if it costs me money. I need my car to commute, and I don't have the kind of job where I can vanish for half a day to get a new tire every few weeks. I hit potholes all the time, and the roads I commute on have step offs that can't be avoided. The Bay Bridge is a nightmare of metal plates and construction detours for the the next few years.

Today we stopped off at a tire place that we've been doing business at for years (Rouse Tires in Oakland), and the owner told me an absolute horror story of trying to find a tire for someone's BMW. She said they sent the customer to her after they'd tried several other vendors, because "they know I'm good at finding things." She said it took her half a day to find the customer a RFT, and she had to order it from some Mom and Pop store back east she'd never done business with. Her emphatic advice was, do not buy a car with run flat tires.

So, the other thread about buying an M3 has got me thinking-maybe I should just buy a different BMW, one that comes w/ a full-sized spare? I do like driving my husband's 2003 325i sedan w/ a sports package, although it looks a little dated compared ot the e90. I'm sure I could get a good deal on an e46 coupe right now-assuming that my dealer can find one w/ at least a manual transmission & a sports package. Is this a terrible idea? What will I be losing out on-besides iDrive & Comfort Access-if I do this?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

shimshimhada · 05-31-2006, 10:50 PM

You're being a little paranoid, if you want switch now because of run-flats...

Not nuts though, see if you can find a used 330Ci ZHP, if you decide to go that route:

importsrhot · 05-31-2006, 10:51 PM

you can replace ur runflats with normal tires if you wish when you get your car

ward · 05-31-2006, 10:55 PM

e46 is still a damn fine car

kobechrome · 05-31-2006, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

e46 is still a damn fine car

word. the e46 revolutionized the 3 series for BMW. the e36 was popular but the e46 just wiped everyone else out.

ksfrogman · 05-31-2006, 10:57 PM

I hope your husband doesn't change his brand of shoes.

MoreCowbell · 05-31-2006, 11:01 PM

Just swap off the runflats. No big deal.

If this is such a concern, why are you ordering a sports package?

shadowcoder · 06-01-2006, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marie-louise

I've purchased an e90; it has already been built, awaiting a boat. I was really excited about it. This will be my second BMW; my husband currently drives his third-an e46. So... we are big BMW fans.

This whole run flat tire business has me running scared. I really think I need to cancel my order, even if it costs me money. I need my car to commute, and I don't have the kind of job where I can vanish for half a day to get a new tire every few weeks. I hit potholes all the time, and the roads I commute on have step offs that can't be avoided. The Bay Bridge is a nightmare of metal plates and construction detours for the the next few years.

I know the feeling and I can relate since I am in the Bay Area too. But a
couple of things to consider. If you go ahead and keep your run flats then
if you get a flat the advantage is that you won't get stranded where you
get the flat but you may run into issues finding one. I think that's unlikely
and if it happens now things can only improve in the future with more cars
running RFTs. Also the chances of getting a flat are not that high (how
many flats have you got so far in your many years of driving?). Chances
are you'll first suffer from a bent rim from your commute going over a road
"canyon" than a flat.

Now if even one flat combined with the off chance they may have a
shortage of RFTs is completely unacceptable to you, then you may choose
to have non-RFTs put into your new car but without a spare you won't be
going anywhere once you get that flat.

So the greater peace of mind in your case is not achieved with the
tire/rim insurance or with running non-RFTs but with an E46 coupe.
It's a great looking car, you'll get a good deal if you look around and
you'll have peace of mind during your commutes. Not to mention that
in the long run, flats, replacing tires etc would be less expensive
compared to the E90 so it's the most cost effective option too.

sc.-

azzurribaggio · 06-01-2006, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

Not nuts though, see if you can find a used 330Ci ZHP, if you decide to go that route:

Yes go get a 330ci

THE JEDI · 06-01-2006, 05:06 AM

The dealer has plenty in stock.

...trust me..they can have you a set in no time, and they will even come get your car if you are really nice.....

Redguy · 06-01-2006, 06:46 AM

E46 is a fine car, but I would go for the E90.

stressdoc · 06-01-2006, 08:11 AM

By all means stick with your E90 order. The supply of runflats will be sorted out very quickly, and there will be many brands (Michelin, Dunlop, Pirelli, Bridgestone, etc.) to choose from. Runflats are intended for your type of circumstance -- they will prevent you from the nightmare of being stranded by a flat on the Richmond bridge or wherever.

Josh49 · 06-01-2006, 08:21 AM

Stick with the e90. Wheels and tires can always be changed. You can get some 156's (16") on the classifieds here for next to nothing, if you are that worried about it..

Mr. BMW · 06-01-2006, 08:51 AM

The run-flat tires are not a big deal. In fact if you think you will be getting a lot of flats and tire damage from all the potholes you hit then you will be better off with run-flats.
Get the wheel and tire insurance as it sounds like you will need it. The price of that is negotiable, so try to get the best deal.

You may want to reconsider the sport package if the roads you drive on every day are really as bad as you say. The sports package is very unforgiving on really bad roads.

The E46 is a great car and I miss the one I had but the E90 is a much better car.

rishid · 06-01-2006, 09:12 AM

Tires can always be changed, buy what you like imo.

OT: Anyone know a site that lists all the BMW tire #s with pics? I never remember what like 156 or ### represent?

Hawkshaw · 06-01-2006, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marie-louise

I've purchased an e90; it has already been built, awaiting a boat. I was really excited about it. This will be my second BMW; my husband currently drives his third-an e46. So... we are big BMW fans.

This whole run flat tire business has me running scared. I really think I need to cancel my order, even if it costs me money. I need my car to commute, and I don't have the kind of job where I can vanish for half a day to get a new tire every few weeks. I hit potholes all the time, and the roads I commute on have step offs that can't be avoided. The Bay Bridge is a nightmare of metal plates and construction detours for the the next few years.

Today we stopped off at a tire place that we've been doing business at for years (Rouse Tires in Oakland), and the owner told me an absolute horror story of trying to find a tire for someone's BMW. She said they sent the customer to her after they'd tried several other vendors, because "they know I'm good at finding things." She said it took her half a day to find the customer a RFT, and she had to order it from some Mom and Pop store back east she'd never done business with. Her emphatic advice was, do not buy a car with run flat tires.

So, the other thread about buying an M3 has got me thinking-maybe I should just buy a different BMW, one that comes w/ a full-sized spare? I do like driving my husband's 2003 325i sedan w/ a sports package, although it looks a little dated compared ot the e90. I'm sure I could get a good deal on an e46 coupe right now-assuming that my dealer can find one w/ at least a manual transmission & a sports package. Is this a terrible idea? What will I be losing out on-besides iDrive & Comfort Access-if I do this?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

I say stick with the run flats. As others have mentioned, having them means you don't have to stop or be late when you do get a flat. If you're concerned about the supply of tires, you could always order one or two now and keep them in your garage for when (and if) you need them. Should the day come, just bring your car (driven with your flat run-flat!) to the dealer along with the tire you just happen to have at your house, and you can get changed up in no time! At that time you can order another tire for the next time you get a flat run-flat, so you always have one "in stock"!

Oh, and the e46 is still a great car should you go that route. Good luck!

Josh49 · 06-01-2006, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rishid

Tires can always be changed, buy what you like imo.

OT: Anyone know a site that lists all the BMW tire #s with pics? I never remember what like 156 or ### represent?

http://bmwwheels.com/bmwwheels_searc...eries=E90&ws=0

Oz · 06-01-2006, 09:31 AM

I honestly wouldn't get a E46 just because it doesn't have RFT's. Like everyone said, stick with your E90 order and reconsider getting sport package as well. It was one of the reasons why I did not get sports package because roads where I live aren't too well

azzurribaggio · 06-01-2006, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh49

http://bmwwheels.com/bmwwheels_searc...eries=E90&ws=0

Those are some good prices for BMW wheels, for the 162s where can I get run flat tires for them? I think I want to change out my wifes stock wheels on her 325i, non-sport

dencoop · 06-01-2006, 10:38 AM

Go with the E90 it is the next level.......I just got a 2005 325i auto loaner from my dealer while my E90 is getting looked at....what a diff....The E90 feels like a much more expensive car....it feels queter...holds the road better and is much bigger...plus the 2005 325i feels much, much slower.....if i was getting a 2005 i would get the 330i......

In any case its up to you...but the E90 is a much nicer car....IMHO.....let us know what you end up going with....by the way I live in Brooklyn and the roads are as bad as they get....1189 miles so far and no issues.....

utica · 06-01-2006, 11:12 AM

I was a little apprehensive about RFT, but after cruising at 130km on the busy and crazy 401 in Toronto, and seeing a stranded motorist on the side with a flat last week... I've changed my mind. Believe me, you do not want to be stranded anywhere and changing tires... or even waiting for roadside assist to help. One other driver had his car totalled on the same highway while waiting for help on the side with his flashers on.

You will also thank your RFTs when you have more then 1 flat tire at the same time (rare... but possible).

my 0.02 cents

brian32e · 06-01-2006, 11:27 AM

I've had no problems with RFT so far, but I did buy the tire/wheel insurance that my dealer offered. It was $400 for 5 years I think, and it covers up to $4000 worth of replacements. If you ever get a flat and need to replace your tires you can just bring it in to the dealer (because it won't cost you anything) and I'm sure they'll have plenty (or they can get you a loaner until they do).

05-31-2006, 10:44 PM	#1
marie-louise Enlisted Member 3 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (0)	Am I nuts to consider buying a e46 coupe? I've purchased an e90; it has already been built, awaiting a boat. I was really excited about it. This will be my second BMW; my husband currently drives his third-an e46. So... we are big BMW fans. This whole run flat tire business has me running scared. I really think I need to cancel my order, even if it costs me money. I need my car to commute, and I don't have the kind of job where I can vanish for half a day to get a new tire every few weeks. I hit potholes all the time, and the roads I commute on have step offs that can't be avoided. The Bay Bridge is a nightmare of metal plates and construction detours for the the next few years. Today we stopped off at a tire place that we've been doing business at for years (Rouse Tires in Oakland), and the owner told me an absolute horror story of trying to find a tire for someone's BMW. She said they sent the customer to her after they'd tried several other vendors, because "they know I'm good at finding things." She said it took her half a day to find the customer a RFT, and she had to order it from some Mom and Pop store back east she'd never done business with. Her emphatic advice was, do not buy a car with run flat tires. So, the other thread about buying an M3 has got me thinking-maybe I should just buy a different BMW, one that comes w/ a full-sized spare? I do like driving my husband's 2003 325i sedan w/ a sports package, although it looks a little dated compared ot the e90. I'm sure I could get a good deal on an e46 coupe right now-assuming that my dealer can find one w/ at least a manual transmission & a sports package. Is this a terrible idea? What will I be losing out on-besides iDrive & Comfort Access-if I do this? Thanks in advance for your advice! __________________ 325i Arctic w/ Beige leather & Poplar Trim; Premium Package/ Sports Package; Manual transmission; Xenon headlights; iDrive; heated seats, Comfort Access, Park Assist Ordered 5/3; picked up at SF Bay Area dealer 6/28 (55 days)
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-31-2006, 10:50 PM	#2
shimshimhada Brigadier General 443 Rep 4,838 Posts Drives: Portal Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portal iTrader: (2)	You're being a little paranoid, if you want switch now because of run-flats... Not nuts though, see if you can find a used 330Ci ZHP, if you decide to go that route:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-31-2006, 10:51 PM	#3
importsrhot Private 3 Rep 85 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	you can replace ur runflats with normal tires if you wish when you get your car
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-31-2006, 10:55 PM	#4
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	e46 is still a damn fine car
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-31-2006, 10:57 PM	#6
ksfrogman Major General 601 Rep 6,750 Posts Drives: E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	I hope your husband doesn't change his brand of shoes. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-31-2006, 11:01 PM	#7
MoreCowbell Lieutenant Colonel 496 Rep 1,700 Posts Drives: 24 i5M60 23 X740 23 Vette Z06 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Just swap off the runflats. No big deal. If this is such a concern, why are you ordering a sports package?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-01-2006, 05:06 AM	#10
THE JEDI Major 123 Rep 1,461 Posts Drives: 2005 Z4 2.5i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: JAPAN, Okinawa iTrader: (0)	The dealer has plenty in stock. ...trust me..they can have you a set in no time, and they will even come get your car if you are really nice.....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-01-2006, 06:46 AM	#11
Redguy Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 276 Posts Drives: E90 330i SE Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 330i [0.00]	E46 is a fine car, but I would go for the E90.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-01-2006, 08:11 AM	#12
stressdoc Moderator 619 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	By all means stick with your E90 order. The supply of runflats will be sorted out very quickly, and there will be many brands (Michelin, Dunlop, Pirelli, Bridgestone, etc.) to choose from. Runflats are intended for your type of circumstance -- they will prevent you from the nightmare of being stranded by a flat on the Richmond bridge or wherever.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-01-2006, 08:21 AM	#13
Josh49 Major General 252 Rep 6,664 Posts Drives: E90 325xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (33)	Stick with the e90. Wheels and tires can always be changed. You can get some 156's (16") on the classifieds here for next to nothing, if you are that worried about it.. __________________ E90 325XI, MYSTIC BLUE ON BLACK/ALUM, STEP, NAV, PDC, CWP, XENON, SIRIUS, ALARM, MUD GUARDS, CLEARBRA, CHROME GRILLS AND TIPS, VALENTINE 1 (HARDWIRED), HO CERAMIC 40%, 161'S, REAR FOG MOD, LUX 4.0, BLACKLINES, OEM PEDALS, MTEC FOGS, GRUPPE-M REP INTAKE. 156'S AND RUBBER MATS FOR THE WINTER.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-01-2006, 08:51 AM	#14
Mr. BMW Major 263 Rep 1,390 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 M3 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00] 2018 Jeep Grand Che ... [0.00]	The run-flat tires are not a big deal. In fact if you think you will be getting a lot of flats and tire damage from all the potholes you hit then you will be better off with run-flats. Get the wheel and tire insurance as it sounds like you will need it. The price of that is negotiable, so try to get the best deal. You may want to reconsider the sport package if the roads you drive on every day are really as bad as you say. The sports package is very unforgiving on really bad roads. The E46 is a great car and I miss the one I had but the E90 is a much better car. __________________ 12 M3 Interlagos Blue/Black 18 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Yeah, it's got a HEMI) 21 X3 Silver/Black(Wife's) 06 330i Monaco Blue/Black (retired) 02 X5 3.0 Topaz Blue/Black (retired)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-01-2006, 09:12 AM	#15
rishid New Member 4 Rep 22 Posts Drives: X Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Tires can always be changed, buy what you like imo. OT: Anyone know a site that lists all the BMW tire #s with pics? I never remember what like 156 or ### represent?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-01-2006, 09:31 AM	#18
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I honestly wouldn't get a E46 just because it doesn't have RFT's. Like everyone said, stick with your E90 order and reconsider getting sport package as well. It was one of the reasons why I did not get sports package because roads where I live aren't too well __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-01-2006, 10:38 AM	#20
dencoop Captain 167 Rep 690 Posts Drives: Porsche (991) 911 C4S Cab Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Staten Island, NY iTrader: (1)	Go with the E90 it is the next level.......I just got a 2005 325i auto loaner from my dealer while my E90 is getting looked at....what a diff....The E90 feels like a much more expensive car....it feels queter...holds the road better and is much bigger...plus the 2005 325i feels much, much slower.....if i was getting a 2005 i would get the 330i...... In any case its up to you...but the E90 is a much nicer car....IMHO.....let us know what you end up going with....by the way I live in Brooklyn and the roads are as bad as they get....1189 miles so far and no issues..... __________________ For Sale: Brand New Alpine White Rear Bumper E90 4dr 325/328/330 $399
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-01-2006, 11:12 AM	#21
utica New Member 0 Rep 28 Posts Drives: E90 335I Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: TORONTO iTrader: (0)	RFTs I was a little apprehensive about RFT, but after cruising at 130km on the busy and crazy 401 in Toronto, and seeing a stranded motorist on the side with a flat last week... I've changed my mind. Believe me, you do not want to be stranded anywhere and changing tires... or even waiting for roadside assist to help. One other driver had his car totalled on the same highway while waiting for help on the side with his flashers on. You will also thank your RFTs when you have more then 1 flat tire at the same time (rare... but possible). my 0.02 cents
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-01-2006, 11:27 AM	#22
brian32e Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 273 Posts Drives: '06 Alpine White 330i ZSP Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (0)	I've had no problems with RFT so far, but I did buy the tire/wheel insurance that my dealer offered. It was $400 for 5 years I think, and it covers up to $4000 worth of replacements. If you ever get a flat and need to replace your tires you can just bring it in to the dealer (because it won't cost you anything) and I'm sure they'll have plenty (or they can get you a loaner until they do).
	Appreciate 0 Quote