buying a BMW E46 316 for a daily driver. thoughts?

[balongbalong]

They are reliable, when maintained properly. However this is a highly probable scenario when buying second hand, Euro at that. It's good to use it regularly but prudence would dictate that one still maintain a no-brainer daily driver, at least in the transition while you go over the car and get it up to spec, find a reliable shop and mechanic, etc.

Here's a good read on the reliability versus durability.

There Is a Difference Between a Reliable Car and a Durable Car

All cars regardless of brand and make when not maintained will obviously be not useable. Thats why the assumption is you really maintain just like any vehicle.

Now even if you do maintain a bimmer properly, it breaks down A LOT. Simply isn't reliable.

And if your definition via the article of a durable car is simply not a rust bucket, all modern cars, including e46 will be one eventually. Its metal, it will rust eventually including those 124s mentioned. Modern cars are just faster to become one. Its how cars are being made today with thin sheets of metals. My e85 has some already early on its life. Same with e46 they are prone to rust also. So they arent durable too as per the article.

Anyway the difference between old benzes and bimmers having a durable myth is because these cars had owners keep them, put money into restoring them.

If you do the same thing to any other vehicle, put money into restoring it and you too can add a durable tag to it if thats is your definition.

Thing with cars as long as you have the money and parts and willingness to maintian and restore it, you can run it forever. Just that not many people apply the same principle of keeping and restoring their econo jap boxes. But if they do its still cheaper to do so.

[vinj]

All cars regardless of brand and make when not maintained will obviously be not useable. Thats why the assumption is you really maintain just like any vehicle.

Now even if you do maintain a bimmer properly, it breaks down A LOT. Simply isn't reliable.

And if your definition via the article of a durable car is simply not a rust bucket, all modern cars, including e46 will be one eventually. Its metal, it will rust eventually including those 124s mentioned. Modern cars are just faster to become one. Its how cars are being made today with thin sheets of metals. My e85 has some already early on its life. Same with e46 they are prone to rust also. So they arent durable too as per the article.

Anyway the difference between old benzes and bimmers having a durable myth is because these cars had owners keep them, put money into restoring them.

If you do the same thing to any other vehicle, put money into restoring it and you too can add a durable tag to it if thats is your definition.

Thing with cars as long as you have the money and parts and willingness to maintian and restore it, you can run it forever. Just that not many people apply the same principle of keeping and restoring their econo jap boxes. But if they do its still cheaper to do so.

That's why I agree on your earlier point by saying that the probability of getting the BMW and spending on repairs is higher than finding one that is ride and drive ready. My usual advise to friends who even entertain the thought of doing such (buying an old Benz or BMW), is its better to take the time to ask around and pay a premium to get one from an owner enthusiast who has spent considerable time and money in maintaining the vehicle than getting a cheap one off the classifieds.

My own take would be:

Durable - beat the hell out of the vehicle with minimal maintenance, and it will run hook or by crook; or leave the car uncared and unattended for several months and it will still start and run (let alone for how long it will run, or that nothing is undamaged or in need of attention... the point is it will at least run and get you to the shop on its own power ).

Reliable - it will get you from point A to B, but you do have to maintain it proactively and keep tabs on service bulletins and issues.

On rust though, i find modern vehicles to not rust as much as before, possibly due to better metallurgy/painting processes and/or design (to minimize water or moisture build-up around nooks and crevices).

We've had some EU vehicles from the 80s until the 90s and although you will love the balance, fit and finish, the Japs will still trump them in durability. Some even developed problems from spending too much time in the garage. The last being an E36 320i in the late 90s so i'll take your word on how owning the latter models are.