BMW 3 Series E46 (1998-2005) Questions & Answers

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$56 500, can find all car valuations on redbook.

https://www.redbook.com.au/cars/details/2004-bmw-318i-executive-e46-auto-my04/SPOT-ITM-209213/

It is chain. No timing belt there.

145k is not much, if you service the car at independent mechanics it will cost you less. If its fuel efficient I'll keep it if not that means engine is wearing out. But again if car is over 15 years then its trouble. Yours is 8 years only.

I got my 2000 323Ci at 200000km. At 240000km after 2 years, it is still a very dependable car. It had been well maintained by previous owners. I service car regularly and keep everything in tip top condition. It doesn't burn a drop of oil between changes. Does 8l/100km average.
I do most of the work myself. It needed a new DISA valve - $250 from clickable. Replaced windscreen cowl due to degradation - $200. Replaced power steering pump due to broken shaft with used but upgraded one - $100. Replaced worn out steering rack with lightly used good one - 150$. Replaced cracked valve cover genuine + gaskets - $500. Replaced leaking oil pan gasket(diy hard) - $50. Refreshed vanos rattle rings and seals with upgraded ones - $200. Full service kit from clickable (oil, spark plugs, cabin, fuel and oil filters) - $270. Regular oil kit every 7000km - $135 at clickable.
After all above maintenance work, and being able to work on above myself I have to say I have saved a lot of money. Some of them are not easy, such as oil pan gasket for sure. However if you are not technically inclined, I cannot recommend this car unless previous owner had already taken care of above areas.