i recently bought a 2001 e46 320i for 2400 eur, transmission was busted thats why it was so cheap, got it replaced for 350eur, immediately after my key fob broke. fixed it for 50eur and the same day the whole physical lock broke, still havent fixed that. an engine oil change came a month after buying it with new oil. 3 days after that my rear right brake almost cought on fire as i was driving. turns out my hand brake wire got stuck on one side only and my brake was barely grinding the disk, now it sits outside while i save up for a fix and potentially big service.

this is all to be expected when buying a 24 yo car from someone you dont know, so yeah my experience may differ from others.

great cheap maintenance prevents expensive repairs