Bmw E46 Touring for £350?!
Discussion
Christ, that's rough up close.
It looks like it's been used as a farm runaround on the basis of the condition... Given that it's done so many miles, is it really worth spending the money on bringing it up to "presentable" standard? Surely the mechanical bits are going to be needing a fair bit of attention soon enough too?
No offence, and I'm sure you don't need my advice (based on your previous threads), but this looks like a bit of a waste of money to 'restore'. When there are decent 325/330 tourings starting at £1300 on Ebay, is it really worth pouring cash into this one?
It looks like it's been used as a farm runaround on the basis of the condition... Given that it's done so many miles, is it really worth spending the money on bringing it up to "presentable" standard? Surely the mechanical bits are going to be needing a fair bit of attention soon enough too?
No offence, and I'm sure you don't need my advice (based on your previous threads), but this looks like a bit of a waste of money to 'restore'. When there are decent 325/330 tourings starting at £1300 on Ebay, is it really worth pouring cash into this one?
C70R said:
Christ, that's rough up close.
It looks like it's been used as a farm runaround on the basis of the condition... Given that it's done so many miles, is it really worth spending the money on bringing it up to "presentable" standard? Surely the mechanical bits are going to be needing a fair bit of attention soon enough too?
No offence, and I'm sure you don't need my advice (based on your previous threads), but this looks like a bit of a waste of money to 'restore'. When there are decent 325/330 tourings starting at £1300 on Ebay, is it really worth pouring cash into this one?
It's not been a farm runaround, it's the Scottish weather which does this to cars. Doesn't help that my boss had a small child which made a mess of the inside. It looks like it's been used as a farm runaround on the basis of the condition... Given that it's done so many miles, is it really worth spending the money on bringing it up to "presentable" standard? Surely the mechanical bits are going to be needing a fair bit of attention soon enough too?
No offence, and I'm sure you don't need my advice (based on your previous threads), but this looks like a bit of a waste of money to 'restore'. When there are decent 325/330 tourings starting at £1300 on Ebay, is it really worth pouring cash into this one?
I have a spare steering wheel and a few other inside bits so will look presentable. Infact everything bar the seats/wings/bumpers/wings/headlights.
The hinge on the tailgate was snapped so I've ordered a used one for £29 so easy enough fix. So far I've got 2 new tyres, 2 wings, coilovers, adjustable lower control arms, a friend booked to weld the sill. While I was ordering things I've also bought 4 new axle stands as my current ones have been firmly wedged below my mums corvette for 6 months. Also got a waterpump + gasket for my e30. Got quite a lot to do when I get back home, I also start uni as well so this will be fun.
Wings aside, that looks a pretty decent purchase. As you know they just bolt on, no welding required, so it isn't exactly a major issue.
Surprised they are that bad though, mine is a 98 model and the bubbling is just starting to come through. Make sure you check the sills at the jacking points, mine needed done a few years ago.
Looks like it will scrub up quite nicely, and you really can't argue at £350. Good luck with it, will be interested to see how this thread progresses.
Surprised they are that bad though, mine is a 98 model and the bubbling is just starting to come through. Make sure you check the sills at the jacking points, mine needed done a few years ago.
Looks like it will scrub up quite nicely, and you really can't argue at £350. Good luck with it, will be interested to see how this thread progresses.
Rear diff on it is leaky, mum says she found a wee bit of oil on the floor when she moved it. Not sure where on the diff it is leaking from as obviously I am not able to check myself yet.
How big a job is changing the seals on it?
If its rather long would my old e46 320ci diff fit? Looking at this website
http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/BMW_parts.htm
It appears the ratio would be higher which would increase acceleration? Obviously it would rev higher while cruising.
How big a job is changing the seals on it?
If its rather long would my old e46 320ci diff fit? Looking at this website
http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/BMW_parts.htm
It appears the ratio would be higher which would increase acceleration? Obviously it would rev higher while cruising.
www.realoem.com will tell you if the diff casing is the same part number.
An invaluable website.
I'd expect the 330 has a bigger (maybe medium - case) diff but that's pure speculation.
An invaluable website.
I'd expect the 330 has a bigger (maybe medium - case) diff but that's pure speculation.
shalmaneser said:
www.realoem.com will tell you if the diff casing is the same part number.
An invaluable website.
I'd expect the 330 has a bigger (maybe medium - case) diff but that's pure speculation.
Agreed. A fantastic resource for anyone with a BMW.An invaluable website.
I'd expect the 330 has a bigger (maybe medium - case) diff but that's pure speculation.
My Chinese suspension arrived. Got a few pictures from my mum as I wanted to check all was there.
Seems well packaged.... About all I have to say.
Will give reviews as there really isn't alot about this set on the Internet. £250 for 4 coilovers and rear adjustable arms delivered to the Highlands.
Seems well packaged.... About all I have to say.
Will give reviews as there really isn't alot about this set on the Internet. £250 for 4 coilovers and rear adjustable arms delivered to the Highlands.
So I got home from the USA this afternoon so figured I will crack on.
First of all I got to look over the car myself. It really has not coped with the winters up here well at all.
I hate people with dogs... Nice tray though with some odd tools
Rust next to the tailgate, dont even gather how it starts there but whatever.
Bit next to the windscreen - stone chip caused this I guess.
Lovely rotten wings after poking it.
Rear arches are both like this, not that worried with the car being £350 haha
Dont know what happened to this.
Comes with a hands free thing, which appears to have vasaline on the back, very strange location.
It has a engine
Snapped hinge
Rear tyres on it backwards... Nuts were coppergreased so someone bothered to do that but not put the tyres the right way.
Stripped half the boot to get access to the top damper bolts which was a pain in the ass.
Never having fitted coilovers before am I correct in putting the spring adjusters in like this? Assuming the gap where my thumb is would be where the arm is.
Damper is much much shorter, it is however adjustable. Do i adjust it to be slightly smaller than stock?
Arm is drooping here so would be closer with weight on the vehicle
First of all I got to look over the car myself. It really has not coped with the winters up here well at all.
I hate people with dogs... Nice tray though with some odd tools
Rust next to the tailgate, dont even gather how it starts there but whatever.
Bit next to the windscreen - stone chip caused this I guess.
Lovely rotten wings after poking it.
Rear arches are both like this, not that worried with the car being £350 haha
Dont know what happened to this.
Comes with a hands free thing, which appears to have vasaline on the back, very strange location.
It has a engine
Snapped hinge
Rear tyres on it backwards... Nuts were coppergreased so someone bothered to do that but not put the tyres the right way.
Stripped half the boot to get access to the top damper bolts which was a pain in the ass.
Never having fitted coilovers before am I correct in putting the spring adjusters in like this? Assuming the gap where my thumb is would be where the arm is.
Damper is much much shorter, it is however adjustable. Do i adjust it to be slightly smaller than stock?
Arm is drooping here so would be closer with weight on the vehicle
Rsdop said:
Are the rear wheels just on the wrong sides?! Don't know about the coil overs but be interested to know what they're like when fitted I'm in the market for new shocks and springs.
No the other side/ all other 3 were correct.I got the rear ones on this evening. Sits slightly lower than when it had the snapped springs.
started on the front and the big bolt which tighens the hub round the shock base snapped. Its not a bolt and nut so I cant just cut both ends off. I need to drill the damn thing out then put a normal bolt + nut in place.
Finally got them fitted.... f
king mission.Snapped the bolts on both sides which attach to the bottom of the struts. Took like 15 drillbits and 3+ hours as they are threaded into the hub. They now are a classic nut and bolt affair. The suspension has obviously never been replaced.
Rear hatch hinge was really easy, just lift the glass top half and use your head to hold that end up and can change it without removing anything which helps. Also fitted a set of heko wind deflectors which were very simple.
Got both front wings in paint, going to clear coat tomorrow and see how they come out. Not expecting much as they are dangling under a car port so stuff can land on them. Better than wings which are so rusty they fail a mot. Also all the bolts holding these in were rusted/stripped heads.
I am a bit jealous looks like a good project.
Get some all purpose cleaner (stardrops or even Fairy Liquid - diluted of course) on a microfibre cloth and rub that steering wheel up clean. Some autoglym foaming interior shampoo with a fabric brush will help with the odours and you can use it (with a microfiber again) to clean the interior panels with. it will also help get rid of the stains/runs on your seats.
Get some all purpose cleaner (stardrops or even Fairy Liquid - diluted of course) on a microfibre cloth and rub that steering wheel up clean. Some autoglym foaming interior shampoo with a fabric brush will help with the odours and you can use it (with a microfiber again) to clean the interior panels with. it will also help get rid of the stains/runs on your seats.
Jesus, God. That thing is filthy up close. How come you can bring yourself to drive it and fit coilovers, but not give it a decent scrub? It makes my skin crawl!
How is the underneath, including the sills etc.? If the rest of the car is that rotten (the rust in the boot is coming through from under/inside the panels - terminal if not resolved), then surely there must be some fairly significant structural rot hiding away?
How is the underneath, including the sills etc.? If the rest of the car is that rotten (the rust in the boot is coming through from under/inside the panels - terminal if not resolved), then surely there must be some fairly significant structural rot hiding away?
C70R said:
Jesus, God. That thing is filthy up close. How come you can bring yourself to drive it and fit coilovers, but not give it a decent scrub? It makes my skin crawl!
How is the underneath, including the sills etc.? If the rest of the car is that rotten (the rust in the boot is coming through from under/inside the panels - terminal if not resolved), then surely there must be some fairly significant structural rot hiding away?
One very small hole in the sill and that's about it. Rust in the boot is from where the paint has been chipped I have to guess. How is the underneath, including the sills etc.? If the rest of the car is that rotten (the rust in the boot is coming through from under/inside the panels - terminal if not resolved), then surely there must be some fairly significant structural rot hiding away?
In other news I bought a e46 320i convertible for £400 last night. Really just bought it for the wheels and the front seats, will be breaking the rest of it up. The autobox had lost reverse so wasn't worth fixing tbh.
Here is the £400 320i convertible I bought yesterday. Bought mainly for the wheels + front seats (if I break it). I know they arent a straight fit as they are electric but shouldnt be too hard to wire up, theres guides online. It has coilovers and a leak free roof so would easily break for what I paid.
It has lost reverse in its autobox so unless I find a gearbox for cheap I will just break it for parts. I do however have my old 01 320i coupe manual lying in the yard still so could attempt a manual conversion but seems like a lot of work, its mot also ran out today so might need other things doing but just dont know yet as I havent looked at it.
Wheels have a nice dish on them, need repainted though really.
Really like this red interior, just a shame it wasnt a touring with red leather so I could swap it all over.
If I do take the seats I will need to do something about these as they arent needed in a non convertible.
It has lost reverse in its autobox so unless I find a gearbox for cheap I will just break it for parts. I do however have my old 01 320i coupe manual lying in the yard still so could attempt a manual conversion but seems like a lot of work, its mot also ran out today so might need other things doing but just dont know yet as I havent looked at it.
Wheels have a nice dish on them, need repainted though really.
Really like this red interior, just a shame it wasnt a touring with red leather so I could swap it all over.
If I do take the seats I will need to do something about these as they arent needed in a non convertible.
Speed addicted said:
Why not put the engine and gearbox out of the 330 into the convertible? Then you would have a good engine/body combination straight away!
Dont want a convertible, always fancied a estate and at the grand old age of 21 it seems time haha.Anyway ive just had a poke around the thing just now. Front bumper is cracked in a few spots, bonnet needs resprayed, huge array of warning lights on dash, engine missfires, drivers door doesnt open from the outside. Its going to be broken up for bits now.
Wheels could do with a refurb as have a small amount of kerbing and could do with being resprayed/powercoated.
helix402 said:
You need a saloon/touring seat rail to make the seats fit, the seat belt bolts to the seat in the 4/5 door.
I would have the seat rails from the stock seats I could use for this.All the electrics work in the seats so happy days in that regards (hadnt seen the car prior to it turning up).
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff