what to do with an E46 330ci...
Discussion
Picked one of these up for the mrs to pootle around in just before christmas, always wanted a BM but couldn't justify a car+van for years
Car is an '04, 200k FSH, likes a drink of oil (no burn smell but this is not uncommon?) miles were higher than i was aiming for but it was keenly priced, and feels pretty tight, actually much better than a couple of others with a couple more years and supposedly a little over half the miles I drove. It's a nice drive, the Mrs loves it.
But theres a couple of rust bubbles, mostly rear arches and a couple of spots elsewhere. A few other scratches making it a somewhat less than concours example. A blow over wouldn't be a bad thing. So what do I do? Realistically with the miles it's not worth throwing money at, but then again if I ignore it I might be weighing it in in a couple of years rather than flogging it for a couple of grand.
Like said the Mrs loves it, looks classy in mystic blue/tan (particularly didn't want black/grey or her in anything a bit too gangsta..) but I'm really having trouble deciding which way to go with it - least money possible (not quite bangernomics) or try to smarten it up.
Car is an '04, 200k FSH, likes a drink of oil (no burn smell but this is not uncommon?) miles were higher than i was aiming for but it was keenly priced, and feels pretty tight, actually much better than a couple of others with a couple more years and supposedly a little over half the miles I drove. It's a nice drive, the Mrs loves it.
But theres a couple of rust bubbles, mostly rear arches and a couple of spots elsewhere. A few other scratches making it a somewhat less than concours example. A blow over wouldn't be a bad thing. So what do I do? Realistically with the miles it's not worth throwing money at, but then again if I ignore it I might be weighing it in in a couple of years rather than flogging it for a couple of grand.
Like said the Mrs loves it, looks classy in mystic blue/tan (particularly didn't want black/grey or her in anything a bit too gangsta..) but I'm really having trouble deciding which way to go with it - least money possible (not quite bangernomics) or try to smarten it up.
smn159 said:
Lovely things - My wife had one for a few years as a daily. Lunched the engine when the coolant header tank split on the motorway and she decided to plough on rather than stop though 
Worth getting some quotes for the work I think - you shouldn't lose money on it.
Yes, the dealer already fitted a new tank & radiator, only for the fan to fail popping a 2nd one two months later! Luckily I stopped in time. PS are all aftermarket warranties good for anything other than poor toiler paper?Worth getting some quotes for the work I think - you shouldn't lose money on it.
Lovely car it is and honestly not a bad example but I think the mileage will put off all but the "woz yer bes price m8" and plastic gangsta brigade when I come to flog it.
I've recently spent more money than I really should have to get both rear arches repaired (rust) and a new bonnet fitted and sprayed (rust and paint had faded badly) on my 330i touring, but it now looks so much better and as it's mechanically still in very good condition.
I just couldn't bear to see it rust away and look tatty for the next 2 years, which is how long I see myself keeping it now. They are still great cars and everyone who gets in mine says they can't believe it's done 190k miles.
I just couldn't bear to see it rust away and look tatty for the next 2 years, which is how long I see myself keeping it now. They are still great cars and everyone who gets in mine says they can't believe it's done 190k miles.
hairyben said:
Car is an '04, 200k FSH, likes a drink of oil (no burn smell but this is not uncommon?) miles were higher than i was aiming for but it was keenly priced, and feels pretty tight, actually much better than a couple of others with a couple more years and supposedly a little over half the miles I drove. It's a nice drive, the Mrs loves it.
But theres a couple of rust bubbles, mostly rear arches and a couple of spots elsewhere. A few other scratches making it a somewhat less than concours example. A blow over wouldn't be a bad thing. So what do I do?
Im in the same boat, 52 plate with 153k and a few rust spots appearing. One rear arch, rear panel below the boot and one front wing could do with some attention but is it worth spending the cash to sort it? I keep changing my mind but think I'm going to get it done and keep it a few years. It's my sensible car and don't know what I'd replace it with for the money, and the way E30s and E36s have gone I can't see them depreciating much more.But theres a couple of rust bubbles, mostly rear arches and a couple of spots elsewhere. A few other scratches making it a somewhat less than concours example. A blow over wouldn't be a bad thing. So what do I do?
As for the oil consumption, mine was using almost a litre every 1000 miles. Changed the CCV system and the rocker cover gasket and it barely uses any now, 1300 miles to Le Mans and back and it didn't move on the dipstick. Definitely worth doing, the CCV is a common problem and only costs £80, a few hours and some skin off your knuckles.
Yes, air leaks and CCV issues can increase oil consumption considerably and give you a smokey exhaust on start up which you might think is something more serious.
I had a long running air leak and sensor issue on mine which was finally resolved at the same time I had the bodywork done. The engine light was coming on regularly and throwing up various fault codes. In the end, it was traced to a split intake hose and faulty O2 sensor and once they were replaced, I've had no engine issues and it uses a lot less oil now.
I had a long running air leak and sensor issue on mine which was finally resolved at the same time I had the bodywork done. The engine light was coming on regularly and throwing up various fault codes. In the end, it was traced to a split intake hose and faulty O2 sensor and once they were replaced, I've had no engine issues and it uses a lot less oil now.
It has to be a personal choice but these are great cars to own.
Mine just back from the bodyshop after some comprehensive respray work. Had one or two rust bubbles and a few dents and scratches. All the alloys were corroded so they were dipped and powder coated.
Mine has 156K miles on the clock and I have owned it for nearly 10 years. Some investment can help to restore some pride and these cars are worth spending some money on as long as they aren't too far gone.
Argybargy said:
It has to be a personal choice but these are great cars to own.
Mine just back from the bodyshop after some comprehensive respray work. Had one or two rust bubbles and a few dents and scratches. All the alloys were corroded so they were dipped and powder coated.
Mine has 156K miles on the clock and I have owned it for nearly 10 years. Some investment can help to restore some pride and these cars are worth spending some money on as long as they aren't too far gone.
Same dilemma for me with my 2002 330ci sport. It's done 120k but the body work is looking shabby, with rust coming through on one front wing and one back wing.
Can't decide whether it's worth spending the money as I've been quoted around £400 to fix the rust. The body shop seemed to think it'd come back as well, then it's inevitable the other 2 will go...and so it goes on.
Can't decide whether it's worth spending the money as I've been quoted around £400 to fix the rust. The body shop seemed to think it'd come back as well, then it's inevitable the other 2 will go...and so it goes on.
Rsdop said:
Argybargy said:
It has to be a personal choice but these are great cars to own.
Mine just back from the bodyshop after some comprehensive respray work. Had one or two rust bubbles and a few dents and scratches. All the alloys were corroded so they were dipped and powder coated.
Mine has 156K miles on the clock and I have owned it for nearly 10 years. Some investment can help to restore some pride and these cars are worth spending some money on as long as they aren't too far gone.
RanchoGrande said:
Same dilemma for me with my 2002 330ci sport. It's done 120k but the body work is looking shabby, with rust coming through on one front wing and one back wing.
Can't decide whether it's worth spending the money as I've been quoted around £400 to fix the rust. The body shop seemed to think it'd come back as well, then it's inevitable the other 2 will go...and so it goes on.
Sounds like they're not cutting the rot out then, just fibre glassing / fillering it.Can't decide whether it's worth spending the money as I've been quoted around £400 to fix the rust. The body shop seemed to think it'd come back as well, then it's inevitable the other 2 will go...and so it goes on.
I have had a LOT of success with decent pattern fit front wings on 330Cis. I've had 4 so far and replaced the wings on all of them. Pattern fit wings are around £50 each, made from decent enough metal and the rust wont come through.
With the rear arches, you'd need to find a garage that is going to cut out and replace the metal.
Its definitely well worth doing btw. Good solid 330Cis are rare, and worth preserving. The spend will be reflected in resale price too.
hairyben said:
Picked one of these up for the mrs to pootle around in just before christmas, always wanted a BM but couldn't justify a car+van for years
Car is an '04, 200k FSH, likes a drink of oil (no burn smell but this is not uncommon?) miles were higher than i was aiming for but it was keenly priced, and feels pretty tight, actually much better than a couple of others with a couple more years and supposedly a little over half the miles I drove. It's a nice drive, the Mrs loves it.
But theres a couple of rust bubbles, mostly rear arches and a couple of spots elsewhere. A few other scratches making it a somewhat less than concours example. A blow over wouldn't be a bad thing. So what do I do? Realistically with the miles it's not worth throwing money at, but then again if I ignore it I might be weighing it in in a couple of years rather than flogging it for a couple of grand.
Like said the Mrs loves it, looks classy in mystic blue/tan (particularly didn't want black/grey or her in anything a bit too gangsta..) but I'm really having trouble deciding which way to go with it - least money possible (not quite bangernomics) or try to smarten it up.
I'd do the work needed. These cars are getting rare and worth preserving.Car is an '04, 200k FSH, likes a drink of oil (no burn smell but this is not uncommon?) miles were higher than i was aiming for but it was keenly priced, and feels pretty tight, actually much better than a couple of others with a couple more years and supposedly a little over half the miles I drove. It's a nice drive, the Mrs loves it.
But theres a couple of rust bubbles, mostly rear arches and a couple of spots elsewhere. A few other scratches making it a somewhat less than concours example. A blow over wouldn't be a bad thing. So what do I do? Realistically with the miles it's not worth throwing money at, but then again if I ignore it I might be weighing it in in a couple of years rather than flogging it for a couple of grand.
Like said the Mrs loves it, looks classy in mystic blue/tan (particularly didn't want black/grey or her in anything a bit too gangsta..) but I'm really having trouble deciding which way to go with it - least money possible (not quite bangernomics) or try to smarten it up.
Pic of my '01 330Ci in blue and tan when i had it. This one had new pattern fit front wings fitted, and a full valet. Its an SE but someone added 18 inch MV2s which i also refurbed.
daemon said:
Sounds like they're not cutting the rot out then, just fibre glassing / fillering it.
I have had a LOT of success with decent pattern fit front wings on 330Cis. I've had 4 so far and replaced the wings on all of them. Pattern fit wings are around £50 each, made from decent enough metal and the rust wont come through.
With the rear arches, you'd need to find a garage that is going to cut out and replace the metal.
Its definitely well worth doing btw. Good solid 330Cis are rare, and worth preserving. The spend will be reflected in resale price too.
I did question both bodyshops I got quotes from about how they would deal with it and both indicated they would fix it rather than cut it out. I have been looking at pattern wings but wondered if a new resprayed wing would stick out like a sore thumb on a 14yr old car? Did yours match well? Mines topaz like the last one you posted. I have had a LOT of success with decent pattern fit front wings on 330Cis. I've had 4 so far and replaced the wings on all of them. Pattern fit wings are around £50 each, made from decent enough metal and the rust wont come through.
With the rear arches, you'd need to find a garage that is going to cut out and replace the metal.
Its definitely well worth doing btw. Good solid 330Cis are rare, and worth preserving. The spend will be reflected in resale price too.
RanchoGrande said:
I did question both bodyshops I got quotes from about how they would deal with it and both indicated they would fix it rather than cut it out. I have been looking at pattern wings but wondered if a new resprayed wing would stick out like a sore thumb on a 14yr old car? Did yours match well? Mines topaz like the last one you posted.
The 1st blue SE as two new pattern wings fitted and so has the black one.They went on with very little hassle and panel gaps were good.
You couldnt have told (a) they werent original and (b) they were pattern panels once fitted.
THe silver one - i originally had the wings repaired and they were starting to blister through within a week of the repair.
Dammit you lot. Guess I'll be seeing my cousins mate (bodyshop) in the near future then.
I suppose its a car you should enjoy while you can, big n/a engine, manual etc
It's already boasting an andriod satnav and new speakers arent far off. So much for cheap runabout. Any ideas of best way to address the peeling/flaking finish on the tan centre console around the gearstick? Is it factory painted or has some clown tried to paint it already?
I suppose its a car you should enjoy while you can, big n/a engine, manual etc
It's already boasting an andriod satnav and new speakers arent far off. So much for cheap runabout. Any ideas of best way to address the peeling/flaking finish on the tan centre console around the gearstick? Is it factory painted or has some clown tried to paint it already?
daemon said:
The 1st blue SE as two new pattern wings fitted and so has the black one.
They went on with very little hassle and panel gaps were good.
You couldnt have told (a) they werent original and (b) they were pattern panels once fitted.
THe silver one - i originally had the wings repaired and they were starting to blister through within a week of the repair.
Noted, thank you. You can get painted pattern wings from Ebay for around £120 so this option seems preferable. They went on with very little hassle and panel gaps were good.
You couldnt have told (a) they werent original and (b) they were pattern panels once fitted.
THe silver one - i originally had the wings repaired and they were starting to blister through within a week of the repair.
I went to the race meeting at Castle Combe today that had the (E36) Compact Cup on the programme.
I got talking to one of the drivers in the paddock and it seems there will be a few trial races towards the end of this season for 330Cis with a view to having a specific race series for them next year!
So my advice would be to keep it - if the race series happens 330Ci mechanicals and good E46 bodyshells may well become quite desirable soon!
Anyway on that note I'm off to the classifieds..........
I got talking to one of the drivers in the paddock and it seems there will be a few trial races towards the end of this season for 330Cis with a view to having a specific race series for them next year!
So my advice would be to keep it - if the race series happens 330Ci mechanicals and good E46 bodyshells may well become quite desirable soon!
Anyway on that note I'm off to the classifieds..........
Argybargy said:
About £1,400. Sounds a lot but included front bumper/spoiler, both wings, bonnet, driver's door, o/s wing, boot and rear bumper. Front spoiler assembly very fiddly to deal with and paint was removed down to the plastic as he had been resprayed twice before.
Thanks, sounds reasonable for that amount of work 
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