E46 330CI

[R2T2]

Just after a little bit of advice really.

Mods: If this is in the wrong place, please move it

Looking at a facelift E46 330CI.

A couple of questions.

Is Bluetooth easy to retrofit, or would it be easier to buy an earpiece or something like that?

Is it easy to run an iPhone/iPod cable through to use as an AUX input?
I prefer the OEM look, so would rather try to get that working rather than using an aftermarket unit. Or would upgrading to a Sat Nav unit make it easier?

Are there any real issues to look out for? I've done some research and they seem okay, but I was wondering whether there was a preferred gearbox, or whether it's down to choice.

Anything specific I would look to look/listen for on a test drive?

The car:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271874290733?_trksid=p20...


Thanks all

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I was thinking that too, the OEM nav looks a little tired now, and those aren't that pricey!

Is there any real issues that I need to look out for?

MPG wise, would I reasonably expect 25mpg+ around town?

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It bugs me a little too, but the car looks like a great example. I've also been looking at this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-330CI-manual-/321736...

both look tidy, the black one is a little newer with less miles.

Are there any common faults to look for?
Do these have similar subframe issues to the M3?

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loose cannon said:

oil consumption it's terrible

Can you elaborate?

I normally do, but it was that this one is almost perfect. I would've preferred an 04/05 but hey ho!

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loose cannon said:

They can suffer from piston ring wear, valve stem oil seals breaking down,
Leaky head gasket, blocked and failing crankcase breather,
I'm lucky to get more than 600 miles to a litre tbh

What mileage is yours on?

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They still look fresher than the E90 to me.

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SidewaysSi said:

I bought an E36 328 a couple of weeks back which does not use any oil. The subframe issues were a concern as my mum's old E46 suffered.

At this price point, I would look towards a Compact instead.

I don't like the look of the compacts. These, to me, look great!

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StuTheGrouch said:

R2T2 said:

Anything specific I would look to look/listen for on a test drive?

Obviously look for the rust, as they do rust if not cared for. I've waxoyled the hell out of mine, including taking off the front arch liners and cleaning up the inner wings. Mine is fine for rust.

On the test drive the suspension should be free of knocks. One thing, which will be bloody obvious, is the steering being a bit wayward. This is the bushes on the suspension arm.

Oil consumption is normal. Often rectified to an extent by changing the crank ventilation valve. Mine had breathing problems which then caused the cam cover gasket to start leaking. This, after sorting the CVV, is an easy fix. Mine was at 600 miles per litre beforehand but that was using oil and losing oil at the same time.

I love mine (see profile), it actually filled the space left after I sold my RX8 (but is twice as efficient on fuel!). Looking at the adverts on this thread I think I may have under-estimated the value of mine, which is a pleasant surprise.

What an informative post! Thank you!

Both of which I'm looking at seem to be okay rust wise, and I'm a large fan of detailing, so i hope keeping a good wax coat on it along with a waxoyl treatment should keep it all at bay.

Post CVV replacement, did you notice a vast improvement in oil use?
Did you DIY?

Are there any other common mods that you have done?

Yours looks epic!

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I must admit these are still looking rather attractive!

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Devil2575 said:

Mr2Mike said:

R2T2 said:

MPG wise, would I reasonably expect 25mpg+ around town?

That would be a VERY optimistic expectation.

I agree. I guess it depends on what you been by around town. Stop start, slow moving traffic not a chance. I used to get about 27mpg on my commute which was 9 miles and a mix of 30 and 60 limits with 4 sets of lights and fairly light trafic. I would do 30+ on a run.

My commute mainly consists of slow (but moving) traffic, then a run of about 5-6 miles at 50ish mph.

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So there appears to be some lemons out there, but get a good one, and they're brilliant?

About the gist of it?

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Devil2575 said:

R2T2 said:

So there appears to be some lemons out there, but get a good one, and they're brilliant?

About the gist of it?

There are lemons out there and you will see plenty of cars with obvious problems such as rust and bits not working. I'd avoid these unless you factor in the cost to repair, especially as for all the problems you notice you find at least as many again in your first month of ownership. I think a lot of them have been bought by people who didn't realise that you need to spend a bit of cash to properly manintain them hence why so many are out there with so many problems.

A sorted one is a nice car though. Plenty of grunt makes for relaxing but rapid progress and they are nice and refined. I'd have one again but i'd go into it being prepared to be very picky and wait for the right car. I'd also have at least a grand in the bank to sort out any issues. It also helps if you are prepared to do some of the work yourself.

I am happy to work on cars, although bit of a beginner at it, but i've self serviced my car and done a few little jobs on it, so i'm happy to get stuck in!

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StuTheGrouch said:

I had to travel bloody miles to find mine, after travelling miles to see a st example which I walked away from (very angry) within minutes.

Mine isn't even imola red, which is very rare!

so the Imola Red, with FSH (apparantly) and being manual is like the holy grail?

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Devil2575 said:

R2T2 said:

StuTheGrouch said:

I had to travel bloody miles to find mine, after travelling miles to see a st example which I walked away from (very angry) within minutes.

Mine isn't even imola red, which is very rare!

so the Imola Red, with FSH (apparantly) and being manual is like the holy grail?

I'd say a manual with a FSH that has been properly looked after is pretty rare. Don't get too hung up on colour and exact spec, buy on condition.

I must admit, that black one I linked too on the first page is starting to look tastier, looks to be in good nick, in manual and not a billion miles away in Southampton, and has a pretty good history with sub 100k, all be it just.