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.
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?
Matt_N said:
My 52 330i manual is suffering not on the fronts, but the rear arches. Particularly a spot on the panel gap by the fuel filter. I think one of the bumper brackets is there and rubs the rear quarter leading to rust.
I've also got a few spots on the arch lips.
Same dilema, I do love the car, even though it's just an old BMW to most, that big engine and manual are superb and the interior is still a nice place to be.
Mine is Topaz / Biege.
I'm just about to shell out on 4 tyres and 4WA. I was thinking of tackling the rust myself, I'm confident I can do the prep and get it back to a good standard, I just can't spray and blend!
What andriod nav have you gone for?
I've got the Prof stereo with HK, but I think my amp is on it's way out as my speakers sometimes crackle.
Same here, worst spot is around the fuel flap. Speakers crackle when they've been thrashed a bit don't they? I'm about to get some middling range £50~ /pair but your HK setup complicates things a bit doesn't it?I've also got a few spots on the arch lips.
Same dilema, I do love the car, even though it's just an old BMW to most, that big engine and manual are superb and the interior is still a nice place to be.
Mine is Topaz / Biege.
I'm just about to shell out on 4 tyres and 4WA. I was thinking of tackling the rust myself, I'm confident I can do the prep and get it back to a good standard, I just can't spray and blend!
What andriod nav have you gone for?
I've got the Prof stereo with HK, but I think my amp is on it's way out as my speakers sometimes crackle.
Nav unit is xtrons android 5. Really smartens and updates the interior, sound is a bit of an improvement over bmw cd player, hoping for more with speakers. Seems decent enough but having an issue with non working USB leads but not really had time to play around, will update if you like.
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