Hi, new poster, with a quick question.

[justanother5tar]

Long time reader but I've only just signed up!

Just started looking into them, so curious about the reliability of e46 era 320ds.

I've been looking at 03ish models with 100k+ miles on to use as my daily work and family car, so I need something that won't let me down and will achieve respectable fuel economy.

Currently have a Fiesta ST, and while it is great fun, I just fancy something bigger and diesel.

So if any current/past owners could provide their personal experience I'd be very greatful.

Thanks!

[Escort3500]

They're OK but not especially quick, though the handling is good and they're comfortable. Turbos can give problems without regular oil/filter changes and older ones suffer from rust over the front arches caused by the arch liner rubbing inside the inner arch lip. Had to replace both wings on mine; not good for so-called quality German engineering. Also, it's worth replacing the swirl flaps in the inlet manifold with blanking plates to prevent them being ingested into the engine and lunching it. They can be obtained from PMW in Essex for about £45 from memory. Hope this is useful. Beemer forums are also worth looking at.

[justanother5tar]

How would I tell if the turbos knackered?

Im looking at a couple on eBay for around 2.5k and they seem okay around the arches and bodywork in general looks nice enough.

Performance wise, I cant see the 150bhp 3 being much different to my 150bhp ST tbh.

Swirl flaps an easy job?

Thanks for the reply. Very helpful.

[Petrol Only]

Screw that buy a petrol. My e46 330ci gives 35 on a run no problem and sounds great.

Diesel false economy unless someone else is paying the bills

[justanother5tar]

Ive just been looking at 325i's actually.

Are they any good?

[Fox-]

justanother5tar said:

Ive just been looking at 325i's actually.

Are they any good?

Yes but only if you find a really nice one at a great price, otherwise the 330i has identical running costs but goes faster.

[justanother5tar]

Are they identical reliability wise?

[BorkFactor]

justanother5tar said:

Are they identical reliability wise?

Yes, just watch the cooling system on all of them.

[justanother5tar]

330's are a tad too expensive. I only have whatever my ST is worth tbh.

What about the cooling system in particular?

Thanks for all the input guys!

[Fox-]

justanother5tar said:

Are they identical reliability wise?

Yes because it's exactly the same engine - an M54 6 cylinder - just with a larger capacity. They share all the same weak spots etc, so the only reason to pick a 325i over a 330i is if your budget gets you a better 325i than 330i.

[justanother5tar]

My budget wouldnt get me a 330 at all tbh

[Fox-]

justanother5tar said:

My budget wouldnt get me a 330 at all tbh

330i's start at about 1500 quid (Though i'd caution those) so if you don't even have that then I'd question whether any of the 3 Series is really the right way to go.

[BorkFactor]

justanother5tar said:

My budget wouldnt get me a 330 at all tbh

What is your budget? £2k will get you a mine 328i, £3k should get you a decent 330i. Sport models cost more, but I personally wouldn't bother. The sports seats are a good option to have though.

Water pump, radiator, expansion tank... Pretty much all of it. Cheap to replace and pretty easy to keep an eye on so not really a big issue. If you neglect it then it will give you trouble.

[justanother5tar]

A quick look on autotrader puts mine at about 3k.

Is there a limit for mileages I should be looking at?

[Petrol Only]

BorkFactor said:

justanother5tar said:

Are they identical reliability wise?

Yes, just watch the cooling system on all of them.

Yes looking at about 600quid to get that fixed.

Fortunately it was a receipt from the previous owner. That's how I know.

[Petrol Only]

justanother5tar said:

A quick look on autotrader puts mine at about 3k.

Is there a limit for mileages I should be looking at?

No there are plenty with well north of 150k

All about condition proof of history not mileage.

Mine cost 4k it's not immaculate on the outside the odd key mark and here and there. But I'm not that bothered about the cosmetics. Helps me enjoy the car more and not worry because nobody gives a fk about others possessions any more.

Edited by Petrol Only on Friday 1st November 19:10

[justanother5tar]

I want it to look respectable. Not bothered about it being concourse condition.

[Petrol Only]

justanother5tar said:

I want it to look respectable. Not bothered about it being concourse condition.

O its that just not immaculate mines a facelift 2004 car.

[justanother5tar]

Would you mind posting a couple of links (If possible) of something you would consider buying? If it was your money?

[Petrol Only]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Loads around. If your not mechanically minded find a mate who is or pay for a mechanic to come with you to check it out