£5k auto cruiser with decent power - 330? CLK?

[Legend83]

I was considering a 645i to solve my need for an auto problem but have reduced my budget due to our extension being more of a priority.

However I am convinced I can still get something nice / powerful / lovely sounding for my £5k (approx trade-in value for my Civic). Yearly mileage is low so petrol is a must - more than 4 cylinders would be preferable. HAS TO BE AUTO.

What is the E46 330i like in auto guise? The Merc CLK320 seems to be pretty slow for the engine size so would probably need to be the 500.

Anything else? Golf GTI with DSG?

[Twin Turbo]

The e46 330i is a great cruiser with a nice 5-speed auto featuring manual (Steptronic) override.

Things to check for:

1 - Ensure the cooling system has been replaced, or budget for it (thermostat/rad/coolant tank etc)
2 - Rust..........front wings, rear wheel arches and rear number plate surround
3 - Ensure the tracking and suspension bushes are top notch or it'll wander all over the road
4 - They like to throw warning lights at random (ABS/TC - can be the control unit which is NOT cheap)

Great cars if you buy one that's been looked after.........and keep a savings account topped up to keep it in that condition

[Legend83]

Thanks for the response.

Prices are all over the shop with some really cheap around £1.5k up to some 2005 models still going for £8k!

I guess buy on condition and not age/miles with these.

How much would one budget for a full cooling system refresh?

Tyres eye-watering?

[cerb4.5lee]

I have a E90 330i Auto & although I would have preferred a manual its a very relaxing drive with the Auto but if you want to press on the engine sounds lovely & is very smooth & I am getting used to manual mode which does give you a little more to do rather than just stick your right foot down.

I drove a 2001 E46 330i when it was new & I recall the engine being super sweet & silky & I have fancied one ever since they are a great all rounder I think & the reviews on them are always good.

[Twin Turbo]

Yes, definitely buy on condition

I'd budget around £500 for the cooling system replacement.

Tyres? Many will swear by expensive brands, but I bought 4 Roadstones (made by Michelin) and they've been fine........although I don't drive like a loon, and mine are mostly motorway miles. I think they were around £85/front £100 rear. The original Bridgestones I had were noisy, expensive and wore quickly!

My '53 plate is coming up to 159k miles and still puts a smile on my face

[anonymous-user]

Jaguar S-Type V8? Post 02 4.2 litre. (Ideally 54 plate on for the facelift). 300bhp and a cracking 6 speed auto. The 3.0 V6 is more common and has to make do with 240bhp.

[sjc]

These sound lovely,loads of kit and plenty of change left over, as you may well bag it for 2.5K ish.
Check if the belts have been at the 6 year interval.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-ZT-2-5-180-Sport-SE-5...

[mike-r]

Another endorsement for a 330, stuck 500 miles on mine over the last couple of days and it's lapped it up and got 35mpg on the run.

Manual, but still..

[cerb4.5lee]

mike-r said:

Manual, but still..

Very envious! I just cant love the Auto in mine (nothing wrong with it I just prefer a Manual).

[philmots]

I've got one, second I've had...

It's pretty much guaranteed the thermostat will be shot if you try one.. They drive like crap with them broke as the auto is still in cold 'slip' mode to warm up.

Mpg on mine at minute is 25, short journeys with a heavy foot. Up to 27 in summer.