Advice on buy a 3 series 330cd
Discussion
Hi, I am thinking of buying a 3 series E46 coupe.
Quite new to the BMW world, so I only know what I have researched online.
I have about 13k max to spend on one.
I've been looking at the manual 330cd. I will be using the car mainly for long distance driving.
Does anyone have any advice as what to look for when buying one?
Also, roughly what the running costs will be (excluding insurance and tax).
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.
Quite new to the BMW world, so I only know what I have researched online.
I have about 13k max to spend on one.
I've been looking at the manual 330cd. I will be using the car mainly for long distance driving.
Does anyone have any advice as what to look for when buying one?
Also, roughly what the running costs will be (excluding insurance and tax).
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.
Thanks for the replies.
13k is the max I could spend, obviously would prefer to spend less if I can.
I am going to test drive both the E46, and E90 next weekend, but aesthetically I would choose an E46 every time. Unless the E90 comes across as a much better drive, I would prefer to get an E46.
13k is the max I could spend, obviously would prefer to spend less if I can.
I am going to test drive both the E46, and E90 next weekend, but aesthetically I would choose an E46 every time. Unless the E90 comes across as a much better drive, I would prefer to get an E46.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2872857.htm
Fair point, the E46 is very aesthetically pleasing. £10k v max though bud, like this...
Fair point, the E46 is very aesthetically pleasing. £10k v max though bud, like this...
You can get a nice 330i for around 4-5k and on the motorway you get over 30mpg (at the speed limit+10%). You would need to do a fair few miles to get the savings back by buying diesel for double the initial outlay...
According to posts on here 330is a re pig to sell so bargains are to be had..
This is the usual PH response, I know but in this case it very valid - I am looking at X3's and a petrol one (3.0i) is around half the price of a similar spec diesel one!
According to posts on here 330is a re pig to sell so bargains are to be had..
This is the usual PH response, I know but in this case it very valid - I am looking at X3's and a petrol one (3.0i) is around half the price of a similar spec diesel one!
Nothing more to add as the above posters have covered it pretty much spot on, but what about E60 5 Series?
As said, many people are dumping petrol engines (for whatever reason), so you really can be picky/choosey, and if you're doing more than 18-20K miles, you could opt for an LPG conversion, all paid for within that timeframe.
The benefit is the whole extended rev range to "play" with, and if you're remotely enviro-conscious, then reduced CO2 and no particulates, coupled with cleaner oil for longer.
System needs annual/10-12K checking, which is about £40-60 a pop.
If it were me, I'd be looking to use no more than £10K of your budget, keeping the rest for LPG conversion (£1500 ish) or potential turbo & injector bill, but I definitely wouldn't be looking at E46s, as they have to be hit when the Fxx comes out next year.
If you must be as frugal as possible, then you'd need to look at higher mileage E90/92 with ED, but they might not be in your bracket just yet.
For me, the wise choice is something that's taken most of its depreciation already - I'd not be the least surprised to see a £13K E46 (and even E90) taking a £5K hit over the next 18 months, and esp. with what I imagine you mean by "long distance driving".
As said, many people are dumping petrol engines (for whatever reason), so you really can be picky/choosey, and if you're doing more than 18-20K miles, you could opt for an LPG conversion, all paid for within that timeframe.
The benefit is the whole extended rev range to "play" with, and if you're remotely enviro-conscious, then reduced CO2 and no particulates, coupled with cleaner oil for longer.
System needs annual/10-12K checking, which is about £40-60 a pop.
If it were me, I'd be looking to use no more than £10K of your budget, keeping the rest for LPG conversion (£1500 ish) or potential turbo & injector bill, but I definitely wouldn't be looking at E46s, as they have to be hit when the Fxx comes out next year.
If you must be as frugal as possible, then you'd need to look at higher mileage E90/92 with ED, but they might not be in your bracket just yet.
For me, the wise choice is something that's taken most of its depreciation already - I'd not be the least surprised to see a £13K E46 (and even E90) taking a £5K hit over the next 18 months, and esp. with what I imagine you mean by "long distance driving".
Talking about LPG there is a already converted z4, e90 5 series, x5, x3 on autotrader at the moment so no need to do it yourself: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/bmw/p...
Heathwood said:
Didn't realise Lanarkshire got that hot!
Dino D said:
Talking about LPG there is a already converted z4, e90 5 series, x5, x3 on autotrader at the moment so no need to do it yourself.
True, but you'd want to know who installed it, and if they've still got the certificate.That said, watch that 530i - I think I've seen that before, on Gumtree iirc - as I can't quite fathom the choice of photographing the inside through the driver's window.
Why wouldn't you open the door and do it properly?
Edited by PJ S on Friday 24th June 02:07
Good work Jobbo! 
I'd not spend £13k on an E46 when you can get an E92 for that outlay. I'd be looking for a manual E9* 330d if I had £13k to spend.
However, I do love my E46 and in my opinion it's the more handsome car when compared to an E92. Mine has all the toys and has done a smidge over 100k miles without complaint. Sure, I've replaced some wear and tear parts and have some age related stone chips over the front end. There's not much out there that combines the performance whilst remaining frugal enough in this age of ridiculously high fuel prices.
Happy Hunting OP
Edited to add that I get over 40mpg average from mine. Get it serviced at BMW which is every 18k miles or so and ranges from £140-£325 depending on which service it is. Tyres can be expensive as I stick with Michelin Pilots. Other consumables are relatively inexpensive. I give the car an interim oil change between services as I don't like leaving oil in for 18k miles, so it's changed every 9k. Overall, a very reasonable car to run. I've replaced the swirl flaps with blankers and have done the oil separator breather. I've also cleaned the EGR valve up and changed one of the thermostats as they can be dodgy, meaning the car runs too cold. I also have a couple of grand in a slush fund should a turbo go, or the injectors call it a day. Not had to use it, but it's there just in case.
I'd not spend £13k on an E46 when you can get an E92 for that outlay. I'd be looking for a manual E9* 330d if I had £13k to spend.
However, I do love my E46 and in my opinion it's the more handsome car when compared to an E92. Mine has all the toys and has done a smidge over 100k miles without complaint. Sure, I've replaced some wear and tear parts and have some age related stone chips over the front end. There's not much out there that combines the performance whilst remaining frugal enough in this age of ridiculously high fuel prices.
Happy Hunting OP
Edited to add that I get over 40mpg average from mine. Get it serviced at BMW which is every 18k miles or so and ranges from £140-£325 depending on which service it is. Tyres can be expensive as I stick with Michelin Pilots. Other consumables are relatively inexpensive. I give the car an interim oil change between services as I don't like leaving oil in for 18k miles, so it's changed every 9k. Overall, a very reasonable car to run. I've replaced the swirl flaps with blankers and have done the oil separator breather. I've also cleaned the EGR valve up and changed one of the thermostats as they can be dodgy, meaning the car runs too cold. I also have a couple of grand in a slush fund should a turbo go, or the injectors call it a day. Not had to use it, but it's there just in case.
Edited by MattOz on Friday 24th June 09:21
MattOz said:
However, I do love my E46 and in my opinion it's the more handsome car when compared to an E92.
It's a good point - and if you pay the right sort of price for an E46 (i.e. a lot less than £13k), I'd still go for the E46 currently.Having only test driven an E92 and not lived with one, I do wonder whether it feels like the E60 5-series after the E39; more modern but less depth of ability when you spend every day with it?
Jobbo said:
t's a good point - and if you pay the right sort of price for an E46 (i.e. a lot less than £13k), I'd still go for the E46 currently.
Having only test driven an E92 and not lived with one, I do wonder whether it feels like the E60 5-series after the E39; more modern but less depth of ability when you spend every day with it?
I'm lucky to have had an E90 330d M Sport and also an E60 535d M Sport in the past. My E90 was a fantastic car and only a house move meant I had to sell it. They're definitely more rigid than the E46 and a little roomier inside. engine wise, the E90 is superior. Handling wise it's on par, but ditch the runflats and its even better. Overall depth of ability, I'd say tha the E9* is superior to the E46. No question. Having only test driven an E92 and not lived with one, I do wonder whether it feels like the E60 5-series after the E39; more modern but less depth of ability when you spend every day with it?
Sold my 335d with 134k for 9.5k....Hi guys, thanks for the replies.
So I've found an E46 330cd, manual. Top spec, lots of extras. Could probably get it for just under 9k.
Only problem is that it has 100k on the clock. 1 registered owner. Lots of motorway miles. Car is immaculate.
It has just had a service, and MOT, with a full BMW service history. New tires as well.
Obviously 100k is not ideal, and I have reservations about buying a used car with so much on the clock.
Does anyone have any advice on what to expect from this engine with this many miles on it.
Cheer
s.
So I've found an E46 330cd, manual. Top spec, lots of extras. Could probably get it for just under 9k.
Only problem is that it has 100k on the clock. 1 registered owner. Lots of motorway miles. Car is immaculate.
It has just had a service, and MOT, with a full BMW service history. New tires as well.
Obviously 100k is not ideal, and I have reservations about buying a used car with so much on the clock.
Does anyone have any advice on what to expect from this engine with this many miles on it.
Cheer
s.
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