Help Needed - looking at a 330ci Cabrio

[Red Leader]

Hi All,

My friend has asked me to go and look at a 330ci Cabrio, 2003 with him tonight. I don't know much about these and would be grateful for some pointers. The car is on 150K and the owner, who my friend knows has said it had a new Auto gearbox last year and has also spent lots on the "usual" items over the past year. Of course, I will check the paperwork thoroughly.

The car only has MOT until July which concerns me a bit.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, at least I will look like I know what I am looking for!!!

[SebringMan]

In short:

-Does everything work electrically.
-Does it drive well? Is the gearbox smooth? E46 Cabrios do suffer from scuttle shake, that's normal.
-How much oil does it use? M54s are a lottery when it comes to oil usage.
-Check for boot floor cracks. Redish's guide on YouTube will help here.
-How worn is the interior. Soft touch plastics do wear badly in these like the fag tray cover
-Rust. Wings you can buy inexpensively. But rear arches can be pricey to sort. I'd also check the jacking points these days.
-How much oil is it dripping and from where? The M54 leaks from a few places that can be simple to sort out. But PAS lines are starting to go due to their age.

Assuming it's straight and drives well he should be fine.

[Vroomer]

You should insist on a new MoT prior to purchase.

[Maxus]

Top things for me would be:

Go online and check the MOT history for failures / advisories
Rust - particularly front arches
Cooling system - with the bonnet open look through the holes where the grille goes and check the bottom of the radiator for bowing. Make sure it doesn't overheat when left ticking over. Normal expansion cap mayo check
Gearbox - mine is a manual but on an auto check for smooth changes, kickdown operation and no clunks when selecting gears
Performance - if it feels lethargic at low revs it could need new vanos seals (not a bad diy job)
Suspension - evidence of wishbone/link changes.
Interior - lift mats and feel around for dampness (roof leaks) particularly in footwells
A/C / Interior fan - does the fan change speed when the control is changed. Does the A/C work
Electrics - check roof operation - window drop slightly and operation should be smooth

Great cars, generally robust. I much prefer the manual though.

[Red Leader]

Thanks for the help and advice. This gives me plenty to look at.
I will report back!
RL

[Red Leader]

He bought it! We checked as much of the points given and to be fair it was a straight and honest car. VANOS done last year together with a recon gearbox and all hoses changed. It does need a new front bumper and there are scratches on door and bonnet but I do believe that mechanically its good.

All for £1400

Thanks for your invaluable help chaps

RL

[SebringMan]

Great stuff! I hope he enjoys it.

I have debated getting a 325i/330i Auto Cabrio at times, but having one thirsty(ish) car makes it silly to get another!