Buying an E46 320 Ci

[mjwscorpio]

Just about to test drive a 2003 320Ci with only 28000 on the clock, FSH. 2 owners. From a trader.
What should I look for and any tips because I have never owned one.

[paoloh]

Make sure it is a facelift model.

Is a sport or se?

What options does it have?

History?

How many miles until next service? ( should be due one or just had one )

Rear springs are prone to failure on E46.

Check rubber seals around the inside of the doors is complete and intact ( £250 each side )

[mjwscorpio]

Not sure if it is a sport or se, how do I know it is a facelift model?

[BIG BAVARIAN]

Rust/bubbling on the front wing wheel arch lips,rear trailing arm bushes,(to test, set off in the normal fashion,accelerate hard,take hands off the steering wheel,if the wheel flicks to one side or the other, they are toast!!)check all tyre's for uneven wear,which could indicate suspension problems/poor tracking,lift boot carpet mat, check for buckled/torn boot floor welds,more common in M3's but no harm in checking whilst your their,panel alignment fit and finish,paint mismatch,i personally would take my peake code reader and scan it for faults,whilst on site.

[BIG BAVARIAN]

mjwscorpio said:

Not sure if it is a sport or se, how do I know it is a facelift model?

Pointy indicators and side repeaters amongst other things, http://cdn.motors.co.uk/d/used-photos/63103/400x/0...

[turbo-ww]

BIG BAVARIAN said:

mjwscorpio said:

Not sure if it is a sport or se, how do I know it is a facelift model?

Pointy indicators and side repeaters amongst other things, http://cdn.motors.co.uk/d/used-photos/63103/400x/0...

For comparison, this isn't

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/largepic.asp?i=13...

Edited by turbo-ww on Saturday 24th October 22:59

[AB]

Surprised I'm the first person to say this...

There's very little difference, if any, in the fuel consumption figures between 320/325/330 and servicing costs will be the same.

I'd be looking at 330's if I were you, 320 lacks a little.