How Much Should I Pay E46 330Ci Sport

[Matthew_Eames]

Looking at getting one of these at some point this year (not before March however) and just wondering what I should be paying really for one in the following spec:


This is perfect

2002 > 2003 Pre Facelift, 5 Speed....I prefer the looks and they are cheaper due to being an older shape (I hear about the Power Steering change, when exactly was this?, ideally I would like one with the updated version for better feel)

Sport Coupe
Manual Gearbox
Titanium Silver or Topaz Blue
Black Leather Interior w/Black Cube Trim
Under 80k (or very close)
MV1's
No Modifications (With the exception of LED rear lights, which I would do anyway probably)
Clean, No Damage Repairs

Not arsed about much in the way of options really as they were pretty fully loaded anyway, Would like HID's and an armrest (not sure if that was standard?) but other than that I cannot think of anything crucial

What do you think R.E prices, I'm basing this on around about 7k cost, half of which I have in cash ATM, 1/4 from my current car and 1/4 from savings in between now and then or a small loan perhaps (would like to avoid this ideally).

any buying advice?

Edited by Matthew_Eames on Friday 29th January 20:22

[rfn]

IIRC the power steering change was actually in 2001, so any 02/03 pre-facelift car should have the updated steering.

[obscene]

I'd hazard a guess at 7-8k maybe slightly more for one which stands out over the others.

[forsure]

rfn said:

IIRC the power steering change was actually in 2001, so any 02/03 pre-facelift car should have the updated steering.

That's my recollection too.

[Matthew_Eames]

Done a bit of working out and I can get hold of £7.5k in total by march, also had a favorable insurance quote which is great news.

What do I need to be looking out for?

I know the bushes/arms need attention about 60k, would powerflex bushes ruin the (already quite firm) ride or can you get them as OEM
spec

Xenons are something I would really look for... But available for around £500 on eBay, are these hard to fit?

Deadline (or target rather) is to get one to take to LeMans Classic in the summer.

[dooosuk]

I paid £6700 for my 2002 reg Topaz blue 330 Ci Sport with 64k miles in Sept 2009. Has FSH and Xenons etc. etc. so you should be able to get one for £7k easily enough.

If you're struggling with insurance quotes, try www.brentacre.co.uk. They were nearly half the price of any other company I rang. I used to insure my old mk2 golf gti with them and they've been great.

Edited by dooosuk on Monday 1st February 15:23

[bimmer_87]

Matthew_Eames said:

Done a bit of working out and I can get hold of £7.5k in total by march, also had a favorable insurance quote which is great news.

What do I need to be looking out for?

I know the bushes/arms need attention about 60k, would powerflex bushes ruin the (already quite firm) ride or can you get them as OEM
spec

Xenons are something I would really look for... But available for around £500 on eBay, are these hard to fit?

Deadline (or target rather) is to get one to take to LeMans Classic in the summer.

Re: Xenons

Yes difficult retro-fit, to cut a long story short, xenons require a self levelling system, which halogens dont have, and you also need to get a new light control module, or a re-program. Thats what i remember when i did some research, as i was looking to do the same thing.

[obscene]

Matthew_Eames said:

Done a bit of working out and I can get hold of £7.5k in total by march, also had a favorable insurance quote which is great news.

What do I need to be looking out for?

I know the bushes/arms need attention about 60k, would powerflex bushes ruin the (already quite firm) ride or can you get them as OEM
spec

Xenons are something I would really look for... But available for around £500 on eBay, are these hard to fit?

Deadline (or target rather) is to get one to take to LeMans Classic in the summer.

I replaced my bushes with Powerflex ones and they are fantastic. I'd personally hold out for a car with Xenons as for the reasons the poster above has mentioned. It can get costly. Try looking on E46 see if any enthusiasts have their cars up for sale.

[Matthew_Eames]

Yeah, I really want xenons so will hunt down those if it's hard to retrofit, the spec I want is quite specific but there seems to be a few around at roughly the right spec/price

armrest should be standard yes?

Also heard about a high oil consumption issue on some...any problem here or ways to test this without finding out after I have bought one.

Polybushes I woul look into but I would not bother if they stiffen up the ride at all, I want to retain some comfort.

Are there any little OEM style additions that are worth doing (LED taillights and a Parrot + steering control are already planned)

cheers for the info, have signed up for E46Zone...anywhere else to check?

[LordGrover]

Arm rest was an option, just over £100 on my 2002 330Ci Sport when new.

[shibby!]

I have one of these.

Its a 2002 330ci SE.

Its a good car, i quite like it.

The 330's seem to use a little oil, not loads, so i wouldnt be too worried about them using oil. From what i hear the majority do and its no big deal.

Price.......... not too sure.

I bought mine for £7,500 3 months ago or so..... im currently selling it for £7k (got a wedding to pay for)

[soprano]

shibby! said:

I have one of these.

Its a 2002 330ci SE.

Think the OP is looking for a Sport though

[Matthew_Eames]

Definately has to be a sport, the spec and styling make it a must. looks like I should be ok to get one for my budget quite comfortably which is great.

Plan on keeping the car for a good 3-5 years so it's key I get a good one, and I don't mind spending to refresh the suspension and do a few other bits.

Really going to look out for xenons, armrest seems pretty much standard, but cannot be too hard to retrofit. Was the HK stereo optional too...worth anything extra?

Just got to get saving now, thanks for all the advice guys, keep it coming.
After 2 Peugeot diesels I'm really looking forward to making the step to Petrol, 6 Cylinders and RWD.

[richterswil]

My old E46 did not have Harman Kardon but a mates E46 M3 did. It was OK - not worth passing up a car which otherwise ticks all the boxes. Don't waste any time searching for a car with it - if you're really keen I'm sure you could upgrade head unit and/or speakers anyway.

Best of luck with it - still think the E46 Sport looks great (better than our current E90 M Sport). I always preferred the stance of the saloon over the coupe - all down to personal preference of course.

[dooosuk]

Here's the cost breakdown of mine when new with the extras fitted if it helps answer your questions:

Price (GBP)
Model ZC31 E46 330Ci Sport Coupe M54 3.0 24,910.64
Colour 364 Topaz Blue Metallic 0.00
Upholstery N6TT Grey Leather 680.85
Maint Pack No Maintenance Pack 0.00
Option Z69 Front Centre Arm Rest 106.38
Option 313 Elec Fold Exterior Mirrors 161.70
Option 494 Seat heating. front 272.34
Option 495 Third 3-Point Rear Seat Belt 63.83
Option 522 Bi-Xenon Headlamps 463.83
Option 674 Harman Kardon - Hi-Fi 553.19

Basic Total 27,212.76
Value Added Tax 4,762.24
Grand Total (excludes on the road charges) 31,975.00

[glencooley]

I paid 7.5k for mine about a year ago. Full spec 330 CI Individual Sport. Its a 2001 with 78k on it when I bought it.

Has all the options bar the blinds and folding mirrors.

Being an individual it has the Kiwi Nappa Leather and is in Mora Metallic which is nice as I had a Techno Violet E36 M3 2 years ago. Has the phase 1 sat nav and TV including motorola v50 phone kit etc.

Have to be honest its costing me a fortune at the moment, tyres all round, discs and pads all round, front wishbones and bushes, oil service and MOT.........