Wanted Soon: E46 330Ci Sport

[Matthew_Eames]

Hello Everyone

I'm going to be looking for an E46 330ci in the very near future. I still need a little more cash, hence not in a position to buy straight away but I thought it would be worth putting the feelers out incase anyone on here was thinking of selling anytime in the next few months or knows something that may be of benefit to me.

Ok so here is what I am after (yes I am very particular...hence why buying from an enthusiast would be beneficial, and why I am starting the search early as I suspect it will take me a while to find the right car)

BMW E46 330ci Sport (2002/02 >2003/03 Pre Facelift)
Manual Gearbox
Titanium Silver With Full Black Leather
Black Cube Dashboard Trim
Under 80k
MV1's
Standard, No Modifications and Clean

Already narrowed things down havn't I, although this is a fairly common colour scheme judging by what's available on the classifieds.

________________________________________________________________

Specification does not cause me to much of an issue really as they all came reasonably well specced, although there are a few considerations:

Xenon Headlights - Would love to find a car with these, I understand the OEM ones are around £500 or so to purchase 2nd hand and fairly easy to fit (what about the washers though?)...but having them already would be a huge bonus.
Armrest - Most have one, not a deal breaker as they are inexpensive to retrofit
OEM LED Rear Lights - An upgrade I would perform anyway so if it's done already, great

Things I am not overly concerned about include: Electric Seats, Electric Folding Mirrors, Sunroof, Satnav, Window Blinds, HK Stereo (unless it's vastly better), Navigation, Bi Xenons (if they were even available), Bluetooth (CK3000 and Wheel control kit will sort that), It's all nice stuff but nothing I would be too concerned about

Basically I want exactly this


Any Hints, Tips and Suggestions welcome, Budget is somewhere in the reigon of £7.5-£8k, I believe this should get me what I want based on what's currently for sale

Many Thanks

[jonathanswift]

Hi Matthew

A friend mentioned your wanted ad and I was just having a look.
the car you have described is basically my car.

the car is exactly as you describe
66k miles 03 plate pre face-lift,
has just about everything you have mentioned except sat nav

was not planning to sell yet, but perhaps worth a chat anyway

please email [e-mail] if interested

thanks, Jonathan

[philmots]

Leccy seats standard, headlight wash standard on 330's as is the black cube trim on sport models.

[philmots]

IMO the standard lights look better than the leds on the pre facelift cars.

[Flat6]

jonathanswift said:

A friend mentioned your wanted ad

was me

Edited by Flat6 on Friday 19th March 12:13

[gjf15]

My better half has a 330i sport 2002. She knew exactly what she wanted;
330i 'vert' + hard top.
auto
wood trim (carbon fibre type stuff was always badly scratched)
blue / black with light colour leather
MV1's (OK, I influenced this)
Low miles with FSH
We looked at loads.....she stuck to her guns and knew what she wanted. We saw loads, the majority were quite rough. On our way home after viewing another rough one, we passed a small indy garage and they had one. We could not believe it, it was perfect, 37k miles, drove beautifully.
Also has the HK sounds (magic ) & sat nav (one day we will use it)
Stick to your guns, be fussy and you will never look back.
P.s. A good one is a revelation to drive.

[turbo-ww]

I was lucky, I looked at loads on PH and AT and eventually found one just as Matthew is looking for.

First one I went to see I bought! The dealer could have sold it 3 times that day.

A year on it's a great car.

[Matthew_Eames]

Still looking, Xenons are a must now as it looks like a right pain to retrofit them.

[turbo-ww]

Just out of curiosity, why are they a must? How much night driving do you do?

[Matthew_Eames]

Yes, during the winter when it's dark my commute which is on B roads means the Xenons will be really useful, they also make the front end look better / give a premium look (but that's a bonus.

[turbo-ww]

Matthew_Eames said:

Yes, during the winter when it's dark my commute which is on B roads means the Xenons will be really useful, they also make the front end look better / give a premium look (but that's a bonus.

Xenons it is then.

Edited by turbo-ww on Monday 26th April 18:24