Could I get an opinion on this E46 coupe?

[Chris71]

Hi,

What do people think of this? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

Also, does anyone happen to know what the E46 coupe is like for loading? Any chance of getting a couple of bikes in the back with the seats down?

Chris

[john_p]

That's got an automatic transmission, despite the advert saying manual

Normal "high mile E46" caveats
- recent water system rebuild essential (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, maybe rad) - budget £500 if not done recently
- see when the control arms / bushes on the front suspension were replaced, these go every 50-60k
- crap tyres make it drive badly
- it's essential to check for tears on the rear subframe at this age
- any hesitancy or thumping from the autobox, run away fast
- check all the satnav, radio etc work as the individual modules are pricey


The seats fold down but you don't have a huge amount of height, I think you would struggle to get a bike in without removing pedals and a wheel, let alone two

[0836whimper]

No idea about the car, but I put bikes in the back of my M3 coupe all the time. They can go in with back seats down with the front wheel off, or with both wheels off. The HK woofer thing provides a little less depth to slide them in, but it's fine.

[Chris71]

0836whimper said:

No idea about the car, but I put bikes in the back of my M3 coupe all the time. They can go in with back seats down with the front wheel off, or with both wheels off.

Can you get two in? I presume the M3 is the same size inside as any other E46 coupe? The general consensus is that the older E36 coupe will do one but would struggle to accomodate two.

Very good point on the transmission John, I think I'll take a pass on that particular example!

I was mostly looking at E36s (along with a couple of other options) but I did wonder if a slightly higher mileage E46 (or simply spending a little more) might be an option. How do you reckon they compare?

[mike325112]

Do the seats go down on all E46 coupes? They don't on the saloons - might be something to look out for...

[0836whimper]

Chris71 said:

0836whimper said:

No idea about the car, but I put bikes in the back of my M3 coupe all the time. They can go in with back seats down with the front wheel off, or with both wheels off.

Can you get two in? I presume the M3 is the same size inside as any other E46 coupe?

Sure, I fit two road bikes in, and have fitted two mountain bikes in bags with wheels off also. The second one is a bit more of a snug fit when slid under the boot lid, but works. I have also put them in via the front doors, that works too (with wheels off) but is slightly trickier.

Edited just to add...the M3 has a wider track but think that is taken care of in the wheel arches...the boot should be same size, although there is no spare wheel of course, just foam, so that could mean extra depth. I'd get a comment from a non M owner before 100% concluding anything.

Edited by 0836whimper on Friday 23 April 14:00

[john_p]

Chris71 said:

Can you get two in? I presume the M3 is the same size inside as any other E46 coupe?

Yes, aside from the missing (half) spare wheel well.

[greggie87]

The seats don't go down on the e36's. The seats in the e46 coupe do go down.

[Dave Dax builder]

greggie87 said:

The seats don't go down on the e36's. The seats in the e46 coupe do go down.

The seats in both E36 and E46 coupes fold down. The saloons don't. HTH.