Where To Buy - E46?

[Superbad]

This forum has convinced me to purchase my first ever BMW, and I've decided that I'd like a E46 325/330 Sport Coupe 2003-2006. Looking to spend a maximum of 10k.

Can anyone recommend any Independent BMW (or other) dealers where I could look to buy one?

Have looked through many ads on Pistonheads and Autotrader but am worried about spending my hard earned money buying a bad car. I know to look for FSH and other obvious things.

Also, are AA/RAC inspections worth doing before buying?

Thanks

[billzeebub]

I can recomend places I wouldn't look at..theres a well known specialist outfit in Kent that should be avoided at all costs from what Ive heard..B.M.W...a google search will enlighten you as to why..I have seen some very nice looking cars/specs at James Paul, but they do seem quite pricey..or the oft mentioned Munich Legends, Silverstream Cars had been mentioned on here too...

but generally I just look using car search sites, and then do the miles..I have bought evry BMW Ive had privately, or from a general car dealer..never had a pup yet..I am fairly well aquainted with BMW factory specs, then look for the usual-physical first impressiom, high spec, good colour, full documented history (dealer/specialist), low miles, old MOTs, low total owners and most imprtantly to me, my impression of the seller

best of luck with your search

[Superbad]

billzeebub said:

I can recomend places I wouldn't look at..theres a well known specialist outfit in Kent that should be avoided at all costs from what Ive heard..B.M.W...a google search will enlighten you as to why..I have seen some very nice looking cars/specs at James Paul, but they do seem quite pricey..or the oft mentioned Munich Legends, Silverstream Cars had been mentioned on here too...

but generally I just look using car search sites, and then do the miles..I have bought evry BMW Ive had privately, or from a general car dealer..never had a pup yet..I am fairly well aquainted with BMW factory specs, then look for the usual-physical first impressiom, high spec, good colour, full documented history (dealer/specialist), low miles, old MOTs, low total owners and most imprtantly to me, my impression of the seller

best of luck with your search

Thanks mate. Much appreciated.

Have decided on CI or M sport in grey. Just need to find one.

May post a few I'm interested in on here.

[Matt UK]

There are gazillions of e46 BMWs in the PH claasifieds.

I'd buy private from an enthusisat owner.

Just make sure you get the 330i.

[rich85uk]

try these guys its where i got mine from:
http://www.imc-bmw.com/

[Superbad]

Been looking at this one, not sure if I should go for Manual or Auto?

http://www.conventmotors.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-3-ser...

[philmots]

I'd go for the M sport too. Look sonmuch better and the seats are lovely.

[bluetone]

Superbad said:

Been looking at this one, not sure if I should go for Manual or Auto?

http://www.conventmotors.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-3-ser...

For me, the manual/auto choice comes down to the sort of journeys you will most frequently be doing; lots of stop-start city driving = auto, otherwise manual (assuming you enjoy the involvement of a manual box). The 330 has a nicely weighted manual action that is on the whole a pleasure to use once warmed-up

Edited by bluetone on Friday 15th April 07:17

[Jobbo]

Superbad said:

Been looking at this one, not sure if I should go for Manual or Auto?

http://www.conventmotors.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-3-ser...

That looks pricey. Nice colour but not much in the way of spec.

[Superbad]

Jobbo said:

That looks pricey. Nice colour but not much in the way of spec.

What else should I be looking for, in terms of spec?

[Jobbo]

Superbad said:

What else should I be looking for, in terms of spec?

Xenons, sat nav/tv, Harman Kardon speakers, CD player in dash, electric seats, heated seats, electric sunroof. That one says it has electric seats but I looked at a few 330i Tourings advertised with electric seats which didn't actually have them, so don't trust the adverts - or the sellers - until you've seen the spec with your own eyes.

[Superbad]

Jobbo said:

Xenons, sat nav/tv, Harman Kardon speakers, CD player in dash, electric seats, heated seats, electric sunroof. That one says it has electric seats but I looked at a few 330i Tourings advertised with electric seats which didn't actually have them, so don't trust the adverts - or the sellers - until you've seen the spec with your own eyes.

Thanks mate, very useful info

My list of wants is getting longer now, may be a while before I find what I want!

[Swoxy]

Superbad said:

Looking to spend a maximum of 10k.

http://www.imc-bmw.com/details.cfm?carID=816&ID=2549&noofim=11

Do it!

[Patrick Bateman]

People make such a big deal over satnav which is most likely crap in comparison to a basic TomTom.

[Jobbo]

Patrick Bateman said:

People make such a big deal over satnav which is most likely crap in comparison to a basic TomTom.

While you're right that it's not as good purely as a sat-nav as the TomTom:
- it's integrated in the dash
- it controls the computer and stereo too
- it has TMC for traffic info on the screen
- you shouldn't pay any more for it but it makes the car more desirable when you come to sell.

[Jw Vw]

Maybe a tad on the pricey side but this is what you should be aiming for in terms of spec.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2519560.htm

[Zebrs]

Superbad said:

My list of wants is getting longer now, may be a while before I find what I want!

Took me best part of 6 months to find the exact spec I wanted - colour, gearbox, options etc. However I now have it and I love it Good luck in finding what you want

[Superbad]

Zebrs said:

Took me best part of 6 months to find the exact spec I wanted - colour, gearbox, options etc. However I now have it and I love it Good luck in finding what you want

Hope it doesn't take me that long. Have set up an alert on AT and check on PH daily.

It's got to be grey though. Not a fan of silver or black.

[bluetone]

Yes BMW colour options are mind-blowing aren't they?

Not.




Yes I know about the "individual" colour options but this must account for @ 1% of sales...