new bmw buyer.help needed

[mart77]

hi all,after just recieving the news my girlfriend is pregnant i've decided my celica has to go.i've decided on buying an e46 around the year 1999 to 2001.i just wanted to know what these are like to run,what are the common faults that sort of thing.i've got around 2000 pounds to spend and looking on here and the trader there seems to be a few to choose from.any sort of imput from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

thanks mart

[billzeebub]

I would favour a nice sorted late E36 at that price level..rather than a lower end E46

[mart77]

i dont really like the shape of them as much to be honest.why would you go for one of them?just get more for your money as it's older?


there's a few on the trader that are around 2000 quid with around 100,000 miles on the clock around the year 2000,should i steer clear of them?

[clabcon]

mart77 said:

i dont really like the shape of them as much to be honest.why would you go for one of them?just get more for your money as it's older?


there's a few on the trader that are around 2000 quid with around 100,000 miles on the clock around the year 2000,should i steer clear of them?

Without meaning to sound rude, these are still £30k+ cars to maintain. If you buy one in good condition that has been well maintained then it would be a good idea to have at least £500-800/yr aside for essential maintenance e.g. (servicing, oil, brakes, tyres, suspension components etc.) that you would expect of a 10 year old car. Hopefully if you make your decision more on condition than milage, then you might be ok for a few years. Engines are bombproof as long as cars are well maintained. For that money, I guess your going for a 316 or 318, so subframe tearing should not be an issue with the relatively lower bhp output with these lumps!

Edited by clabcon on Tuesday 19th April 17:48

[*Al*]

Since just buying my 330ci Clubsport i need to sell my previous BMW, it's a 1999 318i SE saloon, it's highish miles but drives as new because lots of parts have recently been renewed like both front lower arms, rear bushes, new clutch and flywheel, new tyres, rear discs etc.Great condition too in silver with no rust.
They are out there and mine i'll sell for less than £2K.

Edited by *Al* on Tuesday 19th April 18:18

[mart77]

clabcon said:

Without meaning to sound rude, these are still £30k+ cars to maintain. If you buy one in good condition that has been well maintained then it would be a good idea to have at least £500-800/yr aside for essential maintenance e.g. (servicing, oil, brakes, tyres, suspension components etc.) that you would expect of a 10 year old car. Hopefully if you make your decision more on condition than milage, then you might be ok for a few years. Engines are bombproof as long as cars are well maintained. For that money, I guess your going for a 316 or 318, so subframe tearing should not be an issue with the relatively lower bhp output with these lumps!

Edited by clabcon on Tuesday 19th April 17:48

thats exactly what i'm after,either a 316 or 318.my old man worked as a manager for sytners for a good few years so getting parts and services at good prices shouldnt be a problem.the celica i've got now costs a fortune when anything needs replacing or a service so i'm used to feeling broke.lol
i would like to be able to spend a few more quid on one but just wont be able to scrape much more than 2k before the baby arrives

[mart77]

*Al* said:

Since just buying my 330ci Clubsport i need to sell my previous BMW, it's a 1999 318i SE saloon, it's highish miles but drives as new because lots of parts have recently been renewed like both front lower arms, rear bushes, new clutch and flywheel, new tyres, rear discs etc.Great condition too in silver with no rust.
They are out there and mine i'll sell for less than £2K.

Edited by *Al* on Tuesday 19th April 18:18

now that looks a lovely car mate.whats the milage on it then?

[*Al*]

mart77 said:

now that looks a lovely car mate.whats the milage on it then?

Mileage is 140K but typical BMW you wouldn't know. Needs nothing doing to it, AC works and is cold, tyres all new, drives straight and smooth, uses no oil or water, also has a new battery,only wear inside is the gear knob, seats are suprisingly wear free, X 2 remote (working) fobs/keys. Need the space on my drive now so make an offer.

[clabcon]

*Al* said:

Mileage is 140K but typical BMW you wouldn't know. Needs nothing doing to it, AC works and is cold, tyres all new, drives straight and smooth, uses no oil or water, also has a new battery,only wear inside is the gear knob, seats are suprisingly wear free, X 2 remote (working) fobs/keys. Need the space on my drive now so make an offer.

4 door too, in a modern colour. Would bite your arm off for 2k (but already have a 330Ci)

[mart77]

*Al* said:

mart77 said:

now that looks a lovely car mate.whats the milage on it then?

Mileage is 140K but typical BMW you wouldn't know. Needs nothing doing to it, AC works and is cold, tyres all new, drives straight and smooth, uses no oil or water, also has a new battery,only wear inside is the gear knob, seats are suprisingly wear free, X 2 remote (working) fobs/keys. Need the space on my drive now so make an offer.

where abouts are you mate?could you email me some more pics?[e-mail]

[mart77]

what do you lot think to this one?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[clabcon]

mart77 said:

what do you lot think to this one?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Looks ok for an early production e46 but I'm not too keen on the cloth interior and orange indicators, but these can easily be changed. The foglights being on and cheapo aftermarket mats speaks volumes about the previous owner though.