E46 BMW 330i Convertible

[sc_brown]

Looking at a high mileage but clean looking one of these this weekend.

It's manual Sport model and the buyer has it up for £2.5k

MOT history is clean - no advisories on this years MOT and 1 from the previous year for a slight perish on the fuel cap. I know it's got the well thought of m54 engine so hopefully that's a plus.

Just looking for any advice on what I should be looking out for and what I should be paying for it?

Thanks!

[smn159]

Check the cooling system carefully! My wife blew one of these up on the motorway when the expansion tank cracked and it dumped all of the coolant

Otherwise the usual E46 rust, although the one that we had didn't seem as badly affected as my Touring, and check that everything works

[carbonblack]

These cars are getting on now, so rust will be the big killer.

Check the arches - if its bubbling on the exterior there will be worse underneath.

If you do buy, then pull the liners off and give them a good clean and protect with something.


As for the fuel cap, a 40mm Nitrile seal will do the job, available on ebay for £3 (assuming its the fuel cap seal that's perishing)

[sc_brown]

Cheers for the pointers - will definitely check for rust and the coolant tank.

[Mad Maximus]

Rust, oil leaks, roof and cooling pipes / bowing rads.

Over all excellent cars. They do have issues but at this age just general car condition and the above.

Everything is an easy fix mostly apart from rust.