Talk to me about E46 coupes
Discussion
What do you think of this one?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Top dollar for an E46, and I plan to use/abuse it daily, so the 'future classic' schtick is perhaps less relevant to me.
Based on what I've read elsewhere, I also get the impression you'd be better off going for a six-speed if you wanted a manual? Don't seem to be many about, admittedly.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Top dollar for an E46, and I plan to use/abuse it daily, so the 'future classic' schtick is perhaps less relevant to me.
Based on what I've read elsewhere, I also get the impression you'd be better off going for a six-speed if you wanted a manual? Don't seem to be many about, admittedly.
StuTheGrouch said:
It's pre-facelift, 5-speed on MV1 wheels. That is quite over-priced to be honest. For that price you would get a good facelifted model- I was selling mine for half that price.
Indeed. I initially assumed it would be a six-speed for 2003 (and I was a bit distracted by the colour combination, if I'm honest). There would have to be more to it than stated in the ad to justify the price, I think.Also chatting to a mate this morning who apprenticed as a mechanic. He reckoned the five-speed was a better, stronger gearbox, so maybe that is the one to go for. And, as discussed, I know where there will be a good one coming up in a while.
Chris71 said:
Indeed. I initially assumed it would be a six-speed for 2003 (and I was a bit distracted by the colour combination, if I'm honest). There would have to be more to it than stated in the ad to justify the price, I think.
Also chatting to a mate this morning who apprenticed as a mechanic. He reckoned the five-speed was a better, stronger gearbox, so maybe that is the one to go for. And, as discussed, I know where there will be a good one coming up in a while.
It may be strong. But I wouldn't say it has an MX-5 like change quality. More like Mk3 Escort with a few years and abuse on it. The 6 speed is meant to be a sweeter changer. I sold my 323i for this reason.Also chatting to a mate this morning who apprenticed as a mechanic. He reckoned the five-speed was a better, stronger gearbox, so maybe that is the one to go for. And, as discussed, I know where there will be a good one coming up in a while.
For that reason I'd go for a 6 speed.
Should you need to do a clutch and flywheel, the parts are much cheaper than on a 6 speed, however, the 5 speed can suffer from issues with the shift linkage pins, causing fifth gear lean.
That Topaz one looks nice, but most of the advert is utter drivel. Not to mention listing spec most of which was standard. Standard on a 330ci was:
Electric seats with memory,
Rain and Light sensor,
Auto dimming rear view mirror,
Rear parking sensors, and
Multi function Steering wheel.
Strangely it doesn't mention the in car phone system, which actually was an option at the time.
That Topaz one looks nice, but most of the advert is utter drivel. Not to mention listing spec most of which was standard. Standard on a 330ci was:
Electric seats with memory,
Rain and Light sensor,
Auto dimming rear view mirror,
Rear parking sensors, and
Multi function Steering wheel.
Strangely it doesn't mention the in car phone system, which actually was an option at the time.
Chris71 said:
What do you think of this one?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Top dollar for an E46, and I plan to use/abuse it daily, so the 'future classic' schtick is perhaps less relevant to me.
Based on what I've read elsewhere, I also get the impression you'd be better off going for a six-speed if you wanted a manual? Don't seem to be many about, admittedly.
Really gets my OCD going when they spend a bit of time getting the car gleaming and ignore the exhaust pipes https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Top dollar for an E46, and I plan to use/abuse it daily, so the 'future classic' schtick is perhaps less relevant to me.
Based on what I've read elsewhere, I also get the impression you'd be better off going for a six-speed if you wanted a manual? Don't seem to be many about, admittedly.
A car isn't in 'immaculate condition' when the exhausts are completely black
Rant over...
Brought mine a year ago, 330ci Sport in Imola Red.
Can't fault what's been said before, including the fact a lot I looked at where sheds. Mines obviously had some time spent on putting clubsport cills strips and bumper edges on, led rear clusters. But otherwise its just a normal high spec sport, with the xenons, and sunroof.
I did a clutch on it fairly early on and just went for the LIL which seems fine although it well squeek if you hammer it which I don't as the gearbox is fine but not for rushing. Gearboxes detent stick solved at the time, just remove it clean of half a thou and replace, a sod if it's in the car.
Rad was rotten for the bottom 2inch where it extends below the aircon so was replaced but the rest left as you have to draw a line somewhere. Top hose then failed spectacularly as I pulled into the drive a week later and has been replaced, lucky timing.
Front arches went from a but rusty to shot in a year, then storm Doris through a ridge tile at the bootlid. Local garage did two new wings, and derust rear arches, boot lid and respray for £750 cash. Its not a perfect job but you can't tell from 6ft away.
The 18's did my head in and rear tyres in 255/35R18 where a fortune so I got a pair of 17's and fitted a set of Pilot Sport4's which have sorted it right out.
Otherwise it's never abandoned me, a pair of used wishbones with new lollipops set of disks and pads in 2years and a 1 litre of oil every 1200miles. Returns 30mpg reliable as clockwork on any mixed millage. Below 25 is hard even on lanes. Will do 40 at 65 on the motorway.
Daniel
Can't fault what's been said before, including the fact a lot I looked at where sheds. Mines obviously had some time spent on putting clubsport cills strips and bumper edges on, led rear clusters. But otherwise its just a normal high spec sport, with the xenons, and sunroof.
I did a clutch on it fairly early on and just went for the LIL which seems fine although it well squeek if you hammer it which I don't as the gearbox is fine but not for rushing. Gearboxes detent stick solved at the time, just remove it clean of half a thou and replace, a sod if it's in the car.
Rad was rotten for the bottom 2inch where it extends below the aircon so was replaced but the rest left as you have to draw a line somewhere. Top hose then failed spectacularly as I pulled into the drive a week later and has been replaced, lucky timing.
Front arches went from a but rusty to shot in a year, then storm Doris through a ridge tile at the bootlid. Local garage did two new wings, and derust rear arches, boot lid and respray for £750 cash. Its not a perfect job but you can't tell from 6ft away.
The 18's did my head in and rear tyres in 255/35R18 where a fortune so I got a pair of 17's and fitted a set of Pilot Sport4's which have sorted it right out.
Otherwise it's never abandoned me, a pair of used wishbones with new lollipops set of disks and pads in 2years and a 1 litre of oil every 1200miles. Returns 30mpg reliable as clockwork on any mixed millage. Below 25 is hard even on lanes. Will do 40 at 65 on the motorway.
Daniel
So, finally conceded that I was going to die of old age before I found a good E46 locally, so I messaged the owner of the immaculate silver one, with the intention of arranging a deposit. Turns out it's sold. I didn't realise he had it up for sale yet, otherwise I'd have got in there with a deposit sooner. Back to square one.
Chris71 said:
So, finally conceded that I was going to die of old age before I found a good E46 locally, so I messaged the owner of the immaculate silver one, with the intention of arranging a deposit. Turns out it's sold. I didn't realise he had it up for sale yet, otherwise I'd have got in there with a deposit sooner. Back to square one.
There's an Imola Red one with beige interior, but 127k miles, manual gearbox up for auction. probably too high a mileage?
Smuler said:
Chris71 said:
So, finally conceded that I was going to die of old age before I found a good E46 locally, so I messaged the owner of the immaculate silver one, with the intention of arranging a deposit. Turns out it's sold. I didn't realise he had it up for sale yet, otherwise I'd have got in there with a deposit sooner. Back to square one.
There's an Imola Red one with beige interior, but 127k miles, manual gearbox up for auction. probably too high a mileage?
From what I hear that sort of mileage isn't an issue if it's been looked after?
Chris71 said:
From what I hear that sort of mileage isn't an issue if it's been looked after?
I'm assuming seller tried to sell it privately and maybe then got WBAC to take it, then got to BCA, their parent company.
it says Japan Red here? Never heard of that.
I've not looked in detail, so this could be as much a heads up as to what could be coming onto the market, if a dealer buys it from auction, even if it's one to avoid.
I just was nosing and remembered you liked red and a light interior??
It's a SE, kudos and thanks to the other poster I forget who, for giving me a lesson that they're all ci
https://cazana.com/uk/car/RF52YYB
127k is no prob, if you get one that's had money spent on it. Not an E46, I know, but I had an E36 328i SE saloon manual some years back. Bought it at 118k, admittedly it had been overserviced at combo of main stealer and indie, and took it to 146k three years later. Sold it as a great going concern at 14 years old with no rust, and the original clutch, exhaust and cat. Previous (second owner) had mollycoddled it, though. And first owner did 93k of that aforementioned 118k in the first five years.
So, 127k isn't too much. Couple of things at that mileage you really want to make sure have been done:
1. Suspension parts! At 127k and 15 odd years old, you want to see a stack of bills for numerous suspension parts. It's entirely possible for a beemer to sail through it's MOT every year with worn suspension parts. But it'll have baggy handling, and an annoying vibration at speed from the front. Big one, is the rear suspension arms. These go as a matter of course at 80ishK. From memory, £500 (E46), in 2010 when I looked.
2. Brake lines. Big job on my E36. Fuel tank had to be lowered, and I doubt the 46 is any different in this regard. £400ish back in 2010, from my friendly mechanic out in rural Devon who worked at a low hourly rate.
Basically, if you get one with a stack of bills for various suspension parts (there are quite a few that go), new brake hoses and diligent, regular servicing, then 127k is nothing to worry about. My M52 engine was strong as an ox at 146k, and the M54 is even better. Just be wary of automatics. They'll be about ready to throw some VERY big nasty bills at you at around 127k. Manual is fine.
So, 127k isn't too much. Couple of things at that mileage you really want to make sure have been done:
1. Suspension parts! At 127k and 15 odd years old, you want to see a stack of bills for numerous suspension parts. It's entirely possible for a beemer to sail through it's MOT every year with worn suspension parts. But it'll have baggy handling, and an annoying vibration at speed from the front. Big one, is the rear suspension arms. These go as a matter of course at 80ishK. From memory, £500 (E46), in 2010 when I looked.
2. Brake lines. Big job on my E36. Fuel tank had to be lowered, and I doubt the 46 is any different in this regard. £400ish back in 2010, from my friendly mechanic out in rural Devon who worked at a low hourly rate.
Basically, if you get one with a stack of bills for various suspension parts (there are quite a few that go), new brake hoses and diligent, regular servicing, then 127k is nothing to worry about. My M52 engine was strong as an ox at 146k, and the M54 is even better. Just be wary of automatics. They'll be about ready to throw some VERY big nasty bills at you at around 127k. Manual is fine.
Johnny5hoods said:
127k is no prob, if you get one that's had money spent on it. Not an E46, I know, but I had an E36 328i SE saloon manual some years back. Bought it at 118k, admittedly it had been overserviced at combo of main stealer and indie, and took it to 146k three years later. Sold it as a great going concern at 14 years old with no rust, and the original clutch, exhaust and cat. Previous (second owner) had mollycoddled it, though. And first owner did 93k of that aforementioned 118k in the first five years.
So, 127k isn't too much. Couple of things at that mileage you really want to make sure have been done:
1. Suspension parts! At 127k and 15 odd years old, you want to see a stack of bills for numerous suspension parts. It's entirely possible for a beemer to sail through it's MOT every year with worn suspension parts. But it'll have baggy handling, and an annoying vibration at speed from the front. Big one, is the rear suspension arms. These go as a matter of course at 80ishK. From memory, £500 (E46), in 2010 when I looked.
2. Brake lines. Big job on my E36. Fuel tank had to be lowered, and I doubt the 46 is any different in this regard. £400ish back in 2010, from my friendly mechanic out in rural Devon who worked at a low hourly rate.
Basically, if you get one with a stack of bills for various suspension parts (there are quite a few that go), new brake hoses and diligent, regular servicing, then 127k is nothing to worry about. My M52 engine was strong as an ox at 146k, and the M54 is even better. Just be wary of automatics. They'll be about ready to throw some VERY big nasty bills at you at around 127k. Manual is fine.
Yes, M54 engined E46s seem to cope well with miles. (I'll be finding out as mine got to 100K last week). So, 127k isn't too much. Couple of things at that mileage you really want to make sure have been done:
1. Suspension parts! At 127k and 15 odd years old, you want to see a stack of bills for numerous suspension parts. It's entirely possible for a beemer to sail through it's MOT every year with worn suspension parts. But it'll have baggy handling, and an annoying vibration at speed from the front. Big one, is the rear suspension arms. These go as a matter of course at 80ishK. From memory, £500 (E46), in 2010 when I looked.
2. Brake lines. Big job on my E36. Fuel tank had to be lowered, and I doubt the 46 is any different in this regard. £400ish back in 2010, from my friendly mechanic out in rural Devon who worked at a low hourly rate.
Basically, if you get one with a stack of bills for various suspension parts (there are quite a few that go), new brake hoses and diligent, regular servicing, then 127k is nothing to worry about. My M52 engine was strong as an ox at 146k, and the M54 is even better. Just be wary of automatics. They'll be about ready to throw some VERY big nasty bills at you at around 127k. Manual is fine.
And yes, brake lines are an issue as like the E36 the offside rear one is routed over the fuel tank.
Mine had advisories for this when I bought it but a wire brush, emery paper and a tin of Hammerite has solved that!
Cooling systems also need refreshing from time to time (mine lasted to 80K miles and 12 years).
Here's my crusty pile o's
t E46 330Ci shed:
Had it since Nov last year and did proactive maintenance on most of the cooling system (expansion tank, pipes, thermostat, gearbox stat and some other bits), sorted the oil leak on the rear main seal (under warranty by the trader I bought from), replaced the front washer system and pump, sorted the driver's seat backrest heating (the wiring had been broken). All in I've spent about £900, mostly by choice rather than necessity so can't complain.
I have a hankering for a V8 soon so I might put mine up for sale later this year.
t E46 330Ci shed:Had it since Nov last year and did proactive maintenance on most of the cooling system (expansion tank, pipes, thermostat, gearbox stat and some other bits), sorted the oil leak on the rear main seal (under warranty by the trader I bought from), replaced the front washer system and pump, sorted the driver's seat backrest heating (the wiring had been broken). All in I've spent about £900, mostly by choice rather than necessity so can't complain.
I have a hankering for a V8 soon so I might put mine up for sale later this year.
Funk said:
Had it since Nov last year and did proactive maintenance on most of the cooling system (expansion tank, pipes, thermostat, gearbox stat and some other bits), sorted the oil leak on the rear main seal (under warranty by the trader I bought from), replaced the front washer system and pump, sorted the driver's seat backrest heating (the wiring had been broken). All in I've spent about £900, mostly by choice rather than necessity so can't complain.
I have a hankering for a V8 soon so I might put mine up for sale later this year.
Lovely looking car OP! I have a hankering for a V8 soon so I might put mine up for sale later this year.
If you are thinking of selling please pm me - I'd love a 6-speed 330Ci!
Mr Tidy said:
Funk said:
Had it since Nov last year and did proactive maintenance on most of the cooling system (expansion tank, pipes, thermostat, gearbox stat and some other bits), sorted the oil leak on the rear main seal (under warranty by the trader I bought from), replaced the front washer system and pump, sorted the driver's seat backrest heating (the wiring had been broken). All in I've spent about £900, mostly by choice rather than necessity so can't complain.
I have a hankering for a V8 soon so I might put mine up for sale later this year.
Lovely looking car OP! I have a hankering for a V8 soon so I might put mine up for sale later this year.
If you are thinking of selling please pm me - I'd love a 6-speed 330Ci!
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