Sub £3k E46 straight-6 Beemers - how ropey?
Discussion
Hi all,
Looking into options for my next car which I'll hopefully be getting in January when my insurance comes up for renewal.
My latest thought is that of a E46 3-series, namely a 325i, 328i or, preferably, a 330i. Unfortunately my budget is quite restrictive meaning the ones I'm looking at are early and high mileage (e.g. 2000MY with 100k+ miles).
How much does the mileage matter in these, and by buying one from the bottom the market, will I be asking for trouble? I'm happy with the tax and fuel consumption but don't really want massive bills sprung on me. I'll make sure I have a specialist look at what I'm buying before I commit, but I know BMWs aren't famed for low maintenance costs.
Thanks in advance.
Looking into options for my next car which I'll hopefully be getting in January when my insurance comes up for renewal.
My latest thought is that of a E46 3-series, namely a 325i, 328i or, preferably, a 330i. Unfortunately my budget is quite restrictive meaning the ones I'm looking at are early and high mileage (e.g. 2000MY with 100k+ miles).
How much does the mileage matter in these, and by buying one from the bottom the market, will I be asking for trouble? I'm happy with the tax and fuel consumption but don't really want massive bills sprung on me. I'll make sure I have a specialist look at what I'm buying before I commit, but I know BMWs aren't famed for low maintenance costs.
Thanks in advance.
Mine is a 2001 330i. Its done nearly 100K, owned it for 5 years 60k miles. On Friday it went in for a new flywheel, did the clutch (on the original) at the same time & the starter motor as this was starting to fail. This & a scheduled oil change was just over a £1,000. Buy on condition & one with a folder full of receipts for servicing.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260889305969?ssPageName=...
this looked a good one, but I dont think it sold, sounds just what your after!
Crap add, but it had a good service history from what I could see
this looked a good one, but I dont think it sold, sounds just what your after!
Crap add, but it had a good service history from what I could see
How much under £3k are you talking or is £3k the budget?
For £3k you are into 02/52 330i territory and maybe even sport! Granted there aren't many examples of these cars advertised at this price but no reserve auctions on eBay and you might grab yourself a bargain as it is the best time if year for a bargain.
These cars are pretty much bomb proof and the parts that you'd need replacing over 100k can all be bought pretty cheaply on ECP/GSF websites - don't go for the cheapest parts, get the OE quality parts.
Same goes for these cars as any, buy on condition and service record rather than miles and age. We are talking £3k so you can't expect a showroom condition but they'll still be some nice surprises.
I bought a 53 plate 330d two years ago for £4k, seemed too cheap but no reserve and poor write up gave me a bargain.
For £3k you are into 02/52 330i territory and maybe even sport! Granted there aren't many examples of these cars advertised at this price but no reserve auctions on eBay and you might grab yourself a bargain as it is the best time if year for a bargain.
These cars are pretty much bomb proof and the parts that you'd need replacing over 100k can all be bought pretty cheaply on ECP/GSF websites - don't go for the cheapest parts, get the OE quality parts.
Same goes for these cars as any, buy on condition and service record rather than miles and age. We are talking £3k so you can't expect a showroom condition but they'll still be some nice surprises.
I bought a 53 plate 330d two years ago for £4k, seemed too cheap but no reserve and poor write up gave me a bargain.
Mustard said:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260889305969?ssPageName=...
this looked a good one, but I dont think it sold, sounds just what your after!
Crap add, but it had a good service history from what I could see
That does indeed look like a good one - shame I won't be buying 'til January.this looked a good one, but I dont think it sold, sounds just what your after!
Crap add, but it had a good service history from what I could see
Also, for anyone else, forget to say, it has to be a saloon or touring as I need 4 doors.
falkster said:
How much under £3k are you talking or is £3k the budget?
For £3k you are into 02/52 330i territory and maybe even sport! Granted there aren't many examples of these cars advertised at this price but no reserve auctions on eBay and you might grab yourself a bargain as it is the best time if year for a bargain.
£3k is the budget really.For £3k you are into 02/52 330i territory and maybe even sport! Granted there aren't many examples of these cars advertised at this price but no reserve auctions on eBay and you might grab yourself a bargain as it is the best time if year for a bargain.
In a way I'd rather have an SE for the sake of ride quality, but then again if a nice sport came up I wouldn't hesitate.
Unfortunately I won't be buying 'til Jan.
I really want this, but funds dont permit ..... a peach!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/140643131334?ssPageName=...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/140643131334?ssPageName=...
Synchromesh said:
Tim330 said:
On Friday it went in for a new flywheel, did the clutch (on the original) at the same time & the starter motor as this was starting to fail. This & a scheduled oil change was just over a £1,000.
This is the kind of thing that worries me really...2007- water pump failure. Common fault on this model. Only about £50 for the part & fitted with my Father, probably a few hours labour in a garage.
2008- suspension bushes front & rear, can't recall which bushes, about £300
2009- One of the air con hoses perished, about £200 to replace & regas.
2009- radiator rusted & leaking, about £300 parts & labour.
Go the other way, get one that has had all the work done at a slightly higher mileage.
EG something like this http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
EG something like this http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Bought my 325SE new in 2001. Converted it to LPG. Sold it 2 weeks ago for 1200 with years MOT, Tax, FSH,all old MOTs, Tax Discs etc etc. No issues whatsoever with the car apart from the amber warning light on for DSC. Mechanically they seem unburstable - just look out for rust on the rear wheel arches. Best car I have ever owned and never, ever let me down. As has previously been stated, history is important. Check it has all the bits (tools, torch, keys etc) as this is a good indication as to how it has been looked after. Oh forgot to say 195k miles.
Edited by 1954etype on Monday 21st November 12:27
Synchromesh said:
Hi all,
Looking into options for my next car which I'll hopefully be getting in January when my insurance comes up for renewal.
My latest thought is that of a E46 3-series, namely a 325i, 328i or, preferably, a 330i. Unfortunately my budget is quite restrictive meaning the ones I'm looking at are early and high mileage (e.g. 2000MY with 100k+ miles).
How much does the mileage matter in these, and by buying one from the bottom the market, will I be asking for trouble? I'm happy with the tax and fuel consumption but don't really want massive bills sprung on me. I'll make sure I have a specialist look at what I'm buying before I commit, but I know BMWs aren't famed for low maintenance costs.
Thanks in advance.
I've only been in a 318 and a 323i e46. But from what I've read the 328i is the better drivers car than the 330i and with very similar performance.Looking into options for my next car which I'll hopefully be getting in January when my insurance comes up for renewal.
My latest thought is that of a E46 3-series, namely a 325i, 328i or, preferably, a 330i. Unfortunately my budget is quite restrictive meaning the ones I'm looking at are early and high mileage (e.g. 2000MY with 100k+ miles).
How much does the mileage matter in these, and by buying one from the bottom the market, will I be asking for trouble? I'm happy with the tax and fuel consumption but don't really want massive bills sprung on me. I'll make sure I have a specialist look at what I'm buying before I commit, but I know BMWs aren't famed for low maintenance costs.
Thanks in advance.
Early 330i's had a different steering setup or something which dulled the drive, I think they sort of fixed it with the latter ones, but again, from what I've read none drove as well as the 328i variant. That's the one I'd go for personally.
I spent months searching for a 330 ci sport in black way back in 2004. Finally found one in London which I still have. It's just coming up to 140K and has been very reliable. Have the oil changed twice a year which I believe is good advice.
When searching I drove a 328 sport also and it is nowhere near as nice to drive as the 330 in my opinion.
Regarding buying one for 3K, I would say go for history & as few owners as possible. There should be a few out there (like me) who spent around £20k on them when nearly new who still have them & look after them.
I plan to run mine to 200k. Wish me luck!
When searching I drove a 328 sport also and it is nowhere near as nice to drive as the 330 in my opinion.
Regarding buying one for 3K, I would say go for history & as few owners as possible. There should be a few out there (like me) who spent around £20k on them when nearly new who still have them & look after them.
I plan to run mine to 200k. Wish me luck!
Synchromesh said:
Unfortunately I can't as my insurance doesn't come up until 30th Jan, and I can't afford to insure it 'til then.
Are you sure this is a good idea? Remember that tyres are £500-800 a set depending on brand, for example, and as displayed above when things break its often not exactly cheap.They are great cars but a £3k E46 is something you buy when you've got a £5k budget not a £3k budget if that makes sense.
From your OP, i think big bills and the thought of spending regular amounts of money is something you don't want to do (who does though!).
I've owned an E46 328i for 2 years now an at least every 2 months something needs doing - from coolant leaks to suspension links, and even electrical problems. While i can't speak for each individual car, buying at the lower end of the scale does increase you chance of buying a ropey car.
Watch out for 'bargain' prices as the owner may want shot of it as it's costing alot of money - of course you could say this with most cars remember that this is a premium car and parts & labour costs are still fairly high, not to mention tyres and other costs - regardless of the fact that they are common cars.
I don't want to completely disuade you from getting one as they are fantastic to drive and do everything very well. Just buy on condition and check all of the common faults associated before you buy.
I've owned an E46 328i for 2 years now an at least every 2 months something needs doing - from coolant leaks to suspension links, and even electrical problems. While i can't speak for each individual car, buying at the lower end of the scale does increase you chance of buying a ropey car.
Watch out for 'bargain' prices as the owner may want shot of it as it's costing alot of money - of course you could say this with most cars remember that this is a premium car and parts & labour costs are still fairly high, not to mention tyres and other costs - regardless of the fact that they are common cars.
I don't want to completely disuade you from getting one as they are fantastic to drive and do everything very well. Just buy on condition and check all of the common faults associated before you buy.
WillowPillow said:
From your OP, i think big bills and the thought of spending regular amounts of money is something you don't want to do (who does though!).
I've owned an E46 328i for 2 years now an at least every 2 months something needs doing - from coolant leaks to suspension links, and even electrical problems.
True.I've owned an E46 328i for 2 years now an at least every 2 months something needs doing - from coolant leaks to suspension links, and even electrical problems.
Again, off-putting.
Thanks everyone so far for your input.
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