Why is my e46 330 ci not selling?
Why is my e46 330 ci not selling?
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rharris21

Original Poster:

195 posts

201 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
quotequote all
As per the topic - it is very disheartening as I have maintained my BMW 330 ci with hours of care etc.
I know the current market is shocking but surely of a powerful car to buy these are one of the best?

Here is my advert:

censored

Everything is just superb - I have another used vehicle that is some 7 years younger than this (which is why I am selling - business priority) and it is in a reasonable condition - no way near the condition of the BM.

My asking price is open to reasonable offers - I have had plenty of contact and was suppose to have a viewing this weekend but not confirmed yet.
There is nothing that needs doing - the car is ready to go - tyres have 000's left, fully serviced recently, no issues that are normally mentioned (i.e. cooling problems/vanos seal failure etc).

Is it purely because it is not a 'factory' m sport? Only thing missed is aerodynamic package/suspension/interior details - am I right?

Is it on ebay in auction currently so hoping it'll go that way but it is very sad that these cars are being sold for peanuts when they are worth so much more.

Anyone's opinions are welcome as it really must go ASAP as I have no space for it in my parking areafrown

ETA

Sorry no links to ads for whatever reason.

Edited by Big Al. on Saturday 21st January 18:50

rharris21

Original Poster:

195 posts

201 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
quotequote all
rharris21 said:
As per the topic - it is very disheartening as I have maintained my BMW 330 ci with hours of care etc.
I know the current market is shocking but surely of a powerful car to buy these are one of the best?

Here is my advert:

censored
Everything is just superb - I have another used vehicle that is some 7 years younger than this (which is why I am selling - business priority) and it is in a reasonable condition - no way near the condition of the BM.

My asking price is open to reasonable offers - I have had plenty of contact and was suppose to have a viewing this weekend but not confirmed yet.
There is nothing that needs doing - the car is ready to go - tyres have 000's left, fully serviced recently, no issues that are normally mentioned (i.e. cooling problems/vanos seal failure etc).

Is it purely because it is not a 'factory' m sport? Only thing missed is aerodynamic package/suspension/interior details - am I right?

It is on ebay in auction currently so hoping it'll go that way but it is very sad that these cars are being sold for peanuts when they are worth so much more.

Anyone's opinions are welcome as it really must go ASAP as I have no space for it in my parking areafrown
Edited by Big Al. on Saturday 21st January 18:50

Fox-

13,575 posts

277 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
quotequote all
Its because you are inpatient. Sit tight and realise the market isnt full of people who want these cars so you must wait for one to come along. It took me 2 months to sell my 3 Series and in that time I had only 2 serious viewings. I eventually got my asking price.

rharris21

Original Poster:

195 posts

201 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
quotequote all
Fox- said:
Its because you are inpatient. Sit tight and realise the market isnt full of people who want these cars so you must wait for one to come along. It took me 2 months to sell my 3 Series and in that time I had only 2 serious viewings. I eventually got my asking price.
I wouldn't say inpatient, I just literally don't have the space. this is my second month of advertising.

What was yours you sold and what was your price if you don't mind me asking? Did you budge on your asking price?

Fox-

13,575 posts

277 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
quotequote all
rharris21 said:
I wouldn't say inpatient, I just literally don't have the space. this is my second month of advertising.

What was yours you sold and what was your price if you don't mind me asking? Did you budge on your asking price?
Mine was a 2008 335i and my asking price was £19995. He got a small discount, but nothing big.

rharris21

Original Poster:

195 posts

201 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
quotequote all
Fox- said:
Mine was a 2008 335i and my asking price was £19995. He got a small discount, but nothing big.
Ah ok so a little younger. I will be patient and see what happens

Tonberry

2,299 posts

223 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
quotequote all
The ad was pulled from the thread so give us a spec run down.

Will need to know what you've advertised it at too.

Fox-

13,575 posts

277 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
quotequote all
It was a Y plate 330Ci SE for £2750.

Tonberry

2,299 posts

223 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
quotequote all
Seems reasonable.

I would say that it being an SE won't work in your favour.

As it's been mentioned in other similar threads, these cars will only appeal to certain people.

People 'with money' won't want a 10 year old 3 series.

A car like this will appeal to someone not so flush with cash. They'll want to check the market and most likely go for the cheapest, regardless of how nice yours is. Things such as service history and recent bills will most likely not be taken into account, with the potential buyer seeing just the 'sticker price'.

Your car appeals to someone like myself who has a modest amount to spend but wants the best he can possibly afford. To me the service history, bills and condition are paramount not the price. I'll happy pay more than others advertised if I see the quality I'm looking for.

EDIT

Being a 3 litre block also narrows the market. You and I know that running costs won't be too out of the ordinary but the general public just sees '3 litre engine £$£$£$ mega running costs'.

Those looking at the bottom end of the market won't think they're able to run it which may well be right.

I think £2750 is agreeable. You'll just neeed to be a little more patient.

There are a lot of E46 330i for sale at the minute. The market is saturated and prices will eventually start to fall.




Edited by Tonberry on Saturday 21st January 22:46

rharris21

Original Poster:

195 posts

201 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
Tonberry said:
Seems reasonable.

I would say that it being an SE won't work in your favour.

As it's been mentioned in other similar threads, these cars will only appeal to certain people.

People 'with money' won't want a 10 year old 3 series.

A car like this will appeal to someone not so flush with cash. They'll want to check the market and most likely go for the cheapest, regardless of Uhow nice yours is. Things such as service history and recent bills will most likely not be taken into account, with the potential buyer seeing just the 'sticker price'.

Your car appeals to someone like myself who has a modest amount to spend but wants the best he can possibly afford. To me the service history, bills and condition are paramount not the price. I'll happy pay more than others advertised if I see the quality I'm looking for.

EDIT

Being a 3 litre block also narrows the market. You and I know that running costs won't be too out of the ordinary but the general public just sees '3 litre engine £$£$£$ mega running costs'.

Those looking at the bottom end of the market won't think they're able to run it which may well be right.

I think £2750 is agreeable. You'll just neeed to be a little more patient.

There are a lot of E46 330i for sale at the minute. The market is saturated and prices will eventually start to fall.




Edited by Tonberry on Saturday 21st January 22:46
Sorry i didn't realise I couldn't put a link up. Just wanted people's opinions. It's got full msport everything apart from the aerodynamic package. It's been maintained by myself with hours of dedication that always is noted by onlookers/neighbours/friends etc. It's at 2795 I think I put it at.

I agree - personally service history/maintenance etc is paramount and I'll always pay a little more to make sure I get a good example. But it just seems nowadays people want to pay nothing even for the best examples.

I am going to be patient and just hold out. I have dropped the price enough already and I cannot justify losing anymore on a sound example. Just spent a fair amount on its full service and tyres etc.

It is a shame the cars are not slightly bigger boot etc and more practical as I'd keep it and get rid of the van. Still a cracking car though

dooosuk

464 posts

256 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
Too pricey in my opinion if you wanted a quick sale...you may get your price but not quickly. People looking for the best kept examples will be looking for bmw or specialist history not home servicing. Y plate makes it seem a lot older than cars with the new plate format etc. to the general public.

Good luck with the sale but as said theres a lot of competition with not a big market.

rharris21

Original Poster:

195 posts

201 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
dooosuk said:
Too pricey in my opinion if you wanted a quick sale...you may get your price but not quickly. People looking for the best kept examples will be looking for bmw or specialist history not home servicing. Y plate makes it seem a lot older than cars with the new plate format etc. to the general public.

Good luck with the sale but as said theres a lot of competition with not a big market.
Yes odd really. It's only a month older than a 51 plate from registration. It's odd as there are some cracking deals available like mine but then some silly expensive deals for poor conditioned ones.
The car was serviced by a garage. I just sourced the parts - I always do this for peace of mind as I trust the quality and service from the garages I use. I am not so desperate to get rid of it that I'll drop the price - i don't really want to sell - I just have no choice at the moment with no space and prioritising for business etc.

Hopefully someone that appreciates what I've done will buy it..

Targarama

14,791 posts

314 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
I think you're being too honest in the ad. I suggest removing the negatives paragraph, most of the other cars for sale will have a similar level of problems/dings. It is amazing how many sheds are presented as immaculate in the ads,Conley to turn out to be dogs in the flesh.

Can you have deny master straighten the ding in the door? Might be worth £100 spend to move the car.

Also, IMHO If you want to move it quickly then drop the price to £2495. This will get more bites. While it isn't the highest mileage for sale the mileage will scare many people.

rharris21

Original Poster:

195 posts

201 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
Targarama said:
I think you're being too honest in the ad. I suggest removing the negatives paragraph, most of the other cars for sale will have a similar level of problems/dings. It is amazing how many sheds are presented as immaculate in the ads,Conley to turn out to be dogs in the flesh.

Can you have deny master straighten the ding in the door? Might be worth £100 spend to move the car.

Also, IMHO If you want to move it quickly then drop the price to £2495. This will get more bites. While it isn't the highest mileage for sale the mileage will scare many people.
Well the dent is only about 1cm deep but it's perfectly rounded. I noticed it when I bought and it just hasn't bothered me as the paintwork is intact etc. am I really being too honest? I can't drop it to that ESP as ive just updated everything service/tyres etc etc. I do fear that I'm just going to have to face the music and accept a loss in the current climate. Trouble is the car has been a joy so a bit sad really.

Targarama

14,791 posts

314 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
rharris21 said:
Well the dent is only about 1cm deep but it's perfectly rounded. I noticed it when I bought and it just hasn't bothered me as the paintwork is intact etc. am I really being too honest? I can't drop it to that ESP as ive just updated everything service/tyres etc etc. I do fear that I'm just going to have to face the music and accept a loss in the current climate. Trouble is the car has been a joy so a bit sad really.
The cheapest option would be to keep it if you've just spent lots of money on it! I assume you've bought something else already though, so not an option.

rharris21

Original Poster:

195 posts

201 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
Targarama said:
The cheapest option would be to keep it if you've just spent lots of money on it! I assume you've bought something else already though, so not an option.
Yep already got work van so ideally would like the money to save/re invest on some bits.

anonymous-user

85 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
My brother is looking for a 330ci at the moment and he is being incredibly fussy on spec. It has to be an M sport, he will not even consider an SE. He is also only interested in a car if it has black leather interior with the sports seats (with the front bolster that pulls out).

The problem you have is that the enthusiast who is after this sort of car is going to want the highest spec possible. They know the cars inside and out and know every single option available. Everyone else just sees an 11 year old car with a big petrol engine. Looking at other cars for sale I think you are going to have to lower the price to get rid of it.

Car he is interested in at the moment is a manual 330ci 52 plate, Silver M sport with Sat nav and black leather with 117K on the clock up for £3,495.

Fox-

13,575 posts

277 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
Joey Deacon said:
It has to be an M sport, he will not even consider an SE. He is also only interested in a car if it has black leather interior with the sports seats (with the front bolster that pulls out).
All Sport cars have these seats.

Joey Deacon said:
Car he is interested in at the moment is a manual 330ci 52 plate, Silver M sport
A 2002 car will be a Sport. M Sport are the MY05 cars onwards.

Edited by Fox- on Sunday 22 January 21:10

nw28840

1,009 posts

210 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
Fox- said:
Joey Deacon said:
It has to be an M sport, he will not even consider an SE. He is also only interested in a car if it has black leather interior with the sports seats (with the front bolster that pulls out).
All Sport cars have these seats.

Joey Deacon said:
The problem you have is that the enthusiast who is after this sort of car is going to want the highest spec possible. They know the cars inside and out and know every single option available.
I think he needs to do a bit more homework then! It will be a Sport he is after not an M Sport.

Joey Deacon said:
Car he is interested in at the moment is a manual 330ci 52 plate, Silver M sport
A 2002 car will be a Sport. M Sport are the MY05 cars onwards.
Are you sure ? I bought a new 330ci M Sport convertible in 2002 or at least I thought it was.....



Fox-

13,575 posts

277 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
nw28840 said:
Are you sure ? I bought a new 330ci M Sport convertible in 2002 or at least I thought it was.....
100% certain. Sport still had all the M badges on the sills etc etc. M Sport was just a marketing department led rename-fest back in 2005. The cars before then are Sport.