My bargain E46 Touring

[DJC]

After successfully trying my hand at bangernomics over the past 18 months with a Peugeot 306 dTurbo (see thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ) I decided I wanted something a bit more spacious, solid, comfortable and with air conditioning.

I looked at many marques before settling on this, my first Bimmer. I enjoyed the freedom of bangernomics, so set myself a strict budget. It was purchased unseen a couple of weeks ago and necessitated a 400 mile round trip to collect which was a mini adventure itself.



It's only the baby 318i SE (earlier M43 engine) but she goes well enough. Early indications suggest ~32mpg day to day and about 45mpg on the motorway which I am happy with. It's in Fern Green and the wheels I are 'Style 42' I think. It has full unmarked grey leather with the silver coloured trim (seems to be a marmite interior judging by the BMW forums!)

She flew through her MOT earlier this week so now has a full 13 months ticket.

After going through the car with a fine toothcomb she needs a new parking sensor (£25), a GM5 resolder (~£70) and at some point the final stage relay at ~£40.

Not bad for £1500 ?

[jay85]

Wow that looks pretty good. Whats the milage?

I've got an e46 saloon with the same wheels, its great.

[petrolveins]

That's really lovely. I've a E46 330i and the fuel economy is bleeding my dry but I don't want to get rid, so thinking of adding shed E46 to the garage for the commute. Be interested to hear what mpg you continue to get.

[DJC]

jay85 said:

Wow that looks pretty good. Whats the milage?

I've got an e46 saloon with the same wheels, its great.

It's only done 106k, so will hopefully be good for 5 years or ~40k I intend to put on her.

Lovely car to drive, very poised despite the lack of outright grunt.

[rajkohli81]

Nice purchase, will easily sell on too, being so usable

[quantum_man]

The boy done good!

[paulmon]

petrolveins said:

I've a E46 330i and the fuel economy is bleeding my dry...

Have to say this made me chuckle.

[jonnydm]

paulmon said:

petrolveins said:

I've a E46 330i and the fuel economy is bleeding my dry...

Have to say this made me chuckle.

Surprised at this. Mine did about 27mpg and I always get the worst possible mpg from any car, which I was very impressed with.

[petrolveins]

jonnydm said:

paulmon said:

petrolveins said:

I've a E46 330i and the fuel economy is bleeding my dry...

Have to say this made me chuckle.

Surprised at this. Mine did about 27mpg and I always get the worst possible mpg from any car, which I was very impressed with.

Oops I done made error with my typing.

27mpg? Mine has to crawl around Brighton city centre most of the time doing about 15mpg, then when I hit the open roads I can't help but put my foot down a little. I've never seen more than 25mpg from it. Actually I lie, doing 40-50mph in 6th on nice flowing smooth roads got me an average of 40mpg. But back to normal driving and that was soon down to under 30mpg.
Oh well I love it and don't want to part. Everyone thinks I'm mad being at uni with a 330i. I think they're probably right.

[jonnydm]

petrolveins said:

jonnydm said:

paulmon said:

petrolveins said:

I've a E46 330i and the fuel economy is bleeding my dry...

Have to say this made me chuckle.

Surprised at this. Mine did about 27mpg and I always get the worst possible mpg from any car, which I was very impressed with.

Oops I done made error with my typing.

27mpg? Mine has to crawl around Brighton city centre most of the time doing about 15mpg, then when I hit the open roads I can't help but put my foot down a little. I've never seen more than 25mpg from it. Actually I lie, doing 40-50mph in 6th on nice flowing smooth roads got me an average of 40mpg. But back to normal driving and that was soon down to under 30mpg.
Oh well I love it and don't want to part. Everyone thinks I'm mad being at uni with a 330i. I think they're probably right.

My 27 was done on mostly urban driving around London although tbh it may have been worse as I usually rely on the obc although I may have looked at the receipts at one point.

Oh and had mine whilst at uni too so er snap - actually its one of the more economical cars I've had whilst at uni!