High mileage E46's
Discussion
At some point in the not too distant future the wife's battered Corolla 2003 T-Sport will have to be given up. Not because it will break, obviously. The sun has more chance of going out than that happening. It's just that the Corolla was bought V cheap off a mate a couple of years ago to solve a car crisis and over its life has picked up so many scratches and dents it looks like it's been banger racing. So while I get to pootle about in my pristine vehicle, the missus is forced to look like a failed teenage drug dealer. And she also loves her cars, so it's doubly unfair.
Anyway, I'm not one for finance deals or anything like that. I much prefer to buy and own. And I'm also a fan of good quality cars, with character, that can be had for relatively little money. Which leads me to high mileage BMW E46's (petrol variants, 320i in the main). Seen a few appetizing examples (99-2002 vintage mainly) around the 100-150K mark, with a couple up towards the 200k mile mark. So, to those in the know, is this the sort of figure that sits well with these cars, and what are the sorts of things to look out for in terms of previous owner maintenance. Or are there any other variants that would suit better. Budget is about 2K tops, really.
Cheers
Anyway, I'm not one for finance deals or anything like that. I much prefer to buy and own. And I'm also a fan of good quality cars, with character, that can be had for relatively little money. Which leads me to high mileage BMW E46's (petrol variants, 320i in the main). Seen a few appetizing examples (99-2002 vintage mainly) around the 100-150K mark, with a couple up towards the 200k mile mark. So, to those in the know, is this the sort of figure that sits well with these cars, and what are the sorts of things to look out for in terms of previous owner maintenance. Or are there any other variants that would suit better. Budget is about 2K tops, really.
Cheers
With a budget of £2K, you shouldnt need to be looking at startships 3 series.
I've have several 330Ci's of that age and none of them have cost me more that £2K and they've had around 100K miles.
Wheel arch rot is common at that age - starts on the front but usually affects the rear ones too but not with the same vigour. Make sure whatever you buy is mint and make sure it hasnt just been patched up. Replacement front wings are the only real cure.
I've have several 330Ci's of that age and none of them have cost me more that £2K and they've had around 100K miles.
Wheel arch rot is common at that age - starts on the front but usually affects the rear ones too but not with the same vigour. Make sure whatever you buy is mint and make sure it hasnt just been patched up. Replacement front wings are the only real cure.
2k should get you a nice sub 100k mile, circa 2001/02 2.2 320i Saloon if you shop wisely
No need to look as leggy as you are suggesting
People will tell you you should buy a 2.5/3.0 as they cost virtually the same to run, but at this level the 2.2 represents better value and tend to be owned and cherished by more mature owners
A well appointed mint, low miles 320i SE should be in budget
No need to look as leggy as you are suggesting
People will tell you you should buy a 2.5/3.0 as they cost virtually the same to run, but at this level the 2.2 represents better value and tend to be owned and cherished by more mature owners
A well appointed mint, low miles 320i SE should be in budget
Edited by Mustard on Sunday 29th June 10:20
daemon said:
With a budget of £2K, you shouldnt need to be looking at startships 3 series.
I've have several 330Ci's of that age and none of them have cost me more that £2K and they've had around 100K miles.
Wheel arch rot is common at that age - starts on the front but usually affects the rear ones too but not with the same vigour. Make sure whatever you buy is mint and make sure it hasnt just been patched up. Replacement front wings are the only real cure.
That doesn't seem to apply to facelift sports? I can't find one for £2k at all I've have several 330Ci's of that age and none of them have cost me more that £2K and they've had around 100K miles.
Wheel arch rot is common at that age - starts on the front but usually affects the rear ones too but not with the same vigour. Make sure whatever you buy is mint and make sure it hasnt just been patched up. Replacement front wings are the only real cure.
TheAngryDog said:
daemon said:
With a budget of £2K, you shouldnt need to be looking at startships 3 series.
I've have several 330Ci's of that age and none of them have cost me more that £2K and they've had around 100K miles.
Wheel arch rot is common at that age - starts on the front but usually affects the rear ones too but not with the same vigour. Make sure whatever you buy is mint and make sure it hasnt just been patched up. Replacement front wings are the only real cure.
That doesn't seem to apply to facelift sports? I can't find one for £2k at all I've have several 330Ci's of that age and none of them have cost me more that £2K and they've had around 100K miles.
Wheel arch rot is common at that age - starts on the front but usually affects the rear ones too but not with the same vigour. Make sure whatever you buy is mint and make sure it hasnt just been patched up. Replacement front wings are the only real cure.
t Front wishbones need doing approx. 80k-90k; heater fan resister packs fail regularly; if it's a larger engine version, check the rear suspension and diff aren't falling off the car; rear brake lines corrode (can be a petrol-tank off job); it's all CANBUS, which makes maintainance about 300 times more complicated than it need be (don't ask about my traction control lights, which will probably mean my otherwise fine 318 will end in the scrappie this year 
).
I'm seriously looking a going back to a tidy E36 if I can find one.
).I'm seriously looking a going back to a tidy E36 if I can find one.
Mustard said:
2k should get you a nice sub 100k mile, circa 2001/02 2.2 320i Saloon if you shop wisely
No need to look as leggy as you are suggesting
People will tell you you should buy a 2.5/3.0 as they cost virtually the same to run, but at this level the 2.2 represents better value and tend to be owned and cherished by more mature owners
A well appointed mint, low miles 320i SE should be in budget
If you want lowish mileage and you're not hung up on the looks, check the prices of the 325ti Compacts. Pretty quick, often lower mileage and usually cheaper as they're a hatch.No need to look as leggy as you are suggesting
People will tell you you should buy a 2.5/3.0 as they cost virtually the same to run, but at this level the 2.2 represents better value and tend to be owned and cherished by more mature owners
A well appointed mint, low miles 320i SE should be in budget
Edited by Mustard on Sunday 29th June 10:20
Quick look on auto trader and £2k will buy a tidy facelift with reasonable (for a Bim) miles, history, toys and comforts (leather, air con etc).
Perishables such as brakes inc lines, clutch, suspension, etc last 100,000 miles (give or take 30,000), so make sure they've been replaced or budget to do it yourself. Parts are not cheap, but do last with proper care. Mileage is nothing, history is everything is a saying I've just made up, but is definitely applicable. I've had a fair few BMW's, all over 100k and only one failure to proceed on a 320d with over a quarter mill on the clock. Avoid the 320d, look on bm forums and every other topic will contain the words "320d" and "problem". 6 cylinder BMW's are as close to 'bulletproof' as it gets.
Perishables such as brakes inc lines, clutch, suspension, etc last 100,000 miles (give or take 30,000), so make sure they've been replaced or budget to do it yourself. Parts are not cheap, but do last with proper care. Mileage is nothing, history is everything is a saying I've just made up, but is definitely applicable. I've had a fair few BMW's, all over 100k and only one failure to proceed on a 320d with over a quarter mill on the clock. Avoid the 320d, look on bm forums and every other topic will contain the words "320d" and "problem". 6 cylinder BMW's are as close to 'bulletproof' as it gets.
blade7 said:
defblade said:
check the rear suspension and diff aren't falling off the car;
Google this ^^^, watch the youtube clips, and then decide if a E46 is worth the risk if it hasn't already been put right properly.I know quite a few E46 owners too, I am yet to hear of one having the subframe tear off the car.
That isn't to say it never happens, but it is very rare.
I run a 51-plate 325Ci sport with 101k on the clock. I've done about 20k in it now and it has been very reliable and trustworthy. I replaced the front discs and fitted a set of new tyres when I bought it. Aside from that it has needed a set of pulleys (started squawking and belt slipping) and annoyingly, a new alternator after that (so belt off again). The parking sensors have had the dick so I asked my garage to just switch them off. Aircon still blows cold, tiptronic box still smooth and quiet, no rust anywhere - I'd probably keep it for years if I wasn't so keen to get back into an XJ!
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