E46 325i touring advice/what to look out for
Discussion
Hi, went out this afternoon to have a look at one of these on an 03 plate and was impressed, but before me and the missus commit to putting our hard earned on buying it we are after some advice on what to look out for.
It's on 101k miles, SE model, with grey leather, BMW business head unit, all the usual mod cons of this model. Conti sports all round with good tread.
Full service history, MOT'd until November, last MOT had no advisories, one previous owner.
We both drove the car, started from cold straight away, no rattles, no knocks or bangs, gear changes were smooth in both drive and in the steptronic mode. Generally felt spot on. The bodywork waa good but had a couple of dings and dents - front bumper being the worst (Could do with a repair and respray)
Upon looking at the documentation everything was there apart from the lack of any receipts for any previous work done on the car which put me off a bit.
The dealer is asking £3k for it, so before we go down again to seal the deal, what is worth checking on these?
It's on 101k miles, SE model, with grey leather, BMW business head unit, all the usual mod cons of this model. Conti sports all round with good tread.
Full service history, MOT'd until November, last MOT had no advisories, one previous owner.
We both drove the car, started from cold straight away, no rattles, no knocks or bangs, gear changes were smooth in both drive and in the steptronic mode. Generally felt spot on. The bodywork waa good but had a couple of dings and dents - front bumper being the worst (Could do with a repair and respray)
Upon looking at the documentation everything was there apart from the lack of any receipts for any previous work done on the car which put me off a bit.
The dealer is asking £3k for it, so before we go down again to seal the deal, what is worth checking on these?
A couple of things specific to the touring - is the radio working ok on fm, check its not intermittent, also is the rear wiper, washer and demister working.? They can have problems with the wiring to the tailgate and the module that controls antena ( expensive to fix)
With E46 the most common proble is now rust, rust wheel arches front and rear, and check for airbag warning/abs warning lightes these should come on with the ignition.
Fuel economy on the E46 325i is not very good last one we have was averaging mid 20's mpg.
With E46 the most common proble is now rust, rust wheel arches front and rear, and check for airbag warning/abs warning lightes these should come on with the ignition.
Fuel economy on the E46 325i is not very good last one we have was averaging mid 20's mpg.
£3k for a 101k 325 SE and it isn't PERFECT? Blimey.
As said above, rust is the main issue, on the wings, wheel arches, and boot lid. Check the radiator isn't sagging along the bottom, (that it is straight as a ruler) and that the coolant system isn't knackered.
With these it is rust, suspension parts wearing out, and the coolant system mainly.
That is a LOT of money for a high mileage, old, and not very desirable (SE) car.
As said above, rust is the main issue, on the wings, wheel arches, and boot lid. Check the radiator isn't sagging along the bottom, (that it is straight as a ruler) and that the coolant system isn't knackered.
With these it is rust, suspension parts wearing out, and the coolant system mainly.
That is a LOT of money for a high mileage, old, and not very desirable (SE) car.
anarki said:
Hi, went out this afternoon to have a look at one of these on an 03 plate and was impressed, but before me and the missus commit to putting our hard earned on buying it we are after some advice on what to look out for.
It's on 101k miles, SE model, with grey leather, BMW business head unit, all the usual mod cons of this model. Conti sports all round with good tread.
Full service history, MOT'd until November, last MOT had no advisories, one previous owner.
We both drove the car, started from cold straight away, no rattles, no knocks or bangs, gear changes were smooth in both drive and in the steptronic mode. Generally felt spot on. The bodywork waa good but had a couple of dings and dents - front bumper being the worst (Could do with a repair and respray)
Upon looking at the documentation everything was there apart from the lack of any receipts for any previous work done on the car which put me off a bit.
The dealer is asking £3k for it, so before we go down again to seal the deal, what is worth checking on these?
From the info you've given it was not too difficult to find the car you are talking about. A quick google of the dealer brings up some mixed reviews including a thread on MoneysavingExpert titled 'Dodgy car dealership'.It's on 101k miles, SE model, with grey leather, BMW business head unit, all the usual mod cons of this model. Conti sports all round with good tread.
Full service history, MOT'd until November, last MOT had no advisories, one previous owner.
We both drove the car, started from cold straight away, no rattles, no knocks or bangs, gear changes were smooth in both drive and in the steptronic mode. Generally felt spot on. The bodywork waa good but had a couple of dings and dents - front bumper being the worst (Could do with a repair and respray)
Upon looking at the documentation everything was there apart from the lack of any receipts for any previous work done on the car which put me off a bit.
The dealer is asking £3k for it, so before we go down again to seal the deal, what is worth checking on these?
Of course, you may have looked at this stuff already and satisfied yourself all is ok. I'm not local so I know nothing, but I always spend a bit of time researching dealers before I buy and if I read anything like that a few alarm bells would be ringing.
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