E46 320ci - Buying help
Discussion
Hi all,
I am looking to purchase a 320ci E46 after over a year of deliberation and research. It was a toss up between the 4 & 6 cylinder but i have decided to go for the better option.
This is the first time I've purchased a car (I had my first car from my nan, company cars since) so I may just be being overcautious. I have found a car with 54k on the clock that is in my budget will full service history. The seller seems nice enough but i am a bit worried as the seller is a 'trader' but payment is bank transfer preferably cash. I also cant seem to find much else about him. Is this something i should be worried about?
The only scary thing it is has not had any cooling work done at all and in the video i received from the seller the fan controller appeared to be on the highest heat, lowest fan setting. I was planning on replacing the usual cooling system parts on purchase so is this something i should be worried about?
Also, in the video there was quite a bit of white smoke/steam from the exhaust but i am pretty sure it is just where it has been sat.
Can anyone show me a photo of blue smoke vs steam?
Thank you and any help would be much appreciated.
I am looking to purchase a 320ci E46 after over a year of deliberation and research. It was a toss up between the 4 & 6 cylinder but i have decided to go for the better option.
This is the first time I've purchased a car (I had my first car from my nan, company cars since) so I may just be being overcautious. I have found a car with 54k on the clock that is in my budget will full service history. The seller seems nice enough but i am a bit worried as the seller is a 'trader' but payment is bank transfer preferably cash. I also cant seem to find much else about him. Is this something i should be worried about?
The only scary thing it is has not had any cooling work done at all and in the video i received from the seller the fan controller appeared to be on the highest heat, lowest fan setting. I was planning on replacing the usual cooling system parts on purchase so is this something i should be worried about?
Also, in the video there was quite a bit of white smoke/steam from the exhaust but i am pretty sure it is just where it has been sat.
Can anyone show me a photo of blue smoke vs steam?
Thank you and any help would be much appreciated.
g3org3y said:
What's your budget? Why the 320Ci rather than a 325 or 330?
I'm looking to spend 3-5k depending on the spec/mileageInsurance is an issue for me as i am 20 with 2yrs NCB. It jumps by approx £300 per spec.
For the sake of a bit of extra BHP it doesn't seem the most cost effective. My thinking is i get the 6cyl reliability for the extra £300 compared to the 4cyl.
ieuandkernow said:
g3org3y said:
What's your budget? Why the 320Ci rather than a 325 or 330?
I'm looking to spend 3-5k depending on the spec/mileageInsurance is an issue for me as i am 20 with 2yrs NCB. It jumps by approx £300 per spec.
For the sake of a bit of extra BHP it doesn't seem the most cost effective. My thinking is i get the 6cyl reliability for the extra £300 compared to the 4cyl.
And for me, the 325i and 330i ones are the ones to go for... If you need the smaller engine for lower insurance, try and seek out a 325i; a superb engine, the M54 is a belter
My e46 325 got to about 100K miles without any cooling changes with no problems. The internet is filled with people saying the cooling system will definitely fail after x miles, but I think it becomes like some sort of dogma after a while.
I'd be a little worried about the dealer, but they could well be fine. I think you'll have to use gut feeling on whether they are trustworthy. (I've only ever paid by card with dealers, however - makes things simpler and safer for me. Buying from a private seller then bank transfer makes perfect sense).
I did have other problems with mine: DISA valve leaking (there's a decent kit that I fitted, fairly straightforward DIY), oil separator/breather leaking, rocker cover gasket leaking (you'll notice an engine oily smell in the cabin after a while). Window motors died all in a row. I'd have kept it, though, if it wasn't for the rust - rear wheel arches, and spreading to the petrol filler area. I had a go at sorting the bodywork myself, which was surprisingly satisfying, but then there was rust found on various suspension mounts at an MoT, so it went. I still miss that car.
Definitely get a 6 cyl if you can. The great thing about the e46 is it is easy to work on, and there are loads of guides/videos online to explain almost everything in depth.
I'd be a little worried about the dealer, but they could well be fine. I think you'll have to use gut feeling on whether they are trustworthy. (I've only ever paid by card with dealers, however - makes things simpler and safer for me. Buying from a private seller then bank transfer makes perfect sense).
I did have other problems with mine: DISA valve leaking (there's a decent kit that I fitted, fairly straightforward DIY), oil separator/breather leaking, rocker cover gasket leaking (you'll notice an engine oily smell in the cabin after a while). Window motors died all in a row. I'd have kept it, though, if it wasn't for the rust - rear wheel arches, and spreading to the petrol filler area. I had a go at sorting the bodywork myself, which was surprisingly satisfying, but then there was rust found on various suspension mounts at an MoT, so it went. I still miss that car.
Definitely get a 6 cyl if you can. The great thing about the e46 is it is easy to work on, and there are loads of guides/videos online to explain almost everything in depth.
The 2.2 litre is a great engine - very rev happy and makes peak power at 6,100 rpm, I think? It feels more 'eager' than the 325 and the 330 (the 325 in turn feels more eager compared to the 330)
That said, if you like your car to handle v.nicely, nothing beats a 318ci (preferably with the sports pack).
Easily 100kg lighter than the 6 cylinders and they handle astonishingly well as the entire powerplant is behind the front axle (and they are over tyred like all e46s!) - the 140hp 2.0 engine is excellent too, and very frugal.
That said, if you like your car to handle v.nicely, nothing beats a 318ci (preferably with the sports pack).
Easily 100kg lighter than the 6 cylinders and they handle astonishingly well as the entire powerplant is behind the front axle (and they are over tyred like all e46s!) - the 140hp 2.0 engine is excellent too, and very frugal.
daveco said:
The 2.2 litre is a great engine - very rev happy and makes peak power at 6,100 rpm, I think? It feels more 'eager' than the 325 and the 330 (the 325 in turn feels more eager compared to the 330)
That said, if you like your car to handle v.nicely, nothing beats a 318ci (preferably with the sports pack).
Easily 100kg lighter than the 6 cylinders and they handle astonishingly well as the entire powerplant is behind the front axle (and they are over tyred like all e46s!) - the 140hp 2.0 engine is excellent too, and very frugal.
Hi, the 318ci was my first port of call and I have found some lovely examples reasonably cheap. I must admit I’ve been warned off by the timing chain issues. In terms of fuel consumption it’s not a major issue for me as it’s not going to be my daily . I’ve got the company car for my commute. That said, if you like your car to handle v.nicely, nothing beats a 318ci (preferably with the sports pack).
Easily 100kg lighter than the 6 cylinders and they handle astonishingly well as the entire powerplant is behind the front axle (and they are over tyred like all e46s!) - the 140hp 2.0 engine is excellent too, and very frugal.
For me the 2.2 seems the perfect balance of insurable, reliable and a lot of fun.
I’ve gone from a i10 then onto a corsa to the qashqai I’m in at the moment so I think the 320ci is the perfect car that I will be happy to keep for 3/4 years without getting too bored of the power. I feel if I went for the 318 I would be longing for more poke after a couple of months
d_a_n1979 said:
I would always recommend going for the 6 rather than the 4 pot
And for me, the 325i and 330i ones are the ones to go for... If you need the smaller engine for lower insurance, try and seek out a 325i; a superb engine, the M54 is a belter
I’m definitely leaning towards the 6cyl but while I have been looking at the 325 I’ve struggled to find any sub 80k miles And for me, the 325i and 330i ones are the ones to go for... If you need the smaller engine for lower insurance, try and seek out a 325i; a superb engine, the M54 is a belter
I know they go forever but I’m a bit nervous of higher mileage cars.
aizvara said:
My e46 325 got to about 100K miles without any cooling changes with no problems. The internet is filled with people saying the cooling system will definitely fail after x miles, but I think it becomes like some sort of dogma after a while.
I'd be a little worried about the dealer, but they could well be fine. I think you'll have to use gut feeling on whether they are trustworthy. (I've only ever paid by card with dealers, however - makes things simpler and safer for me. Buying from a private seller then bank transfer makes perfect sense).
I did have other problems with mine: DISA valve leaking (there's a decent kit that I fitted, fairly straightforward DIY), oil separator/breather leaking, rocker cover gasket leaking (you'll notice an engine oily smell in the cabin after a while). Window motors died all in a row. I'd have kept it, though, if it wasn't for the rust - rear wheel arches, and spreading to the petrol filler area. I had a go at sorting the bodywork myself, which was surprisingly satisfying, but then there was rust found on various suspension mounts at an MoT, so it went. I still miss that car.
Definitely get a 6 cyl if you can. The great thing about the e46 is it is easy to work on, and there are loads of guides/videos online to explain almost everything in depth.
It’s promising you have not had any issues with cooling. I’ve prepared to replace the whole system plus belts which I’m confident I will be able to repair myself. I’m planning on doing as much as I can myself with the exception of major bitsI'd be a little worried about the dealer, but they could well be fine. I think you'll have to use gut feeling on whether they are trustworthy. (I've only ever paid by card with dealers, however - makes things simpler and safer for me. Buying from a private seller then bank transfer makes perfect sense).
I did have other problems with mine: DISA valve leaking (there's a decent kit that I fitted, fairly straightforward DIY), oil separator/breather leaking, rocker cover gasket leaking (you'll notice an engine oily smell in the cabin after a while). Window motors died all in a row. I'd have kept it, though, if it wasn't for the rust - rear wheel arches, and spreading to the petrol filler area. I had a go at sorting the bodywork myself, which was surprisingly satisfying, but then there was rust found on various suspension mounts at an MoT, so it went. I still miss that car.
Definitely get a 6 cyl if you can. The great thing about the e46 is it is easy to work on, and there are loads of guides/videos online to explain almost everything in depth.
The example I’ve found doesn’t have any rust on the arches or under the spare wheel which is promising.
The whole seller situation is the only thing that’s holding me back but the other half of me is thinking it has full history. He is planning on re moting before purchase so unless parts have been ripped off it which will show in a test drive is it worth the punt? It is supposed to come with an 3 month engine/gearbox warranty but how can I be sure it’s worth the port it’s written on?
With 54k the cooling system should still be fine. You can see the base of the rad through the front bumper to see if it's bending downwards. If it's not, there's nothing wrong with it. If it gets up to temp in 3-4 miles, the thermostat is OK. I never get 'refreshing' stuff that works ok. Unless you're buying everything from BMW (I only use BMW header tanks) you can be replacing perfectly good BMW parts with crap rising behind a good name. If you must, use a Nissens radiator, BMW tank and a Febi water pump - these are gen BMW pumps with the logo ground off.
Of more importance is removing the front arch liners (a fun task) and cleaning/rustproofing the wheel arch lips to prevent arch rot. With that mileage the car should still feel nice and tight. The 2.2 can be a real oil drinker in later life but with 170 bhp they steam along alright. They're not bad on fuel either.
Of more importance is removing the front arch liners (a fun task) and cleaning/rustproofing the wheel arch lips to prevent arch rot. With that mileage the car should still feel nice and tight. The 2.2 can be a real oil drinker in later life but with 170 bhp they steam along alright. They're not bad on fuel either.
ieuandkernow said:
d_a_n1979 said:
I would always recommend going for the 6 rather than the 4 pot
And for me, the 325i and 330i ones are the ones to go for... If you need the smaller engine for lower insurance, try and seek out a 325i; a superb engine, the M54 is a belter
I’m definitely leaning towards the 6cyl but while I have been looking at the 325 I’ve struggled to find any sub 80k miles And for me, the 325i and 330i ones are the ones to go for... If you need the smaller engine for lower insurance, try and seek out a 325i; a superb engine, the M54 is a belter
I know they go forever but I’m a bit nervous of higher mileage cars.
As long as the cars been owned by someone who's cherished it, been an enthusiast and looked after it / maintained it properly, these cars are more than capable of hundreds of thousands of miles...
Being run, used and looked after is key IMO, as is decent maintenance and paperwork to show. This is paramount
d_a_n1979 said:
Don't worry about miles.
As long as the cars been owned by someone who's cherished it, been an enthusiast and looked after it / maintained it properly, these cars are more than capable of hundreds of thousands of miles...
Being run, used and looked after is key IMO, as is decent maintenance and paperwork to show. This is paramount
So I haven’t really looked deep into the higher mileage cars but I’ve found a 320ci in the right spec with 100k 18 miles away from me. I’m enquiring about service history but it is not far off half the price of the 54k car. Mot history looks good other than corroded rear break lines. Being half the price I will have extra money for repairs if needs be. As long as the cars been owned by someone who's cherished it, been an enthusiast and looked after it / maintained it properly, these cars are more than capable of hundreds of thousands of miles...
Being run, used and looked after is key IMO, as is decent maintenance and paperwork to show. This is paramount
ieuandkernow said:
d_a_n1979 said:
Don't worry about miles.
As long as the cars been owned by someone who's cherished it, been an enthusiast and looked after it / maintained it properly, these cars are more than capable of hundreds of thousands of miles...
Being run, used and looked after is key IMO, as is decent maintenance and paperwork to show. This is paramount
So I haven’t really looked deep into the higher mileage cars but I’ve found a 320ci in the right spec with 100k 18 miles away from me. I’m enquiring about service history but it is not far off half the price of the 54k car. Mot history looks good other than corroded rear break lines. Being half the price I will have extra money for repairs if needs be. As long as the cars been owned by someone who's cherished it, been an enthusiast and looked after it / maintained it properly, these cars are more than capable of hundreds of thousands of miles...
Being run, used and looked after is key IMO, as is decent maintenance and paperwork to show. This is paramount
ieuandkernow said:
g3org3y said:
What's your budget? Why the 320Ci rather than a 325 or 330?
I'm looking to spend 3-5k depending on the spec/mileageInsurance is an issue for me as i am 20 with 2yrs NCB. It jumps by approx £300 per spec.
For the sake of a bit of extra BHP it doesn't seem the most cost effective. My thinking is i get the 6cyl reliability for the extra £300 compared to the 4cyl.
Definitely agree with going for a 6 cyl model. Shame the insurance is prohibitively expensive on the bigger engined 6 cyls.
Rust rust rust - that's the major issue on any E46.
ieuandkernow said:
daveco said:
The 2.2 litre is a great engine - very rev happy and makes peak power at 6,100 rpm, I think? It feels more 'eager' than the 325 and the 330 (the 325 in turn feels more eager compared to the 330)
That said, if you like your car to handle v.nicely, nothing beats a 318ci (preferably with the sports pack).
Easily 100kg lighter than the 6 cylinders and they handle astonishingly well as the entire powerplant is behind the front axle (and they are over tyred like all e46s!) - the 140hp 2.0 engine is excellent too, and very frugal.
Hi, the 318ci was my first port of call and I have found some lovely examples reasonably cheap. I must admit I’ve been warned off by the timing chain issues. In terms of fuel consumption it’s not a major issue for me as it’s not going to be my daily . I’ve got the company car for my commute. That said, if you like your car to handle v.nicely, nothing beats a 318ci (preferably with the sports pack).
Easily 100kg lighter than the 6 cylinders and they handle astonishingly well as the entire powerplant is behind the front axle (and they are over tyred like all e46s!) - the 140hp 2.0 engine is excellent too, and very frugal.
For me the 2.2 seems the perfect balance of insurable, reliable and a lot of fun.
I’ve gone from a i10 then onto a corsa to the qashqai I’m in at the moment so I think the 320ci is the perfect car that I will be happy to keep for 3/4 years without getting too bored of the power. I feel if I went for the 318 I would be longing for more poke after a couple of months
g3org3y said:
daveco said:
I think the 320ci is the one for you. If you're married/partnered up you could always try and insure the car in her name and put yourself down as a named driver on the policy to reduce insurance costs?
Adding parents as second drivers seems to help.Insurance is a killer i was paying £2k my first year on a 1.2 I10
ieuandkernow said:
g3org3y said:
daveco said:
I think the 320ci is the one for you. If you're married/partnered up you could always try and insure the car in her name and put yourself down as a named driver on the policy to reduce insurance costs?
Adding parents as second drivers seems to help.Insurance is a killer i was paying £2k my first year on a 1.2 I10
Interestingly enough, I have old issues of CAR magazine from the early to mid 2000s that state the 320ci is the sweet spot of the range!
Is it an SE or sport you're looking at?
daveco said:
Ah okay.
Interestingly enough, I have old issues of CAR magazine from the early to mid 2000s that state the 320ci is the sweet spot of the range!
Is it an SE or sport you're looking at?
So I’ve had an email the 54k 320ci has been sold but part of me is thinking it may be for the best. I’m still waiting for a reply from the local car which I’m hoping will be the one. Interestingly enough, I have old issues of CAR magazine from the early to mid 2000s that state the 320ci is the sweet spot of the range!
Is it an SE or sport you're looking at?
The current car I’m looking at is a sport but if the right car comes up in the SE spec I will take it.
I think I’ve been doing my misses head in with all my excitement the past few day I just can’t wait to get behind the wheel of my first bm
g3org3y said:
3-5k is a decent budget. Would you consider an E9X? Rust shouldn't be an issue on those. IIRC the 320i is a 4 cyl though, smallest petrol 6 cyl is the 325i.
Definitely agree with going for a 6 cyl model. Shame the insurance is prohibitively expensive on the bigger engined 6 cyls.
Rust rust rust - that's the major issue on any E46.
It’s a toss up with e90’s as the 325i is 218bhp which insurers hate I’m also worried I wouldn’t be able to work on it which is what’s bringing e46 ownership down Definitely agree with going for a 6 cyl model. Shame the insurance is prohibitively expensive on the bigger engined 6 cyls.
Rust rust rust - that's the major issue on any E46.
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