E46 buying tips
Discussion
Hello all. I'm sure this has already been done to death but I would very much like to pick your collective brains for some info. I'm interested un buying an E46 330ci. I'm on the lookout for ones with automatic transmissions. What (if any) are problem areas I should be wary of when looking at potential cars? Is the transmission a weak spot? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I love mine and have had it for 4½ years now - the longest I have ever had any car.
The only thing I miss is a hatchback for those times when you need a bit more boot space/access.
No issues at all in that time except for bubbling alloys but maybe I have been lucky. Only had front pads and discs done at about 35k and rear pads at 42k. Plus only services at 15k intervals, which is a bit better than the Chimaera.
I like the idea of auto most of the time, generally in sport except for cruising, and the tiptronic is good for overtaking or nice twisty roads.
The only thing I miss is a hatchback for those times when you need a bit more boot space/access.
No issues at all in that time except for bubbling alloys but maybe I have been lucky. Only had front pads and discs done at about 35k and rear pads at 42k. Plus only services at 15k intervals, which is a bit better than the Chimaera.
I like the idea of auto most of the time, generally in sport except for cruising, and the tiptronic is good for overtaking or nice twisty roads.
Edited by DavidLScott on Friday 26th October 14:48
My 2000 330ci has developed a number of small annoying rattles that I've spent quite a while fixing.
The front balljoints are apparently known for failing, I had one replaced at the last MOT. You need to replace the whole lower arm to change them so it's not paticluarly cheap.
Umm...
My one averages mid to high 20s Mpg, over 30 on a long run with the cruise control on but is manual. It handles quite well and has a decent turn of speed, but is quite refined so it's easy to get carried away without noticing.
Generally its been a good car that's surprisingly good on fuel.
The front balljoints are apparently known for failing, I had one replaced at the last MOT. You need to replace the whole lower arm to change them so it's not paticluarly cheap.
Umm...
My one averages mid to high 20s Mpg, over 30 on a long run with the cruise control on but is manual. It handles quite well and has a decent turn of speed, but is quite refined so it's easy to get carried away without noticing.
Generally its been a good car that's surprisingly good on fuel.
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