Looking for an E46 Touring - any advise / tips?

[chrisall]

As per the title, I'm looking round for an E46 Touring, probably a 2000MY 318SE, what are the common issues with these? Any advise for a potential purchaser?

Cheers,
Chrisall.

[DaveR]

I've got a 2000MY 330i. Out of interest, and without having the faintest idea what the price differential is between a 318i and something with a bigger engine (when we're talking about an 8 year old car) why not go for something with a bit more poke?

I had a 520+ mile round trip in the week from Hants to Bradford & back; mix of 85+ on clear m-way, stop-start in jams, and some slower stuff in traffic and the 330i returned 32.1mpg which isn't too shabby..

[Dunk76]

Agreed - the 318 and 320 engines don't offer any economy or VED advantages over the 325/330 choices..

[kentmotorcompany]

Good idea. Bigger engine is the way to go. I have a very nice 2002 325 Sport Auto Touring at the moment.


HERE: www.kentmotorcompany.co.uk

Sorry about the shameless plug.

[chrisall]

Thanks guys, I presumed that the bigger engines would be pretty bad on fuel economy to be honest. VED shouldn't be an issue as it's likely to be a 1999 / 2000 model. The Mrs has just got rid of a 2.8 Galaxy that was pretty bad on economy on the daily home - nursery - work commute & she particularly wants something that's going to be better, yet has enough space.

Cheers,
Chrisall.

[Dunk76]

I'd not really recommend an E46 if you're looking for space.

They're remarkably large inside for their class - against the A4 and C-Class. However, it's a relative concept, as all three are pretty cramped.

My other half's MY07 Polo has more room inside than my E46 Saloon. The other major PITA with the E46 when it comes to kids is the size of the rear door apperture - it's too small when it comes to trying to manhandle little 'uns into forward facing car seats.

So much so that I'm considering getting a cheapo Sharan VR6 or similar just as a grinder for the summer.

[chrisall]

Dunk76 said:

I'd not really recommend an E46 if you're looking for space.

That's not good news! Although that's why I was specifically thinking of the touring.... are the rear doors the same as on the saloon? The split-tailgate looked a nice feature to have. She wants something roomy enough for the two sprogs & all their gear, but reasonably economical & definitely not a people-carrier.

Dunk76 said:

So much so that I'm considering getting a cheapo Sharan VR6 or similar just as a grinder for the summer.

The Mrs has just sold the Galaxy V6 in favour of something else. Yeah, it was bl**dy quick for it's size, but the fuel economy was pretty grim & to be honest the quality of the interior wasn't great either - acres of cheap looking & feeling grey plastics. Its fair to say that she more-or-less hated the Galaxy from the minute she had it!

Cheers,
Chrisall.

Edited by chrisall on Monday 19th May 16:30

Edited by chrisall on Monday 19th May 16:31

[Dunk76]

There is some difference on the top corner of the door.

The only other thing to say is that my offspring have always complained of travel sickness in the Saloon - never a problem in my E36 Coupe, or my 200sx - not sure if it's down to the exhaust/tyre resonance in the back, or the curious angle of the rear bench.

However, having said all that, my friend has a B3s Touring, and his equally considerable brood don't have any issues on travel sickness.

Try extensively before you buy!

Edited by Dunk76 on Monday 19th May 16:49