E46 330 convertible Buyers Guide
Discussion
Hello, being frank there's not much to worry about.....
Engine, pretty bullet proof, usual standard checks. It has a timing chain too, no belt, oil consmuption is low.
Electrics, check they all work, no known issues, other than electric front windows can sometimes fail to drop when you open the door by 10mm, easy fix.
Roof, again should be good, smooth and test a few times too, get some 303 protectant for it after you've bought it and will look great. Don't be alarmed by small rubbing marks just above the front windows on the narrow 2 inch panel, it's where the roof folds and there is usually a little rubbing on most of the convertibles here, there shouldn't be much else though.
Suspension, bushes, and shocks take a rough time, it's a heavy car, check that tyre wear is even too. Front bushes will need doing and they can break springs on the back too, don't hit speedbumps too fast!! Tyres are pricey if you want the brand ones too. Don't put cheap tyres on or you will be looking at the roundabout sign up very close indeed.
The stereo's are shocking, Harmon K one is crap too, you will need upgrade if you like your music.
If you need a wind deflector give me a shout, it means you can use the car in winter and still be warm.
Engine, pretty bullet proof, usual standard checks. It has a timing chain too, no belt, oil consmuption is low.
Electrics, check they all work, no known issues, other than electric front windows can sometimes fail to drop when you open the door by 10mm, easy fix.
Roof, again should be good, smooth and test a few times too, get some 303 protectant for it after you've bought it and will look great. Don't be alarmed by small rubbing marks just above the front windows on the narrow 2 inch panel, it's where the roof folds and there is usually a little rubbing on most of the convertibles here, there shouldn't be much else though.
Suspension, bushes, and shocks take a rough time, it's a heavy car, check that tyre wear is even too. Front bushes will need doing and they can break springs on the back too, don't hit speedbumps too fast!! Tyres are pricey if you want the brand ones too. Don't put cheap tyres on or you will be looking at the roundabout sign up very close indeed.
The stereo's are shocking, Harmon K one is crap too, you will need upgrade if you like your music.
If you need a wind deflector give me a shout, it means you can use the car in winter and still be warm.
Is it a sport ? If so, decent tyres are expensive so this could be a bargaining point.
Front bushes have a hard life - mine needed them changed at around 50k.
Thermostats can go, the car should heat up to halfway and stay there - if it doesn't then its likely the stat needs changing (do the waterpump at the same time).
Check the history, then ring the BMW dealers to confirm it. Unless there are supporting invoices, don't believe a stamp in the book.
Front bushes have a hard life - mine needed them changed at around 50k.
Thermostats can go, the car should heat up to halfway and stay there - if it doesn't then its likely the stat needs changing (do the waterpump at the same time).
Check the history, then ring the BMW dealers to confirm it. Unless there are supporting invoices, don't believe a stamp in the book.
Not sure about the E46, but with the E36 67k is about when suspension started wearing and negatively effecting handling. It depends on the type of use it's had though, so just pay attention on the test drive to damping and cornering composure. If this is an issue with the E46, factor it into running costs during the life of the car.
If it's an early car (i.e. circa 2000) and has electric seats, check that the seat goes down low enough; this is a serious problem for anyone over 5'9" who likes to sit "in" the car rather than "on" it.
Especially if it's an early car, check the throttle response, especially from closed. DBW throttle systems varied, and was a particular problem on early cars (response time could be up to a second).
If it's an early car (i.e. circa 2000) and has electric seats, check that the seat goes down low enough; this is a serious problem for anyone over 5'9" who likes to sit "in" the car rather than "on" it.
Especially if it's an early car, check the throttle response, especially from closed. DBW throttle systems varied, and was a particular problem on early cars (response time could be up to a second).
Bought a 2001 330 conv from an auction in December which spookily had 67K on the clock...
Faults,
The front wishbone and upper bush needed replacing - cost around £300
Leaky washer bottle (check to see if the warning light is on, or there is a puddle under the car anywhere!)- I suspect it's probably the headlamp washers which are notorious for this apparently. about £25 to fix
Also, the battery was at the end of its life and this cost another £70 for a Bosch equiv. replacement
Steering a bit light so I'm hoping the rack is not on the way out..
OK, so an auction is not the best place to buy but at the time the price was sooo low...ie. credit crunch, petrol prices, new tax rules etc...
Faults,
The front wishbone and upper bush needed replacing - cost around £300
Leaky washer bottle (check to see if the warning light is on, or there is a puddle under the car anywhere!)- I suspect it's probably the headlamp washers which are notorious for this apparently. about £25 to fix
Also, the battery was at the end of its life and this cost another £70 for a Bosch equiv. replacement
Steering a bit light so I'm hoping the rack is not on the way out..
OK, so an auction is not the best place to buy but at the time the price was sooo low...ie. credit crunch, petrol prices, new tax rules etc...
I just got my wife a 2001 330 conv with 41,000? no service history but very cheap,put it in for a full service and it needed front wishbone bushes,rear springs it had had new front pads but needed the sensors,apart from that all good.It does need a near side door mirror I can not get one any where main dealers want silly money and 2nd hand are as rare as hens teeth,any body know of or got one that they want to sell?
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