Buying a high mileage e46 325ci

[LLC24]

Supposed to be viewing an e46 325ci next week with just over 140 000 miles on it. Has full service history and many receipts for works done. Checked MOT history and found that it failed an MOT for missing the exhaust/fuel tank heat shield but then passed. However on the pass it had an advisory describing the same problem of the same missing heat shield. I’m not too sure why it would be an advisory if this caused a failure and labelled “dangerous defect” the previous year. The owner claims that it fell off and was reattached but not by a garage. This is making me think twice despite having all these receipts and the perfect colour combination I wanted. Any advice?

[LLC24]

It’s an 02 plate. I know it’s had the radiator replaced but not too sure about the expansion tank etc. Asked a bit about that as my 318 had it done a couple months ago. Only rust is on the driver side front arch and has been treated. But yes I am going to see it in person too

[LLC24]

Touring442 said:

LLC24 said:

Only rust is on the driver side front arch and has been treated.

It needs a new wing at some point then. You can't treat the rust as these rot from the inside out.

It's an old E46 with lots of miles so unless it's been properly maintained it could well be the usual E46 litany of problems - window regulators, window switches, wishbone bushes, oil leaks, expansion tank (I only use genuine BMW ones now), engine breather capsule and pipes....the list goes on and on. But a 140k 325Ci with some rust issues isn't worth a lot and therefore not worth putting serious money into. If it drives OK, just use it and fix what breaks as and when. They were great when new, but are extremely needy in old age like most old BMW's.

What I meant is that it’s been patched up a bit so doesn’t take away from the look of the car at the moment but yes I would replace the wing at some point in time. It’s had new springs,shocks,discs and pads on all four corners as well as quite a few bushes (don’t know which off the top of my head) had a new rocker cover gasket and one window regulator on the drivers side done too. A few more bits on top of that too all done in the last 12 months with receipts to show for it. Cheers for the help. It’s sounding like there won’t be too much to worry about

[LLC24]

naturalaspiration said:

Same engine here in E39 525i currently at 270k. Engine work wise I have so far (since purchase in 2007) replaced:
Vanos seals
intake camshaft sensor (Febi - OEM repackaged)
rocker cover gasket (and epoxied a hairline crack in the cover)
one cracked CCV hose (not the ccv itself - still good)
Oil filter housing gasket
Alternator bearings and brushes,
Radiator top hose
Ribbed belt tensioner roller (not the tensioner just the roller)
Ribbed belt

Used to have high-ish oil consumption, cured with LM Ceratec 5 years ago. Runs better now than when I bought it with less than half the mileage.

Edited by naturalaspiration on Monday 20th January 12:50

Hopefully it’s just as trouble free for me when the time comes then

[LLC24]

skullandbiscuits said:

I bought a 162k 325i sport touring in October. Huge amount of paperwork and history, but it still had some issues. It's a lovely thing to drive, wish it had a bit more poke, but power isn't everything.

So far I've done DISA Repair, replaced the MAF with a genuine Siemens. About to do Vanos seals, VCG & CCV. Thankfully the cooling system was overhauled recently.

Get yourself setup on INPA / DIS, as I would have really struggled diagnosing EML light and the odd limp mode.

The one I was looking at fell through but found another with a lot of history, 10k less miles and less previous owners too for a similar price and will be viewing it tomorrow. I’m just turning 20 so it’s a fair bit more power than any of my other cars in the past but as you say power isn’t everything. Thanks for the advice. Not sure exactly what all the history is but there’s a lot of receipts that I’ll look through when viewing.