E46 328i touring
Discussion
With my 325i sat on the drive since new year I finally sold it on eBay for £454. Except the buyer pulled out with some lame excuse and no one responded to my 2nd chance offers 😩
Stuck it on Facebook marketplace and gritted my teeth through all the "I'll give you £200 no messing" and the foreigners asking if there's any problems, despite a comprehensive advert clearly stating it doesn't even start.
I ended up selling it for £350, which I was rather pleased with given I bought it in 2016 for £400.
I also just sold my Kawasaki 550 jetski for a small profit so the hunt was on for a new shed...
Looked at everything that was in budget but there wasn't much taking my fancy. It seems prices have firmed up on everything that used to be readily available for £1000.
Then I came across an e46 328i touring. I liked it so added it to my watch list and had a think. A few things concerned me about bidding blind, especially as it has a very short mot.
In the end I decided I wanted it and waited until the last few mins before sticking a bid on it. I was all set for bidding up to £1200 but for some reason I put the max bif just shy of £1100. I found myself with the winning bid of £1066 right up until the last 3 seconds when all of a sudden I was outbid and lost it.
I was torn between being gutted and thinking maybe it was a lucky escape on a 150k mile, 20 year old BMW.
I carried on looking elsewhere and a few days later, after all hope of a 2nd chance offer had gone out of the window, I went for a test drive in a mk4 golf gti. I started to think maybe a hatch would still be practical while offering lower running costs, but I was comparing it to the 328i I just lost out on. It wasn't hitting the spot for me.
Then last night I got the email I was waiting for. The winner of the 328 had pulled out and I got my chance. I called the seller and arranged to go and see it (without committing to buy through eBay)
Needless to say I knew it was coming home with me, so here it is...
As I'm sure you can imagine, it's not got the tidiest bodywork for 1k but it does have new tyres, brakes and a folder of paperwork with it.
Time will tell if it's a ticking time bomb or a good buy. Fingers crossed for the MOT this week.
Stuck it on Facebook marketplace and gritted my teeth through all the "I'll give you £200 no messing" and the foreigners asking if there's any problems, despite a comprehensive advert clearly stating it doesn't even start.
I ended up selling it for £350, which I was rather pleased with given I bought it in 2016 for £400.
I also just sold my Kawasaki 550 jetski for a small profit so the hunt was on for a new shed...
Looked at everything that was in budget but there wasn't much taking my fancy. It seems prices have firmed up on everything that used to be readily available for £1000.
Then I came across an e46 328i touring. I liked it so added it to my watch list and had a think. A few things concerned me about bidding blind, especially as it has a very short mot.
In the end I decided I wanted it and waited until the last few mins before sticking a bid on it. I was all set for bidding up to £1200 but for some reason I put the max bif just shy of £1100. I found myself with the winning bid of £1066 right up until the last 3 seconds when all of a sudden I was outbid and lost it.
I was torn between being gutted and thinking maybe it was a lucky escape on a 150k mile, 20 year old BMW.
I carried on looking elsewhere and a few days later, after all hope of a 2nd chance offer had gone out of the window, I went for a test drive in a mk4 golf gti. I started to think maybe a hatch would still be practical while offering lower running costs, but I was comparing it to the 328i I just lost out on. It wasn't hitting the spot for me.
Then last night I got the email I was waiting for. The winner of the 328 had pulled out and I got my chance. I called the seller and arranged to go and see it (without committing to buy through eBay)
Needless to say I knew it was coming home with me, so here it is...
As I'm sure you can imagine, it's not got the tidiest bodywork for 1k but it does have new tyres, brakes and a folder of paperwork with it.
Time will tell if it's a ticking time bomb or a good buy. Fingers crossed for the MOT this week.
Great engine; very bulletproof.
Just make sure that the cooling system is healthy (if unsure, budget to replace the stat/water pomp & hoses at a minimum - c£100 in parts, with Comma G48 coolant and deionised water in there too)
The CCV system needs checking too; if it's gunked up get that swapped out toot-sweet too; the Meyle CCV kit that C3BMW sell is perfect
How's the car for rust etc?
Just make sure that the cooling system is healthy (if unsure, budget to replace the stat/water pomp & hoses at a minimum - c£100 in parts, with Comma G48 coolant and deionised water in there too)
The CCV system needs checking too; if it's gunked up get that swapped out toot-sweet too; the Meyle CCV kit that C3BMW sell is perfect
How's the car for rust etc?
Agreed on the cooling system, fresh radiator, hoses, water pump and thermostat usually see's off most issues.
CCV best sourced from C3BMW as they have the complete kit for around £120? half of the Dealers price with the same quality parts for the moment. Also advise getting the DISA valve rebuilt with this kit if there's one present on the 2.8? https://x8r.co.uk/products/bmw/bmw-disa-repair-kit...
They are surprisingly capable cars for load lugging, but also cruise supremly well. If you do decide to add a few go faster bits, they do respond well to tuning and make for an excellent 'Q' car. Ask me how i know
CCV best sourced from C3BMW as they have the complete kit for around £120? half of the Dealers price with the same quality parts for the moment. Also advise getting the DISA valve rebuilt with this kit if there's one present on the 2.8? https://x8r.co.uk/products/bmw/bmw-disa-repair-kit...
They are surprisingly capable cars for load lugging, but also cruise supremly well. If you do decide to add a few go faster bits, they do respond well to tuning and make for an excellent 'Q' car. Ask me how i know
Someone's done some work to that, full interior swap. Here it is in a former life.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1139844
I loved my 328ci. Mine was a manual, and was (Mechanically) bulletproof. Shame the subframe mounts failed and it was too rusty to justify saving. The 2.8 is one of my favourite BMW engines. Sort the cooling system out and they're grand. Mine used 0 oil in 40,000 miles I covered in it, and never gave a hint of trouble. I'd have had another if I could have found a manual one.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1139844
I loved my 328ci. Mine was a manual, and was (Mechanically) bulletproof. Shame the subframe mounts failed and it was too rusty to justify saving. The 2.8 is one of my favourite BMW engines. Sort the cooling system out and they're grand. Mine used 0 oil in 40,000 miles I covered in it, and never gave a hint of trouble. I'd have had another if I could have found a manual one.
alfabeat said:
And check the rear suspension...I had one years ago and it was taken away by BMW for 3 weeks as they strengthened it. Can't remember what the details were (it was 13 years ago now!).
I think the sub frame mounts crack. Fairly common. Love this OP! I had a 323i saloon and the OH adored it. Suffered a CCV leak but easily sorted, oh and those pesky rear lamps shorting out on themselves, had to solder another earth on them. So if you get a bulb indicator out on the rear, chances are it's that! Other than lower wish bone bushes and a sticky caliper it was golden really.
The E46 is beginning to firm up in price quite a bit, especially the 330(C)i models in the Touring and Coupe flavour, as well as the diesel variants.
The 328i is a lovely thing with a peach of an engine. That looks like a nice combination, and enjoy. They do seem to be going for stronger cash, but not quite in the same stride yet.
2nded about cooling systems. I personally would not change the pump ; the pattern ones don't seem as well machined as the factory item, and I've not had a pump go on me. Get a new rad and chuck in pre-mixed G48 and you'll be laughing.
I had alot of fun with a 328i I had. To think I was offered a high mileage, but maintained and clean example for £1k almost 2 years ago.
The 328i is a lovely thing with a peach of an engine. That looks like a nice combination, and enjoy. They do seem to be going for stronger cash, but not quite in the same stride yet.
2nded about cooling systems. I personally would not change the pump ; the pattern ones don't seem as well machined as the factory item, and I've not had a pump go on me. Get a new rad and chuck in pre-mixed G48 and you'll be laughing.
I had alot of fun with a 328i I had. To think I was offered a high mileage, but maintained and clean example for £1k almost 2 years ago.
I have a 330ci track car, which has been utterly reliable. I don't start it for weeks on end and it always bursts into life.
The car itself cost £970 on eBay and I have spent a further 2k on mods. It is a real weapon and so fun to drive, but the subframe bushes are starting to go now and I'm undecided if it is worth fixing that and also swapping the clutch + flywheel. The thought of spending another 2k really puts me off tbh.
I echo what everyone has said, replace the whole cooling system + aux belt + DISA valve. I'm not the most mechanical person and I have done all of these myself. The E46 is very easy to work on and if I am honest, it is quite fun to fix too.
Best of luck with the new car OP
The car itself cost £970 on eBay and I have spent a further 2k on mods. It is a real weapon and so fun to drive, but the subframe bushes are starting to go now and I'm undecided if it is worth fixing that and also swapping the clutch + flywheel. The thought of spending another 2k really puts me off tbh.
I echo what everyone has said, replace the whole cooling system + aux belt + DISA valve. I'm not the most mechanical person and I have done all of these myself. The E46 is very easy to work on and if I am honest, it is quite fun to fix too.
Best of luck with the new car OP
Thanks for the hints about the CCV system, it isn't something I would have known about otherwise.
Rust? Yes. There's a bit around the arches and under the rear light but it's fairly inconspicuous when stood back. Unless there's any structural rust highlighted in the MOT this week then I won't be getting it sorted, as the rest of the bodywork has minor dings and scratches. It would be a full paint job by the time I'd finish.
It's just a £1000 beater car that I don't have to worry about too much. That being said, I'd like it to last at least a couple of years if not longer.
The seller took me out for a drive in it and wasn't scared about putting his foot down etc and all seemed great. Coming around the last corner there was a slight knock from the nearside rear and now I've got it home it seems to be worse, mainly at low speed. I'll also be getting this diagnosed as nobody likes knocking suspension.
The rear number plates lights also need a bit of fettling as they seem to be intermittently working.
As far as the cooling system goes, I've looked through the history and can only see receipts for a couple of expansion tanks so I'll have to consider this in the future.
However, I'm not so convinced by the gearbox. It was my main worry and now I've had chance to drive it at varying speeds etc it doesn't seem perfect. Changes fine and in sport/tiptronic mode it seems better. But when it auto it almost seems like it's slipping and occasionally feels like it changes gear when it doesn't, generally around 2k rpm. Once higher in the revs it's no problem at all.
JakeT - thanks for that link, I knew it was an SE and had the sports seats put in at some point but I didn't realise it was a full interior including dash.
Despite the niggles, I'm enjoying the car. If it lasts a while without throwing a fit then I'll be happy.
Rust? Yes. There's a bit around the arches and under the rear light but it's fairly inconspicuous when stood back. Unless there's any structural rust highlighted in the MOT this week then I won't be getting it sorted, as the rest of the bodywork has minor dings and scratches. It would be a full paint job by the time I'd finish.
It's just a £1000 beater car that I don't have to worry about too much. That being said, I'd like it to last at least a couple of years if not longer.
The seller took me out for a drive in it and wasn't scared about putting his foot down etc and all seemed great. Coming around the last corner there was a slight knock from the nearside rear and now I've got it home it seems to be worse, mainly at low speed. I'll also be getting this diagnosed as nobody likes knocking suspension.
The rear number plates lights also need a bit of fettling as they seem to be intermittently working.
As far as the cooling system goes, I've looked through the history and can only see receipts for a couple of expansion tanks so I'll have to consider this in the future.
However, I'm not so convinced by the gearbox. It was my main worry and now I've had chance to drive it at varying speeds etc it doesn't seem perfect. Changes fine and in sport/tiptronic mode it seems better. But when it auto it almost seems like it's slipping and occasionally feels like it changes gear when it doesn't, generally around 2k rpm. Once higher in the revs it's no problem at all.
JakeT - thanks for that link, I knew it was an SE and had the sports seats put in at some point but I didn't realise it was a full interior including dash.
Despite the niggles, I'm enjoying the car. If it lasts a while without throwing a fit then I'll be happy.
After some worry over the gearbox, I started to wonder if it actually was the box seeing as the gear changes are fine.
A bit of research suggested it could be the MAF or TPS causing issues and a friend said to check everything is tight around the MAF and airbox.
Let's have a look...
Now, I'm no mechanic, but I'm pretty sure this tube sticking out of the intake boot shouldn't be taped up.
I wonder why? Oh look, there's a hole.
I don't happen to stock this part in my garage so a bit fresh tape to check this is the problem and what do you know, it's significantly improved the issue I was having.
Result.
I just need to sort a more permanent solution... Some stronger tape should do it
A bit of research suggested it could be the MAF or TPS causing issues and a friend said to check everything is tight around the MAF and airbox.
Let's have a look...
Now, I'm no mechanic, but I'm pretty sure this tube sticking out of the intake boot shouldn't be taped up.
I wonder why? Oh look, there's a hole.
I don't happen to stock this part in my garage so a bit fresh tape to check this is the problem and what do you know, it's significantly improved the issue I was having.
Result.
I just need to sort a more permanent solution... Some stronger tape should do it
Edited by iacabu on Wednesday 21st October 13:43
Ahh, intake boots often split, I've had two
They're pennies from BMW
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=AR52...
Item number 3.. and price is : £16.10 on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuine-Mass-Air-Se...
They're pennies from BMW
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=AR52...
Item number 3.. and price is : £16.10 on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuine-Mass-Air-Se...
Sf_Manta said:
Ahh, intake boots often split, I've had two
They're pennies from BMW
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=AR52...
Item number 3.. and price is : £16.10 on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuine-Mass-Air-Se...
Thank you for that, I'll get one ordered. They're pennies from BMW
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=AR52...
Item number 3.. and price is : £16.10 on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuine-Mass-Air-Se...
The car passed the MOT so that's a bit of a relief. Pretty happy overall as it currently owes me just £1030.
I also found a few accessories I didn't expect would still be there.
However, I was pretty disappointed to find out that the tape deck doesn't work meaning I can't use my tape to aux connector for my phone
iacabu said:
Thank you for that, I'll get one ordered.
The car passed the MOT so that's a bit of a relief. Pretty happy overall as it currently owes me just £1030.
I also found a few accessories I didn't expect would still be there.
However, I was pretty disappointed to find out that the tape deck doesn't work meaning I can't use my tape to aux connector for my phone
Get a Bluetooth to FM transmitter off Amazon c£12 👍The car passed the MOT so that's a bit of a relief. Pretty happy overall as it currently owes me just £1030.
I also found a few accessories I didn't expect would still be there.
However, I was pretty disappointed to find out that the tape deck doesn't work meaning I can't use my tape to aux connector for my phone
iacabu said:
Sf_Manta said:
Ahh, intake boots often split, I've had two
They're pennies from BMW
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=AR52...
Item number 3.. and price is : £16.10 on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuine-Mass-Air-Se...
Thank you for that, I'll get one ordered. They're pennies from BMW
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=AR52...
Item number 3.. and price is : £16.10 on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuine-Mass-Air-Se...
The car passed the MOT so that's a bit of a relief. Pretty happy overall as it currently owes me just £1030.
I also found a few accessories I didn't expect would still be there.
However, I was pretty disappointed to find out that the tape deck doesn't work meaning I can't use my tape to aux connector for my phone
d your torch still works 
on one of mine it’s missing, and on the other it doesn’t work! 
Decided to put the car up for sale, along with my Honda Hornet (which went this morning). I'll have a bit more cash available now so will be on the lookout for something a touch newer and maybe along the lines of a hot hatch.
Really enjoyed having this car though, I love the look of e46s and I've had the boot filled a few times.
Really enjoyed having this car though, I love the look of e46s and I've had the boot filled a few times.
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