Might be going to look at an E46

sigma

sigma

sigma

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So I fancy a cheapish runabout which I aim to use for about year or so.

I've stumbled across a 1999 323i SE with a history consisting of dealership service history then specialist (I assume an indy) there after.

It's on ~140k with recent MOT. Just waiting to hear back on just how many parts it has had changed, clutch, cooling system, bushes etc as he says it has loads of receipts with it.

Only slight concern is that the current owner has had it for 6 weeks, he says it was bought as a stop gap (also a member of another club and he seems genuine) but the previous owner had it from new.

Anything else in particular that I should ask for before going to look at it?

Any specific tests that I should do if I do go and look at it? Would it be fair to say that this should average 30mpg on a short 25 mile motorway trip?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Yes, it will be better 30mpg on a run.

Things to look for - check there is no shimmy through the wheel when driving, make sure it doesnt vibrate under braking - both signs of worn control arm bushes. Check for rust on the front wings. Check the rear subframe for signs of tearing.

Cooling system is a problem but to be honest its 500 quid to replace the lot so hardly a big deal.
 
[TW]Fox;18958636 said:
Yes, it will be better 30mpg on a run.

Things to look for - check there is no shimmy through the wheel when driving, make sure it doesnt vibrate under braking - both signs of worn control arm bushes. Check for rust on the front wings. Check the rear subframe for signs of tearing.

Cooling system is a problem but to be honest its 500 quid to replace the lot so hardly a big deal.
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Thanks Fox.

If all checks out, what sort of price would you say would be fair considering tax runs out in May. I have a figure in mind but I'd rather see what you think first.

If it ticks all the boxes, there is no reason why it shouldn't be a reliable daily? Obviously no car is 100% but I don't want to do a Moeks with his 540i.
 
It's a lottery, it's a 12 year old 6 cylinder BMW so there is every reason why it might be another Moeks style car, its luck of the draw at this age.
 
True. I reckon it might be worth a punt if I can get it for close to a grand though, providing it all checks out.
 
Not on the SE, unless it was added when new as an extra. I had the same car (and age) and was quite lucky as it didn't have anything too big going wrong with it. It could land you with a big bill at any time though, so keep some cash ready for it.
 
Definitely check the rear underneath for the subframe tearing issues, if the boot floor hasn't been strengthened then it's very likely to have this problem and could be the reason he's getting rid of it so quickly. Another symptom of it is clunking from the rear when you accellerate or brake.
 
A quick Google of that issue is a bit shocking.

:eek: So it literally tears the boot floor? :eek:

It does appear to have full BMW history so you'd hope they sorted it. Will be interesting to find out. Was there a recall for it?
 
No official recall for it, they fixed my 328ci free of charge but it was 'only' 9 years old then. There were rumours that they won't fix cars over 10 years old but I'm not sure how accurate that is.

And yes it tore my boot floor, you could only see it from underneath though as the boot is double skinned I believe.
 
I see! Hopefully it has been done.

Just looking around and control arm bushes don't seem too bad a job to do? Seem to be able to buy new ones already pressed in so it's just a case of bashing the old ones off.

Might have to take the trolley jack with me. :D
 
There appears to be some confusion as to where the front jacking points are on this? (reading on e46 fanatics)

1000-1200 tops you say? Hmm, I presume tax will be around £200 for 12 months so around £1k seems like an average deal.
 
Locky said:
1999 323i SE with 140k on it is worth 1000-1200 tops
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IMHO you cant really value it like that - a really tidy one I'd pay £2k for, whats another few hundred quid when the potential running costs will eclipse that anyway? Pointless getting too hung up about 'value' when you are spending such little anyway.

Remember it's an E46 - £1k E46's are bona fide nails which you should avoid.
 
[TW]Fox;18960002 said:
Pointless getting too hung up about 'value' when you are spending such little anyway.
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True! Just don't fancy spending another £1500 on it within 2 weeks. :)

Full service history and one long-term previous owner is a good start, although a 'stop-gap' owner is ringing alarm bells.

Probably worth going to look at after I receive more information though.
 
I agree that a mint one would command a better price, but I'm just going by average here.

I would rather pay more for a better car yes.
 
sigma said:
True! Just don't fancy spending another £1500 on in within 2 weeks. :)
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That would be very unlikely - nothing short of engine failure would give you that bill. The issue with these isn't huge bills in one go its what all the little ones eventually add up to.

Personally I wouldn't buy a cheap BMW simply because it would just annoy me spending 4 figures a year keeping a 1k car on the road - its beginning to annoy me doing the same for mine and its not quite a 1k shed yet.

I dont mind paying 4 figures to keep a car running but its easier to justify on a more expensive car, just seems like a waste on a cheap one.
 
[TW]Fox;18960028 said:
That would be very unlikely - nothing short of engine failure would give you that bill. The issue with these isn't huge bills in one go its what all the little ones eventually add up to.

Personally I wouldn't buy a cheap BMW simply because it would just annoy me spending 4 figures a year keeping a 1k car on the road - its beginning to annoy me doing the same for mine and its not quite a 1k shed yet.

I dont mind paying 4 figures to keep a car running but its easier to justify on a more expensive car, just seems like a waste on a cheap one.
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I see your point and I wholehartedly agree. But my circumstances mean that I don't want anything too nice for the next year, so if I can find a bargain I shall.

I don't mind doing jobs myself either, keeps costs down. :)
 
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