Might be going to look at an E46
- Thread starter sigma
- Start date
I have a E46 323, I paid £3800 around a year ago but it's only done 60k and fsh etc! Mine is a 01 car so shouldn't have any subframe issues I have had it checked and it's all fine. There are a couple of things to watch out for the heater can go funny and requires a sensor, make sure the a/c works or be prepared to spend a lot to fix it or live without. They are good cars I get around 28mpg I wished I had gone for a 330I as they have the same kind of running costs that 323 has.
Make sure it has good tyres all round of the same brand, the backend kept stepping out on mine and I had bridgestone on the front and another brand on the back since then I got 4 new tyres and 4 wheel alignment and it's been great big diffrence, the rear coils are prone to snapping, Also the front control arm bushes you can DIY that job but it takes a long time! It might feel strange if it has a cdv (clutch delay valve) I have got used to it but I am going to take mine out over the weekend on the bmw forums they seem to think it's way better. Apart from that just do your normal checks on a car and make sure everything works or get money off. I don't know if I would buy a 1k e46 as it would be a moneypit. I paid over the odds for mine and nodoubt I will lose a lot of money as I plan to upgrand this time next year.
Make sure it has good tyres all round of the same brand, the backend kept stepping out on mine and I had bridgestone on the front and another brand on the back since then I got 4 new tyres and 4 wheel alignment and it's been great big diffrence, the rear coils are prone to snapping, Also the front control arm bushes you can DIY that job but it takes a long time! It might feel strange if it has a cdv (clutch delay valve) I have got used to it but I am going to take mine out over the weekend on the bmw forums they seem to think it's way better. Apart from that just do your normal checks on a car and make sure everything works or get money off. I don't know if I would buy a 1k e46 as it would be a moneypit. I paid over the odds for mine and nodoubt I will lose a lot of money as I plan to upgrand this time next year.
Thanks for the info phi1!
Right just had a word with him, he was struggling to go through the paperwork because it has quite a lot of history...
It's had new pads not so long ago and had a Service 2 around 10k ago when the rear trailer arm bushes were replaced and new rear suspension coils.
It's also had the throttle assembly replaced too and he mentioned the handbrake system too.
No mention of the cooling system but I highly doubt it has lasted 142k and he was inundated with paper work so was a bit on the spot.
Think I will go and look at it. Sounds alright, what do you think?
Right just had a word with him, he was struggling to go through the paperwork because it has quite a lot of history...
It's had new pads not so long ago and had a Service 2 around 10k ago when the rear trailer arm bushes were replaced and new rear suspension coils.
It's also had the throttle assembly replaced too and he mentioned the handbrake system too.
No mention of the cooling system but I highly doubt it has lasted 142k and he was inundated with paper work so was a bit on the spot.
Think I will go and look at it. Sounds alright, what do you think?
Last edited:
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
Correct, it will be at its newest a first half of 2000 car so very much affected by the subframe issue.
Sounds good worst case like fox has mentioned you can replace the whole cooling system for £500 when one thing starts to go I would just replace the lot and be done with it. You could possibly do this a little cheap DIY I suppose! I suppose if lots of things started to go wrong you could always break it for parts. Check all off the paperwork over and see exactly what has been done and when. When I have bought cars of this age for friends and family I always say condition and service history don't worry to much about the miles. As long as it has been looked after (engine wise) you could possibly do the same mileage again although the car will of had it buy then!
So the fact it's had a V plate numberplate every time you walk towards it made you think it was an 01?
[TW]Fox;18960297 said:So the fact it's had a V plate numberplate every time you walk towards it made you think it was an 01?
It's actually "p" plate I have a private plate on it since day one so I guess thats why I got consfused
Service 2 is a biggy from what I hear, yes? Cost the chap £800
Should mean that belts etc should be good for now though?
An Inspection 2 on an E46 last year was £319 from a BMW main dealer under BMW Value Service?
It had new rear coils and rear trailer arm bushes at the same time, not sure what else.
Have just asked for confirmation on when the cooling system was last replaced.
He also said that there are no knocks etc or wobbling/shimmy through the wheel, so I guess it must have had the rear reinforced.
Going to look at it tomorrow.
Have just asked for confirmation on when the cooling system was last replaced.
He also said that there are no knocks etc or wobbling/shimmy through the wheel, so I guess it must have had the rear reinforced.
Going to look at it tomorrow.
Last edited:
Doesn't seem to have done much mileage recently, perhaps that it why the chap decided to sell it? Seems most of the miles were probably business in the first years of ownership:
Obviously mileage isn't too big a deal but it's a good way of gauging usage and will double check it tallys up with the service history.
It had the service 2 at 134k so that means some of the belts may well need doing soon.
Obviously mileage isn't too big a deal but it's a good way of gauging usage and will double check it tallys up with the service history.
It had the service 2 at 134k so that means some of the belts may well need doing soon.
Last edited:
