Do you think its worth part ex-ing my 2003 E46 320D sport to a newer model?

paradigm said:
Not actually fighting with you easyrider, I was more pointing out to rodenal that I don't think the rust problem with BMWs is as bad as is being made out.

Clearly yours has a rust problem (although I don't think being by the sea is the sole cause, it must have been started by chipped paint left unattended).

If I were in your shoes, I'd get some quotes for the rust repair work, some trade-in values, and work out if it makes sense to get the repairs done. You've been looking at replacement cars for well over a year given your previous threads (whether seriously or not I've no idea, but clearly it's been playing on your mind for a while), so I doubt even repairing it is going to offer the change your heart desires. The end result is likely going to have to be a replacement car, regardless of whether your E46 can be repaired cheaply or not.

So yeah, to re-cap, I'd get some repair quotes, and some trade-in values (for both current state and fully cosmetically repaired), work out from there if it's worth repairing, then make a decision on what to go for next. Either way though I'd not be spending £15k on an E90.
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Thanks for the input:) a lot of things to ponder over
 
There seems to be mixed feelings about the F30 and E90..some say the E90 is better and some say the F30 is better...

People have knocked the F30 for the ultra light steering for example
 
You would need to drive one, on looks alone inside and out its a vast improvement. LCI e90s still carry far too much of a premium for what is now a relatively old car for me.

In saying that the alpinas are quite interesting for a stinky diesel
 
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The F30 is better than the E90 in almost every way. The steering on the F30 is better than the E90, which is also electric on most models anyway.
 
I couldn't bring myself to spend that much on a TT either, its the same car that's been available since 2006. It's due for replacement now the underlying A3 platform has been replaced.

Also, bit confused that you were looking at E90's (not E92/E93), then jump from that 4dr saloon to a small 2dr coupé?
 
paradigm said:
I couldn't bring myself to spend that much on a TT either, its the same car that's been available since 2006. It's due for replacement now the underlying A3 platform has been replaced.

Also, bit confused that you were looking at E90's (not E92/E93), then jump from that 4dr saloon to a small 2dr coupé?
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I have been thinking I don't really need a big saloon if i'm honest.
 
pepsilol said:
On the front wings you can't repair the rust.
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Do you actually mean that there is no point bodging the rust as it will continue to come back? Wings are repairable, may be an intricate design and cheaper to replace with used items but they're repairable with a grinder, a welder and some sheet metal. Poor repairs will often result in the rust coming back, but if a wing is removed and repaired properly (i.e. all rust cut out) there should be no reason why it's not as good as a replacement wing.
 
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commited said:
Sorry but I still don't understand. So you're saying that it's made of metal that is impossible to cut or weld to? Do you actually mean that there is no point bodging the rust as it will continue to come back? Wings are repairable, may be an intricate design and cheaper to replace with used items but they're repairable with a grinder, a welder and some sheet metal.
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The front wings TBH are a non issue. I could get them replaced with some off ebay and sprayed.

The rear wheel arches I can see being more of a problem.The rust continues right around both wheels.

Its a real shame as I had the rear bumper replaced when some noob hit me fom behind...was a blessing as 3 of my parking sensors were shot.:)

The wheel refurb acid dip will cost me £240
 
Got one wing on order and another that I bought for 16 quid off ebay...Will post some pics when done if anyone is interested.
 
commited said:
Do you actually mean that there is no point bodging the rust as it will continue to come back? Wings are repairable, may be an intricate design and cheaper to replace with used items but they're repairable with a grinder, a welder and some sheet metal. Poor repairs will often result in the rust coming back, but if a wing is removed and repaired properly (i.e. all rust cut out) there should be no reason why it's not as good as a replacement wing.
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Why would you start cutting, as soon as you get into that then you might aswell buy a new wing as it is cheaper than the labour.
 
pepsilol said:
Why would you start cutting, as soon as you get into that then you might aswell buy a new wing as it is cheaper than the labour.
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With the rear wings you are absolutely, categorically, 100% wrong. Cutting out and welding in part of a repair panel will be FAR cheaper than removing the entire rear wing and the associated body prep work.
 
Cause it passed its MOT this year @ 150K with nothing wrong with it I have decided to get both wings replaced the rear arches done and an acid dip alloy refurb. I have a bit of spare cash...I'll swap out the old plates and get new ones and get some brand new BMW centre caps for the alloys too.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181252711449?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Is the 318D sport a lot less of a car than the 320D sport F30?

bmw320d.jpg
 
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