Tips on a 2nd hand E46

[buttnakked]

Hi this is my first post, so like to seek all the advise i can garner here.

I am looking to buy a 2nd hand 2004, Sports / Special edition E46. The main reason was that it has a high OMV, plus of course its a BMW. I do most of my driving in suburban areas and pretty light footed. Presently driving a 2006 Mazda6 SP , but i am sure a 2004 E46 will be a better ride.

Have read the sticky post on a 2nd hand E46, but still have some questions:

1) what sort of problems should i be looking out for, for 50k-70k mileage E46?

2) I will be having a child soon. Will the boot be able to accomodate stroller and childseat? I am aware bootspace is not big


thanks all in advance. Looking forward to your replies

 

[phil]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

50-70k mileage? The car is still new in my opinion.

hmmm, i think the boot should take both of those

 

[318 NewBoy]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Have read the sticky post on a 2nd hand E46, but still have some questions:

1) what sort of problems should i be looking out for, for 50k-70k mileage E46?

I bought my current E46 at about 50K mileage, and the first thing went kaput is the radiator, it burst out of a sudden. The next thing is AIR-CON COMPRESSOR, so far this is the most expensive wear and tear that I have changed (hehehe, excluding the mods of course ). Then oil leaks from engine a bit here and there and the water hose was replaced too.
So far after those wear and tear parts have been changed, the car is now swee swee and enjoy my rides.
Bro, bear in mind if you're going to get a used BMW, wear and tear parts replacement is unavoidable. Take a good care of your ride and the engine plus handling of a BMW is definitely a

But if you're infected by MOD VIRUS, that's different story.

2) I will be having a child soon. Will the boot be able to accomodate stroller and childseat? I am aware bootspace is not big

Don't worry, bro. I have 3 kids and driving a sedan E46. In my car boot, besides a sub-woofer, no problem for me to squeeze in a baby stroller and a baby sit (in the case when there are 4 adults and 3 little kids in my poor E46 ). Usually the baby sit is always at the rear passenger seat, so......, pretty enough space for the boot.
thanks all in advance. Looking forward to your replies

WELCOME IN, bro.

 

[jinooi]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

the usual parts give way after about 5 years. guess most of the e46 owners will tell you the same thing.

before you get the car, send it to one of the recommended workshops (go to the links and resources section) for a check. they will be able to tell you whether the parts have been changed / need changing. cost will be borne by buyer, i.e. you, but you will also be saving quite a bit for peace of mind.

watch out for the next e46 meeting and join us for a chat. and also to take a look at some of the cars and talk to the owners. we'll be able to help.

happy shopping!

 

[JuzMe]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

I'm driving the same model you're looking for. Love the look of E46. Only complain is a bit lack in power - that is a dangerous statement to make in this forum as mod virus will spread quicky.

 

[jinooi]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Only complain is a bit lack in power - that is a dangerous statement to make in this forum as mod virus will spread quicky.

haha, we will sort out that prob for you... :nehnehhh:

come down to the meet-up this friday. get some taxi rides and find out how to get more power...

see you in a few days!

 

[JuzMe]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Sure, let me know when and when I'll make sure I leave my $, credit card and cheque book at home!

 

[ecoquest]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Welcome in! And welcome to the 46ers club in advance!

Some answers to your questions:

1) what sort of problems should i be looking out for, for 50k-70k mileage E46?

2) I will be having a child soon. Will the boot be able to accomodate stroller and childseat? I am aware bootspace is not big

The boot space isn't big. So if you have a full sized stroller, the childseat will not fit in there at the same time. But my youngest is now walking already so I hardly lug the stroller around anymore. Boot space is definitely something the E46 comes short on.

I got my E46 320 about 7mths ago and the only thing that failed on me so far was the ignition coil ($60+ to replace). I guess the previous owner didn't drive the car as hard as I do so the car 'buay tahan' me pushing it. :nehnehhh:

But overall, very good car and not much to worry about if you do the regular servicing and checks.

P.S. my car's mileage is only 50K and it's already almost 4yrs old. Look for a low mileage car and it will be a better bet.

 

[Herman]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Bro, there'll be a 46ers meetup this coming friday @ 2000hrs.
Its at the monthly meetup venue @ Kallang MAC's carpark.

Trust me... Wanna learn more... best way is to meetup with the 46ers.
wanna kena virus... dont need meetup. read forum and ur screwed.

Hope to see u on friday bro.

 

[C3P0]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Look for a low mileage car and it will be a better bet.

Couldn't agree more. My wear and tear $$ is scary, due to high mileage and all the leakages. So my suggestion is to get a 6-potter, i.e. at least 320, with low mileage.
Just 2-cents' worth from a robot.

 

[Herman]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

U want him to bend down to pick up the 2-cents right robot.......
HORNY BOT !

 

[C3P0]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

U want him to bend down to pick up the 2-cents right robot.......
HORNY BOT !

For goodness Herman, he's new to the forum so PLEASE DON'T SPOIL MY NICE CLEAN SHINY REPUTATION :furious:
To All: Just ignore Herman, I am a straight guy

 

[Niranjan D]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Before I confirmed my 2nd hand car with the dealer in Sep 2007, I sent it for an inspection to John of Juzz For Cars. John is good!

 

[buttnakked]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Thanks for all the fast and furious replies.

I like what you call yourselves-E46ers, coooool.

Will try to make it this coming Fri at Kallang Mac. I dun think there's any issue in spotting this gathering

 

[R2D]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Just cents worth...

Look out for a few wear and tear parts like the front control arm bushes, rear suspension top mount and sometimes engine mounts. Normal change items at 80k km is the radiator expansion tank, radiator cap, air con evaporator coil and rear light bulbs....

If you can, spend a little more for a 6cyl engine. They have more potential...

cheers

 

[j8833t]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Thanks for all the fast and furious replies.

I like what you call yourselves-E46ers, coooool.

Will try to make it this coming Fri at Kallang Mac. I dun think there's any issue in spotting this gathering

Great if can make it this friday...look me up and I'll arrange taxi rides for both 320 n 318
...help you make clearer decision before commitment.
Bros of 46ers more than willing to share and add another friend to our small outfit...see u !

Just cents worth...

Look out for a few wear and tear parts like the front control arm bushes, rear suspension top mount and sometimes engine mounts. Normal change items at 80k km is the radiator expansion tank, radiator cap, air con evaporator coil and rear light bulbs....

If you can, spend a little more for a 6cyl engine. They have more potential...

cheers

The Official Tuner of 46ers have spoken...u lucky dude !

 

[buttnakked]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

Has anyone attempted to put in a golf set before. i viewed a E46 318 and It seemed that placing the golf bag need to be in a diagonal position and only ONE can be fitted.

And the backseats are not foldable to have a 60/40 split. Is this true for 320 as well? i would assume so.

Sorry if i seemed anal about bootspace, but that's one of my wife's considerations

 

[buttnakked]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

hi all,

just to clarify. What is the horsepower of the E46 318i? I did some digging and it was around 116bhp. Would i be right?

No wonder there's advice to look for the 320i 6 potter as it has potential for mods.

 

[jinooi]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

go take a look at the thread i posted earlier.

wil give you a good idea.

 

[ruffy]

Re: Tips on a 2nd hand E46

e46 318 = 143bhp
e46 320 = 170bhp....

look for low mileage car, u will be safe!!...good reliability on the e46, contrary to most ppl views...