[col2611]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/321982513242

Just been looking at this on eBay, one of my friends has been thinking about going to see it. He wants a cheap run around.

Thought I would ask what you guys think of it because I don't have any experience of the E46's. Is there anything in particular that he should look out for?

Thanks


(Moved from classified section to here)

[Dsport]

The aero kit is rare but not everyone's cup of tea the Sport kit is better, thing to check for is rust on arches and under the boot floor, also check for cracks in the subframe (not as common as M3) Dsa valve can fail and cooling system check for splits in header tank
Look on YouTube and it will give you a good idea where to look for on the boot floor

[Russbmw]

Definitely cooling system is about the weakest link on these. Aside from checking the rad isn't bowed like a banana, not much you can check. But budget for thermostat and radiator replacement.

Cracks in the rear subframe are more the reserve of early 328 and all m3. Wouldn't worry too much.

Front wings can rust like fuckery from the inside out. If the inner edge feels bumpy and horrid, be cautious.

Rubber coating on most of the interior trim is pony, and can get to look pretty tatty quickly

The 330 seemed to have wildly varying oil consumption. Some (like my old one) used none. Others went through it like there was a hole in the sump. Bmw official tolerance is also really high. Again, chance really, but as long as it's not smoking like a trooper, don't worry.

Rocker cover and spark plug gaskets get old and leak, but easy diy fix.

Sport seats side bolsters can wear badly. As long as not worn through, no biggie.

Rear light lenses usually separate do look very dull or even tinted if they're really going to shit, particularly the ones on the boot lid. Cheap fix. In fact, you'd be better off getting a full led rear set from energized customs, made by Eagle Eyes, they look and fit totally OEM and are only about £120, and also don't require coding like the OEM ones do, simply plug and play.

Oh, the interior door/window trims. They can seperate and the velour bit inside hangs down. Gluing these is near impossible, and replacement is the only real option. Be aware they cost approx £200 per side!

[mjn77]

Also, the cracks AREN'T in the subframe, but rather in the subframe floor. And they aren't always visible as later E46 models had a rubber coating on the floor.

Other things to check, rust on all wings. Fronts are easy changed, but rears involve having the rusty metal cut out and replaced.

Front control arms bushes should be checked.

Radiator for a bowing bottom.

Check the temp needle sits dead centre.

[Russbmw]

Any cracks in the subframe floor are visible from the underside of the car.

Hence BMW were doing a free of charge inspection and repair if this was an issue on cars that were less than 10 years old. If there were no cracks, they were filling the box section cavity with an expanding foam that allegedly reinforced the box section, hence preventing any cracks ocurring.

Anyway, it's irrelevant, as this is almost exclusively a problem on the M3 only - either that or really, really early 328's for some reason - as mentioned earlier.

[col2611]

Thanks for the info guys, although it wasn't needed in the end, his Mrs put a stop to it because they are buying a house. He has to make do with his A3 company car.