Hi guys,

My name's Ciaran, I'm planning on becoming an E46 320Ci owner in the coming months. Budget's there and ready, insurance quotes have been got, just need to get cracking on advertising my own car providing you lot dont scare me away with anything I should be looking out for in a 320Ci (which i doubt).

My brothers have been driving them for years now, and they've never changed marque's since. I hope I can get the same enjoyment, reliability and satisfaction from one.

Also just 2 weeks ago my friend picked up his 01 M3 (thats another thread, what a piece of engineering/work of art). 

So fire it at me, if you would. What should i be looking out for in one and how much is too much to pay for one privately and from a dealer?

Spec i'm looking for is the SE model, leather and the M-Pack is a must.

Thanks for your help  

cheers lads.

heading to the uk is looking more and more the option. im aware of the tasks involved in doin so with VRT and the like. is there anywhere in particular were i will find what im looking for? or is it a case of searching autotrader etc one day and heading over the next?

MOT & HPI checks are most important here, so i presume just walk away if they are lacking. 

Have a look at these

http://search.ebay.co.uk/320ci_BMW_W0QQa38ZQ2d24QQa39ZQ2d24QQa41ZQ2d10QQa6ZQ2d24QQa85ZQ2d24QQalistZa39Q2ca41Q2ca6Q2ca85Q2ca38Q2ca3801QQcatrefZC3QQcatrefZC6QQcoactionZcompareQQcoentrypageZsearchQQcopagenumZ1QQfposZPostcodeQQfromZR2QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQga10244Z10425QQgcsZ13QQpfidZ1150QQpfmodeZ1QQreqtypeZ2QQsacatZ9837QQsadisZ200QQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ3QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbs - http://search.ebay.co.uk/320ci_BMW_W0QQa38ZQ2d24QQa39ZQ2d24Q Qa41ZQ2d10QQa6ZQ2d24QQa85ZQ2d24QQalistZa39Q2ca41Q2ca6Q2ca85Q 2ca38Q2ca3801QQcatrefZC3QQcatrefZC6QQcoactionZcompareQQcoent rypageZsearchQQcopagenumZ1QQfposZPostcodeQQfromZR2QQfsooZ1QQ fsopZ1QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQga10244Z10425QQgcsZ13QQpfidZ1150QQpf modeZ1QQreqtypeZ2QQsacatZ9837QQsadisZ200QQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ 3QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbs

Ciaran

There are some reports of the 2.2 engine having a little thirst for oil, but it doesn't seem to be a harbinger of doom if it does use a little.

E46 weak points are the front track control arms, bushes and balljoints front and rear, rear springs (they can snap near the base - they don't need to be abused for this to happen), etc. 

What sort of year are you aiming for?

If buying in the UK, Autotrader is the main source (or the Top Marques version) and yes, its a case of keeping an eye out on a weekly basis and being able to move quickly if the right car comes up.  BMW UK Approved Used car section on http://www.bmw.co.uk - www.bmw.co.uk is a good source for better spec'd, lower mileage cars but they won't be cheap.  Ignore any ad that doesn't list the mileage.  You can do an online HPI check at https://www.hpicheck.com/ - https://www.hpicheck.com/   Its not too cheap so you'll probably want to just use it as a final check on a car that you've already got a good feeling about.  Even if the vendor has already done a HPI check and offers you the paper work, do it again yourself.  Note the servicing dealer on the service book and ring them, the service manager will generally verify the details of the service history for you and may also give additional information about warranty work, other wear and tear items, etc.  Personally I wouldn't buy without a main dealer history.

Sunroof's are relatively rare on e46's in the UK so it'll take a bit longer to find one that matches all your requirements if that is a definite requirement.  Climate control should be standard and most 320ci's will have pdc, auto dim rear view mirror.  Not 100% sure but I think the coupes have elctric seat adjustment as std (at least the earlier ones did).  There wasn't an SE spec in the UK until fairly recently.  The M-tech option isn't common in the UK in the way that it was sold here.  They got a Sport spec that had a bodykit, 18" MV alloys, sports seats, etc.

For resale, colour is fairly important, so stick with the more popular, safer, (metallic) colours such as Titanium silver, Orient blue, black and avoid brilliant red or sienna red, sea green, etc.

The numbers available in the UK are huge so don't feel pressured in to making a rushed decision and don't be afraid to walk away if the car is less that an absolute 100% car.  They'll be more along in a minute.

Are we not in the EU?? A manufacturers warranty will cover you no matter where you buy your car or product from within the EU so the UK BMW is valid here

Topazman

Ciaran I have the 2.2 M54 Coupe and all the current 6 cylinder engines burn a bit of oil and this is normal so no worries on that part I have had mine since new and have had no real problems the last one was with the fuel sender units which gave up working but got them sorted under a good will gesture other than that its a sweet little car. this is the last of the 2litre engines in 6 cylinder form as the next/current gneration are 4 cylinder 2 litres and the sixes don't begin till the 2.5 litre cars 

Topazman

  pius niall it has that torch and , auto dim that richie does not have

Leave him alone John we are going to make him loose his mind

Yeah Richie you don't have them and no screwdriver also

Topazman

topazman wrote: Ciaran I have the 2.2 M54 Coupe and all the current 6 cylinder engines burn a bit of oil and this is normal so no worries on that part I have had mine since new and have had no real problems the last one was with the fuel sender units which gave up working but got them sorted under a good will gesture other than that its a sweet little car. this is the last of the 2litre engines in 6 cylinder form as the next/current gneration are 4 cylinder 2 litres and the sixes don't begin till the 2.5 litre cars  Topazman

I'm not too worried about it buring a little oil - nature of the beast. I'd rather it burned that than some rings or something :)
I think I can safely say that if I get my E46 soon, there will be no worry of me leaning towards the newer E90! I had a test drive of a couple of 2.2 6 cylinders now, I'm amazed at the differences between the semi-auto sport type box in the 2005 model and the manual in the 2004 model. Manual all the way for me, so thats another must have on my list 

Ciars go for the manual and then install a ssk as this makes all the difference

Topazman 

Yup your correct Ken,  Short Shift Kit

Topazman

i should've guessed that really..
cheers kdevitt/topazman

Robbie Bradford wrote: topazman wrote: Ciars go for the manual and then install a UUCmotorwerks ssk as this makes all the difference Topazman

Never one to miss a potential sale, eh Robbie??

I knew that he would be lurking out there somewhere and yes I have the UUC one installed for the last 3 years and no problems

Happy now Robbie

Where are my swaybars and I'm sending Terry and some of the boys to your warehouse to collect a debt you forgot to settle yesterday. I didn't say 'St. Vincent De Paul ' on Terry's capri  

Topazman

lol

Just trying to ensure club members don't settle for second best, regarding aftermarket products.

And you forgot to mention special prices to club members

Topazman

topazman wrote: I knew that he would be lurking out there somewhere and yes I have the UUC one installed for the last 3 years and no problems Happy now Robbie Where are my swaybars and I'm sending Terry and some of the boys to your warehouse to collect a debt you forgot to settle yesterday. I didn't say 'St. Vincent De Paul ' on Terry's capri   Topazman

This is another line of business i'm exploring, i get people to give me stuff, get them side tracked and then take off!

....only joking, Rich PM me with your paypal details.

topazman wrote: And you forgot to mention special prices to club members Topazman

But of course, you never know what sort of special deals you might get at the present moment. Have to be careful that this topic does'nt get deleted now

To late the boys are on the road and are comming back with alot of dosh and stock. 'Terry clear a bit of space in the Warehouse for some of Bradfords stock, last time he'll try and rip us off'

Arthur

topazman wrote: To late the boys are on the road and are comming back with alot of dosh and stock. 'Terry clear a bit of space in the Warehouse for some of Bradfords stock, last time he'll try and rip us off' Arthur

Too late, just had the Mountmellick posse move the goods to a secure location

Better hire a more reliable gang in future as they are still fighting over who is driving the van as my boys walked away with some stock anybody for some cheap ssk's and strut braces 

Arthur 

I knew that he would have to leave his office and go out and check I can just see it now a big row in the yard and an empty van and warehouse, works everytime

Arthur

Richie wrote: Jeez we could get a short movie out of the above script. I suggest Vic and Bob to play arthur and Terry and Robbie could be played by Mr T. " I pity the fool who tries to rob my house!"

.......sounds good......but "I aint goin' on no plane, fool" 

topazman wrote: Are we not in the EU?? A manufacturers warranty will cover you no matter where you buy your car or product from within the EU so the UK BMW is valid here Topazman

The Approved Used Warranty is an insurance based warranty rather than a BMW underwritten warranty (in fact if I'm not mistaken, only year 1 of the 3 year warranty in the UK on a new one is manufacturer warranty, years 2 and 3 are dealer underwritten but on the same terms).  That may affect the validity outside the UK.

Nigel

The choice, quality and preparation of the cars are still ahead of most other sources of young BMW's.  My sisters e46 328i Touring was bought (sight unseen) as a UK Approved Used Car at 12 months old and couldn't be faulted.  After some determined haggling by my brother in law the price was very competitive (and a couple of grand under asking price).  I went over to pick it up and checked it over thoroughly before handing over the wedge.

UK BMW and their dealers can't fairly be judged against Irish ones.  The Irish organization and dealers are only starting the journey to revamping their network and standards and they have a long road to go.  The UK are years ahead in that process.  The discipline requirements on the dealers in the UK are very high so I'd venture an opinion that at any age they'll stock, the main dealer cars will probably be about the highest standard you'll find and buying on description first isn't the huge risk that you'd think.  They typically don't hold anything much over 5 years old or greater than maybe 60k miles.

e30 prices generally seem to have crept up quite a bit in the UK since I bought the last 325i early last year.  Nice drop tops are getting hard to find in top condition with history and less than 6 figure mileages (I've been keeping my eyes peeled myself!).  This guy is worth keeping an eye on (he has a small stock and doesn't update the site too often, so its worth keeping an eye on the ads he has in Total BMW and BMW Car mags).  VRT does seem to be reasonable all right.  Even when I bought the 320i on 2001 (with 45k and fsh) the vrt was only around £700.

http://www.wlnautomotive.co.uk - www.wlnautomotive.co.uk

Just checked that site, that Alpina touring is one sweet motor

JohnH wrote: The silver 325 coupe isn't too shaby either.

Indeed

I've been in touch with him about the silver 325i!  Under a bit of pressure at work at the moment but when the dust settles in a coupel of weeks I may be taking a trip over for a chat with him.  His cars aren't cheap (I paid a decent bit less last year for the 325i with 60k and fsh than he wants for the 325 with partial history) but he does seem to be able to sniff out some choice motors with low mileage and decent history.  In the Gallery section he has a 320i conv that he sold recently that I quite fancied.  Same colour as the 325i.

btw, the brilliant red 325i Sport auto in the gallery section was bought by one of our local forum members!

Even when I bought the 320i on 2001 (with 45k and fsh) the vrt was only around £700.

@Dergside - did you have to argue to get that vrt price, i've been quote 700euro to vrt my 1995 316i with 40k. Which vrt office did you use?

Mark.

Mark

Sorry, should have read "320i IN 2001".  It might not have been clear also that it was a convertible. 

There seems to be a significant step in VRT values between the e30 and e36 (as there is in turn between e36 and e46 - even where the year is the same).  That figure was just what was being charged at the time, no haggling, etc. (in fairness I couldn't make a case for the condition of the car being less than excellent).

Mrs D's '98 316i with 54k miles cost €2111 in VRT in January. 

The VRT perspective is that VRT should reflect the open market selling price of the car here.  €700 of vRT gives a "grossed up" value on the car of about €2800.  Even if paying it sticks in your throat, you'll still find that €2800 is less than the real value in the market for a '95 316i with 40k miles, so even that figure is an anomoly.

The key to "winning" when it comes to VRT is to do homework to find the anomolies (i.e. the fact that VRT on an e30 325i Sport is 3 or 4 times that on a mechanically virtually identical 325i SE while the Sport is also at least twice the price of an equivalent condition and mileage SE in the UK).

@Dergside - that explains it.  Yeah 700 notes is not bad considering i looked at a 95 316 with 120k for 6k euro over here. Should have my one paid for, vrt'd and taxed all in for about 3800 and its in great condition.

Mark

These are the reasons (spec, condition, price) that virtually all of my cars in the past 10 years have come from the UK!