E46 3 Series price and help

[uuf361]

Just agreed to buy an E46, 318 SE with 36K and full history etc, T reg, cost £5,300 - sound reasonable ?

Also, it has (like many at this age I've seen) discolouration/scratched/chipped panel strip next to/behind the drivers door handle - this is presumably where people get in/out with keys and it gets chipped/scratched. Is this an easy panel to replace or does it involve new door handles etc.

Also, it only has a tape player - should most BMW cd changes be easy to fit - what connectors etc should I be looking for ?

[Equinox]

Depends who the head unit is made by? BMW or Blaupunkt, if BMW then i think all BMW changers fit, if Blaupunkt then you can do a search for then on t'net and than can find compatible changers to suit it.

[Phil Dicky]

I had a 99 3 series and all the conections for a CD changer are already in the boot. get a changer of e-bay and away you go.

[olf]

Have a look on the left hand side of the boot. There should be a removable panel. Behind here you should find lots of wiring and a frame in which to hold a CD player. Next have a fish around, you're looking for two plugs, one should be 3 pin and the other 6 pin, both come from the same multicore cable. These are the connections for the CD changer.

They may be covered by some padding or tucked in, just do some gentle teasing and you'll find them!

[uuf361]

Ah that sounds like good news - will have to wait another 10 days to pick up the car but it all sounds relatively easy so will keep an eye on what they go for on ebay.

Think the head unit is BMW business.

>> Edited by uuf361 on Wednesday 22 March 08:13

[Donut]

All E46 3's are CD prepped from the factory.

A six CD unit is £250 fitted.

You will need a few screws and brackets if you buy one from ebay.

[uuf361]

Is that £250 from the main dealer or will any normal car audio place be able to fit the right one ?