Buying E46- advice needed

[sleepersix]

Hi folks. I'm new to PH and am planning on buying my first BMW but have a number of questions. I am mainly looking at early 330 petrol E46 models.

1) Is there any noticeable difference in performance/ride/handling between the saloon and coupe?

2) Do the Sport models drive differently to the SEs? Is the Sport a cosmetic package or does it have different suspension etc?

3) Does the 330 engine have cambelts or timing chains etc, and do I need to allow for changing them at a recommended mileage?

4) Are there any particular common problems I should look out for on these cars?

Sorry for the barrage of questions. Many thanks in advance again.

[ccfj1]

sleepersix said:

Hi folks. I'm new to PH and am planning on buying my first BMW but have a number of questions. I am mainly looking at early 330 petrol E46 models.

Ok good choice.

sleepersix said:

1) Is there any noticeable difference in performance/ride/handling between the saloon and coupe?

Depends on whether you get the SE or Sport,
SE = softer susspention, 17" alloys, softer all round.
Sport = stiffer susspention, 18" alloys, firm/stiff.

SE coupe's and saloons, handle and ride the same(ish) as do Sport coupe's and saloons.

sleepersix said:

2) Do the Sport models drive differently to the SEs? Is the Sport a cosmetic package or does it have different suspension etc?

SE has standard body kit and is softer in the ride, performansc wise theres not much in it.

Sport, Body kit, sports seats, sorts susspention, black head lining, sport steering wheel, 18" alloys, various trim bits.

I thnik that the sport "may" have a differnt ratio on the dif/gearbox, but thats not gospel.

sleepersix said:

3) Does the 330 engine have cambelts or timing chains etc, and do I need to allow for changing them at a recommended mileage?

All BMW 6 pots have the double chain, and are bullit-proof, only the 4 pots have the belt, expect to change every 50k

sleepersix said:

4) Are there any particular common problems I should look out for on these cars?

Look out for rear suspention failure on cars between 1998-(late)2000, (most should have been fixed, but ask the seller if its been done, if not walk away) but other than that they are very strong, regular servicing is a must, even if its not bmw servicing stamps, make sure it has been done, rear springs seem to be troublesome, they break for no reason sometimes (always buy in pairs BTW), also bottom front wishbone/ball joints, (only bought in pairs @ £90 a pop).

Discs and pads every 60k seems to be about right (a bit longer on the back).

sleepersix said:

Sorry for the barrage of questions. Many thanks in advance again.

No problem.

If you do go for one try and get one that is fully loaded, poverty spec models do not hold there price and you suffer and trade/sell up time.

Try and get a 2001-> 330i Sport with satnav, leather, folding mirrors, sunroof, HK sound, BT-Comms pack, xenons (or bi-xenons), heated seats, FBMWSH.

Don't worry if you can't get all of the above...but you will thank me in the end if you can

Hope this helps.

[muzzer79]

sleepersix said:

4) Are there any particular common problems I should look out for on these cars?

Also, have a look at the electrics.

Heated rear windows can fail and interfere with the radio (if the radio goes all crackly when you turn the HRW on it's knackered) New rear window apparently if it's gone kaput..

Check that the door locks work off the remote properly as that's £85 a side from BMW if they don't

As previously posted, check rear springs (I have a friend with an 02 car that's had 2 go) and bushes. It should feel tight all round (ooer)

Finally, don't buy poverty spec - You'll enjoy it more with toys and it'll sell easier when the time comes.

Enjoy.

[andysv]

sorry to hijack, my 330d/04 touring sits real low at the back, it's got a couple of weeks warranty remaining, supplying dealer says it's ok, should i get it double checked?

[olf]

andysv said:

sorry to hijack, my 330d/04 touring sits real low at the back, it's got a couple of weeks warranty remaining, supplying dealer says it's ok, should i get it double checked?

Yes!

[andysv]

what goes wrong? mines done 50k miles, but under warranty til end jan.

[jay123]

btw even the 4 pots are chain driven on the e46's

[sleepersix]

Many thanks for the advice everyone, thats a huge help.

So is a high spec lower mileage saloon sport a better bet than a higher mileage low spec coupe for the same money?

Also, why are some five speed and some six speed (only looking at manuals)? Was the six box an option or did they change the spec?

Again, thanks.

[olf]

What stage of life are you in?

The reason I ask is that I probably wouldn't have bought the sports suspension, with a young family, with hinsight! It's a bit hard for a bub.

[sleepersix]

Early thirties with a young 'un, but he's used to a fairly stiff ride in my current car.

[ccfj1]

sleepersix said:

Many thanks for the advice everyone, thats a huge help.

No problem.

sleepersix said:

So is a high spec lower mileage saloon sport a better bet than a higher mileage low spec coupe for the same money?

I'd say, yes, but for me, I'd rather have a higher spec anything with a higher mileage than a low mileage low spec...even if it's older, but thats just me.

But remember, coupes always hold there price better than saloons.

I only do about 6-8k a year so mileage is not a concern form me, but i have had a 170k 6 pot e36 and had no engine trouble at all, so they are very strong lumps.

sleepersix said:

Also, why are some five speed and some six speed (only looking at manuals)? Was the six box an option or did they change the spec?

Again, thanks.

Again good choice, I don't like autos either. As for the gearbox it depends on the year and the engine type (i think) all oil burners after 2004 had the 6 speed and it was an option on everything else.

Good luck with the search, it took me 6 months to find my loaded 330ci Sport.

BTW another thing to look for is the door seals on the coupe, sometimes the glue fails and they hang down, you can DIY them, the $tealer wants £200 a pop for them.

[NickXX]

From another forum:

Sport Pack =
BMW sports seats £414
Black Aluminum Cube Interior Trim £151
Anthracite headlining £134
Multifunction M Sport steering wheel £193
M Aerodynamic Body styling Kit £968
Alloy wheels - 18" M Sports Spoke, Style 135M £1,157
High gloss shadow line £280
Sports suspension £276

[sleepersix]

Brilliant. Thanks for all the help. Just a case of finding one I think......