X Reg lo mileage FSH E46 330ci auto

[1stbeemer]

So, I am looking at an X Reg (Y2K) E46 330ci with the M54 engine and automatic transmission in black with black interior. It had FSH and had only covered 50k miles with one owner.

Asking price of 7k pounds from a forecourt. Thoughts. The car looks amazing in pictures.

[d_a_n1979]

Check it THOROUGHLY...

Sounds a great car; a strong price but very low miles...

Obviously ensure they're genuine, so do your due diligence with the MOT history and a full car check online (Carvertical etc)

You need to go over the car with a fine tooth comb. The E46s love to rust with age, the subframe likes to crack and you need to ensure that the engine and box are sweet as they should be. So a good test drive, go through the gears manually and use reverse also!

Any links to it?

[1stbeemer]

Thank you for the detailed reply. I must say I am a bit of a noob to beemers. This will be my first one. So I dont know what I am looking for but will follow YouTube tutorials before seeing.

[d_a_n1979]

1stbeemer said:

Thank you for the detailed reply. I must say I am a bit of a noob to beemers. This will be my first one. So I dont know what I am looking for but will follow YouTube tutorials before seeing.

Absolutely... If you're unsure, get one of the AA/RAC checks carried out also

Good read here: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-cars-used-...

And here: https://www.carthrottle.com/post/a25dq8y/

The M54 is a superb lump and very bulletproof; but they do have their foibles which are easy to sort

They like to leak oil through worn/perished gaskets etc (rocker gasket, oil filter housing gasket, blocked dip stick tube can cause issues too); check the DISA is working as it should (it'll make a noise but should be quiet and not rattly); check that the engine revs well and doesn't move too much when it is revved (sign of shot engine mounts). Ask to hear it started from stone cold too!

The autobox should be smooth and not jolty; though all gears inc reverse

I'd absolutely recommend getting it serviced though (fluid & filter) by a specialist as it's not really a DIY job

I got my previous Japanese import 2002 E39 540i ZF box serviced with only 52k miles on it; Grant at Automatic Transmissions, Preston said it was foul, black & very burned and absolutely ready for a change... BMW state it's sealed for life! ZF state they should be serviced 60-80k miles...

I'd always go with what ZF say as they make the boxes!

[smn159]

Check all four wings for rust in the arches and forward of the rear arch. Front wings bolt on and you can get them reasonably cheaply already painted in the colour of your car, but they can take a bit of messing to fit properly.

Check the header tank for cracks as they can let go, dumping the coolant and quickly seizing the engine

Ignore the mileage and buy on condition. It's strong money for an E46 so get it inspected

[Mr Tidy]

That is strong money for an E46, although there can't be many 1 owner 50K mile ones left now.

I'd check the radiator too. I bought one on 80K miles and the bottom of it was bowed like a banana!

[PurpleTurtle]

Strong money but hopefully condition is relative to mileage.

As others have already stated, rust in wheel arches and age related decay of the cooling system are the biggest issues with any E46.

The latter is pretty straightforward to rectify, this gives a feel for the work involved,

https://youtu.be/r9N29mFeHpk

[1stbeemer]

Than you for all the help. It was sold before I could get my deposit in. No more good ones left.

[g3org3y]

1stbeemer said:

Than you for all the help. It was sold before I could get my deposit in. No more good ones left.

[PurpleTurtle]

1stbeemer said:

Than you for all the help. It was sold before I could get my deposit in. No more good ones left.

Really? This is four grand and looks pretty straight: https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1535611

The trim isn't to my taste but you can pick up an entire interior on eBay for a few hundred quid.