What do you guys think about this E46?
Thread Starter
styling on you
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,274
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, California
What do you guys think about this E46?
2004 330Ci
Black Sapphire Metallic w/ Natural Brown Leather
Steptronic
Premium + Sport package
44,000 miles, 2nd owner. Older gentlemen bought it at the dealership 1 and a half years old. The weird thing is the dealership is the 1st owner...
Is it possible they used that car as a loaner? Or maybe it was a company car for one of the managers?
Anywho, it looks to be in pretty good condition, and I got him down to $16,500.
What do you guys think? Is it a decent deal or should I keep looking?
What issues should I know about the E46 330ci?
JESAL WHERE YOU AT!!??!
Black Sapphire Metallic w/ Natural Brown Leather
Steptronic
Premium + Sport package
44,000 miles, 2nd owner. Older gentlemen bought it at the dealership 1 and a half years old. The weird thing is the dealership is the 1st owner...
Is it possible they used that car as a loaner? Or maybe it was a company car for one of the managers?
Anywho, it looks to be in pretty good condition, and I got him down to $16,500.
What do you guys think? Is it a decent deal or should I keep looking?
What issues should I know about the E46 330ci?
JESAL WHERE YOU AT!!??!
2004 330Ci
Black Sapphire Metallic w/ Natural Brown Leather
Steptronic
Premium + Sport package
44,000 miles, 2nd owner. Older gentlemen bought it at the dealership 1 and a half years old. The weird thing is the dealership is the 1st owner...
Is it possible they used that car as a loaner? Or maybe it was a company car for one of the managers?
Anywho, it looks to be in pretty good condition, and I got him down to $16,500.
What do you guys think? Is it a decent deal or should I keep looking?
What issues should I know about the E46 330ci?
JESAL WHERE YOU AT!!??!
Black Sapphire Metallic w/ Natural Brown Leather
Steptronic
Premium + Sport package
44,000 miles, 2nd owner. Older gentlemen bought it at the dealership 1 and a half years old. The weird thing is the dealership is the 1st owner...
Is it possible they used that car as a loaner? Or maybe it was a company car for one of the managers?
Anywho, it looks to be in pretty good condition, and I got him down to $16,500.
What do you guys think? Is it a decent deal or should I keep looking?
What issues should I know about the E46 330ci?
JESAL WHERE YOU AT!!??!
is in Honda heaven
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 1
From: Gainesville, VA
What most likely happened is the car was either a loaner or a manager demo vehicle. At the point they couldnt sell it in the new department anymore maybe because of mileage, their could be a number of reasons it gets sold to the used car department. At that point it gets titled in the dealerships name and gets sold as a used car that is still technically new.
Suzuka Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,271
Likes: 236
From: Maryland
Pricing seems good, not phenomenal but good for what you're getting. As others mentioned, make sure you get it inspected by a mechanic before buying. I just would have wished that you would have looked at a manual, both my previous E46s (328i,330xi) were just a joy to drive in stick and a match made in heaven for the inline6 motor.
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Thread Starter
styling on you
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,274
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, California
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
That's the car in question...
It also comes with a CPO warranty for about another year
Autocheck says the car is clean, and has never been used as a demo.
That's the car in question...
It also comes with a CPO warranty for about another year
Autocheck says the car is clean, and has never been used as a demo.
Administrator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 26,326
Likes: 131
From: Northwest IN
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
That's the car in question...
It also comes with a CPO warranty for about another year
Autocheck says the car is clean, and has never been used as a demo.
That's the car in question...
It also comes with a CPO warranty for about another year
Autocheck says the car is clean, and has never been used as a demo.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: PA
you can get a CPO at bmw where they will inspect the car and tell you everything questionable on the car and can extend the CPO warranty on it. I loved my bimmers but it always seemed like the day the warranty is up, everything wants to go at once. for 16.5 its a good deal you wont regret it.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 34,937
Likes: 638
From: Chicago Burbs
I have no idea about pricing since i havent watched E46 for awhile.
The Automtaics tend to fail around 100k miles but not always. They had issues with the rear subframe so check that, although i think they fixed that by 04 models.
Otherwise its a great car. More common issues were with the earlier E46 models. Not the 04s.
But yes, check www.e46fanatics.com and search. Tons of info there.
The Automtaics tend to fail around 100k miles but not always. They had issues with the rear subframe so check that, although i think they fixed that by 04 models.
Otherwise its a great car. More common issues were with the earlier E46 models. Not the 04s.
But yes, check www.e46fanatics.com and search. Tons of info there.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Pricing seems good, not phenomenal but good for what you're getting. As others mentioned, make sure you get it inspected by a mechanic before buying. I just would have wished that you would have looked at a manual, both my previous E46s (328i,330xi) were just a joy to drive in stick and a match made in heaven for the inline6 motor.
Thread Starter
styling on you
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,274
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, California
Nokia and Costco... I definately feel ya on the manual... but a few things
1. I live in LA, and traffic here is HELL
2. Manual E46 are pretty damn rare, and a good one is hard to find
3. They're expensive!
BUT with that said, I think I owe it to myself to go check out a stick shift E46 even though it's not the color nor price I want.
1. I live in LA, and traffic here is HELL
2. Manual E46 are pretty damn rare, and a good one is hard to find
3. They're expensive!
BUT with that said, I think I owe it to myself to go check out a stick shift E46 even though it's not the color nor price I want.
Nokia and Costco... I definately feel ya on the manual... but a few things
1. I live in LA, and traffic here is HELL
2. Manual E46 are pretty damn rare, and a good one is hard to find
3. They're expensive!
BUT with that said, I think I owe it to myself to go check out a stick shift E46 even though it's not the color nor price I want.
1. I live in LA, and traffic here is HELL
2. Manual E46 are pretty damn rare, and a good one is hard to find
3. They're expensive!
BUT with that said, I think I owe it to myself to go check out a stick shift E46 even though it's not the color nor price I want.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 19
From: Pleasant Hill, CA
. It's really not bad at all 
, I'd say get it.
Disinformation Terminator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Very clean looking car, looks really good.
Get it inspected, and call the guys at www.turnermotorsport.com about the rear subframe mount sheet-metal problem.....ask them if it extends to the 2004 cars.
Other than that, most of the problems of the early E46's were ironed out by '04, such as cracking thermostat housings and plastic-impeller water pumps.
Seems like a solid car at a solid price, and the Steptronic is a good transmission. If it checks out OK and hasn't been wrecked, I say do it, although budget $1500 or so for the next year in unforseen maintenence issues. Its a German car you see........
Oh yeah - highly unlikely that car was a loaner. It was probably a manager's vehicle, or a corporate leased vehicle to serve a similar purpose.
Get it inspected, and call the guys at www.turnermotorsport.com about the rear subframe mount sheet-metal problem.....ask them if it extends to the 2004 cars.
Other than that, most of the problems of the early E46's were ironed out by '04, such as cracking thermostat housings and plastic-impeller water pumps.
Seems like a solid car at a solid price, and the Steptronic is a good transmission. If it checks out OK and hasn't been wrecked, I say do it, although budget $1500 or so for the next year in unforseen maintenence issues. Its a German car you see........
Oh yeah - highly unlikely that car was a loaner. It was probably a manager's vehicle, or a corporate leased vehicle to serve a similar purpose.
Last edited by TheMirror; Jun 15, 2009 at 01:20 AM.
Thread Starter
styling on you
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,274
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, California
I forgot to mention that the owner said he has had absolutely zero problems with it and hasn't had to use the warranty at all. Only things he's done is service/maintenance.
The only 2 flaws with the car are
1. Tiny crack in the windshield from a rock
2. Rear tires need to be replaced soon... within 5k miles (not really a flaw)
3. small scratch on the hood... maybe 3 inches? he said it's from a cat lol
So that's why he was willing to drop it from 18,000 to 16,500. Is it still a good deal? The rock chip on the windshield doesn't really bug me (or atleast i dont think it would?) So i dont know if it'd replace it unless it would spread to the rest of the windshield.
Oh and thanks for the advice/opinions guys, keep them coming. I found a red ZHP in Imola Red/Natural brown in 6 speed. Its a little more expensive but i'm going to go see whats up and see if i really like the stick.
Rear tires would cost $400ish
and scratch would cost maybe 50 bucks to take out?
Is that a fair deal?
The only 2 flaws with the car are
1. Tiny crack in the windshield from a rock
2. Rear tires need to be replaced soon... within 5k miles (not really a flaw)
3. small scratch on the hood... maybe 3 inches? he said it's from a cat lol
So that's why he was willing to drop it from 18,000 to 16,500. Is it still a good deal? The rock chip on the windshield doesn't really bug me (or atleast i dont think it would?) So i dont know if it'd replace it unless it would spread to the rest of the windshield.
Oh and thanks for the advice/opinions guys, keep them coming. I found a red ZHP in Imola Red/Natural brown in 6 speed. Its a little more expensive but i'm going to go see whats up and see if i really like the stick.
Rear tires would cost $400ish
and scratch would cost maybe 50 bucks to take out?
Is that a fair deal?
Last edited by SeCsTaC; Jun 15, 2009 at 04:01 AM.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Cracks never stay the same.... they only get bigger and bigger. A chip won't change though, there's a difference. eh I'd just wait for another, though the rear tires aren't a big deal at all.
And
for the ZHP!!!! Doooo eeeeit!
And
for the ZHP!!!! Doooo eeeeit!
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 34,937
Likes: 638
From: Chicago Burbs
Its just a car dood. There are tons of online places that sell car parts for cheap. Its up to the owner to do research.
If you go to the dealer to replace the muffler then you deserve to get bent over.
I
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,865
Likes: 58
From: Chicago Suburbs
I've had a 2002 since 36K miles (at 88K now) and I haven't really had any problems with mine. I would say do it. The only thing that would keep me away is the auto tranny. If I were you, I'd hold off on it and wait til you can find a 5 or 6 speed.
Thread Starter
styling on you
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,274
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, California
FFFUUU! I went to go check out that Imola Red ZHP and that car is fucking awesome! It's an 05 so it has the perforated M steering wheel, and it's got the natural brown leather i love. Car is in pretty good condition, except the tires look worn to shit. Oil change light was on and I asked the owner about it and he sort of look confused and rambled about it being fine or something like that. He's a fob so it made it harder to understand lol.
2005 Imola Red / Natural Brown ZHP 330CI 6 Speed
53,000 miles
Navigation + Parking Sensors
Asking 19,000 and "seems" firm on it
Only thing wrong with the car that I noticed was that the tires looked very worn out, and the front bumper had a dent/hole in it, although it was small.
I dont know if I should get this, or go for the OP car, save some coin, drive it around for 2-3 years while saving up and get myself into a nice used 335i/G37...
decisions decisions
2005 Imola Red / Natural Brown ZHP 330CI 6 Speed
53,000 miles
Navigation + Parking Sensors
Asking 19,000 and "seems" firm on it
Only thing wrong with the car that I noticed was that the tires looked very worn out, and the front bumper had a dent/hole in it, although it was small.
I dont know if I should get this, or go for the OP car, save some coin, drive it around for 2-3 years while saving up and get myself into a nice used 335i/G37...
decisions decisions
Disinformation Terminator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
The Third Ball
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 50,493
Likes: 5,869
From: Los Angeles, Ca
I realize I am late to this thread...but you never cease to be an idiot, amazing.
I'm tired of this bullshit excuse. I have driven stick in LA for 7 years with no problems, and I will continue to drive stick in LA. I have friends who drive stick in LA with no problems.
Quit being a bunch of pussies.
Quit being a bunch of pussies.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
heh.... I guess I'm spoiled by the SJ/Bay area traffic. Its not too bad, but if I had a modded car with a stiff aftermarket clutch it would get old quick I imagine.
given, the only times I drove stick in LA were in my Integra with 4 or 5 people in the car, which meant it had no balls whatsoever. Screaming in 3rd gear on the highway with a bunch of people in the car trying to talk = no fun
given, the only times I drove stick in LA were in my Integra with 4 or 5 people in the car, which meant it had no balls whatsoever. Screaming in 3rd gear on the highway with a bunch of people in the car trying to talk = no fun
Por Favor?
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 10
2004 330Ci
Black Sapphire Metallic w/ Natural Brown Leather
Steptronic
Premium + Sport package
44,000 miles, 2nd owner. Older gentlemen bought it at the dealership 1 and a half years old. The weird thing is the dealership is the 1st owner...
Is it possible they used that car as a loaner? Or maybe it was a company car for one of the managers?
Anywho, it looks to be in pretty good condition, and I got him down to $16,500.
What do you guys think? Is it a decent deal or should I keep looking?
What issues should I know about the E46 330ci?
JESAL WHERE YOU AT!!??!
Black Sapphire Metallic w/ Natural Brown Leather
Steptronic
Premium + Sport package
44,000 miles, 2nd owner. Older gentlemen bought it at the dealership 1 and a half years old. The weird thing is the dealership is the 1st owner...
Is it possible they used that car as a loaner? Or maybe it was a company car for one of the managers?
Anywho, it looks to be in pretty good condition, and I got him down to $16,500.
What do you guys think? Is it a decent deal or should I keep looking?
What issues should I know about the E46 330ci?
JESAL WHERE YOU AT!!??!
Por Favor?
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 10
FFFUUU! I went to go check out that Imola Red ZHP and that car is fucking awesome! It's an 05 so it has the perforated M steering wheel, and it's got the natural brown leather i love. Car is in pretty good condition, except the tires look worn to shit. Oil change light was on and I asked the owner about it and he sort of look confused and rambled about it being fine or something like that. He's a fob so it made it harder to understand lol.
2005 Imola Red / Natural Brown ZHP 330CI 6 Speed
53,000 miles
Navigation + Parking Sensors
Asking 19,000 and "seems" firm on it
Only thing wrong with the car that I noticed was that the tires looked very worn out, and the front bumper had a dent/hole in it, although it was small.
I dont know if I should get this, or go for the OP car, save some coin, drive it around for 2-3 years while saving up and get myself into a nice used 335i/G37...
decisions decisions
2005 Imola Red / Natural Brown ZHP 330CI 6 Speed
53,000 miles
Navigation + Parking Sensors
Asking 19,000 and "seems" firm on it
Only thing wrong with the car that I noticed was that the tires looked very worn out, and the front bumper had a dent/hole in it, although it was small.
I dont know if I should get this, or go for the OP car, save some coin, drive it around for 2-3 years while saving up and get myself into a nice used 335i/G37...
decisions decisions
(I've done this)If you want a G37 or 335i that bad I would say just save your money and wait till a good one comes along you can afford (which I doubt would even be that long...) Don't dicker around with "tide me over" crap. Go big or go home. You're likely to be happier in the long run.
BMW automatics are fine IMO. You will have no issues with it, esp the car has less than 100k miles.
Oil change is easy and also cheap. I do it myself at home. The filter is more expensive than a Honda one, but they also run longer. Go with OEM filter and oil. Make sure it's the OILSERVICE not INSPECTION on the dash when you turn the key to position II. Inspection will cost some $$ although you can do most of it yourself. Inspection I and II consists mainly of inspections (hence the name), oil and filter change, and air/cabin filter replacement.
The 3-series are probably the most reliable BMWs. I wouldn't worry about either car, as long as the selling price is OK. Tires could be expensive, but search Craigslist LA, it has a lot of ads from tire shops in El Monte with low prices.
PM me if you have any questions. I have 3 old(er) BMWs and all of them have been 99% reliable, no catastrophic problems. My neighbor has an 02 M3 with 130k miles and that thing has been dead reliable too. I wouldn't worry about 04 or 05 E46 with low miles.
Oil change is easy and also cheap. I do it myself at home. The filter is more expensive than a Honda one, but they also run longer. Go with OEM filter and oil. Make sure it's the OILSERVICE not INSPECTION on the dash when you turn the key to position II. Inspection will cost some $$ although you can do most of it yourself. Inspection I and II consists mainly of inspections (hence the name), oil and filter change, and air/cabin filter replacement.
The 3-series are probably the most reliable BMWs. I wouldn't worry about either car, as long as the selling price is OK. Tires could be expensive, but search Craigslist LA, it has a lot of ads from tire shops in El Monte with low prices.
PM me if you have any questions. I have 3 old(er) BMWs and all of them have been 99% reliable, no catastrophic problems. My neighbor has an 02 M3 with 130k miles and that thing has been dead reliable too. I wouldn't worry about 04 or 05 E46 with low miles.
Disinformation Terminator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
A little better. Sounds like this guy didn't take the utmost care of the car though, which is generally your cue to run when buying used German hardware. He's selling that thing because it's an 05 coming off warranty soon, or is perhaps already out of warranty, which would be even worse from a buyer's perspective...no time to rush it into the dealership with a "needs fixed" list (I've done this)
(I've done this)
Disinformation Terminator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 34,937
Likes: 638
From: Chicago Burbs
As the result of a class action lawsuit settlement against BMW, the luxury German automaker will begin an inspection-and-repair process for potentially faulty subframes in fourth-generation 3-series models. The particular model in question is the E46, and covers the complete model run from 1999 through to 2006.
The suit originated in 2006 and claimed that defects in E46 3-series models cause fractures in the rear-axle supports in the subframe. Some customers have reported clunking noises from the rear and some have even experienced complete subframe failure.
This settlement only pertains to U.S. residents for now and is not classified as a recall of any kind. Details will be forthcoming, pending the court's final approval of the proposed class settlement. In advance of the final settlement, BMW customers with questions should visit the website www.E46subframeclassactionsettlement.com.
In the meantime, all E46 3-series owners and leases in the U.S. who have not noticed the problem or have already fixed it themselves should check the website as well as they may be eligible for reimbursement.
The suit originated in 2006 and claimed that defects in E46 3-series models cause fractures in the rear-axle supports in the subframe. Some customers have reported clunking noises from the rear and some have even experienced complete subframe failure.
This settlement only pertains to U.S. residents for now and is not classified as a recall of any kind. Details will be forthcoming, pending the court's final approval of the proposed class settlement. In advance of the final settlement, BMW customers with questions should visit the website www.E46subframeclassactionsettlement.com.
In the meantime, all E46 3-series owners and leases in the U.S. who have not noticed the problem or have already fixed it themselves should check the website as well as they may be eligible for reimbursement.
Good news!!