e46 4door buying guides?

[kam32oi Cab]

hi all going to go view one and was wondering on what to look out for its only a 1.8(1.9) are there any guides? i know the usual to look out for generally just not to sure on anything bmw related..

many thanks [ok

[Chaos]

OK, a basic but not exhaustive list would include:


Rattles from the front or back (ball joints or swing arms at the front, springs at the rear - expensive for the former, cheaper and upgradeable on the latter)

Check the underside of the oil filler cap for mayonnaise which would show either overheating or gasket seepage (not cheap to resolve)

Check that the car is as sharp when it's warm as it is when it's cold (exhaust cam sensors are prone to going fairly regularly)

Check it idles smoothly when it's cold - immediately after starting up (MAF sensors go all the time, check your hasn't before you buy it http://sankeys.demon.co.uk/images/smilies/tongue.gif - also worth checking that the sensor is plugged in, as dealers can hide faulty ones by unplugging them and letting them run fully open, although main dealers shouldn't stoop that low)

Check the aircon to make sure that it stays on and at the temp you set (change it from what it is when you turn the ignition on)

Check the toolkit and the glovebox torch

Get as many optional extras as you can. 1.9s are likely to be manuals almost every time, but tick as many other boxes as possible to help your residuals, but don't get suckered into paying any extra for these (they're secondhand now, and there's no point paying for them when you can buy a cheaper car and buy the ones that you specifically want)

Check the service handbook carefully. you and I know that indy's are usually better services than main dealers, but BMWs are still marketed as marque cars so use anything non-dealer as a bargaining tool

More of a basic one really, but it's important when I shop for a car: Knock all around the outside with your knuckles. Anything that stops sounding tinny and starts sounding wooden is the result of crash damage - your call from there whether you haggle or walk away

Good luck. :)

Edit: They upgraded the steering racks in 2001, so for the first couple of years of E46s it's worth checking how sharp the steering feels as it may not have been done on those. Not sure how old you're looking, but just a heads-up.

[Black Sabbath]

Got to admit I have no problems with my old one at all,Miss Naughty
is now using it and its still runs like a dream,first time starter,smooth
comfortable drive as well.

[kam32oi Cab]

Chaos, i appreciate you writing all that, im gna probably make a print out of that and take it with me tmrw [cool top man

car has bmw business satnav too woooo :D

gota sell my sounds!!

[Dirty Black]

nice to have the nav, gd luck m8