XMAX said:The e46 325i is an awesome car.
the engines are bulletproof.
What spec is he getting.. Is it an Exclusive, Sportpack, Individual, MSport?
Year?
Mileage?
Colour?
When buying the car, he should do the usual preventive maintenance things. They have been mentioned many times in other posts. in short:
- Lower Control Arm Bushes
- Expansion Tank Replacement
- Service
there are other items, but these should be the first to be replaced.
Theyre are really great cars. the Manual gearbox suits the car well. Its not quarter mile specialist, but not a slouch either, and that Inline 6 is gonna sound awesome. a good amount of power in that car. Economy wise, its not going to be lighter than a 330i, so if a 330i is also in the books, then the 330i should be the first choice... but the 325i is still a great car.
Tell him that if the bodywork, and the mechanical history of the car check out, then its a great car to own. I should know, cos Ive owned one in the past.
akash said:He's seen a 2004 325i sportpack advertised for R78 000 with 169 000km on the clock.with service history
AdiS said:akash said:He's seen a 2004 325i sportpack advertised for R78 000 with 169 000km on the clock.with service history
Is it this one? http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-cars-bmw-325i-sport-pack-2004-W0QQAdIdZ434287036
If it is, well its nice because its Msport. There's nothing wrong with a higher mileage E46 as long as it has been maintained.
I get would get car thoroughly checked - suspension, cooling system, belts & pulleys, have diagnostics run to see if there are any codes, see how far brake discs and pads are from replacement, and make sure its had all its oil changes and inspection services.
SP33DYV said:I have an e46 325i that I bought new in 2004.
These are the things that I had to replace:
1 Expansion tank and cap
2 Radiator has a known issue where it gets a hairline where the expansion tank connects to it
3 Lower Control Arm Bushes
4 The Final Stage Resistor on the internal fan blower
5 Serpentine belt and tensioner pulleys
6 If the car has not had it's battery replaced yet, it will soon
7 Rectifier on the alternator
Mine is almost ticking over to 200 000 kilometers and that was the only big repair items, well actually more of an inconvenience.:thumbs:
And I must admit that I am a very spirited driver.