Advice on e46 320i purchase

[SimonB]

Hi all, this is my first post on here so I'm not sure if I'm even posting in the right category. I'm looking for some advice as I'm considering buying an 03 320i as a daily. I've done a fair amount of research but I can't seem to find all the info I'm looking for. I've read that the cooling system on these tend to be problematic so how much could I estimate for an overhaul on that? Apparently I can look to replace the expansion tank, thermostat and waterpump first? It looks to be an elderly couple selling the car and from the pictures it does look very neat. [font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]This one has quite low mileage too at 149k km and according to them full service history too. I haven't gone to look at the car yet but plan to and a mechanic friend will be accompanying me. [/font]
The main purpose for the car will be commuting but I also don't want to be completely bored while I drive (I come from an 06 Tiida so I'm sure this will be a step up in the fun area at least). From everything I've read the m54b22 is very reliable if taken care of, just like most cars I guess. I don't mind a few quirks here and there but I want the overall reliable bmw for the amount I'm paying. I also don't mind paying for a cooling system overhaul shortly after the purchase if it's not too expensive. So yea, would this be a good option for me? This car costs R62,000. I've attached pictures below so I'm hoping that worked. Thanks in advance for any input. 

 

[DoctorJ]

Hi Simon, and welcome.

Yes, the cooling system may need to be checked and to be honest, do it, and you will know it is done.

My bill at SMG a few years came to 12k, but to be honest I can't remember exactly what they did on my e46 330i. Can't remember if it included a new radiator as well, but definitely expansion tank, thermostat and waterpump.

I see the car has rear pdc and electric blind in the back, looks to be in good condition too.

I have had 5 x E46 and to me it is still one of BMW's nicest 3 series.

Another weak point on the car was the window winding mechanism. Not expensive to fix.

It's a lot of car for the money.

 

[SimonB]

Thanks for the response, I actually went and picked the car up today so I'm not officially a bmw owner. I'm taking it to garage 808 tomorrow to get the quotes I from them too as well as an oil service.

 

[DoctorJ]

Thanks for the response, I actually went and picked the car up today so I'm not officially a bmw owner. I'm taking it to garage 808 tomorrow to get the quotes I from them too as well as an oil service.

No Don't. Find someone else.

That place will never ever see me again.

 

[SimonB]

How so? I've heard only good things about them?

 

[DoctorJ]

I had the worst of experiences there about 2 weeks ago.

Quick to take your money and put a 20k quote in my hand, but the moment there was an issue, not due to a mistake by them, or me, they point blank refused to help and told me they can only help me in January 2021.

When I told them I will be using the car to go away on holiday, hence the reason I booked it in at end November already, they just wouldn't budge.

 

[KPM3_30]

Interesting, I've also only heard good things about Garage808.. I know @"Tinuva" is familiar with them, not sure if he has visited in recent times..

 

[b3rg]

Been using Garage 808 for many years.

In fact, my mothers vehicle broke down 2 weeks back.. vehicle was booked in for emergency repair... 2 days later, car is sorted and running again.

Ive never had a days issue or bad service from them.

 

[AshG108]

Congrats OP, was going to say if you dont take it, I will! lol

 

[SimonB]

Thanks! So far I'm really happy. I'll probably still take it to garage 808 and see what they say anyways. Thanks for the input from everyone

 

[Tinuva]

I had the worst of experiences there about 2 weeks ago.

Quick to take your money and put a 20k quote in my hand, but the moment there was an issue, not due to a mistake by them, or me, they point blank refused to help and told me they can only help me in January 2021.

When I told them I will be using the car to go away on holiday, hence the reason I booked it in at end November already, they just wouldn't budge.

What kind of issue?

I still use only Garage808 for services and certain jobs that I am not willing to take on myself. Always had excellent service from them. In fact I have my car going to them again the 22nd this month.

They are very strict with their rules, so I believe there is more details to this story and there is probably an explanation as to why they can only assist you in January. 

This is a very busy month and they lost their one mechanic recently and still accepting CVs for a new candidate which they only start doing interviews next year. So I can imagine their time is really tight at the moment and we don't know the exact details of the problem you have. Like is it a really big job to fix the issue or whats going on here?

---

Thanks! So far I'm really happy. I'll probably still take it to garage 808 and see what they say anyways. Thanks for the input from everyone

You cant go wrong by going there. That is the one place I know I trust my car with. I have trust issues, I don't just trust any place with my cars.

This car has low enough mileage that they will take it on, which is good news for you, because they don't do cars for the 1st time if its over 200k, but they will if you are a returning customer and they know the car.

Expect an inspection 2 service the first time you take a car there (its usually the most expensive one of the lot) because they prefer to check everything out the first time they see car, so that they know what to expect and can advise you on issues that will probably happen in the future, or any items that have been neglected. Expect a few neglected items on this car, its old, and even though it has a full service history, I guarantee you, there will be items that needs replacing.

If you service with Garage808, expect to find out about more items where you need to budget, and plan to have replaced in the future.

 

[DoctorJ]

My car went there for a quality check 23 November i think, before we hit the long road on holiday.

I only bought the car a month prior to that so I just wanted it checked out.

On collecting it, the radio was dead, no pdc, no warning gongs etc.

So went back in immediately and Colin pulled it into the workshop. 20 or so minutes later he puled it out, closed the gate walked in, and i thought woohoo, problem sorted. No he says, cant fix it now.

Radio worked the morning, but now suddenly it is not coming up in the VO.

At no point did i ever insinuate that they made a mistake. Things happen, I can deal with that.

I said okay, I have to arrange alternative transport as my wife is using my car, I will bring it in early the following week.

No, sorry, only next year, the one mechanic is finishing up that day and they can't diagnose until January.

Told them but I am using this car for holiday. Nope, sorry.

So I took my keys and left.

 

[Tinuva]

My car went there for a quality check 23 November i think, before we hit the long road on holiday.

I only bought the car a month prior to that so I just wanted it checked out.

On collecting it, the radio was dead, no pdc, no warning gongs etc.

So went back in immediately and Colin pulled it into the workshop. 20 or so minutes later he puled it out, closed the gate walked in, and i thought woohoo, problem sorted. No he says, cant fix it now.

Radio worked the morning, but now suddenly it is not coming up in the VO.

At no point did i ever insinuate that they made a mistake. Things happen, I can deal with that.

I said okay, I have to arrange alternative transport as my wife is using my car, I will bring it in early the following week.

No, sorry, only next year, the one mechanic is finishing up that day and they can't diagnose until January.

Told them but I am using this car for holiday. Nope, sorry.

So I took my keys and left.

Yeah, they would have to drop other clients to whom they already made commitments to squeeze you in. Also sounds like a fault finding job which doesn't have a specific eta. tough call they had to make to a new customer vs upsetting more than 1 long standing customer. It's a tough choice they had to make.

 

[DoctorJ]

Tough indeed.

 

[individj]

if on collection it had an issue it didnt have before...its tough sh!t for the other customers.

 

[Tinuva]

if on collection it had an issue it didnt have before...its tough sh!t for the other customers.

Yeah not sure if it's the correct choice, just it was a tough call. But good to know the full story. Thank you doctorj.

Sent from my Mi 9T using Tapatalk

 

[///M Individual]

Congrats on the car OP! Looks like a very good buy and wish you many happy kms!

 

[Nomad77]

if on collection it had an issue it didnt have before...its tough sh!t for the other customers.

100% agree with you here. If they cuased an issue with the car that wasn't there before they need to make a plan and have it sorted. You messed up you find a way to fix it, it should be as simple as that. Struggling to see how there's any excuse for their behaviour here