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Advice on E46 330ci convertible
- Thread starter zack_t
- Start date
It will be as reliable as the maintenance history on it.
The 330ci usually came with auto gearboxes, those are not reliable when not serviced (usually the case). The manual gearboxes are solid however. Engine is solid.
Cooling system also is not solid and would have needed at least a replacement on the thermostat, expansion tank and rubber pipes by now.
Actually, almost all rubber on these cars would have started to rot by now and needs to be replaced. There is a lot on the suspension system.
If you find a neat+well_maintained example that is not costing you an arm and a leg, its a great car.
Going price for these usually around R90-100k for the ci. This is the non-ripoff price. The ripoff prices are around 140-150k. A really neat example thats well maintained I would at most go to R110-115k, but there need to be invoices showing work done that makes that worth it though...
The 330i 's non-ripoff price is R75-80k.
The 330ci usually came with auto gearboxes, those are not reliable when not serviced (usually the case). The manual gearboxes are solid however. Engine is solid.
Cooling system also is not solid and would have needed at least a replacement on the thermostat, expansion tank and rubber pipes by now.
Actually, almost all rubber on these cars would have started to rot by now and needs to be replaced. There is a lot on the suspension system.
If you find a neat+well_maintained example that is not costing you an arm and a leg, its a great car.
Going price for these usually around R90-100k for the ci. This is the non-ripoff price. The ripoff prices are around 140-150k. A really neat example thats well maintained I would at most go to R110-115k, but there need to be invoices showing work done that makes that worth it though...
The 330i 's non-ripoff price is R75-80k.
AdiS
Well-known member
I think Tinuva has laid things out well. The reliability of the car is entirely a function of how it was maintained. I typically adopt quite a cynical position, and assume that most owners have done the bare minimum (basic oil and filter servicing).
This usually leaves a backlog of oil leaks and other wear and tear parts that need addressing. Based on this, I usually suggest a budget of R20k or so to address the maintenance backlog that you will inevitable inherit.
Weak points are the cooling system, vacuum leaks, oil leaks and front lower control arm bushes. All of the above are easily solved, but parts and labour are not free.
This usually leaves a backlog of oil leaks and other wear and tear parts that need addressing. Based on this, I usually suggest a budget of R20k or so to address the maintenance backlog that you will inevitable inherit.
Weak points are the cooling system, vacuum leaks, oil leaks and front lower control arm bushes. All of the above are easily solved, but parts and labour are not free.
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