E46 316 to 325 upgrade. Worth it?

[Pfw28]

Hi there, need some help with a feasibility study for a customer. Has an E46 316, 550k on the clock, engine rough, suspension bushes shot, but body and interior still ok. She is now ready to upgrade in terms of performance, and is weighing the options, to upgrade this one or replace it. I've been quoted R18k for an engine and box, with computer box and MAF. Will still need to do the suspension, new springs, bushes and shocks, estimated R7.5k, plus upgrade to disc brakes at the back. Anything else? Is it worth it? The car's resale is very low due to the kms, and the general worn condition of the vehicle, so any deposit would be small.:thumbs: or :thumbdo:

 

[abmi0000]

I think that it is an absolute waste. I would rather buy the 325 which came out from the factory that way.

Btw, you don't get a 316 in the E46 shape. They started from 318i

 

[Pfw28]

I think that it is an absolute waste. I would rather buy the 325 which came out from the factory that way.

Btw, you don't get a 316 in the E46 shape. They started from 318i

Apologies, I'll check the badging again. :sorry:

 

[m0lt3n]

i tried to keep my e36 going with a lot of km's on it. spend the money for preventative maintenance but quit when I had to fix the very expensive aircon.

there is always more stuff popping up...cut your losses i would say

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Sell it for what she can get for it, and rather buy a 325i, with less km's and newer condition. not worth it, will end up costing much more in future.

 

[SPIDER]

Rather sell it and get a 325i. Upgrading is cool and all but she is a lady so rather get a newer car with all the bell and whistles. She is a lady and we wouldnt want her stranded along side the road.

 

[Doomsdaya]

If or when you decide to sell/trade the car in, the book value remains a 318i & not 325i

Speaking of engine swaps.... where is nicwes he did one recently

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

at those km's, she has gotten whatever she paid back 4fold allready

 

[moranor@axis]

waste of time and money unless the car already had lots of other work done to it before...

 

[Karthik]

Waste , buy her a new car for the price of all those fixes . Doesn't necessarily have to be a 325i and they's stories of bad engine swaps where the engine transplanted was a mess already .

 

[Pfw28]

Many thanks everyone, I must admit I feel the same, much as I would love the work!! Even cost wise it makes no sense. I'd guess resale on this car at around R25k, plus around R40k on the conversion, could get a nice 325 for that. I'll advise her accordingly... anyone want a shot E46????:biglol:
PS She's a lady that DRIVES, and a BMW lover. I'll make her a Fanatic soon.:ty:

 

[Karthik]

Many thanks everyone, I must admit I feel the same, much as I would love the work!! Even cost wise it makes no sense. I'd guess resale on this car at around R25k, plus around R40k on the conversion, could get a nice 325 for that. I'll advise her accordingly... anyone want a shot E46????:biglol:
PS She's a lady that DRIVES, and a BMW lover. I'll make her a Fanatic soon.:ty:

Dibs on her when she joins :rollsmile:

 

[Theo D]

Many thanks everyone, I must admit I feel the same, much as I would love the work!! Even cost wise it makes no sense. I'd guess resale on this car at around R25k, plus around R40k on the conversion, could get a nice 325 for that. I'll advise her accordingly... anyone want a shot E46????:biglol:
PS She's a lady that DRIVES, and a BMW lover. I'll make her a Fanatic soon.:ty:

Dibs on her when she joins :rollsmile:

:roflol:

 

[Pfw28]

Not a good idea guys, her husband's an electrician, do nasty things to wobbly bits those guys!!!! :rollsmile: