E46 320i - to buy or not to buy...

[dyllindd]

Hi Everyone,

I recently came across a 2004 BMW 320i A/T that I am interested in purchasing as an everyday car. The vehicle is at a dealership in Bryanston, has Xenon Headlights and Rear PDC from factory. Currently has approx 135000km on the clock. I assume this would be the 2.2L M54 Engine.

What are the common issues and problems to look out for on this engine?
VANOS?
Valve stems? - Or is that only from the E90 320i?

Some might remember that I had a 2003 E46 318i from 2010 - 2011. This engine was not in the best state and I had various issues on it.
Would the 320i's engine be a better option?

Looking to purchase this as an everyday car? What avg fuel consumption can I expect?

[img=600x400]https://img-ik.cars.co.za/carsimages/tr:n-stock_med/6785300.jpg?v=194091876[/img]

Thank you very much in advance!  
:ty:

 

[Tinuva]

At least add links to the car ad.

https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/bmw/3-series/320i/25853023
https://www.cars.co.za/for-sale/used/6785300

While the car looks neat in the photos and is low mileage, I dont think it is worth R90k! Especially when its a non-sport package. You really want the sport seats, its just more comfortable on a daily.

 

[KPM3_30]

Looks to be a nice clean car and the 2.2 motors are a peach. I suppose its marked at R90k due to mileage and condition, but I agree with Tinuva.. If it has to be an automatic, your best bet is the 330i as the autobox makes the car feel a bit sluggish and it is only 125kw after all.

 

[evnmopwr]

90k for a non-M 320i auto??? 

no thanks. no matter how neat it is.

I would rather by this car:

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-ba...6-325i-touring-auto/1008525771010910769562409

Forum members car which i have personally seen and trust me, Its VERY VERY VERY well taken care of

 

[Riaad]

Like the others members above mentioned, the price seems rather optimistic for a non mtech e46, plus its auto thats rather old now.

I would be rather look at the following options:

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-ba...sports-pack-1-owner/1008685856930911026521309

330i + manual + 1 owner vehicle + plus lowish mileage and has sport seats + steering.

or

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/grassy-park/bmw-330i-114km/1008677117800910021085509

If auto is preferred, the ZF6 is also quite aged now, but far superior than the zf5 found in the e46 autos. Mileage is also low on this vehicle and has sport seats + steering.

Both cars appear to be in neat condition, but obviously the appropriate inspections and checks should be done :thumbs:  

My 2c...

 

[dyllindd]

Thanks everyone. The power output and automatic transmission is not as big of an issue for me. I work in the JHB CBD so the automatic transmission is preferred to be honest. Location being the reason I do not want to drive the Merc to work anymore.

In terms of output I currently have the MB E500 Coupe to get my power fix from and looking to put less km on it.

Retail from Wesbank seems to be around R56k on the 320i. I'll try and use it to bring the price down a bit.

However, if this particular vehicle is sold or the price does not drop, I'll keep my eyes out for something else. An E90 320d would also be a lovely addition to the family

 

[Jeremy.d]

A 320i is a good car, viewed in isolation...but considering that it isn't especially powerful or economical compared to the 330i, I don't think it's worth 90k just because the mileage is low. It's also non-Mtech
For the right price (I would speculate between R60-70k) it could be worth it, but for R90k you will have better options.

You're potentially looking at a bit more outlay for an e90 320d depending what you look for, but you'd be getting a lot more car than an e46 320i, in my opinion.

 

[VinceM]

I owned one, I bought it because it was nicely specced: Mtech II M-Sport, Nav, Sunroof, Sports seats, Harman Kardon, etc.

After the novelty worn off, I was stuck with a 2.2l motor with an old 5 gears AutoBox.
Not the best recipe.

If you really want an Auto E46, 330i
Otherwise the options from Riaad looks good.

All the best!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[DJGyron]

Go ahead and buy it! You'll regret it if you don't!

 

[suleiman.ebrahim]

Might as well go E90 320d for a daily car. Look to buy privately and save on "on the road costs" with these dealers.

Sent from my LM-K410 using Tapatalk

 

[Rotinaj]

E46 320i Manual - peach of a car and even very economical
E46 320i auto - sucks fuel, slow, not fun, not worth that price especially if you are gonna have the potential of it getting messed up by a 3rd party in the CBD.

Given you want a Auto, avoid the E46 autos as they age out the GM boxes fail thanks to the sealed for life rubbish. E90 320d is a good idea or frankly anything cheap and auto also perhaps a early generation M54 powered X3 is a viable thing to look at?

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E46 320i Manual - peach of a car and even very economical
E46 320i auto - sucks fuel, slow, not fun, not worth that price especially if you are gonna have the potential of it getting messed up by a 3rd party in the CBD.

Given you want a Auto, avoid the E46 autos as they age out the GM boxes fail thanks to the sealed for life rubbish. E90 320d is a good idea or frankly anything cheap and auto also perhaps a early generation M54 powered X3 is a viable thing to look at?