Is this dealer trying to shaft me?

[Caddy101]

So I went to test drive an E46 I saw on the net today. Its a 2004 318i Individual with just 101 000km on the clock. I've been driving a Polo Vivo (insurance courtesy car) so maybe I've just become accustomed to the feel of the Vivo and being in a BMW feels different. I've never driven an Individual before, that may have something to do with it.

During the drive I noticed the following:

The clutch was very heavy, is this a sign of a wearing clutch or something?
There were some noticeable oil leaks under the bonnet, the engine sounded fine though.
The steering was also very heavy.


What do you guys think? Am I being hustled?

 

[zaleonardz]

N46 piss oil, this is a fact..

Clutch should feel super light... that is a problem.

Where is the car bud..

 

[drugekull]

Sounds like that car has some hydraulic issues hense the heavy clutch and steering

Could also be hydraulic fluid leaking

 

[Alister ///M]

also compaired to the vivo the steering is much heavier. however, you shouldnt be using muscle to turn.

 

[TOOFAST MP]

So I went to test drive an E46 I saw on the net today. Its a 2004 318i Individual with just 101 000km on the clock. I've been driving a Polo Vivo (insurance courtesy car) so maybe I've just become accustomed to the feel of the Vivo and being in a BMW feels different. I've never driven an Individual before, that may have something to do with it.

During the drive I noticed the following:

The clutch was very heavy, is this a sign of a wearing clutch or something?
There were some noticeable oil leaks under the bonnet, the engine sounded fine though.
The steering was also very heavy.


What do you guys think? Am I being hustled?

Stay away unless the dealer is going to repair the defects you have listed .

 

[Alister ///M]

and the power steering pump is known to give problems on these cars

 

[Doomsdaya]

Clutch should feel super light... that is a problem.

+ 1

clutch on a e46 is light, however he did say he's been driving a polo and clutches on those cars is as light as a feather

 

[Caddy101]

N46 piss oil, this is a fact..

Clutch should feel super light... that is a problem.

Where is the car bud..

The car is in Boksburg

 

[zaleonardz]

My bet would be to stay away, rather buy a 6 cyl....

If you REALLY want too, I could do an inspection on the car, but if it smells like poo....

 

[Caddy101]

My bet would be to stay away, rather buy a 6 cyl....

If you REALLY want too, I could do an inspection on the car, but if it smells like poo....

The only 6 cylinder I could find in good condition is a 2005 320i Individual with 140 000km, price is R109k

Is that mileage something to worry about? Good buy?
I know the dealer well, he sold be my first E46

 

[Yuvan]

My bet would be to stay away, rather buy a 6 cyl....

If you REALLY want too, I could do an inspection on the car, but if it smells like poo....

Agreed!:thumbs:

 

[zaleonardz]

Distance is nothing to worry about...

Except auto gearbox's go poof, or tend too... but its exceptionally relative of how the gearbox has been treated..

 

[Caddy101]

Distance is nothing to worry about...

Except auto gearbox's go poof, or tend too... but its exceptionally relative of how the gearbox has been treated..

Luckily its a manual:rollsmile:

Thanks your help. This forum contributed greatly to me staying loyal to the BMW brand, makes the experience that much better.

Thanks guys
:thumbs:

 

[Yuvan]

Take it to one of those AA places or Dent Doctor here on this forum, they scrutinize the car, they will pick up all the faults....than you can decide if its worth it....just my opinion:rollsmile: