New to BMW brand 325i E46 Touring

[BarryM]

Hi, I'm new to BMW. I've made an offer for a 2005 325i A E46, full service history ( last was 62000km), current reading 75000km, paying R100k, one owner only. I'm sure to collect it today.
Hope I'm not too late with my questions and that I haven't overpaid. I'm in JHB north side.
1 - Where can I see what future services are needed - intervals, costs etc.
2 - Any recommended motor plan/service insurance?
3 - Good service centres?
Thanks

 

[ChefDJ]

Welcome to the forum :thumbs:

Firstly, stunning car I'm sure. E46 touring is really a looker.

Secondly, I think for that mileage the price is okay.

Thirdly, you're buying a second hand BMW. You can never be too cautious, so as soon as you get it, have a major service done. Check the brakes all around too. Then reset the service indicators and start from now. There are plenty DIY's out there on how to reset the indicators.

Good luck, and please post some pics :=):

 

[Bavs108]

Welcome:thumbs: Sounds like a good buy. Price seems a bit high for a 325i in my opinion, but if it's in good nick and you don't intend selling it anytime soon then I think you're fine. Maintenance wise it's not that bad to maintain. If you're diligent with maintenance and use the correct oils then the car will last you well over 200k km. As Chef mentioned, do an inspection 2 service regardless of whether it's due for one or not for peace of mind. If you search the forum there are a lot of resources and information relating to preventative maintenance that you can do. Be aware of the common issues on the car such as the cooling system and you'll be fine:thumbs: Hope that helps:idea:

 

[AdiS]

As Chef mentioned, do an inspection 2 service regardless of whether it's due for one or not for peace of mind.

+1

Congrats on your purchase. The price is quite high, but the mileage is exceptionally low. At that mileage, you are unlikely to have any problems, however I would certainly send the car in for an inspection II (make sure the fuel filter is replaced) so that it is thoroughly checked. I would also just have all the fluids changed (power steering, brake fluid, gearbox).

From this point on, do oil changes every 10 000km.

The cooling system on E46 is a known weak point. Liberal use of plastic in the components (expansion tank + car, thermostat housing) are known to fail early, so at some point you want to consider replacing those as well as maybe the water pump and upper and lower radiator hoses.

If its an automatic, consider it a risk as they fail often above 100 000km. Manuals are very reliable.

Front lower control arm bushings will probably be the first component of your suspension to require replacement. Not too expensive, use quality components like Meyle HD.

 

[BarryM]

Thanks for all the input guys. Just took the car, it's in unbelievably good condition. Nobody has ever sat in the back and it's been really well looked after. That single little old lady driver - I've definitely met her. Would any of you recommend component insurance through Hollard or something similar? This forum seems really supportive. Thanks

 

[Webmaster]

Congrats on the new ride and welcome to BMW.

 

[AdiS]

Thanks for all the input guys. Just took the car, it's in unbelievably good condition. Nobody has ever sat in the back and it's been really well looked after. That single little old lady driver - I've definitely met her. Would any of you recommend component insurance through Hollard or something similar? This forum seems really supportive. Thanks

There are mixed views on these aftermarket warranty solutions. With such low mileage, I'd say perhaps not worth it. The engine will be solid provided you do regular oil changes, and it doesn't overheat (cooling system). Aluminium blocks can warp very quickly if it overheats, and you'll blow a head gasket.

Remember, it is still a 10 year old car, so you should really be willing to spend money to preventative measures, rather than waiting for something to go wrong. Just put some money aside every month for that purpose, and you can do the preventative jobs over time.

Just to reiterate, the auto box will likely fail sooner or later. R25k for a rebuild or manual conversion.

 

[BarryM]

Thanks, protection against the auto box seems a must

 

[AdiS]

Thanks, protection against the auto box seems a must

Well, the mileage is still quite low, so you have a chance to try and extend the life. Get a reputable place to flush the gearbox fluid a few times...

 

[Gizmo]

If you are able to get it for an extended test drive you are welcome to bring it past me for a check up to see what you buying into. We can put it up on the lift and have a good look around the car.
They are awesome cars, I own one and converted my friend and sister-in-law into owning 325i tourings. With my friend's touring I fitted a 330i motor and 6spd box among other things, she moves very well!!!

 

[ChefDJ]

Thanks for all the input guys. Just took the car, it's in unbelievably good condition. Nobody has ever sat in the back and it's been really well looked after. That single little old lady driver - I've definitely met her. Would any of you recommend component insurance through Hollard or something similar? This forum seems really supportive. Thanks

I think your car is pretty decent enough to not have an aftermarket warranty. It's a BMW. Treat her like a baby and she'll give you half a million km's.

:rollsmile:

Now...

:ttiuwp:

 

[Bavs108]

The E46's aren't outrageously expensive to maintain that it justifies an aftermarket plan. I got a plan for my car and never used it. Only reason I got it was because it was relatively cheap at the time and they worked it into my finance. A healthy E46 shouldn't cost you more than 10-15k max per annum on maintenance, tyres etc... Keep the money that you would've spent on a plan aside in case something major does go wrong.

 

[FiRi@Rennzport]

This thread is worthless without pics.....[FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY] congrats bud.

 

[Gizmo]

As far as price goes, I got my 2005 E46 325i touring sportpack manual with 87 000km and balance of motorplan in Jan 2011 for R135 000 from SMG Auto in PMB, approved used car, one owner from new, spotless!
My friend's silver 325i touring we got for R75 000, then pumped in another R75 000 in mods...:fencelook:

For some inspiration:
My Alpine White Touring Build: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=18724
My friend's Titan Silver Touring build: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=27341
And the best touring thread there is! Over 175pages of awesome E46 tourings. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=536138

 

[BarryM]

If you are able to get it for an extended test drive you are welcome to bring it past me for a check up to see what you buying into. We can put it up on the lift and have a good look around the car.
They are awesome cars, I own one and converted my friend and sister-in-law into owning 325i tourings. With my friend's touring I fitted a 330i motor and 6spd box among other things, she moves very well!!!

Thanks for the kind offer. I've taken ownership and it feels good. Which area are you based in?

 

[Gizmo]

If you are able to get it for an extended test drive you are welcome to bring it past me for a check up to see what you buying into. We can put it up on the lift and have a good look around the car.
They are awesome cars, I own one and converted my friend and sister-in-law into owning 325i tourings. With my friend's touring I fitted a 330i motor and 6spd box among other things, she moves very well!!!

Thanks for the kind offer. I've taken ownership and it feels good. Which area are you based in?

Im in Brackenhurst Alberton, worth the drive.:thumbs:

 

[Peter@AEW]

Congrats on the new car I am sure that you shall not be disappointed.

Change the ATF and filter in the gearbox now and you shall prolong the gearbox life.

Do not bother with aftermarket warranties as they are a waste of money given how little they pay out on anything.

If I am not mistaken the limit on a gearbox is R10000 and a repair would be in the order of R25000.

Go visit Gizmo if nothing else you will become acquainted with the underneath of your car.

 

[BarryM]

Thanks. Gizmo, which days work for you?

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For services, do you guys suggest sticking with BMW or are there good alternative centres. I'm in the Fourways area.

 

[AdiS]

Thanks. Gizmo, which days work for you?

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For services, do you guys suggest sticking with BMW or are there good alternative centres. I'm in the Fourways area.

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Use gizmo.

 

[RAArmstrong]

Thanks. Gizmo, which days work for you?

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For services, do you guys suggest sticking with BMW or are there good alternative centres. I'm in the Fourways area.

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Use gizmo.

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+1. BMW is probably your worst option... I wouldn't trust a dealership to service my bicycle frankly... I highly doubt my car will see the inside of a BMW Dealership... Ever... :fencelook:

Use Gizmo, he's worth the drive, otherwise DIY it, these cars aren't all that difficult to work on :thumbs: