Possible Purchase: e46, 2004, 330D Individual

[Jeremy.d]

Hi. Ive come across a 330D with about 170k on the clock, and full service history. Car is very clean and neat in the pictures I've seen. The seller wants R80k for the car. It that a decent price? I dont have R80k cash money, so I would like to loan some money, whats the best way to do this? Please keep in mind that I'm 22 this year, and that would impact insurance greatly. I might not need to finance the whole amount, but maybe half of it, depending on how much I am able to borrow. Some advice please guys.

 

[Tjoppies]

did a personal loan recently for something similar, interest is a kick in the balls though.

either borrow more or have some money cause the E46 will need some preventative maintenance done if you do decide to take it...the E46's are getting on in years and need a bit of money when you get them.

---

send a link for the ad - if it is on the net?

post the pics so we can scrutinise her...?

 

[Jeremy.d]

did a personal loan recently for something similar, interest is a kick in the balls though.

either borrow more or have some money cause the E46 will need some preventative maintenance done if you do decide to take it...the E46's are getting on in years and need a bit of money when you get them.

---

send a link for the ad - if it is on the net?

post the pics so we can scrutinise her...?

---

"Preventative maintenance" such as? What would i be looking at? Even on a Diesel with under 200k and full service history?

 

[Tinuva]

did a personal loan recently for something similar, interest is a kick in the balls though.

either borrow more or have some money cause the E46 will need some preventative maintenance done if you do decide to take it...the E46's are getting on in years and need a bit of money when you get them.

---

send a link for the ad - if it is on the net?

post the pics so we can scrutinise her...?

---

"Preventative maintenance" such as? What would i be looking at? Even on a Diesel with under 200k and full service history?

---

From personal experience, the E46s need a lot of their preventative maintenance around the 150-180k km mark to see it through to the 200 000's km mileage. But then again the car will drive great until around probably 250k where you might need to do it again, although none of my cars are there yet.

There are quite a few posts on the forums where guys list what they have done on their vehicles.

#1 is cooling system on the petrol variants, I am not 100% sure about the diesel version, but I am sure they could be similar.
#2 is some suspension bits, mostly the rubber parts or parts with rubber that go through wear and tear

There are more. Mostly the egines are rock solid, its the components around the engine.

 

[Jeremy.d]

did a personal loan recently for something similar, interest is a kick in the balls though.

either borrow more or have some money cause the E46 will need some preventative maintenance done if you do decide to take it...the E46's are getting on in years and need a bit of money when you get them.

---

send a link for the ad - if it is on the net?

post the pics so we can scrutinise her...?

---

"Preventative maintenance" such as? What would i be looking at? Even on a Diesel with under 200k and full service history?

---

From personal experience, the E46s need a lot of their preventative maintenance around the 150-180k km mark to see it through to the 200 000's km mileage. But then again the car will drive great until around probably 250k where you might need to do it again, although none of my cars are there yet.

There are quite a few posts on the forums where guys list what they have done on their vehicles.

#1 is cooling system on the petrol variants, I am not 100% sure about the diesel version, but I am sure they could be similar.
#2 is some suspension bits, mostly the rubber parts or parts with rubber that go through wear and tear

There are more. Mostly the egines are rock solid, its the components around the engine.

---

Okay, thanks mate. Any advice on the finance part?

 

[Tinuva]

did a personal loan recently for something similar, interest is a kick in the balls though.

either borrow more or have some money cause the E46 will need some preventative maintenance done if you do decide to take it...the E46's are getting on in years and need a bit of money when you get them.

---

send a link for the ad - if it is on the net?

post the pics so we can scrutinise her...?

---

"Preventative maintenance" such as? What would i be looking at? Even on a Diesel with under 200k and full service history?

---

From personal experience, the E46s need a lot of their preventative maintenance around the 150-180k km mark to see it through to the 200 000's km mileage. But then again the car will drive great until around probably 250k where you might need to do it again, although none of my cars are there yet.

There are quite a few posts on the forums where guys list what they have done on their vehicles.

#1 is cooling system on the petrol variants, I am not 100% sure about the diesel version, but I am sure they could be similar.
#2 is some suspension bits, mostly the rubber parts or parts with rubber that go through wear and tear

There are more. Mostly the egines are rock solid, its the components around the engine.

---

Okay, thanks mate. Any advice on the finance part?

---

Wesbank will finance privately bought vehicles, even at the age of E46s. Your interest rate wont be the best, but they will do it. I think expect 16-18%. ps. Thats higher than some credit cards!

I used Wesbank by going via FNB in the past. Take whatever deal they will go for, but say _no_ to any extras, which is life insurrance, 3rd party motorite warranty (they pay out very little on very old vehicles, its better to put that money into a oh-crap fund). Basically anything extra will just cost you money.

Wesbank's only requirement is, the amount you loan is a minimum of R50k on privately bought vehicles.

As the others here have said though, be prepared for a shock of an interest rate. I have only done this once in my life, so the last vehicle I bought cash.

 

[RAArmstrong]

Lets see, at 170k. Cooling system if it hasnt been done, front suspension is probably in dire need of overhaul. Stuff like vacuum lines should be considered as well as general health of the turbo as well as vibration damper pully if it hasnt already been done.

Is it an Auto or Manual? Auto boxes can be prone to failure, thats an expensive repair.

Look, all that being said, they're epic cars and I drive my 530d with now 212k on the clock without a single hassle.

If you decide to go down this route, it is advised to have some money aside for maintenance

 

[Jeremy.d]

did a personal loan recently for something similar, interest is a kick in the balls though.

either borrow more or have some money cause the E46 will need some preventative maintenance done if you do decide to take it...the E46's are getting on in years and need a bit of money when you get them.

---

send a link for the ad - if it is on the net?

post the pics so we can scrutinise her...?

---

"Preventative maintenance" such as? What would i be looking at? Even on a Diesel with under 200k and full service history?

---

From personal experience, the E46s need a lot of their preventative maintenance around the 150-180k km mark to see it through to the 200 000's km mileage. But then again the car will drive great until around probably 250k where you might need to do it again, although none of my cars are there yet.

There are quite a few posts on the forums where guys list what they have done on their vehicles.

#1 is cooling system on the petrol variants, I am not 100% sure about the diesel version, but I am sure they could be similar.
#2 is some suspension bits, mostly the rubber parts or parts with rubber that go through wear and tear

There are more. Mostly the egines are rock solid, its the components around the engine.

---

Okay, thanks mate. Any advice on the finance part?

---

Wesbank will finance privately bought vehicles, even at the age of E46s. Your interest rate wont be the best, but they will do it. I think expect 16-18%. ps. Thats higher than some credit cards!

I used Wesbank by going via FNB in the past. Take whatever deal they will go for, but say _no_ to any extras, which is life insurrance, 3rd party motorite warranty (they pay out very little on very old vehicles, its better to put that money into a oh-crap fund). Basically anything extra will just cost you money.

Wesbank's only requirement is, the amount you loan is a minimum of R50k on privately bought vehicles.

As the others here have said though, be prepared for a shock of an interest rate. I have only done this once in my life, so the last vehicle I bought cash.

---

Thanks. I'll try and avoid that if possible.. allthough I dont think I need R50k, but thinking of that "oh crap" fund, maybe I'll need it.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

This is not perhaps a blue one, that was also advertised on Facebook by any chance?

 

[Jeremy.d]

Lets see, at 170k. Cooling system if it hasnt been done, front suspension is probably in dire need of overhaul. Stuff like vacuum lines should be considered as well as general health of the turbo as well as vibration damper pully if it hasnt already been done.

Is it an Auto or Manual? Auto boxes can be prone to failure, thats an expensive repair.

Look, all that being said, they're epic cars and I drive my 530d with now 212k on the clock without a single hassle.

If you decide to go down this route, it is advised to have some money aside for maintenance

The car is a 6 speed manuel. Do you have any idea how much that work would cost if i had to have all of it done properly?

---

This is not perhaps a blue one, that was also advertised on Facebook by any chance?

It is blue, so its probably the same one you're thinking off.

 

[RAArmstrong]

My experience comes more from the E60 but it might give you an idea.

Front suspension overhaul was R12k and I didnt do shocks. Thats Msport suspension though.

Vibration Damper is around R6k plus labour. Havent done this yet though.

Vacuum lines are a DIY and not too costly at all.

 

[Jeremy.d]

My experience comes more from the E60 but it might give you an idea.

Front suspension overhaul was R12k and I didnt do shocks. Thats Msport suspension though.

Vibration Damper is around R6k plus labour. Havent done this yet though.

Vacuum lines are a DIY and not too costly at all.

Okay thanks. I imagine that it would be slightly cheaper on an e46, but thats at the very least a figure to work off. Thanks

 

[Waseem 333i]

have a look at personal loan vs vehicle finance. Also look at which one is better should you decide to pay off quicker.

6 speed manual is the way to go on these cars. Clutch is expensive because flywheel has to be replaced at the same time. If you feel any shudder or if the clutch pedal is stiff you will need to budget for clutch.

Where is the car located? I could have a look at it for you.

Cooling system is not absolutely compulsory to overhaul yet. Diesels run a little cooler compared to petrol.

Damper pulley could be coming up for replacement if it hasn't been done already. If it has been replaced you have a little time. Suspension will need some work depending on how it was driven and maintained.

Boost leaks are probably there.

DPF delete, vacuum lines, swirl flaps, egr delete. Those are somewhat priority. Have a good listen to the turbo. The noise can tell you the health of the turbo or the charge system.

DIY is real easy. Invest in some special tools and you will save a packet in maintenance

 

[Jeremy.d]

have a look at personal loan vs vehicle finance. Also look at which one is better should you decide to pay off quicker.

6 speed manual is the way to go on these cars. Clutch is expensive because flywheel has to be replaced at the same time. If you feel any shudder or if the clutch pedal is stiff you will need to budget for clutch.

Where is the car located? I could have a look at it for you.

Cooling system is not absolutely compulsory to overhaul yet. Diesels run a little cooler compared to petrol.

Damper pulley could be coming up for replacement if it hasn't been done already. If it has been replaced you have a little time. Suspension will need some work depending on how it was driven and maintained.

Boost leaks are probably there.

DPF delete, vacuum lines, swirl flaps, egr delete. Those are somewhat priority. Have a good listen to the turbo. The noise can tell you the health of the turbo or the charge system.

DIY is real easy. Invest in some special tools and you will save a packet in maintenance

Yes i know those swirl flaps were an issue, but my feeling is that if it hasnt troubled in 170k it should be fine?.
Car is in Lenasia, would be great if you could have a look mate.

 

[AdiS]

My experience comes more from the E60 but it might give you an idea.

Front suspension overhaul was R12k and I didnt do shocks. Thats Msport suspension though.

Vibration Damper is around R6k plus labour. Havent done this yet though.

Vacuum lines are a DIY and not too costly at all.

Okay thanks. I imagine that it would be slightly cheaper on an e46, but thats at the very least a figure to work off. Thanks

Not necessarily. M-sport front control arms on E46 are R5k each. Vibration Damper is also R6-7k.

Frankly, if you have to finance this car at all, you probably can't afford ot own it. At 22, insurance is going ot be expensive as well.

It would be naive to think that you can buy an old car like an E46 and not inherit a costly backlog of maintenance. "Full Service History" only means that the bear minimum was done - oil changes - hopefully on time. The chances are the car needs new suspension, vacuum lines, maybe vibration dampener, possibly clutch, fluids and filters.

 

[Jeremy.d]

My experience comes more from the E60 but it might give you an idea.

Front suspension overhaul was R12k and I didnt do shocks. Thats Msport suspension though.

Vibration Damper is around R6k plus labour. Havent done this yet though.

Vacuum lines are a DIY and not too costly at all.

Okay thanks. I imagine that it would be slightly cheaper on an e46, but thats at the very least a figure to work off. Thanks

Not necessarily. M-sport front control arms on E46 are R5k each. Vibration Damper is also R6-7k.

Frankly, if you have to finance this car at all, you probably can't afford ot own it. At 22, insurance is going ot be expensive as well.

It would be naive to think that you can buy an old car like an E46 and not inherit a costly backlog of maintenance. "Full Service History" only means that the bear minimum was done - oil changes - hopefully on time. The chances are the car needs new suspension, vacuum lines, maybe vibration dampener, possibly clutch, fluids and filters.

I get what your saying about Finance. I've checked how much I've got stacked away, and i actually wont need to borrow that much to buy the car.
The insurance is my biggest worry on a car like this, but I was thinking that i could put it onto my fathers insurance with an open driver policy, which should significantly reduce the cost.

This car seems to have been looked after well from the pics I've seen, so I would hope that everything was done properly, but I see your point, it will definitely require some work.

 

[ChefDJ]

Yes i know those swirl flaps were an issue, but my feeling is that if it hasnt troubled in 170k it should be fine?.

:nono:

Swirl flaps are a must! The sooner the better!

 

[Waseem 333i]

have a look at personal loan vs vehicle finance. Also look at which one is better should you decide to pay off quicker.

6 speed manual is the way to go on these cars. Clutch is expensive because flywheel has to be replaced at the same time. If you feel any shudder or if the clutch pedal is stiff you will need to budget for clutch.

Where is the car located? I could have a look at it for you.

Cooling system is not absolutely compulsory to overhaul yet. Diesels run a little cooler compared to petrol.

Damper pulley could be coming up for replacement if it hasn't been done already. If it has been replaced you have a little time. Suspension will need some work depending on how it was driven and maintained.

Boost leaks are probably there.

DPF delete, vacuum lines, swirl flaps, egr delete. Those are somewhat priority. Have a good listen to the turbo. The noise can tell you the health of the turbo or the charge system.

DIY is real easy. Invest in some special tools and you will save a packet in maintenance

Yes i know those swirl flaps were an issue, but my feeling is that if it hasnt troubled in 170k it should be fine?.
Car is in Lenasia, would be great if you could have a look mate.

Never underestimate swirl flaps. It can cost almost nothing to delete them so its one of those first things to do. Lenasia is a little too far out for me. If you are really keen on this car take a drive to the east rand. I will show you things on my car then you can compare. What is monthly budget for maintenance? I pay just under R500 for insurance. Im 33 (i think)

 

[H|TM@N]

My experience comes more from the E60 but it might give you an idea.

Front suspension overhaul was R12k and I didnt do shocks. Thats Msport suspension though.

Vibration Damper is around R6k plus labour. Havent done this yet though.

Vacuum lines are a DIY and not too costly at all.

Okay thanks. I imagine that it would be slightly cheaper on an e46, but thats at the very least a figure to work off. Thanks

Not necessarily. M-sport front control arms on E46 are R5k each. Vibration Damper is also R6-7k.

Frankly, if you have to finance this car at all, you probably can't afford ot own it. At 22, insurance is going ot be expensive as well.

It would be naive to think that you can buy an old car like an E46 and not inherit a costly backlog of maintenance. "Full Service History" only means that the bear minimum was done - oil changes - hopefully on time. The chances are the car needs new suspension, vacuum lines, maybe vibration dampener, possibly clutch, fluids and filters.

Just to add a couple of things that could need replacement soon:
Final Stage resistor and possibly a window regulator as well.
Rear control arm bushes, as they hardly ever get changed. Front control arm bushes will almost definitely be worn out, and possibly tie-rod ends as well.
Yes a diesel does run a little cooler than the petrol variants, but doesn't mean that the water pump will last forever, and then there's the thermostat as well. All little things that could add up. And I am willing to bet that all 6 glow plugs are shot by now as well.

 

[Jeremy.d]

Yes i know those swirl flaps were an issue, but my feeling is that if it hasnt troubled in 170k it should be fine?.

:nono:

Swirl flaps are a must! The sooner the better!

My mistake. I thought it was a "if it hasnt happened by now, it wont happen at all" kind of thing. Obviously not.