Possible Purchase: e46, 2004, 330D Individual

[RAArmstrong]

Glow plugs are a non issue in this climate. It doesnt get cold enough here for us to need them

 

[H|TM@N]

Glow plugs are a non issue in this climate. It doesnt get cold enough here for us to need them

True, but that one time you go to the Drakensburg, during winter, and the overnight temperature drops to -10 deg C, you will struggle to get it started early the next morning.

 

[RAArmstrong]

Glow plugs are a non issue in this climate. It doesnt get cold enough here for us to need them

True, but that one time you go to the Drakensburg, during winter, and the overnight temperature drops to -10 deg C, you will struggle to get it started early the next morning.
[/quote]

Which is exactly why you dont get up early on a winter morning

 

[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.

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)

I'm from Pietermaritzburg, so anywhere in GP is far for me, obviously i would make the trip if I'm really keen though.
I was thinking that i could spend maybe R2k per month, but i think that's probably being too optimistic. I have no commitments, so really everything i make could (in theory) go into the car...not that i make a lot of money though.

 

[H|TM@N]

Glow plugs are a non issue in this climate. It doesnt get cold enough here for us to need them

True, but that one time you go to the Drakensburg, during winter, and the overnight temperature drops to -10 deg C, you will struggle to get it started early the next morning.

Which is exactly why you dont get up early on a winter morning
[/quote]

I get the distinct feeling it's not just in winter. :fencelook:
I live by: "the early bird catches the worm."

 

[RAArmstrong]

Glow plugs are a non issue in this climate. It doesnt get cold enough here for us to need them

True, but that one time you go to the Drakensburg, during winter, and the overnight temperature drops to -10 deg C, you will struggle to get it started early the next morning.

Which is exactly why you dont get up early on a winter morning
[/quote]

I get the distinct feeling it's not just in winter. :fencelook:
I live by: "the early bird catches the worm."
[/quote]

Bah, you're behind on my life. I dont get to sleep in anymore. Up before 6 these days... Nevertheless we're derailing this poor dudes thread :fencelook:

 

[Waseem 333i]

Glow plugs are a non issue in this climate. It doesnt get cold enough here for us to need them

True, but that one time you go to the Drakensburg, during winter, and the overnight temperature drops to -10 deg C, you will struggle to get it started early the next morning.

Which is exactly why you dont get up early on a winter morning
[/quote]

Too much larni in your life

 

[H|TM@N]

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)

I'm from Pietermaritzburg, so anywhere in GP is far for me, obviously i would make the trip if I'm really keen though.
I was thinking that i could spend maybe R2k per month, but i think that's probably being too optimistic. I have no commitments, so really everything i make could (in theory) go into the car...not that i make a lot of money though.

Not a good idea, you need money to go out as well. What's the point of having an e46 330d and you can't go out?

 

[RAArmstrong]

Glow plugs are a non issue in this climate. It doesnt get cold enough here for us to need them

True, but that one time you go to the Drakensburg, during winter, and the overnight temperature drops to -10 deg C, you will struggle to get it started early the next morning.

Which is exactly why you dont get up early on a winter morning

Too much larni in your life
[/quote]

See above post ekse. But, if you going to the Berg during winter and you from Joburg then you going on a weekend break, so why you getting up early when you on holiday? :rollsmile:

 

[Waseem 333i]

True story.

However provided the battery has a good charge the car will start. Quite a few times I've started the bakkie in minus temps without warming up the glow plugs. It always started with a bit of cranking. That glow plug timer takes about 10 seconds to warm up.

No disrespect Adis but glow plugs are not a absolute must for us. Especially since they would cost around R1000 to replace.

 

[Tjoppies]

the seller says in previous adverts he has spent R30 000 in the last year on maintenance...sells for R89K

if it's the 1 im thinking of it does look very very nice - ask him for a proof of that R30k that he has spent, its a lot of money and should include most of the preventative stuff?

 

[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.

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)

I'm from Pietermaritzburg, so anywhere in GP is far for me, obviously i would make the trip if I'm really keen though.
I was thinking that i could spend maybe R2k per month, but i think that's probably being too optimistic. I have no commitments, so really everything i make could (in theory) go into the car...not that i make a lot of money though.

Not a good idea, you need money to go out as well. What's the point of having an e46 330d and you can't go out?
[/quote]

Lmao, Threads are there to be derailed.lmao.

I like that you think I have a social life:biglol:

I'm having serious doubts now... Even if i could make the cash appear, by the looks of this thread it seems like buying it isn't worth all the additional money I'd have to throw at it.
My thought coming in was taht there would be little to nothing to do on this car... my bubble has been well and truly popped.

---

the seller says in previous adverts he has spent R30 000 in the last year on maintenance...sells for R89K

if it's the 1 im thinking of it does look very very nice - ask him for a proof of that R30k that he has spent, its a lot of money and should include most of the preventative stuff?

So you've seen the one I'm talking about. I didnt see the previous adverts. You think the fact that he's having to post several ads is a red flag?

 

[Waseem 333i]

I havent kept track of what I have spent on my car since ownership. I would assume about R90k. Ive owned it for about 4 years now and bought it at 177k km. Now its at 226k km. Check your pm.

 

[H|TM@N]

I've just dropped several R1000's on my 3.0d X5, and I've done most of the work myself, and R30k is really not that much in today's terms. R6k for vibration damper, R2,5k for fan clutch, R3,5k for window regulator, R1k for external door handle mechanism, around R3k for front and rear pads. And all of those are normal service/wear&tear items and excludes the labour. It adds up quickly on a car that's already about 12 years old.

 

[Jeremy.d]

[quote='H|]
I've just dropped several R1000's on my 3.0d X5, and I've done most of the work myself, and R30k is really not that much in today's terms. R6k for vibration damper, R2,5k for fan clutch, R3,5k for window regulator, R1k for external door handle mechanism, around R3k for front and rear pads. And all of those are normal service/wear&tear items and excludes the labour. It adds up quickly on a car that's already about 12 years old.
[/quote]

Yeah, Im pretty sure that this car is not for me... not right now anyway.
Thanks for all the advice guys. Feel free to drop any other points for future readers if you wish.

 

[Tjoppies]

solid cars bud.

i come from a 2004 Opel astra coupe turbo, a friggin LEMON of note.

got my 320d about a month ago, did major service & control arms and paid R10k, not done the cooling system but that would be around 5-7K.

took it to reputable shop and owner said my 17yr old car is stil in supergood mechanical condition and dont need to do glowplugs and cooling just yet - i can but from the inspection and diagnostics he says its not something i would have to do now.

but keep in mind, for R80k your not getting more car anywhere on this planet than a 330d buddy,buy a 2001 whatever car and you are still going to have to do some things.

LOVE my 320d, LOVE LOVE LOVE. solid as dwayne johnson, needs more oomph but RK Motion will sort that out

do this and get it over with.
* call seller and say your serious cash buyer
* ask him to send receipts of work done
* post here - group will advise
* group approves go ride it, buy it, take it to RK Motion for a tune and you will be smiling like prostitute on payday.

 

[Jeremy.d]

solid cars bud.

i come from a 2004 Opel astra coupe turbo, a friggin LEMON of note.

got my 320d about a month ago, did major service & control arms and paid R10k, not done the cooling system but that would be around 5-7K.

took it to reputable shop and owner said my 17yr old car is stil in supergood mechanical condition and dont need to do glowplugs and cooling just yet - i can but from the inspection and diagnostics he says its not something i would have to do now.

but keep in mind, for R80k your not getting more car anywhere on this planet than a 330d buddy,buy a 2001 whatever car and you are still going to have to do some things.

LOVE my 320d, LOVE LOVE LOVE. solid as dwayne johnson, needs more oomph but RK Motion will sort that out

do this and get it over with.
* call seller and say your serious cash buyer
* ask him to send receipts of work done
* post here - group will advise
* group approves go ride it, buy it, take it to RK Motion for a tune and you will be smiling like prostitute on payday.

Thanks mate. I'll contact the guy now and we'll see how things turn out.

 

[Tjoppies]

great - if this car was available in about 4 months i would have gunned for it.

judging by the pics, the car looks nice, interior and leather as well.

good luck - keep us posted.

 

[Jeremy.d]

It would appear that I've wasted everyones time. Contacted the seller now, and he says its just been sold. Sorry for the trouble guys, but i suppose some future reader will benefit.

---

great - if this car was available in about 4 months i would have gunned for it.

judging by the pics, the car looks nice, interior and leather as well.

good luck - keep us posted.

Ey. Its gone bud...:thumbdo:

 

[Tinuva]

The thing about preventative maintenance, you don't have to do it all in one go. You said you could spend 2k a month. That's about what I do. Maybe 4k now Then 2 months later again something.

As long as you do it all eventually. Do the most important bits first, then the next important bit next. It's exactly what I do.

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