To Keep or NOT To Keep

[Aldrich]

I drive a 1999 E46 318i. My milage is 325 000km and I have the following issues machanically - Passenger Window cannot wind up or down, Lower Control Arm Bush on driver side stuffed, Using water every second day and gearbox issues (skipping 4th when cold) I suspect a leak ....

Cosmetically - Leather seats needs a recover, Steering needs to be replaced....

My question is - Should I repair OR cut my losses and sell the car....if I fix the car mechanically , what offer can I ask for (ball park figure)

P.S: Great forum guys

 

[ClassicB]

I would say keep it, as you wont get much even if repaired mechanically there is still cosmetic stuff to repair.

If everything was in decent condition and that milleage you could get R40-R45k. But factoring in condition a lot less. That is why i say fix it up and keep it, and fix the rest slowly when you are able to.

 

[Chucky]

I would say keep it, as you wont get much even if repaired mechanically there is still cosmetic stuff to repair.

If everything was in decent condition and that milleage you could get R40-R45k. But factoring in condition a lot less. That is why i say fix it up and keep it, and fix the rest slowly when you are able to.

agree with Prini Keep it

 

[Hellas]

Window winder mechanism: R500 (max) and a DIY

LCAB: R250 plus labour or a new bush and DIY (Better do both sides)

Check for leaks and cracks in the expansion tank and water lines and pipes.
If it is the head, then you might look at a couple of grand. R500 for plumbing and the works.

Gearbox: A good oil service MIGHT fix that, alternatively there are lots of replacement and fixes to help improve the auto box. R3000 or so.

Seat covers and steering wheel covers are not really recommended, but you could pick up secondhand seats and steering wheel anywhere. R2000-R4000 for all.

The mileage is quite high, but not scary if that water leak is not the head.

R40k at worst to R60k I would say.

 

[Nick]

ID say do some research on what all the repairs are going to set you back.

Then see what you can get for the car.

but id have to agree with Prini, chances are keeping and fixing her up will come out tops. :thumbs:

 

[Philip Foglar]

It's going to be worth more to keep it and sort out these various issues than the money you will get from selling. :thumbs:

 

[Josh-ZN]

me, i would get rid of it, but that all depends on your money situation.

cant bear an unreliable car! Would rather walk or use public transport.

 

[Ricky318i]

You can sell it, but who in their right mind would buy themselves so much work?

 

[TheMo]

well if the car is going to cost you the same as buying another e46 in better condition i would sell it, better in the long run to have a car you can rely on

Just My opinion :=):

Good Luck :thumbs:

 

[Twinz]

Sell. :thumbs:

 

[MikeR]

:thumbs: I agaree - if u can save up R15000 or more then do the whole car out - it will be as good as new.
and a lot cheaper than buying someone elses crap for sure, unless u can afford a new car

 

[Iceman007]

I drive a 1999 E46 318i. My milage is 325 000km and I have the following issues machanically - Passenger Window cannot wind up or down, Lower Control Arm Bush on driver side stuffed, Using water every second day and gearbox issues (skipping 4th when cold) I suspect a leak ....

Cosmetically - Leather seats needs a recover, Steering needs to be replaced....

My question is - Should I repair OR cut my losses and sell the car....if I fix the car mechanically , what offer can I ask for (ball park figure)

P.S: Great forum guys

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=23888

 

[sclass]

Will you be able to replace with a car in better condition? Otherwise you'll just be swapping your problems for someone else's...

 

[Ash777]

Good day.
Prini, could this car really fetch R40-R45K?
I ask because I have this exact same car (99 318i) but with 100000kms less on the clock, virtually no repairs needed, and i was advised ill get R50k if im lucky?

 

[///MALCOLM325]

If you have a mechanic you can depend on, get a quotation for all the mechanical work, leave the cosmetics for last. E46 318 pre-facelifts are unfortunately fetching around the R40 - R50k mark. Concentrate on the leak, gearbox and then the control arm bushes and keep it :=):

 

[drugekull]

I don't know guys don't you think this is a bit of a slipery slope

Once you start fixing it you might not stop as you replace components and they start working right they start straining other components then they start giving problems

If you car was in good shape and minor machanical stuff then I would say keep it but the problems you are having could be bigger things and once you start putting money into it then you might never stop and after its all done you might look back and realize you could have purchased something else for the same money.

I have a Friend with a 1997 320i E46 and he has done over 400000 km's with it. One thing he does not do is skimp on maintenence he still takes it to all its service at BMW and fixing anything that goes wrong with it right away. It has givien him issues but nothing unmanageable. The interior is showing its age but it still does not smoke or use oil.

 

[Doomsdaya]

Once you start fixing it you might not stop as you replace components and they start working right they start straining other components then they start giving problems

+ 1

Brings back not so fond memories of a vw beetle I once had..... identified and fixed problems, but the more you fix the more problems you find and ended up spending more then what the car is worth.....:bawling:

not ayoba to say the least, as you said cut your losses and sell

 

[Aldrich]

Hi ALL, car now has 338 000 and still going strong.
I fixed most of the problem but still have to fix the gearbox, water bottle leakand interior....but my baby is running like a dream...Rewarded her with a set of 18" for sticking with me.....

thanks for the advise everyone

 

[Twinz]

Glad it turned out well :thumbs:

 

[335i Lci]

I saw one with 518000km, same motor! So you still good, infact we all are on this forum! All the best....