URGENT advice needed...pretty please

[UpNcOmiNg!]

Morning Gentlemen, I trust you had a great and relaxing december..

I have a bit of a bother as I am looking at buying a e46 320d 2nd hand...
the car's history from what I can gather isn't the best which rings alarm bells in my head quite a bit.
I have dropped this person's asking price quite a bit for a 2003 f/l 320d due some things that bother me with the car..
1) The engine has been replaced about 2 months ago by Budler motorsport with 88k on the engine. Car clock is at +-240k
2) The left door was resprayed as there was a knock on the door (The owner probably answered but this is yet to be confirmed )
3) There are quite a few cosmetic things needed on the car to get it up to scratch. From what I 1st ascertained it is: Left front bumper beading. L/f indicator (cracked), L/R light cluster (small hole in it, not right through though), L/F black buumper divider effort (Cosmetic plastic piece that sits in the lower section of the bumper).
Also the wheel well covers are non existant. Cant see any evidence of a front knock though..
Interior there are a few odds and ends such as the L/R door trim, the L/F mirror control cover.
front brake pads also need replacing and there is a slight knock from the rear suspension, not noticable inside though..I know my G/F 320d has the same problem...

is this car worth buying and sorting out the cosmetic details or am I buying trouble.
I am getting a decent deal on the car..

Thanks

Up

 

[Coisman]

imp:
Dude... :nono: you even asking is making me worry!!!
How much you wanna spend?? then maybe we can help you find something else

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

Hehe, I know...This guy is in hurry because he is leaving for Brazil later today...
At most, around R60k...
Trying not to get into debt right now, so that's basically my finances at the moment..I know, not much to work with at all...

 

[P1000]

I would also be wary of this car. You most likely will be replacing the turbo soon, it also sounds like most of the suspension is due for an overhaul. In my experience, it is cheaper to buy a car in pristine condition, rather than thinking you will fix one that isn't. You can be assured that if a car looks in bad shape, it was not cared for well, and will show more hidden issues with time. What do you consider a good deal on that car? I would not pay much more than R50k. Also have a look at 530d prices, you will be surprised.

Also, what is the motivation for going for a diesel? Do you travel a lot? I would be looking at a 325i or 330i, or try to find a six speed (2004+) manual 330d at the very least. The 320d's are too high risk, and I don't enjoy being stranded at the side of the road.

 

[Sankekur]

I would just stay away, this kind of damage usually means the car wasn't taken good care of, it had an engine swap after all, so no telling what other problems might be hiding and are just waiting to pop up when you least expect it.

 

[Coisman]

imp:
You can get a well looked after 318/320i for that price, and then at least you know that there won't be turbo trouble,
and that the vehicle has its original motor in it. I would stay away from this deal, really.
I see from your profile you are in gauteng, what area exactly if I may ask??

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

Yeah very true.
I've been looking at everything from box shapes to e39 540i's that come up in my price range..

I would honestly prefer a petrol 6-pot.

A deal is at R46k...

Oh joys.
the chap is coming around later as I want to go through the car more carefully. Scared that I may have missed something...

---

Bedford area, well up on the hill. Primrose hill to be exact..

318i...I've driven 1 and fell asleep and woke up again before I had crossed an intersection. Good power nap but that's all the "power" you'll ever get out of that thing
6-pot 320i, a little better...

 

[Coisman]

imp:
Remember E46 320i was still a straight 6.
Best of luck. :thumb:

 

[P1000]

imp:
Remember E46 320i was still a straight 6.
Best of luck. :thumb:

Yes, the legend with the power of a 4-cyl and the consumption of a 6.

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

Hahaha...
yeah exactly. The sound of a 6 almost makes up for it though. Almost.

Got the chap coming around at 12 so we'll see what happens and take it from there..

 

[Sankekur]

imp:
Remember E46 320i was still a straight 6.
Best of luck. :thumb:

Yes, the legend with the power of a 4-cyl and the consumption of a 6.

lol, exactly

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

Just turned the car down...
The search continues...

Let me know if you guys hear of anything decent running around in the R60k mark..

Thanks chaps, much appreciated. Just re-affirmed my gut feel

 

[Coisman]

imp:
if you can go up to around the R80k mark...
maybe give the R60k as a huge deposit, and finance the rest over 24 months :dunno:

 

[P1000]

I also suggest raising you budget a bit. Rather wait longer and gather some more money than having to make debt in order to fix a car you just bought - you will forever hate the car then. I suggest at least doubling your budget, and make sure you have some "motorplan" cash in the bank, just in case.

 

[Joefer]

I won't bother to look at a Diesel if it's not under warrantee... Rather spend a bit more and get one without "little" problems...

Cheers

---

1- Check on autotrader for this one...
BMW 328i Steptronic (P) 1999
160 000 km, Full house, MFS, glass s/r, CD shuttle, rear window blind, fog lights. R60 000…
More Details | Open in new window

 

[Twinz]

Good call you made...continue the search:thumbsup:

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

Thanks gents..

The advise is much appreciated.
I have been wanting to double my budget up to R120k but will see what my financing options are and then take it from there.
Around the R120k mark there is so much on offer, would really like to see if I can track down a decent 330Ci for around that price as the Ci's hold their value well.

Will shop around and again take my time.
If you do hear of anything, let me know..Especially e46 facelift.

Thanks for that Joefer. I want to try keep it a bit newer then that should I buy e46, the pre-lift models are depreciating way too fast now, so I want to try keep it from late 2001 up.
Finances however determine that....
Will check out the 328i though..

 

[Trippn3]

Howsit Dev,,yoh dem diesels,i agree rather get 1 on motorplan,,ive seen many 320ds go for a song,,but ever tawt y?Wel spoke to couple mechies n 320d owners,not the very best come maintenance and repair wise,,glad u turned that 1 down,,hope u get something that u like real soon,,