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Post by racingteatray on Dec 17, 2018 13:32:18 GMT
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Post by michael on Dec 17, 2018 14:54:03 GMT
Very good cars, great to drive, practical, decent engine. They don't make them like that any more.
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Post by PetrolEd on Dec 18, 2018 10:13:11 GMT
Unless you count the M140i  Great cars indeed. Its one that passed me by though I did have a 130i back in the day. Was the 325ti and 130i ever on sale at the same time? |
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Post by Big Blue on Dec 18, 2018 11:50:41 GMT
Having read that what are people doing to their E46s that they're rust buckets? Ours is unkillable and rust is certainly not a feature anywhere.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Dec 18, 2018 12:45:03 GMT
Having read that what are people doing to their E46s that they're rust buckets? Ours is unkillable and rust is certainly not a feature anywhere. I've always found the front wings go first. |
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Post by Big Blue on Dec 18, 2018 13:45:06 GMT
I saw that from my next door neighbour's ex-330Ci. Ours remain untouched: maybe it's the amount of times W2.0 has dinged them that keeps them on their toes.
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Post by michael on Dec 18, 2018 14:07:27 GMT
Unless you count the M140i Great cars indeed. Its one that passed me by though I did have a 130i back in the day. Was the 325ti and 130i ever on sale at the same time? I didn't count it because it's turbocharged and purity of delivery or something...
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Post by Blarno on Dec 18, 2018 16:05:31 GMT
A friend of ours has an 04 plate E46 M3 just sitting on his drive, slowly succumbing to the iron oxide god. He started using a bike for work and now it just sits there, I don't think I've seen it move in more than 6 months. The arches are just starting to bubble.
It's a shame I'm not in a position, otherwise I'd talk him in to selling it to me. Or, I could talk him in to recomissioning it. Or rather, I recomission it for him.
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Post by Tim on Dec 18, 2018 17:00:41 GMT
What about a monthly payment plan?
I know both of my E46 estates had front and rear wheelarch rust.
Fronts aren't too bad as they're bolt-on. Rears are more complicated.
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Post by PR on Dec 19, 2018 20:57:17 GMT
Those were the days.
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Post by Big Blue on Dec 20, 2018 0:12:08 GMT
A friend of ours has an 04 plate E46 M3 just sitting on his drive, slowly succumbing to the iron oxide god. WTF?  ? Is he on some kind of register? Mental. These are going up in value as I type this. |
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Post by racingteatray on Feb 1, 2019 13:42:24 GMT
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Post by clunes on Feb 2, 2019 14:09:49 GMT
I’m still in the midst of the divorce wranglings (a story for another day) but I’ve continued to look at alternative car options with a view to free up some money once things are signed off. Whilst not the same a similar vintage 3 with the M54 series petrol is tempting and reasonable examples would no doubt provide relatively pain free motoring. Jason Barker (who formally sold through Birds) is local to me and whilst his prices are strong (he admits this himself about some cars but after meeting and chatting with him he comes across as a very knowledgeable and thoroughly good bloke!) and he has an ‘03 325i for under 2k. Looks to have some of the arch bubbling but something definitely appeals about a manual straight 6 for tooling around in - even with grey cloth! www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=397#I’d much rather the 130i LE but the price is very punchy - although the ‘sensible’ choice might be something like the CLK 320CDI. I’m keen to get back into petrol but it looks to be a fair amount of comfortable car for the money! LE: www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=402CLK: www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=389135i Coupé: www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=380Sorry for the hijack - at least it’s vaguely related! |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2019 17:44:36 GMT
Mate of mine has an E46 Touring and it has 3 out of 4 arches going rotten.
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Post by Tim on Feb 5, 2019 13:47:39 GMT
Mate of mine has an E46 Touring and it has 3 out of 4 arches going rotten.
The 2 I had both needed the front wings done and the rears were going at the point they meet the rear bumper.
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Post by racingteatray on Feb 5, 2019 16:31:09 GMT
I’m still in the midst of the divorce wranglings (a story for another day) but I’ve continued to look at alternative car options with a view to free up some money once things are signed off. Whilst not the same a similar vintage 3 with the M54 series petrol is tempting and reasonable examples would no doubt provide relatively pain free motoring. Jason Barker (who formally sold through Birds) is local to me and whilst his prices are strong (he admits this himself about some cars but after meeting and chatting with him he comes across as a very knowledgeable and thoroughly good bloke!) and he has an ‘03 325i for under 2k. Looks to have some of the arch bubbling but something definitely appeals about a manual straight 6 for tooling around in - even with grey cloth! www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=397#I’d much rather the 130i LE but the price is very punchy - although the ‘sensible’ choice might be something like the CLK 320CDI. I’m keen to get back into petrol but it looks to be a fair amount of comfortable car for the money! LE: www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=402CLK: www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=389135i Coupé: www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=380Sorry for the hijack - at least it’s vaguely related! Jason sold my M135i for me. Much more reasonable commission rate than Munich Legends (who previously sold the M5 for me) and I couldn't fault him on the service. |
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Post by johnc on Feb 5, 2019 18:32:07 GMT
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Post by clunes on Feb 5, 2019 19:12:42 GMT
I’m still in the midst of the divorce wranglings (a story for another day) but I’ve continued to look at alternative car options with a view to free up some money once things are signed off. Whilst not the same a similar vintage 3 with the M54 series petrol is tempting and reasonable examples would no doubt provide relatively pain free motoring. Jason Barker (who formally sold through Birds) is local to me and whilst his prices are strong (he admits this himself about some cars but after meeting and chatting with him he comes across as a very knowledgeable and thoroughly good bloke!) and he has an ‘03 325i for under 2k. Looks to have some of the arch bubbling but something definitely appeals about a manual straight 6 for tooling around in - even with grey cloth! www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=397#I’d much rather the 130i LE but the price is very punchy - although the ‘sensible’ choice might be something like the CLK 320CDI. I’m keen to get back into petrol but it looks to be a fair amount of comfortable car for the money! LE: www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=402CLK: www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=389135i Coupé: www.jasonbarker.co.uk/shop_detail.asp?product_id=380Sorry for the hijack - at least it’s vaguely related! Jason sold my M135i for me. Much more reasonable commission rate than Munich Legends (who previously sold the M5 for me) and I couldn't fault him on the service. He came across as a very decent individual. I met him months ago and he simply said that when the time came, and if I chose, he'd be happy to let me drive away in anything he had, sell the 640GC and then give me the proceeds minus reasonable costs. I'm probably a couple of months away from any decisions as things are not yet finalized but its good to hear positive feedback regardless. |
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Post by clunes on Feb 5, 2019 19:15:20 GMT
That's a nice example and very low mileage!. Being an auto probably a lot rarer than the LE as well and more practical with 5 doors. In reality probably end up in something far less exciting but I do miss a good petrol engine and by all accounts the N52 in these is an absolute belter!
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Post by racingteatray on Feb 5, 2019 20:08:06 GMT
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Post by racingteatray on Feb 5, 2019 20:14:22 GMT
Jason sold my M135i for me. Much more reasonable commission rate than Munich Legends (who previously sold the M5 for me) and I couldn't fault him on the service. He came across as a very decent individual. I met him months ago and he simply said that when the time came, and if I chose, he'd be happy to let me drive away in anything he had, sell the 640GC and then give me the proceeds minus reasonable costs. I'm probably a couple of months away from any decisions as things are not yet finalized but its good to hear positive feedback regardless. Yes I liked him and he was helpful too. On the day I was due to collect the GC from Vines in Guildford, I drove to his house in the M135i, we signed all the paperwork for the commission sale, he then hopped in the car with me, I drove to Vines where I then got out, handed over the keys and he drove it away. But not before admiring the GC and noting that he'd be thoroughly delighted to sell that too when the time came.
I think the only costs in my case was for a proper mop and detail to make it look nice and shiny, and I don't recall that costing much because he gets it done at trade price.
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Post by clunes on Feb 5, 2019 20:43:25 GMT
That 3 saloon looks very tidy. Something like that would fit the bill nicely.
Priority for me is establishing how I’ll get back on the property ladder locally hence the potential car sale so once I know where the chips lie I’ll have better idea of budget but I’m increasingly attracted to cars of that sort of age and price as they seem to offer most of the modern comforts and ability with far lower depreciation.
I thoroughly enjoy the 640 but putting my sensible head on it’s complete overkill for my 30min commute, ridiculously huge, not that comfortable (ride quality) so was likely to change at some point regardless of my personal situation.
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Post by Sav on Feb 8, 2019 23:00:03 GMT
M54/N52/N55 is where I would be looking. N55’s might be too expensive. The M54 was a lovely engine, so smooth and effortless. Whether it was a 320i or 330i, fab engine. Personally, only the expansion tank and rocker cover caused issues. N52’s are pretty reliable, apart from the electric water pump. If it hasn’t already gone, it will do – budget for that. The 130i sounded nicer than other N52’s, not that an E90 330i sounded shabby, but when you’ve heard a 130i, you’ll be a bit disappointed by an E90. Considering the condition this appears to be in, despite its age, its worth seeking out: www.jamespaul.co.uk/bmw-330ci-m-sport-coupe-manual-in-west-sussex-surrey-6393194Being an LCI car, it gets a sixth gear ratio. Reasonable running costs, fast enough, relatively affordable to mend, still looks great. The N53’s are more common, because it was on sale for longer than the N52. With the N53, the marginal savings in fuel and road tax are not enough to outweigh the problems it throws up. |
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Post by clunes on Mar 1, 2019 15:44:22 GMT
Hey Sav,
Thanks for the response.
Things are clicking into place so I’m likely to move forward on a car change soon and gave Jason Barker a quick call. He has a 2007 E90 330i M Sport just in. One owner since 2008/9 (one prior), 55k Miles, Bav/Bluetooth, black leather, Le Mans blue - apparently very good condition but...being a 2007 it might be the N53 rather than the N52.
I was aware of the injector issue and subsequent recall but would be very grateful if you could give me some pointers/questions to ask regarding other potential issues.
Am seeing the car on Sunday if things work out.
Cheers,
Olly
P.S. Racing, I mentioned that someone on a forum I frequented sold his 135i through him, he recalled your name, the car, the 440GC, the trip to Vines etc
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Post by Tim on Mar 1, 2019 16:24:17 GMT
Didn't they have issues with the high pressure fuel pump as well?
ALF had a 330i prior to his first foray into Jagland.
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Post by Sav on Mar 2, 2019 0:10:24 GMT
Hi Clunes,
Being from 2007 it could be a late N52 or an early N53. N52’s are usually 07, with the N53’s being 57-plate cars. Although I have seen a few late-registered N52’s as 57-cars as well. The easiest way to tell is the emissions quoted on the logbook. N52’s were about 216g/km, N53’s were 173 g/km. If it is an N52, in that spec as described, that would be a lovely thing. Jason Barker’s stuff is usually brilliant, sounds like he’s got another rare gem there.
Even though the N52 is a fantastic unit, one or more of the ignition coils eventually give up. Hesitant power delivery is the best way to tell with an N52, not so much a misfire. The throttle response is fab, so any lumpiness might point to that issue. Given that mileage, I wouldn’t expect the coils to be an issue. Worth looking out for, though. The main thing with an N52 is that water pump. BMW quietly went back to a mechanical pump with the current B58, they didn’t want to advertise that fact. You won’t get much warning when it goes on an N52, being electric, and its expensive – at least £450. Many N52’s have had the water pump already replaced. If it does need doing, you might consider it worth doing, if it’s the right car. If it’s an N52 in that spec, I would.
With the N53, its direct-injection. Introduced for the European market for power emissions, but it’s rare to see an N53 which hasn’t had some sort of issue. The fuel injectors seem to be the biggest issue, and the fuel pump, plus the water pump. With the fuel injectors, the OEM design of them has been changed 11 different times. Rough idling and misfires are common with N53’s. Doesn’t Barker sell his cars with warranties as standard? That would give you a degree of protection with an N53, depending on what the coverage is for. If it is an N53, hopefully invoices and receipts will able to demonstrate any parts replaced.
Now that the bangle BMW’s have got older, sticking brake calipers seems to be a more common issue. Note how the car rolls back, or rather not! The front bumpers easily get chipped; maybe look for evidence of a respray there. There is nothing wrong with a respray, as long as it’s done right. You mentioned it has Nav. Being from 2007, its going to be a fairly old unit. Make sure that all works okay. I say that, because I recently saw someone’s E60 and the I Drive had failed completely. To be expected with an older car, but not something you want to be buying into.
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Post by clunes on Mar 2, 2019 23:58:42 GMT
Thanks for the response - genuinely appreciate the info and pointers.
Yes, the car would have a 6 month warranty but I don’t know what the level of coverage is. I agree that the cars Jason has are usually very good (based on what I’ve seen with my own eyes but also heard from other independent reports) so I’m reasonably confident that if he says it’s a good example he’s not pulling my chain - as mentioned before he strikes me as a thoroughly good bloke.
I’ll try and get some pics and details tomorrow if the viewing goes ahead but will be able to look at the history and ask questions I wouldnt have prior to your response so again extend my gratitude.
O.
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Post by clunes on Mar 3, 2019 16:01:57 GMT
Well, It’s an N52 so that’s a plus (it’s actually on an 06 plate). Extremely clean inside and out - some slight wear on the steering wheel plastic but generally it’s a very good example. No heated seats but pro Nav, Bluetooth, leather. Piers might know more - he’s seen it as his 135 is parked behind! |
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Post by Sav on Mar 3, 2019 23:39:32 GMT
That sounds like a great car, rare to see an N52 saloon which is on that sort of mileage. Because the N52 was on sale for a short period in Europe, they are getting harder to find.
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Post by racingteatray on Mar 4, 2019 17:38:52 GMT
P.S. Racing, I mentioned that someone on a forum I frequented sold his 135i through him, he recalled your name, the car, the 440GC, the trip to Vines etc Ah ah ah...
Hope he doesn't remember me as the picky git who re-wrote his standard terms for sale-or-return...
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