QUOTE(HalseyFrangipane @ Jan 14 2020, 12:21 PM)
I have decided to opt for an E46 instead. Currently on the lookout for either M54B25/B30, face lifted.
Not sure if this approach is feasible/advisable, but since it's not easy to find a 330i at the moment, is it alright to get any available 330i on the market right now, and set aside a 5-10k budget for all major repairs? I understand that it is always better to find one from an owner who has maintenance records but looks like the current supply is limited. So I thought maybe I'll just get one regardless of the condition and repair it from scratch. Feedback regarding this would be appreciated.
As for E46 specialists, any place to recommend or which you currently frequent? I am aware that BMW Club MY has a lot of info regarding E46 but maybe getting an updated info from 2020 would be great.
Also, is there any place that does a full inspection of a used E46 to find out what components require fixing? Is it advisable to do this?
In regards to important repairs when the car is purchased, I have seen that these parts are most frequently mentioned that require immediate attention:
1. Cooling system, expansion tank, radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch.
2. Control arms bushings, rear trailing arms bushings.
3. Fuel pump, throttle body intake boots, sealing ring.
4. Crankcase vent system, vacuum tubing.
5. Alternator, a/c blower final stage resistor, pulleys and belts, starter, sub frame mounts.
I have seen feedback to check the rear frame but I believe face lifted bodies may have rectified this issue?
I have several other cars as backup, but would like something fun to drive on a daily basis.
i've had my friend poisoned me on E46 and he have given me a lot of tips so i'll try to share them.
Definitely go with the 330 3 liter straight 6 NA double VANOS especially if you don't mind paying the extra road tax.
That alone makes the E46 ownership much more worth it.
are you getting the manual or auto? if manual, consider modifying the gear linkages/pedals. those were my breaking point to cross the E46 out of my list when i was looking for a fun Manual RWD NA coupe sports car.
For the SMG, you may want to look out for its seals, and transmission filter, or just replace them when you first collect the car.
it's a huge hit and miss for an automatic manual of that era, so test drive is crucial to make sure it is shifting properly.
now on your questions, i wouldn't say feasible or not, but "desperation"/how b bad you want an E46 may get you into some money pits/lemons.
5-10k is actually a bit low if you think of major repairs.
If the rear sub frame requires repairing/fixing, that alone is between 5-10k already depending on how much body repairs, bushing and linkages replacements are required.
If your drive train have bad leaks (not surprising considering that age of cars) easily can take up 5-10k per engine or transmission that can total up easily in the ball park of 10-20k.
That's one of the reasons people generally don't bother rebuilding their drive train properly and just opt to gamble with half cut and/or engine swap (Japanese car engines, like 2JZ)
many things especially suspension/drive trains are wear and tear.
Some people say no problem (in any cars, not just contis), when they are usually just being ignorant of the issue, and typically just pass to the next owner.
so if REALLY major repairs, depending on how major also, you're looking at 10-20k, easily double up from the initial expectations you're having.
i highly doubt you'll get an owner with full BMW service records, because any service records outside don't mean a whole lot to be very honest.
Mileage can be tampered, servicing chops/stamps can be "bought". you get the idea.
If you're having a worst case expectation in getting into ownership, that is good. but your cash gotta beef up. If you can have a huge cash reserve standing by, there is no issue at all.
no idea on specialists since i didn't get to own one myself.
you're correct on the frequently mentioned items, and just those 5 items alone, not including full engine and transmission tear down/rebuild, and sub frame and/or body work (at the rear sub frame) included, you're already looking at least between 5-10k - at your limit of money to prepare. and again, besides the cooling system, those listed are not major issues.
the facelift does rectify most of the rear sub frame issue, but rust is a thing back then and somewhat depend if the car have been in an accident or not and maybe power modifications.
so even if facelift, you still need to inspect the rear properly.
a 330ci i've inspected before (and test driven), the rear subframe is completely rusted and all the bushings and linkages cracked. front drive train all leaking oil...
my head already having 5 digit numbers calculating and i definitely don't have huge cash reserve sitting around. (and also the manual shifting experience of old BMWs)