Should I keep or get rid

MonkeyWrench

Bought a 3 series (e46) a couple of years ago off a friend of mine. Its a 2004 car with 80k miles on the clock. I've noticed however over the last 6 months quite a few things going wrong with it. Had to replace 4 ignition coils, oxygen sensor, battery, replace alternator bearings and to top it off I've had issues with burning oil from time to time on long journeys. Is it expected that a car of this age and mileage to start giving so much trouble? On one side a couple of people have told me that I should get rid of it to a garage at a reduced price and others have said that its part and parcel of owning a car with high mileage. I want to keep the car but at this stage I'm thinking maybe it will be more of a headache if I do. I've spent about a grand on it in the last 6 months.

ToxicPaddy

Its not that high mileage to be honest, I've owned a car with double that and I only spent a good few quid on one job, getting some of the the suspension parts replaced on it.. everything else was classed as just standard maintenance. My current car is a 01 and just passed the 79k miles mark but I havent had any major jobs to do on it yet apart from servicing, timing belt etc..

80k miles over 6 years is only 15k a year which is about average..

I think if it continues to be a money pit, get rid of it and buy something in better condition..

Main rule is, think with your head and wallet and not your heart. If its going to continue to cost you a small fortune, whats the point?

Lots of cars out there to be picked up at relatively low prices compared to 2-3 years ago. So look around and see whats out there before making your mind up.

MonkeyWrench

MonkeyWrench wrote: »

Is it expected that a car of this age and mileage to start giving so much trouble?

No, but it's not hugely uncommon either. It may well be troublefree for the next good few thousand miles. If you change it you will no doubt have to splash out a few quid too. If you like it keep it I would think.

CountingCrows

I sold a E46 01' 320CI with 85K on the clock for similar reasons about a year and a half ago now, spoke with the new owner this week who hasn't had a moments trouble. Luck of the draw I guess.

MonkeyWrench

Cheers for the replies folks. Any idea how much roughly a 318ci 2004 with 80K on the clock full leather etc would sale for? How much did you sell the 320 for Countingcrows as a matter of interest?

manatoo

My advice - ditch it. They're not a good car. A guy I know bought a 320 in 2005 when it was one year old and now has similar mileage to yours

He has replaced

Ignition coils
Wheel bearings
Steering rack removed and reconditioned
Lambda sensor

And like all petrol BMWs at high mileage the engine is now making ominous big-end noises. Try to get around 6-9 bags for it

80K miles is not high miles chaps.

galwaytt

look at it this way: you fixed all those bits, and what, you'll let the next lad have the benefit of it ?

Or, if you buy a replacement, you'll end up having the (same) conversation again down the road.....so if you do replace, you'll have to come up much newer to make it worth your while imho.

manatoo

galwaytt wrote: »

look at it this way: you fixed all those bits, and what, you'll let the next lad have the benefit of it ?

Or, as is more likely with e46's, the bills will keep coming but to the next lad and not you....