2006 BMW 320 cd E46 Msport

Bill Board

Hi Folks,

So thinking of moving into the Diesel car market and quite fancy the aforementioned BMW. Where better to do a bit of research but here! So few questions for ye..

I believe that the turbos are usually sorted by this stage (early 06)? Hope so cause they are fairly expensive to replace. Is this the case?

Also the one im looking at has 90k on the clock and asking price is 12k, seems pretty steep to me, what would ye think would be a fair price to offer? Dont want to take the p%ss with the chap either.

Seems pretty high spec, heated leather seats, cruise control and m tech sport suspension and the like, have to admit i am quite tempted.. Would love to hear yer own personal opinions on them as spending that kind of money you would hope to avoid any immediate problems with them!

And once again thanks in advance for yer help!

challengemaster

If it's the one I think you're on about, I don't think you'll find many that are in better condition.

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=35522
That's the for sale thread on BMW driver for the one I'm thinking of, has the build / maintenance thread associated linked too.

As for if it's worth 12k... I picked up a decent 05 SE spec for somewhere around €7000 in september, that's including €2k of VRT. Factor in the difference in year, M sport pack and all the mods it has done, you're certainly in the 10-12k region.

I couldn't guarantee you'd have no problems with it, as after all, cars are cars, mechanical parts fail when they do, you can't predict that. But that's one of the few cars on the market you could be damn sure you know where you stand with what condition it's in.

Anan1

You'd get an E90 saloon cheaper, and it's a far better car.

bazz26

Turbo breather filter - needs to be changed at every 2nd oil service to prevent a blockage and oil starvation which caused the turbo to blow, also recommend upgrading to the improved vortex shaped filter, while this doesn't cure the problem it does slow down the possibility of a blockage. Vortex filter and housing costs around €70 from a BMW dealer.

Inlet manifold swirl flaps - recommend you have these removed if they are still there, they have a tendency to break off and get injested into the engine killing it. You can buy blanks which cost circa €100 to have fitted.

Suspension - another common weakness, control arms and bushings don't take kindly to Irish roads.

Coolant system - another BMW weakness.

Try and find one that has a full service history making sure the right grade of oil has been used. Using the wrong grade of oil will shorten the lifespan of the turbo, etc. €12k is expensive for a 06 but diesel coupes are still very desirable especially the higher spec M Sport versions. I would not worry about 90k miles on it as long as it has a documented service history. I'd probably pay €10,500 for it tops if it was mint with a full service history.

Bill Board

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated.

Ya thinking of offering around the 10k mark. Think its a fair price with the aul economy the way it is and the arse after falling out of the car market. Depending on the condition it is in of course. The spec does seem very decent though.
Heading to see it next weekend.

Anan1- Just wondering why do you think the saloon is far better? Was looking at them as well but I prefer the shape of the coupe.
Bazz26- I have heard about the turbo breather filter issues alright so would be sure to go for the vortex filter.
Challangemaster- That be the one alright, in black. Quite a head turner.

Well if ye have any further tips don't be afraid to throw them this direction.
And thanks again!

Owen

Anan1 wrote: »

You'd get an E90 saloon cheaper, and it's a far better car.

I actually think they're a step backwards. Cheap nasty interior and the beautiful shape of the dash as it curves towards the driver on the e46 is replaced by a flat dashboard designed with a ruler where the dashboard and console tunnel dont even match up properly, and the gaps between the doorcards where it meets the dash are poorly designed too. The switches are flimsier than the e46, and the quality of the leather used on the steering wheel and armrests is much lower. Even the gearstick of the e90 is the most uncomfortable thing I've ever touched.

Jumpaddict

I much prefer the e46 shape, the e90 just doesn't look as nice as a coupe. I think of it as the e46 was designed firstly as a coupe and altered to accomodate the saloon and vice versa for the e90. I'm not saying this is fact, just the way I look at it.....