think i want an e46

alexlyons

Hi all, thinking of changing the 2006 1.4 focus to an e46 (id love an e92 but anything i can afford is stupid mileage)

Think I have a buyer for about 6k for the focus and looking at 04/05 e46 1.8/2.0 petrol (diesel if there was a nice spec with reasonable mileage)

i only do about 9k/km a year which works out about €110 every 4 weeks in the focus. its fairly heavy on fuel. (8000km since march at a cost of €1200)
I don't expect much if any improvement but id prefer to be in what i believe to a nicer more comfortable car.

Anyone got any thoughts on these?

also, service costs/tyres etc would be nice to know as well. I may come out of it with a grand in my pocket for tax/tyres etc but i may not, it just depends on the car i find.

thanks folks

listermint

Dont bother with a Diesel for that mileage waste of time.

Not sure if he still has this but it looks very clean

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42260

Toyotafanboi

listermint wrote: »

Dont bother with a Diesel for that mileage waste of time.

Not sure if he still has this but it looks very clean

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42260

interesting thread when you get to page 2

alexlyons

appreciate the post, but i think i'll avoid! added to the fact its a 2.5L so tax/insurance wouldnt be nice being 22

Alanstrainor

No matter what petrol BMW you buy l, the mpg be worse than the focus.

As for tyres, depends on the wheels, id imagine thewheel size will be larger than your current.

Servicing isn't bad on them, but seeing you will be buying a 318, they do have their problems.

Not a bad car all the same.

alexlyons

alexlyons wrote: »

..........

i only do about 12k/km a year which works out about €80 every 3-4 weeks in the focus. its fairly heavy on fuel............

That's at least 40mpg, you won't see near that in any petrol E46.

alexlyons

the focus is getting about 28mpg at the minute with mainly city driving. that's worked out with an app and filling up every time. so my OP is off in terms of mileage, ill fix it now
and its on 17s so they're 100 a corner.

Burning Eclipse

I own an E46 for all of about 10 days now. I'm firmly in the honeymoon phase still, but I can see reasons that the car is not for everyone.

For the record, I have a 316i (1.8 Petrol) M-Sport. Suspension is stiff - maybe stiffer than I'd like. Car is fantastic inside however, and I bought it because it was a lovely place to spend time on my commute, and I could handle the MPG. I drive mainly in city, and am getting 28.4 MPG based on the computer. Once I've filled her more than once, I'll start to do the maths myself

Previous owner changed tyres in December... I have the receipt... €480, the back 2 are wider than front but that's possibly just on M-sport models?

In terms of servicing costs, I can't speak to that, but the coil pack on the 1st cylinder went last week (after 5 days of ownership )... €85 for parts and labour, so that's not a bad outcome imo.

Obviously I'm biased towards my own car, but if you find the right one at the right price, I wouldn't hesitate OP. If you can stretch to the 2.0L, do. I wouldn't call the 1.8 slow, but it's a heavy car and really doesn't have much poke. That said, you're definitely going to notice an improvement over your 1.4 Focus, just not as much as you'd anticipate.

If I didn't have kids, I'd have bought an E46 coupé. Should be able to pick up a beautiful example for less than 6k.

alexlyons

thanks a million for the BE. Literally just in the door from heading out to a dealer to test drive an 04 one. I wouldn't have bought it as it wasn't quite right but wanted a feel for the car. It was sold though

The focus is way to heavy for the engine and i fear a 1.6 would be the same, a 1.8 not much better and the 2.0 the sweet spot.
Coupé would be grand for me. As one of my friends says, I want a practical car but don't really need one, I'll be stuck with practicality later in life! I was original against the coup but i'd get one no prob.

Looks like the sale of the focus has also fallen through. The parents are thinking of selling their grand espace and buying my focus but that wouldnt happen until april i'd say and I'm impatient!

listermint

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

interesting thread when you get to page 2

ROFL, Sorry OP i hadnt read much more on it. My bad

Rowley Birkin QC

Another E46 Coupé owner here. Mine's a 318Ci M-Sport, the pre-facelift 2.0 unit. Personal opinion, but I wouldn't bother with anything that isn't an M-Sport, they haven't aged as well.

I spent 2 years dithering and increasing my budget. Long story short, I'm delighted with the car. Only problem is that I'm already looking at 320's and 325's!

Main advice would be to get the car checked out and run a history check. I had a deposit put on a fully loaded M-Sport only to find out it had been written off 2 years ago. Take your time and do your homework.

As for MPG, best I've seen was 35MPG on a motorway spin across country. I'm not that bothered about MPG to be honest though, I went in with my eyes open. Take the total cost of ownership approach rather than looking solely at MPG. Servicing, fuel bills and tyre bills will be more expensive but in my book it's better than paying off a car loan on a newer econobox.

This is mine:



First thing I did was upgrade the stereo from cassette deck to fully integrated Android based system. On that, spend some time looking for a good mix between spec and condition with a heavy bias towards condition. Service history is also great to have.



Best of luck!

DAZP93

I've had a 2002 318ci (2.0) 80K on the clock, the same engine used up until 2006 143 bhp. Nice machine and not a bad engine at all for the "basic". The timing chain did fail on that costing 800 notes.

Sold that after a year and purched a 2004 320ci, it is so much better and really the MPG difference is so tiny you would not notice. The 6 cylinder engines BMW make are only superb!! The extra 24 BHP makes all the difference!

The tax difference between the 2 engines is not massive so my recommendation would be to go for the 320ci..

Max Power1

The e46 is possibly one of the best designed bmws ever. Second only to the e39 imo.

Im currently doing the sums on an e46 m3

Rowley Birkin QC

Max Power1 wrote: »

The e46 is possibly one of the best designed bmws ever. Second only to the e39 imo.

Im currently doing the sums on an e46 m3

In most walks of life, I'll do sums before making a decision. When it comes to cars, they are never friendly. There comes a point where you have to factor in Smiles per Gallon over Miles er Gallon! Do it!

TGi666

best thing to do is check carzone etc and find a dealer and go for a test drive

ba_barabus

OP I purchased a 318CI before Christmas and I'm very happy with it.

Around town I'm averaging 30mpg and on a motorway trip it generally hovers around 38mpg with cruise control on or 39/40mpg with it off.

Only thing I missed during my purchase was that the two rear coils were snapped at the top. Very common. I didn't spot it but since I've had them sorted I notice the car sits slightly raise at the rear which looks right.

Other than that I've changed the battery in both keys (bmw will tell you this can't be done which can be handy during negotiations with the seller) and fitted two rear bridgestone tyres (205/55/R16) to the standard alloys.

Mine is a 2002 facelift model and I'm very happy with it.

Knowing me I'll probably only keep it a short while but I'd certainly have another one.

Yakuza

I drove an E46 320i saloon for 4 years, if you possibly can, get a 6-cylinder model - the driving experience is soooo much better. I've driven 325i and 335i e46 coupes too and there's no comparison to a 4 pot model.

Rowley Birkin QC

ba_barabus wrote: »

Other than that I've changed the battery in both keys (bmw will tell you this can't be done which can be handy during negotiations with the seller) and fitted two rear bridgestone tyres (205/55/R16) to the standard alloys.

.

Just out of interest, did you try to recode them using the ignition on/off procedure? Also, the keys charge when in use, good idea to alternate key every 4-5 months to keep them alive.

Max Power1

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

In most walks of life, I'll do sums before making a decision. When it comes to cars, they are never friendly. There comes a point where you have to factor in Smiles per Gallon over Miles er Gallon! Do it!

Oh if this could be 100% true I would have already bought it.

The sums are for example 25mpg is acceptable and 15mpg is not. Add in the tax and insurance. So i need to convince myself that I wouldnt get bored after a few months!!

ba_barabus

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

Just out of interest, did you try to recode them using the ignition on/off procedure? Also, the keys charge when in use, good idea to alternate key every 4-5 months to keep them alive.

I will be alternating them every 6 months.

While they do charge in use they eventually die and stop recharging. Not being able to lock the car is the first sign of this happening. My were truly dead as I tried to charge them a couple of times. All they would ever do after a long journey is lock and barely unlock the car before draining again.

And yes I paired them using the ignition on/off procedure.........I think I may have used a sequence of button pressing as well to lock/unlock the car. It's all on google anyway but handy enough to do. This has to be done after the batteries are changed.

R0bb01987

Interesting Post I must say:)

Im currently lookng into changing from my Focus to 320I.

Im looking at 07 coupes and was wondering what is the top spec for these with all the toys and what should you look out for as common fault with these years?

Any help would be welcome.

Cheers

Ardent

alexlyons wrote: »

the focus is getting about 28mpg at the minute with mainly city driving. that's worked out with an app and filling up every time.

Sorry for the off-topic question: what app is that?

alexlyons

Ardent wrote: »

Sorry for the off-topic question: what app is that?

firstly, thanks to everyone who's posting, theres been some great feedback and very positive comments which im delighted about

the app is for iphone and called "gas manager" and has a fuel guage as the icon.
There was a great one for android that i used to use but can't remember it's name

yllw.ldbttr

FWIW, I've had a 2006 E46 320 CD for just over 5 years now. It's come time to change it but I'm really finding it hard to justify the move to anything else.

It's been relatively trouble free, although the turbo did go (under warranty), other than that, kept decent tires on her, regular service and well maintained and I don't see any reason why it shouldn't serve me (or someone else) well for another few years. Would recommend one - although the one thing I will say is that they are a right PITA with putting in and out a baby seat, especially a rear facing one, but that's a whole other story. Good luck with the search.

My MPG or L/100km stats below

comanche_cor

Yakuza wrote: »

I drove an E46 320i saloon for 4 years...

Your E46 is still going strong and still delivers the smiles per miles! ... has been flawless.

alexlyons

yllw.ldbttr wrote: »

FWIW, I've had a 2006 E46 320 CD for just over 5 years now. It's come time to change it but I'm really finding it hard to justify the move to anything else.

would you sell it? it looks well in fairness!

yllw.ldbttr

alexlyons wrote: »

would you sell it? it looks well in fairness!

I'm torn to be honest, it's a fine car and I still enjoy driving it after 5 years.
Gives me decent mileage and no trouble other than the standard maintenance.
At the same time you need a change as well, and as mentioned above the backseat can be tight with baby seats.

What do you reckon I could realistically sell it for?
Irish car, 146k km, SE spec, leather interior, bluetooth, wired for iphone, MFSW, full service history etc.

If the cash was right I'd probably private sell it and go hunting (would hate to trade it in as I reckon the dealer would screw me and make a nice margin on it too).


Oh and to answer one of your original questions, I spend around 150 per corner on tyres.
Service varies, I use a good Indy in Cork (Ardfallen) since the inclusive service package at main dealer expired after 5 years (from new).

alexlyons

not really sure but its a bit high mileage for me unfortunately. id say you could be around my budget for a quick enough sale just going on my research so far, but i could be wrong

ba_barabus

alexlyons wrote: »

not really sure but its a bit high mileage for me unfortunately.

Mileage is low for a diesel of that vintage

yllw.ldbttr

alexlyons wrote: »

not really sure but its a bit high mileage for me unfortunately. id say you could be around my budget for a quick enough sale just going on my research so far, but i could be wrong

Rare enough for a diesel of that year to have much lower mileage than mine I reckon, different story for petrols though. The diesel option just about makes sense for my mileage.


That said, 7 year old car @ 20k km per year is standard enough I would have thought. Anyway, good luck with the hunt.

alexlyons

my bad, forgot it was diesel

yllw.ldbttr

Not to hijack the thread but if anyone has any suggestions as to what I should/ could sell it for I would appreciate it.

TouchingVirus

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

interesting thread when you get to page 2

Indeed

For the record I'm delighted I passed it up; have an E46 M3 now :pac:

Max Power1

TouchingVirus wrote: »

Indeed

For the record I'm delighted I passed it up; have an E46 M3 now :pac:

What is your real life experience running this car on a day to day basis?

How many miles do you do per week/tank and what is the cost of this? Is 22-25mpg achievable, for example

(You may have seen earlier on thread that im looking at buying one of these - hence the questions)

Rowley Birkin QC

TouchingVirus wrote: »

Indeed

For the record I'm delighted I passed it up; have an E46 M3 now :pac:

Tits pics or gtfo.

TouchingVirus

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

Tits pics or gtfo.

Fair enough, taken early today. You can find more pictures of it in the Motors Meet thread

TouchingVirus

Max Power1 wrote: »

What is your real life experience running this car on a day to day basis?

How many miles do you do per week/tank and what is the cost of this? Is 22-25mpg achievable, for example

(You may have seen earlier on thread that im looking at buying one of these - hence the questions)

I drive it 3 or 4 times a week at the minute; live in the city and work in the city. Consequently I'm city/short spin driving it mostly but here's a few stats:

I've an average of 21.8MPG over 550 miles since I bought it four weeks ago. This is mostly town driving which does decimate the MPG but for good measure there were a few one hour motorway spins taking advantage of the sixth gear. I will also admit none of these 550 miles were anything but "spirited" driving

Tax is a killer, but my rough yearly mileage means it's still manageable - my fuel/tax cost mix might be closer to 50/50 than the 70/30 or 80/20 most people get but that's all right with me because my car's fawking awesome and not some wanky 1.7 Astra daysul :P

So many things to do it as well, it even does my drinking for me :pac: The service item costs are higher, I spent €500 for all round discs and pads but put them on myself this weekend. Still though, nothing comes close to beating the smiles per gallon - worth every cent I spend on it

You won't be disappointed

Idbatterim

If i were you I would go for the E90, the E46 saloons are so dated at this stage. take a look at the below, looks very good...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-IES-/32713597305663930/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/NEW-MODE/34013604078004460/advert?channel=CARS

I spent 2 years dithering and increasing my budget. Long story short, I'm delighted with the car. Only problem is that I'm already looking at 320's and 325's!

from a 325ci owner, and my bro also has a 325ci, forget the 320, go for the 325, only slightly over a hundred euro more tax for extra 25bhp, ok with the 320ci you get 6 cylinder, but power gain isnt that noteable as 6 cylinder engine is heavier than the 4. The 325ci if going for a 6 cylider and by far and away the best choice.. (given the way the tax is structured here on the old cc system)

Yakuza

comanche_cor wrote: »

Your E46 is still going strong and still delivers the smiles per miles! ... has been flawless.

Great to hear, I really miss that car; driving a soulless crossover now. I can't wait to get back into a proper car, Touring or Avant methinks, when the kids get bigger.

challengemaster

yllw.ldbttr wrote: »

What do you reckon I could realistically sell it for?
Irish car, 146k km, SE spec, leather interior, bluetooth, wired for iphone, MFSW, full service history etc.

You certain its km? if so thats very low, considering my 05 320cd has 149k miles on it

All things considered, I wouldn't let it go for less than 7.5k tbh

yllw.ldbttr

challengemaster wrote: »

You certain its km? if so thats very low, considering my 05 320cd has 149k miles on it

All things considered, I wouldn't let it go for less than 7.5k tbh

Thanks, and yes, I'm certain it's KM.
There was around 35km on the clock when I bought it 5 years ago, I've been in the same job for the same company, driving the same commute for the last 5 years, so doing just over 20 km per year (although I do work from home a bit more these days)


That sounds boring as ****, I need a new job/ car/ house... (Delete as necessary).

alexlyons

ye like the look of that first e92 linked and its on the saved ads list!

just on the note about the diesel 320 e46 with 146k/km on it... what sort of mileage would you be looking at before you walked away? both diesel and petrol

yllw.ldbttr

alexlyons wrote: »

ye like the look of that first e92 linked and its on the saved ads list!

just on the note about the diesel 320 e46 with 146k/km on it... what sort of mileage would you be looking at before you walked away? both diesel and petrol

Depends on a lot of factors, most importantly how well the car is maintained and regularly serviced.
I reckon mine will comfortably do another 100,000 km anyway, if not more, before the costs begin to escalate to a point where it's a problem.

challengemaster

alexlyons wrote: »

ye like the look of that first e92 linked and its on the saved ads list!

just on the note about the diesel 320 e46 with 146k/km on it... what sort of mileage would you be looking at before you walked away? both diesel and petrol

I wouldn't be fond of the idea of walking away from high milage cars without checking into their history first.

100-140k miles is most likely where a bulk of suspension related repair costs (wear and tear) will pop up on an e46. Find out when the clutch / DMF was replaced. History of oil changes / servicing, receipts for work done or parts. Service history is way more important than milage tbh.

bazz26

The last of the E46s were sold in 2006 so you are looking at newest examples being 7 years old, even with average mileage they are going to be hovering around the 80/90k miles mark.

M Sport models will have the stiffer suspension set up and most probably have larger & wider wheels. SE has more comfortable suspension and generally smaller wheels if tyre prices are a concern.

SE:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4068221

M Sport:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4535920

Idbatterim

The E92 is the coupe, the E90 the saloon. So is it a coupe you are looking for OP?

alexlyons

either coupe or saloon really, not pushed either way. I'd like a saloon all things being equal, but i'd have no hassle going for the coupe

Rowley Birkin QC

alexlyons wrote: »

either coupe or saloon really, not pushed either way. I'd like a saloon all things being equal, but i'd have no hassle going for the coupe

Any preferences between Sport and SE? Sports will carry a premium.

There's an Alpine White E46 M-Sport Coupé for sale on BMW-Driver at the minute.

• Bit overpriced
• It's an Auto does have StepTronic though.
• White is not to everyone's taste
• Pre-facelift, again this is a matter of personal preference, some people prefer the pre-facelift models.
• I wouldn't be gone on the wheels either, personal preference again.
• Looks very clean though and decent bit of service history.

Idbatterim

what is your budget OP? the coupes have quite a price premium attached over the saloons... There is a nice E46 coupe below...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318-CI-M/34113602309606970/advert?channel=CARS

believe me, people are so bloody concerned about saving E100-200 in tax or a euro or two a week in petrol. Depreciation will be main cost generally, although not too much of a concern with cars around the 6-7k mark. Ask yourself if you bought a car, what you would get for it if you put it up for sale the next day... I see people left right and centre buying bm's concerned about the tax etc, paying way over the odds, and losing thousands instantly (plus the interest on the payments if applicable)...

Alanstrainor

That white e46 looks awful. I know it comes down to personal taste, but to me it looks terrible. Even silver is nicer:pac:

And he's having a laugh at that price. My 325ci, with same mileage, tonnes of history, h&r cup kit, plus a lot of necessary work done cost me 2500.

Rowley Birkin QC

Idbatterim wrote: »

what is your budget OP? the coupes have quite a price premium attached over the saloons... There is a nice E46 coupe below...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318-CI-M/34113602309606970/advert?channel=CARS

believe me, people are so bloody concerned about saving E100-200 in tax or a euro or two a week in petrol. Depreciation will be main cost generally, although not too much of a concern with cars around the 6-7k mark. Ask yourself if you bought a car, what you would get for it if you put it up for sale the next day... I see people left right and centre buying bm's concerned about the tax etc, paying way over the odds, and losing thousands instantly (plus the interest on the payments if applicable)...

Nice car alrite, but big money for the sake of a few years on the number plate.

Also, Naas Rd. dealership. I hate tarring all places with the same brush but I wouldn't touch anything from those places.

Good points on Tax and fuel. The amount of 316d's around the place is silly.