E46 Coupé?

Rowley Birkin QC

So I've been driving an MSport 318Ci for the last few years and love the look and feel of the car. Single regret is not going for a more powerful 6 cylinder model but I was already stretching at the time to buy and run it so spilt milk on that front.

It's mechanically sound, in good nick and I've added an OEM looking Android unit to bring the interior up to date so I have Spotify, Google Maps nav etc. It costs very little to run as I only do 200~km per week usually. Main costs are tax (€710) and insurance (€500~ and creeping up as the car ages).

I drove a very high spec 335D MSport out in Beshoff's earlier this year and was totally taken with it but insurance cost was bonkers. Have also been in a friends 420D but have no interest in dropping €30k+. That said, the interiors of both felt so much better than the E46 and my head has been more than turned by the thought of a new car. I love the idea of an E46 M3 for a year or two but I really don't want to buy a potential money pit that I end up hating.

• Not particularly interested in diesel but there's so few petrol models out there that I have to consider it.
  
• Have driven a few Autos recently with paddle shift, would like to go that route if possible.
  
• I do like my tech so nav etc. is a must have.
  
• Need room for golf clubs in the boot
  
• Not an absolute but would prefer to stay RWD
  
• 2 doors / coupé preferred
  
• No problem going to UK / Norn Iron
  
• Budget is up to about €16k.

Do I have any options other than a well specced E92??!

James Bond Junior

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

So I've been driving an MSport 318Ci for the last few years and love the look and feel of the car. Single regret is not going for a more powerful 6 cylinder model but I was already stretching at the time to buy and run it so spilt milk on that front.

It's mechanically sound, in good nick and I've added an OEM looking Android unit to bring the interior up to date so I have Spotify, Google Maps nav etc. It costs very little to run as I only do 200~km per week usually. Main costs are tax (€710) and insurance (€500~ and creeping up as the car ages).

I drove a very high spec 335D MSport out in Beshoff's earlier this year and was totally taken with it but insurance cost was bonkers. Have also been in a friends 420D but have no interest in dropping €30k+. That said, the interiors of both felt so much better than the E46 and my head has been more than turned by the thought of a new car. I love the idea of an E46 M3 for a year or two but I really don't want to buy a potential money pit that I end up hating.

• Not particularly interested in diesel but there's so few petrol models out there that I have to consider it.
  
• Have driven a few Autos recently with paddle shift, would like to go that route if possible.
  
• I do like my tech so nav etc. is a must have.
  
• Need room for golf clubs in the boot
  
• Not an absolute but would prefer to stay RWD
  
• 2 doors / coupé preferred
  
• No problem going to UK / Norn Iron
  
• Budget is up to about €16k.

Do I have any options other than a well specced E92??!

330i? Might go a bit easier on insurance.

bazz26

6 Series coupe?

Rowley Birkin QC

bazz26 wrote: »

6 Series coupe?

Always liked the look of the MSport models. Off to Carzone..

James Bond Junior

bazz26 wrote: »

6 Series coupe?

Good call.

James Bond Junior

Theres is a black 08 audi S5 on carzone. Would that float your boat?

Rowley Birkin QC

James Bond Junior wrote: »

Theres is a black 08 audi S5 on carzone. Would that float your boat?

Interesting, but total cost of ownership for something like that is too rich for my tastes. Thanks for the suggestion though!

Lovely motor for someone else though! http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/audi/s5/used-2008-audi-s5-stunning-audi-s-dublin-fpa-182096810576734

Rowley Birkin QC

Went to look at this today. Nice car, spec isn't exactly what I'm after but still thinking about it. Only thing is that N53 engine, is it as bad as people make it out to be for reliability?

http://www.billgriffinmotors.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=1832817&r=

commited

I had a 335i auto which was phenomenal but not the most reliable thing in the world, but the noise everyday when I started it up made it worthwhile. They are an absolute bargain and cheaper here than in the UK.

I'd advise driving 325i/330i/335i and see what you think. e92 is also a timeless design imho and still looks impressive today.

Postinsurance always seem decent for quotes on fast BMWs btw.

I should add that I currently have an N53 530i, most of the bugs appeared to be ironed out by any cars that still had a warranty in 2011/2012 so you have a better chance of being OK. I have done a fair bit of preventative maintenance, HPFP being the only item that I don't have a receipt for being changed in the last 5 years (but was told it was done under warranty).

N52 appears to be a great engine.

I'd still be giving this ad a call though
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-335i-petrol-twin-turbo-coupe/16785790

Rowley Birkin QC

Good point on the vintage. There were a stack of receipts with it so I'll have a look and see if there was a lot of warranty work. Presume I'm looking for coils, injectors, fuel pump?

That 335 is lovely. Bonkers how cheap they are here alrite. Have a hard time with non MSport BMW's though!

commited

Coil packs are dirt cheap, and fitting is a doddle so I wouldn't be too worried about them. The latest revision of Injectors can be had fairly cheap, so again I wouldn't be too concerned - they're easy to change and code.

HPFPs are now being reconditioned so that's a good sign but you're talking about lots of labour.

I think the 335's are good looking in SE trim too considering the unique rear bumper, especially with those wheels. They all have M Sport seats & suspension so just the bumpers in the difference.

If they had sold an e60 estate in Ireland/UK with the n54 engine and the same exhaust system as the 335i, that would pretty much be my ideal car.

Rowley Birkin QC

€1189 to insure the 325
€968 to insure the 335.

Both with PostInsurance. That tax bill with the 335 though. Still, a well minded example will probably always find a home through forums etc.

James Bond Junior

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

€1189 to insure the 325
€968 to insure the 335.

Both with PostInsurance. That tax bill with the 335 though. Still, a well minded example will probably always find a home through forums etc.

Its only 60c extra per day. Ditch two takeaway coffees a week and it will have paid for itself. You know you want to...

Leonard Hofstadter

If you want to stick with an E46 why not hope over to the UK and bring one in?

It will be a heck of a lot less to buy than an E92 and they made them right up until 2006 so you should still be able to go up the years.

There's still plenty of them around in the UK and if you're prepared to spend at least £3,000 you'll be able to find one in decent nick.

There will be no problem finding one with a six cylinder engine and a manual gearbox (a must have in my opinion, I've driven E46s with both gearboxes and the manual is miles better - and that's before you remove the clutch delay valve that they all have, that transforms them).

Most of the Coupés will be in Sport spec (a must have in my opinion as they look a lot sharper than the SE, although they're not especially comfortable) and being English cars they'll have plenty of kit - most of them will have leather (although the standard alcantara is actually more comfortable) and they all have climate control, MFSW, auto dimming rear view mirror etc. Mine fortunately has electric seats and folding mirrors, which can be coded to open and close as you lock/unlock the car.

If you already have an E46 then you'll already know you need to listen for the suspension to see if there's any clunks over bumps and also watch them when pulling away hard; if the back is all squidgy and shuffles all over the place then the rear trailing arm bushes are knackered. You'll also know that the bonnet locks and both front and rear arches, as well as the battery tray are prone to rust.

The six cylinder engines are well known for their fondness of a drop of oil and the cooling system is made of chocolate, the former is not a problem (for emissions) unless it's using more than a litre every 600 miles but don't be surprised to see the low oil light come on at least every 1000 miles, if they're gutless at low revs then the VANOS seals are shot.

Compared to a four cylinder model they'll be very reliable though, really once the cooling system and the oil leaks are taken care of the six cylinder petrol engines won't give any trouble at all and the rest of the car is pretty reliable too so long as it's been looked after.

If you want a petrol E92 again the UK is the best option, there will be a lot more choice than Ireland although like Ireland diesel was the main seller by this stage unfortunately.

Depending on the year the diesels have a well known problem with the timing chain (any 320d will have the problem, while later 325ds and 330ds also suffer).

All that said, the petrols can give reliability issues, too - the earlier 335is have problems with the turbos for starters plus the high pressure fuel pump according to a recent thread on this forum.

I distinctly remember there was a huge fuss when the 'Efficient Dynamics' (direct injection) engines were brought out about problems with injectors and coil packs. I have no idea if the N43 and N53 engines are still suffering but I never hear any complaints about it any more. I gather from google that BMW did a recall of cars with these engines in 2010 so that suggests this is no longer a problem, the rest of those engines is solid out, so that means the petrols are definitely the best bet for reliability and of course the N53 has its place in the history books being the last ever naturally aspirated straight six the company made (in a car, you can still buy a K series bike with a NA six).

It would seem from the PistonHeads thread below that the N53 is now fine for reliability and is a very good engine, I haven't driven an E92 so I can't say what the N53 engine is like to drive, but if its even half as nice as the M54 engine in the E46 then you certainly won't be disappointed. Straight six petrols are fantastic engines; they're super smooth and refined when you're not in a hurry and on a motorway the fuel economy is pretty good considering the engine size, power and the fact there are six rather than four cylinders, but they've got bags of character when you want to have fun and they pull all the way up to the redline without any fuss.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1489061

Mickiemcfist

That post should be made a sticky

ba_barabus

Captain, you say better off going to the UK for an E46. Is that for a newer one or one in general? I'd love an earlier 6 cylinder one to keep so kicking that idea around in my head right now.

Leonard Hofstadter

ba_barabus wrote: »

Captain, you say better off going to the UK for an E46. Is that for a newer one or one in general? I'd love an earlier 6 cylinder one to keep so kicking that idea around in my head right now.

I think in general. There's plenty of rubbish in the UK as well by the way, and it might even be dearer buying one there instead of Ireland (although probably not so much given how little sterling is worth these days) as there's still demand for large engined models over here, but there's a much wider choice as plenty of six cylinder petrols were sold (especially for the E46) so you've a much better chance of getting a good one going to the UK.

What you save on the purchase price of a cheap BMW you'll pay back in higher running costs due to something going wrong (and it will - there's quite a few areas where BMW cut corners with build quality in the E46 so if the preventative maintenance jobs haven't been done you should budget for doing them yourself - especially the cooling system).

If you can find a good car in Ireland then go for it (chances are if it's a high spec car it was imported from the UK anyway as Irish spec BMWs before 2004 only came with seats and a steering wheel as standard) but I'd be surprised if you could find a decent six pot in Sport spec and some evidence that the known problem areas have been addressed (cooling system, oil leaks and oil breathers).

They're a gorgeous car to drive; the handling is superb, the steering is so communicative compared to most cars and of course the six cylinder engine is simply brilliant.

MetzgerMeister

If going for a 335i, please be aware of wastegate rattle. It will be a loud ratchet-type noise at idle and increases with revs. The solution for this is to either have the wastegate moved away from the seal which would increase lag and reduce power or replace both turbos.

Other issues with the 335i (N54) engine are HPFP (not too common), injectors and coils. Not all cars are affected but a lot are.

If you budget for these - 2 turbos (remanufactured from BMW) - €1400, 6 injectors - €1200 from BMW dealer or c. €600 from the US + whatever the cost of the coils is you should have a car you'll thoroughly enjoy. Try find a car with at least the turbos replaced already. IIRC there's a 1 year BMW warranty on them.

With the turbos, you pay for the remanufactured ones plus a deposit which is refunded when you send back your old turbos.

MarkN

Sold this nearly 2 years ago for what I paid for it to begin with. It had the works, the only thing it didn't have was Harmon system. I still regret moving it on but I'd no space for a third car. If you find a good one, don't let go.

An Ard Ri

I had a 6 cylinder E46 for 8 years. Bought it from a main dealer at 4 years old. Was looked after very well. But to keep them in good nick, they require a fair bit of maintenance. You can get a well maintained E46 in Ireland but UK may be a better option. Maybe look at fan sites in the UK where the owner is selling. I ended up getting the piston rings and valve stem seals done which costed a fair bit.

I then got a 6 cylinder E92 in the UK. There is a big difference between the two, mainly in relation to power, spec level and lower tax. I'm paying €750 pa now versus €950 in the E46. The E92 is overall a better car. If buying an E92 you have to go to the UK, the petrol ones are like hens teeth over here. And if you can find one here, the spec is generally poor.

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

So I've been driving an MSport 318Ci for the last few years and love the look and feel of the car. Single regret is not going for a more powerful 6 cylinder model but I was already stretching at the time to buy and run it so spilt milk on that front.

It's mechanically sound, in good nick and I've added an OEM looking Android unit to bring the interior up to date so I have Spotify, Google Maps nav etc. It costs very little to run as I only do 200~km per week usually. Main costs are tax (€710) and insurance (€500~ and creeping up as the car ages).

I drove a very high spec 335D MSport out in Beshoff's earlier this year and was totally taken with it but insurance cost was bonkers. Have also been in a friends 420D but have no interest in dropping €30k+. That said, the interiors of both felt so much better than the E46 and my head has been more than turned by the thought of a new car. I love the idea of an E46 M3 for a year or two but I really don't want to buy a potential money pit that I end up hating.

• Not particularly interested in diesel but there's so few petrol models out there that I have to consider it.
  
• Have driven a few Autos recently with paddle shift, would like to go that route if possible.
  
• I do like my tech so nav etc. is a must have.
  
• Need room for golf clubs in the boot
  
• Not an absolute but would prefer to stay RWD
  
• 2 doors / coupé preferred
  
• No problem going to UK / Norn Iron
  
• Budget is up to about €16k.

Do I have any options other than a well specced E92??!

Leonard Hofstadter

An Ard Ri wrote: »

I ended up getting the piston rings and valve stem seals done which costed a fair bit.

I don't wish to be nosy, but how much did that cost? It must have been a fair few quid. Was yours using a lot of oil?

listermint

Threads crying out for some S54 miss mine

Leonard Hofstadter

listermint wrote: »

Threads crying out for some S54 miss mine

I've got a friend who has an M3, that engine is a truly remarkable feat of engineering (when it's actually working). The sound it makes is incredible and the way it pulls at higher revs is something else, I do long for the days of high revving naturally aspirated engines

td2008

Honestly, buy a e46 m3 for 10k. Interesting car days are numbered :P

An Ard Ri

€2k all in including a few other bits while the engine was out. Was using 1litre every 300 miles.

captainspeed wrote: »

I don't wish to be nosy, but how much did that cost? It must have been a fair few quid. Was yours using a lot of oil?

unkel

ba_barabus wrote: »

I'd love an earlier 6 cylinder one to keep so kicking that idea around in my head right now.

Coupe I presume? If so make sure you get an M-Sport like MarkN's car there, to make sure you get the sports suspension. Most 6 cylinder cars did not come with the factory sports suspension as standard (all 4 cylinder cars did)

E46 coupe with sports suspension is one of the most sorted driving cars ever made. Enjoy

ba_barabus

unkel wrote: »

Coupe I presume? If so make sure you get an M-Sport like MarkN's car there, to make sure you get the sports suspension. Most 6 cylinder cars did not come with the factory sports suspension as standard (all 4 cylinder cars did)

E46 coupe with sports suspension is one of the most sorted driving cars ever made. Enjoy

That's what I was thinking. I had an E46 318ci that had a great spec but it was just a standard car not an m sport. I loved it but it was definitely down on power and soft in the suspension department. I liked it but if I was getting one to keep I'd prefer something a bit sharper. Mind you I wouldn't say no to a well sorted 318 ci. I just loved the chrome interior trim and sunroof and black bodywork.

166man

MarkN wrote: »

Sold this nearly 2 years ago for what I paid for it to begin with. It had the works, the only thing it didn't have was Harmon system. I still regret moving it on but I'd no space for a third car. If you find a good one, don't let go.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-325ci/16815628


Is this it Mark by any chance? Just came across it there by chance, when you had it it was immaculate btw. :cool:

James Bond Junior

166man wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-325ci/16815628


Is this it Mark by any chance? Just came across it there by chance, when you had it it was immaculate btw. :cool:

Zooming in on Mark's old car's plate it seems to end in a 3 or an 8. The above ends in a 6.

MarkN

Not my old one, no. I sold mine to a mate but he in turn sold it quite quickly as he was doing decent enough miles.

For a car that had nearly 200,000kms it truly was in exceptional condition. They handle like they’re glued with the odd bit of rear stepping out obviously.

I drove Dublin to Kilkenny to Dublin this weekend and the 640d did it with total breeze, effortless overtaking, all that kind of stuff but it’s nowhere like the rawness of the 325!!

What was I thinking selling

Leonard Hofstadter

166man wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-325ci/16815628


Is this it Mark by any chance? Just came across it there by chance, when you had it it was immaculate btw. :cool:

That's a nice find, I doubt there are many E46s in Ireland in that condition. It's worth every last cent especially when it's had quite a few important jobs done to it (rust proofing, rocker cover gasket, air bellows, VANOS seals and ABS sensors replaced). The only things it really needs are a cooling system overhaul and probably the oil breathers (although I'd leave it until they fail but it's not a cheap job to do if they get blocked) but a well maintained car like that isn't going to give a lot of hassle.

If you're still interested in E46s OP you should definitely consider this one!

Leonard Hofstadter

An Ard Ri wrote: »

€2k all in including a few other bits while the engine was out. Was using 1litre every 300 miles.

Thanks for that, that's actually not too bad for the amount of work you did! I trust that sorted out its fondness for a drop of oil?

An Ard Ri

Yes, it improved a good bit but still used 1 litre per 2000 miles or so.

captainspeed wrote: »

Thanks for that, that's actually not too bad for the amount of work you did! I trust that sorted out its fondness for a drop of oil?

Rowley Birkin QC

Going to look at an 08' 325 M-Sport tomorrow. Auto with paddles. N53 engine. Full history. So far, it looks good. Has also been looked at by a prominent mechanic on here and given the all clear. Anything else specific to watch out for?

No iDrive and a walnut trim. Other than that, it looks good.

MetzgerMeister

Ignition coils mainly I think.

Skylinehead

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

Going to look at an 08' 325 M-Sport tomorrow. Auto with paddles. N53 engine. Full history. So far, it looks good. Has also been looked at by a prominent mechanic on here and given the all clear. Anything else specific to watch out for?

No iDrive and a walnut trim. Other than that, it looks good.

I bought a 09 of same a few weeks ago. Lovely car. Check out the wheels, I think they're prone to cracking, if they're the 19s.

Idbatterim

My first car was 318ci, then went to the 325ci that I have now and LOVE! its a facelift. I might be buying another car next week. I may also keep the 325ci, but if I decide to sell, I will let you know in case you are interested op...

the bloody 318ci wouldnt pull you out of bed, at least not the older 1.9 engine, the 2L was ok, but quite a troublesome engine if not looked after properly. the 325 with the Irish motor tax system is the best one to go for. If going for the E46 3 series coupe IMO, personally I prefer the E46 facelift coupes to the E92's, comparing m sport v m sport

Idbatterim

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

€1189 to insure the 325
€968 to insure the 335.

Both with PostInsurance. That tax bill with the 335 though. Still, a well minded example will probably always find a home through forums etc.

this is the way I see it with the tax bill. Its far better value if you get a 335 v a 330...

If you are going to get done here, you might aswell go all out!

I am looking at a 5L+ car at the moment. Id feel a hell of a lot better at E1809 a year with a 5L+ than a 3.2 or 3.5 etc...

If you want to stick with an E46 why not hope over to the UK and bring one in?

It will be a heck of a lot less to buy than an E92 and they made them right up until 2006 so you should still be able to go up the years.

I personally wouldnt bother with the uk for an E46 unless it was an m3. The hassle to bring in a car of that value. E92 have actually been cheaper here than importing in a lot of the cases I have seen. Obviously you will have far larger choice in the uk...

MetzgerMeister

Tax bill for the 330 should be the same as the 335 as they're both 3.0 litre engines.

Rowley Birkin QC

Viewed this todsy and left a deposit. Missing some bits that I would have preferred (iDrive, boot lip spoiler, literally any other interior trim!!!) but 2/3 are easily solved and it felt tight. Full service history and a once over from George Dalton too so I went for it.

Cheers for all the tips! Will collect some time next week.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2008-bmw-325i-m-sport/17371821

Heres Johnny

Stick one of these or similar into it, I had one in an e39 I loved it and if I could put it in the e60 I would but can't with idrive that I have. Miles ahead of anything around in cars in 2008. Inexpensive solution to what you want. I'd be only average even below with messing around with cars and i was able to whip out old head unit and install it, but it did take me a while.

Google maps, phone integration, YouTube, tv apps, spotify anything your smartphone can do this can do too.

https://www.eonon.com/Android-Car-GPS/Vehicle-Specific-GPS/GA7165.html

unkel

Well wear! E46 coupe are brilliant cars to drive. Sheer driving pleasure, even the slow 4 cylinder ones if you push them hard (and they can handle the abuse). It's the one car that I have owned and I am likely to own again in future!

Rowley Birkin QC

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Stick one of these or similar into it, I had one in an e39 I loved it and if I could put it in the e60 I would but can't with idrive that I have. Miles ahead of anything around in cars in 2008. Inexpensive solution to what you want. I'd be only average even below with messing around with cars and i was able to whip out old head unit and install it, but it did take me a while.

Google maps, phone integration, YouTube, tv apps, spotify anything your smartphone can do this can do too.

https://www.eonon.com/Android-Car-GPS/Vehicle-Specific-GPS/GA7165.html

I've actually had one in my E46 since day one. Streaming Spotify, google maps, waze etc.

The one linked is discontinued. Any other members here have an E92 version in their car or know of one?

The E46 one fits in very nicely, looks OEM. Not so convinced about the E92 version though.

bazz26

unkel wrote: »

Well wear! E46 coupe are brilliant cars to drive. Sheer driving pleasure, even the slow 4 cylinder ones if you push them hard (and they can handle the abuse). It's the one car that I have owned and I am likely to own again in future!

Looks like an E92 to me. :pac:

Idbatterim

Bloody hell thats a nice car. They are after dropping in price since I last checked!!!

Rowley Birkin QC

Cheers!! This is a better snap, photos in the ad aren't great https://photos.app.goo.gl/j1ZQPlxYzBDkmNC12

Yeah, I looked at an 09 one recently that was 4-5k more expensive. There are some 320i adverts looking for huuuuge money

unkel

Apologies, didn't check the link. Thought the OP bought himself an E46 as per thread title

Idbatterim

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

Cheers!! This is a better snap, photos in the ad aren't great https://photos.app.goo.gl/j1ZQPlxYzBDkmNC12

Yeah, I looked at an 09 one recently that was 4-5k more expensive. There are some 320i adverts looking for huuuuge money

Ah ok. Just looked at carzone. They are still looking for over the top money. Only one I'd be interested in is the one you are getting. Well done
The 325 are so much better value for money than the 320!

Only thing I would do with car is change whatever needs to be changed to change colour of angel eyes from the dated yellowish colour to white. MAkes the car look a lot more current

Made a good decision on car and the price range. Lose virtually nothing in depreciation and interest if applicable. You get a beautiful car. The depreciation on some of the other cars you mentioned will be significant and unless you kept it for few years, probably looking at being done by dealer or private sale.

Rowley Birkin QC

That's one of only about 4 things on my list to change.

Angel Eyes - tips appreciated
Boot lip spoiler - same as above
Remove the 325i badge
Possible android head unit depending on OEM look

Leonard Hofstadter

That looks lovely, fair play OP!

One thing you should watch for is those wheels - those look like the ones that are prone to cracking.

Apart from that, best of luck with it, I don't think there is much to watch out for with those cars, presumably at this stage BMW will have done the injector recall for that engine.

Nice to get it on the CO2 tax system as well and only cough up €570 a year too!

Idbatterim

captainspeed wrote: »

That looks lovely, fair play OP!

One thing you should watch for is those wheels - those look like the ones that are prone to cracking.

Apart from that, best of luck with it, I don't think there is much to watch out for with those cars, presumably at this stage BMW will have done the injector recall for that engine.

Nice to get it on the CO2 tax system as well and only cough up €570 a year too!

yeah I thought the auto might push it up to 750 rate. In which case getting a 330 would be better...