That looks a very nice example mate!! :cool But nearly 8k for a 04 with 80k does seem a little steep :frown

Make sure its got a decent (regular) service history, and make sure you get the swirl flaps removed if you go for it...:thumbsup

Best of luck.

 

cheers for the reply man... swirl flaps ?

Come on Im an MG person haha where cars are made in sheds

Is there anything in these cars that go faulty? Common problems with them ?

 

READ THIS MATE...:thumbsup

The turbos on the diesel were prone to failing, but this issue was addressed in late 2003, so 04+ you should be OK

 

I got my 2005 (55 plate) 320cd msport 3 Months ago. 119000 on the clock, pristine condition, £7,250. Advertised at £8k but got the price down.

Check that the correct size tyres are fitted front and back (Cant remember off the top of my head the sizings) because when I went to have my tyres replaced I found that it had the same size tyres all the way round and even had the rear rims at the front!!! I did wonder why the car was quite so prone to tramlining!

I have now put another 6k miles on the clock and am loving every minute of it, though looking to get a remap to free up a bit more power and torque :-D

 

Take it for a long run mate, these engines do suffer with quite a few problems, which i have found out! Check for the Turbo, make sure it pulls well, make sure it doesnt make any funny sounds. Take it for a long run if you can and make sure there is no black smoke which mine is doing, i should have walked away as at my wits end with my car at the mo!

 

I went to see the guy today he was really genuineabout the car, he him self worked for bmw. The car wasnt at the garage, it was in his work shop getting a new turbo put in. He said that it had not blown but he reckoned it would go within the next 6 to 7 weeks as the car wasnt pulling how it should be, Also he said the car had 2 owners first owner had the car for 2 years and the 2nd owner for 4, now he doesnt have the stamp book but there is receipts for work that has been carried out and for all MOT's etc so my guess is the first owner had it as a company car and its been sent to auction minus the book. Im going up on Monday to have a look at the car and take it for a test drive so I will take it from there.

Thanks for the replies guys

Will keep you all informed

 

millar be careful mate, its a lot of money. And I would be a little concerned about the turbo issue, what other probs may it have?

Is there nothing else near to you that you can compare with...? :thumbsup

 

nothing with that spec I can really check it with. I no a few guys from work who are all clued up on BMW's so will ask a couple to come and have a look over it with me, I will be demandin a receipt for the work done on the turbo and a warenty on it aswell If he wont do that, then I wont buy it. To be honest its the spec of bmw iv been looking for for almost 9 months. Whats for me wont pass me by I guess as they say.

If he is replacing the turbo should he be changing anything else ? Anything that could relate to the turbo needing to be changed?

 

Some nice 330d's on here http://motors.shop.ebay.co.uk/Cars-/9801/i.html?Manufacturer=BMW&Car%2520Type=Coupes&Fuel%2520Type=Diesel&Transmission=Manual&Model=330|320&Mileage=More%2520than%2520100%252C000%2520miles&LH_Price=..11,000%40c&_trkparms=65%253A7%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1&rt=nc&_catref=1&_dmpt=Automobiles_UK&_mPrRngCbx=1&_sop=3&_sc=1&_trksid=m194&ssPageName=STRK:MEFSRCHX:SRCH

I like the look of the blue 330, just wondering about whether he would trade my 320 for it!

 

Hi millar, with the lack of service history trawl through the receipts with a fine tooth comb, if its been looked after it should have had at least 5 or 6 oil & filter changes (not including the one after turbo fit) also look for suspension parts being replaced ie control arms and rear control arm bushes.

When you take it for a test drive make sure it pulls well in all gears, you should feel the turbo kick in about 1800/2000rpm but acceleration is progressive rather than aggressive.

Finally you may find the cars front end wanders on country lanes or follows the furrows in the road produced by HGV's, this tramlining is typical of the E46 with sports suspension and 18" wheels combo but it shouldn't feel like its about to yank the steering wheel out of your hand as it starts to tramline, tho if you have the aforementioned suspension receipts the usual worn components may have been replaced.

:thumbsup

 

just to keep you informed, still havent been able to see the car yetphoned them up and he said that the wrong turbo had been sent up and that the car would be getting a service before it comes back to the showroom. he did also mention that the carbon fibre effect on the drivers side door was scratched and said it was a common fault, any ideas if this is true or not ?

oh does the bmw have belts or chains ?

 

BMW is chain

 

Take off the oil filler cap and you should be able to see it.

 

hi mate i got my motor about 4 months ago [e46 320cd 2005/06] i paid £10000 with 65000miles on it which i think was pretty good as it was o6 plate and only one previous owner with all history,mots,reciepts, and had just been serviced.
HOWEVER i spent about a month looking around for the best deal at the top end of my budget.[cos was a lot of money to spend].
have done over 6000miles since buying, going all over the place.[do give it a good run and see just how tight it is for year.
am pleased as punch with my motor and have future plans for it like remmapping. BUTdo look around and compare. GOOD LUCK PAL.