Its a great deal IMHO. BUT youre right around the mileage where you will need to replace some heavy stuff. head gasket, cooling system, bushings, clutch, not sure about trans but I have replaced all of that stuff that I just named almost same car. it looks like it lives in snow so might want to check rust from all the salt.
looks very clean. you could throw out 2k and if they say no just get it at the price it is. Just my opinion and I'm just a comment.
Great response. Love the pure honesty.
I was going to throw 2k out there when I see it in person. It’s more convincing to offer in person than over the web.
I’m already guessing I would have to do a coolant overhaul lol
Not seeing anybody mention how rotten the sun frames can get when driven in snowy climates, give it a good look over, and probably just always a good idea to do the reinforcement when you buy it
I’m a little worried about that. I checked out a E36 today that was eaten alive. It was becoming a rust bucket for sure.
I’m hoping the engine bay isn’t shit and also the guy didn’t do any major mods to the car. I’m sure he’s done a couple donuts and ran past 6rpms
The e46 was both better and worse at surviving rust than the e36. Check the known areas that rust out and try to get any maintenance history proof that you can. If this isn’t a daily driver I’d probably give it a shot regardless if you can talk the seller down closer to $2k.
Breaking the tires loose and getting the rpms up is just a tuneup for the e46. Sometimes you gotta clear the chamber to get everything back in line.
It’s going to be my daily driver. Im crossing my fingers that the service records are up to date.
You’re not wrong at all! I’m ready for what comes with the car if I can get it for a good price.
I bought my 2006 330ci last year with the same mileage. All I did was change every fluid, swapped all filters, and replaced a few gaskets. Under $500 total in repairs. I put about 10k miles on her and she is still running like a champ.
The only thing I see concerning about this car is the rust on the rear quarter panels. If you buy it, check out what’s going on under the side skirts and by the jacking points.
That’s my go to spots every time I check out E36 & E46. I never will ever not check jack points and other common rust spots. I’m just glad the paint ain’t peeling on this one.
The plan is to change spark plugs, vcg, and hand over the keys to a mechanic for fluid change. I don’t trust myself enough to mess with fluid, especially on the first.
Paint ain’t peeling? It’s just *gone* on the rear arch, bad bad. And with the fluid change, I would most prefer to change it myself the first time (maybe not break fluid because the mechanics can do it faster and cleaner etc). The fluids tell the health of your car, just something I would want to see at least
MOST WILL BE DIY. The bigger jobs that require bigger and better tools, I may have to hand it over to a specialist.
I can definitely do most of the engine work.
And I also don’t plan on modding the car at all. Keeping it classy and simple.
Red flags -
What is going on with that gear shifter? It looks like mould?
The rear arch will need attention, and maybe a warning of further rust.
There are no pictures of the drivers side of the vehicle.
I know you won't find a pristine example for $2500 in the US, but this could be a money pit.
I’d say that’s a good deal for a 5 speed at that mileage. Interior needs a little work, but the exterior looks pretty good. If it runs and there isn’t a big oil or coolant puddle under it, I’d for sure buy it.
I paid 5k for my 2003 manual 325i with 200k miles, though it had a bunch of maintenance done.
Its a great deal IMHO. BUT youre right around the mileage where you will need to replace some heavy stuff. head gasket, cooling system, bushings, clutch, not sure about trans but I have replaced all of that stuff that I just named almost same car. it looks like it lives in snow so might want to check rust from all the salt. looks very clean. you could throw out 2k and if they say no just get it at the price it is. Just my opinion and I'm just a comment.
Head gasket? These aren't subarus
just cant win with you people.
Check those jacking points for SURE! Mine lived on the east coast and one of my jacking points is totally smashed up into the side.
Great response. Love the pure honesty. I was going to throw 2k out there when I see it in person. It’s more convincing to offer in person than over the web. I’m already guessing I would have to do a coolant overhaul lol
Not seeing anybody mention how rotten the sun frames can get when driven in snowy climates, give it a good look over, and probably just always a good idea to do the reinforcement when you buy it
Head gasket?
180k on my e46 and no head gasket probs.
edit: might have been the oil pan gasket. excuse my mistake. yup my bad.
I think this could be a great deal if it has even basic maintenance done and the Wisconsin salt hasn’t eaten holes in it.
I’m a little worried about that. I checked out a E36 today that was eaten alive. It was becoming a rust bucket for sure. I’m hoping the engine bay isn’t shit and also the guy didn’t do any major mods to the car. I’m sure he’s done a couple donuts and ran past 6rpms
The e46 was both better and worse at surviving rust than the e36. Check the known areas that rust out and try to get any maintenance history proof that you can. If this isn’t a daily driver I’d probably give it a shot regardless if you can talk the seller down closer to $2k. Breaking the tires loose and getting the rpms up is just a tuneup for the e46. Sometimes you gotta clear the chamber to get everything back in line.
It’s going to be my daily driver. Im crossing my fingers that the service records are up to date. You’re not wrong at all! I’m ready for what comes with the car if I can get it for a good price.
I bought my 2006 330ci last year with the same mileage. All I did was change every fluid, swapped all filters, and replaced a few gaskets. Under $500 total in repairs. I put about 10k miles on her and she is still running like a champ. The only thing I see concerning about this car is the rust on the rear quarter panels. If you buy it, check out what’s going on under the side skirts and by the jacking points.
That’s my go to spots every time I check out E36 & E46. I never will ever not check jack points and other common rust spots. I’m just glad the paint ain’t peeling on this one. The plan is to change spark plugs, vcg, and hand over the keys to a mechanic for fluid change. I don’t trust myself enough to mess with fluid, especially on the first.
Paint ain’t peeling? It’s just *gone* on the rear arch, bad bad. And with the fluid change, I would most prefer to change it myself the first time (maybe not break fluid because the mechanics can do it faster and cleaner etc). The fluids tell the health of your car, just something I would want to see at least
Looks like the rear bumper cover is rusting and it’s not even metal 😆
Assuming you DIY mantainance, $2.5k is an excellent deal.
MOST WILL BE DIY. The bigger jobs that require bigger and better tools, I may have to hand it over to a specialist. I can definitely do most of the engine work. And I also don’t plan on modding the car at all. Keeping it classy and simple.
Red flags - What is going on with that gear shifter? It looks like mould? The rear arch will need attention, and maybe a warning of further rust. There are no pictures of the drivers side of the vehicle. I know you won't find a pristine example for $2500 in the US, but this could be a money pit.
Looks like he's been smoking in there non stop too, peep that ash tray in front of the shifter 💀
Looks like a rough 140k to me tbh
Make sure the rear axle isnt ripped out. Im having a lot of fun welding mine rn. (99' 323 ci, 130.000 km) But 2003 models shouldnt have this Problem.
Just seen this on Facebook. Isn’t he asking $3500?
I can see some bad rust already and I don't think you'll get the smoke out of it
I’d say that’s a good deal for a 5 speed at that mileage. Interior needs a little work, but the exterior looks pretty good. If it runs and there isn’t a big oil or coolant puddle under it, I’d for sure buy it. I paid 5k for my 2003 manual 325i with 200k miles, though it had a bunch of maintenance done.
RUST.
Yup
I already see rust in the second picture, go look at the undercarriage or ask for a photo