Newbie, and looking for am E46 Touring

[DavidB 1]

Hi, good to find such a useful, well run forum in NZ, thanks to all responsible. I've opened a conversation with someone who has an E46 330i Touring (pre-facelift) - and he's says he might be ready to sell it soon. Last time I owned a rear-wheeler was 1980! So I'm staved of 'proper' driving fun. Any advice re: E46 Touring would be most welcome.

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2956]

Any advice re: E46 Touring would be most welcome.

I've been running an E46 Touring for just under two years, a 330d MSport. Bought it as a daily for the wife to drive in the week and me to tow the race car with (hence the diesel over petrol, without the towing it would be a very close call which way to go).

Overall it has been a very good car for, us. Not the hugest wagon in terms of space, but you can still get lots of gear in the back without putting the seats down. It has taken a battering in terms of use from the wife and kids, and stood up pretty well - the leather interior is pretty hardy and easy to clean.

We have done lots of long distance trips in it and it has served us very well. Only issue we had was with a senor on the DSC which cost a few bucks to put right, and had a tyre blow out on me for not keeping an eye on the pressure and wear!

Glenn can probably give you a run-down of things to look out for that fail on E46, I had the lower control arm bushes done when I bought it as this is a common wear item.

I would strongly suggest an inspection by a BMW specialist before you buy, to identify any possible issues.

[westy 614]

Our E46 has now done 260000kms.

As much as I like to piss an' moan about Bmws, this thing seems hell bent on making a lair outta me.

[deeveus 81]

Had my 320d for over a year, have done the passenger occupancy sensor and fixed an earthing problem RR tail lights. Done 219kms

On a F/L E46 330i vs 330d which would be quicker?

[DavidB 1]

I would strongly suggest an inspection by a BMW specialist before you buy, to identify any possible issues.

Thanks Jon, appreciate your comments.

Any suggestions as to whom you would entrust an inspection? Obviously I'm not going to take anyone's short list as an implied -ve about those not mentioned, but knowing one or two, particularly some independents, where owners have had good experiences would help me

[rookie 0]

I would strongly suggest an inspection by a BMW specialist before you buy, to identify any possible issues.

Thanks Jon, appreciate your comments.

Any suggestions as to whom you would entrust an inspection? Obviously I'm not going to take anyone's short list as an implied -ve about those not mentioned, but knowing one or two, particularly some independents, where owners have had good experiences would help me

Where are you located?

[DavidB 1]

Where are you located?

Sorry, taken a while to get back, and I appreciate your help.

Things started taking various turns of direction as the hunt for a set of wheels progressed, as so often happens, and I've ended up with an E39 530i, NZ new car. Back seat room became a bigger issue. Guy with the E46 330i Touring was taking forever to get back with service records - never did. Even his 'mechanic' apparently could come up with them, which somewhat cooled my earlier enthusiasm. Will be happy with the E39, but happier once have re-done shocks etc. It's done nearly 100 km, and handling is a little softer than I had imagined they would be.

[deeveus 81]

Under 100kms and NZ new, not an easy beast to find. Pictures much?