Bought my first BMW

[Daniel 36]

So, I've been looking at and researching various different cars for some time. I wanted something "oldish" (but still quick) so that I could learn about doing general maintenance things myself, and maybe some upgrades in future.

I always liked BMWs, and the more I read about the much loved e46, the more I wanted one. I was quite keen on coupes for awhile, but figured 4 doors would be more practical as I plan on owning it for some time.

So I bought this:

 

She's a NZ new, 2003 330i M Sport, barely run in with 181 kms. Came with all the BMW booklets (about 7 different ones) and a pretty comprehensive service history since new, mostly from BMW Dealers and European Specialists.

There were even some receipts and inspection doc.s from a couple of owners previous, showing it's been around the country a bit. Unfortunately it was a $1 dollar reserve auction as a trade-in from a dealer, so I didn't have much time to organise a proper PPI myself. Regardless, I took it for a good test drive and there was only a window regulator and a slight steering creak (only at start) that I noticed as things needing attention. 

It does need a little cleaning up in some areas, but for the most part it's surprisingly clean and straight, and drives like it's done a lot less travel. Everything seems to be stock standard instead of the shoes, which I think are style 127s?

Anyway, I'll have it looked at by a specialist in the near future to identify any big problem areas. For now though, I'm really stoked with my purchase, and am looking forward to begin practicing some DIY here and there.

Most importantly, I really am impressed with the way it drives and handles... it's alot of fun!

[Gabe79 410]

Pretty car. Good luck with it.

[Worksie 22]

Good looking car you have there, hope you get a lot of enjoyment from it.

Graeme

[Olaf 3317]

Looks good, Dan. Looks like your patience paid off!  Specialist independents Page European are worth talking to in Wellington city, as are Auto 38.

If you've not already done so, do consider subscribing to the Wellington Meetings room, we do get together for coffee meets, cruises, and road trips further afield.   

Looking forward to seeing this one in the metal.

 

[Daniel 36]

Thanks guys. Just picked her up from Page Euro:

ITEMS NOTED
1- RADIATOR LEAKING
2- OIL LEVEL SENSOR FAULT
3- L/FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR FAULTY
4- A/C COMPRESSOR NOISY
5- R/FRONT LIFTING PAD RUBBER MISSING
6- SLIGHT OIL WEEPAGE FROM VANOS OIL FEED HOSE

So the only pressing thing is it needs a new radiator within the next three months.
He quoted that for parts and labour at $750.00 which seems fair to me.

Overall he was surprised with the condition and said it was obvious money was spent to keep her in good shape.

I'm pretty happy with that.

[Olaf 3317]

pretty good outcome!

the noisy A/C compressor is a feature of the e46... I had mine replaced along with new receiver drier.  Page Euro get a guy in to do their A/C work.  

Jacking pads are inexpensive.  They'll knock out your window regulator in no time.  Mine went at this time of the year also, left front, decided it was better replaced than my good lady lowering window and being unable to raise it.  Page Euro did a beaut job, easy.

[Gabe79 410]

Items 2, 5, and 6 are quite cheap and you can get them all for well under $100 and are easy to install yourself too. I have no clue on the regulators, and the radiator I might end up outsourcing too, although I am a bit weird and would probably give it a go from youtube alone, at which point it'd cost a lot less than $750.