Putting the E46 up for sale this week

"Party-vi" (party-vi)
04/16/2018 at 10:50 • Filed to: None

203K miles, auto, stuck-back sunroof shade, peeling B pillar and A pillar trim, and oil consumption. Also, I’ve got a new heater valve for it. Would it be worth fixing any of this stuff or, for the amount of money I’m expecting ($1,500-$2,500) should I just let the next owner deal with it? I’ve seen plenty on my local CL for around $3,000 in what I think is worse condition, but they’ve been there for a while. I might just need to detail it and see what Carmax will offer me.

It’s also got an M3 steering wheel on it that is looking pretty sad. I’ll probably swap it out for the stock wheel and throw in the M3 wheel with the purchase.

Any tips?

DISCUSSION (27)

way2blu does a rev update > Party-vi
04/16/2018 at 11:41

Don’t get your hopes up for CarMax. I got my 2006 C 230 Sport (with factory //AMG appearance package) appraised. 102k miles. Similar vintage to your E46, and they offered me...

...get this...

$800.

Eight. Hundred.

Basically they offered me a wholesale auction starting price, because that’s where cars over 100k go. It’s hard for them to justify the risk of putting their warranty on anything with that mileage.

If you really want to get your money’s worth out of the car, Craigslist is pretty much the only way to go. Fix the biggest issues and see what you can get for it.

way2blu does a rev update > Party-vi
04/16/2018 at 11:44

Alternative to my other comment:

http://www.chevrolet.com/performance/crate-engines/ls3

ToyotaFamily > Party-vi
04/16/2018 at 11:50

Just put it on CL as-is.

And don’t bother with CarMax. E46’s are dime a dozen at wholesale auctions so they’re not worth much unless they’re pristine or M3’s.

Party-vi > way2blu does a rev update
04/16/2018 at 11:58

Damn. Might as well just skip them and advert on CL.

Party-vi > way2blu does a rev update
04/16/2018 at 11:58

Boi I would love to, but I’m getting a new car.

way2blu does a rev update > Party-vi
04/16/2018 at 12:04

203k miles on your E46 is probably beyond them even offering you money. I was shocked at their $800 offer for my *rare 6spd manual AMG i know what i have C-class* but I guess that’s their business model.

Party-vi > way2blu does a rev update
04/16/2018 at 12:14

Looking at the 330Ci’s near me I’m hoping for someone to bite for $2,000. It’s going to go directly toward Jeep stuff and an axle back for the new car.

Klaus Schmoll > Party-vi
04/16/2018 at 13:32

What are you going to replace it with?

Party-vi > Klaus Schmoll
04/16/2018 at 13:38

Some boring commuter car garbage that I’ll end up teasing out over the next week as I post a little bit about it here and there until everyone is like “OMG WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU GET PERSON I’VE NEVER MET!?!” and I’ll be like “surprise it’s just a Mazda 6!”

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > Party-vi
04/16/2018 at 13:40

I think oppo would still go crazy for a Mazda 6.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Party-vi
04/16/2018 at 14:17

Would you be willing to trade for an E39 with a 5-speed, 260k miles, an exhaust manifold leak, and a leaky sunroof?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
04/16/2018 at 14:23

Also there’s a slight oil leak and the DSC is busted.

And the auto leveling headlights don’t auto level.

And the rear suspension needs a refresh.

I’m doing a great job of selling you on this, aren’t I?

Party-vi > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
04/16/2018 at 14:31

Sounds like a 2000s BMW. 530?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Party-vi
04/16/2018 at 14:43

528i

Party-vi > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
04/16/2018 at 14:54

O. Is smol engine.

Party-vi > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back
04/16/2018 at 14:55

It’s not brown, but it is a manual. I’m hoping the manual will make up for the 184hp.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Party-vi
04/16/2018 at 15:01

With the same power ratings as many contemporary domestic cars that had a full liter more :D

Party-vi > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
04/16/2018 at 15:02

Well yeah. Ze Germans knew how to build straight-6 engines.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Party-vi
04/17/2018 at 05:29

fix the heater valve, otherwise leave it

functionoverfashion > Party-vi
04/19/2018 at 12:44

Wait. Doesn’t the E46 325 also have 184hp?

Party-vi > functionoverfashion
04/19/2018 at 12:49

Probably, but my 330Ci has 225HP.

functionoverfashion > Party-vi
04/19/2018 at 13:34

Ah yes. Can I put that engine in my wagon? How hard can it be?

Party-vi > functionoverfashion
04/19/2018 at 14:14

It’s the same engine except a different displacement. You should go for it.

functionoverfashion > Party-vi
04/19/2018 at 15:02

me: “hey there, beautiful wife who makes all the monies, can I spend several thousand dollars adding roughly 40hp to my 15 year old 167,000 mile car?”

Party-vi > functionoverfashion
04/19/2018 at 15:24

Bingo. See you’ve got it down already.

functionoverfashion > Party-vi
04/19/2018 at 21:03

“but honey it’s running perfectly fine and always has, and it’s my daily driver. Please can I do an engine swap for no reason?!”

Party-vi > functionoverfashion
04/20/2018 at 07:57

This is also fine. Keep practicing in the mirror and you’ll get it!