Oppo, I did something against your recommendation.

"sefeing, actually bought an E46" (sefeing90)
01/03/2019 at 20:58 • Filed to: e46, E46 things, BMW

I bought it. I bought the E46 I looked at last week.

It was too low mileage, too close to home, and too maintained to pass up.

2002 325i, Auto, 79k miles.

I’ve had it all of 2 hours, and I like it. It’s my 1st RWD (Focus ST was very front, and Wrangler doesn’t count). I paid $3300 for it. Some deets:

The Good:

It’s in pretty damn good shape, apart from normal wear and tear. Needs a good bath, but it’s smooth, silky and comfortable. Factory Xenons, heated seats, leather, the works. It drives well.

The previous (the 1st and only owner) kept METICULOUS records. (see photo)

There’s a solid 30- at least pages of work in here, oil changes, tires, valve cover gaskets, cooling system, rear window regulators, etc etc etc. He even went as far as to have the rear subframe looked at when that whole thing was happening. It was checked 10k miles ago, and was deemed to be fine. 99% of work (including that subframe check) was done at a BMW dealership. I cannot explain the amount of time and energy and things the owner replaced. Temp buttons, trim, etc.

The freaking BMW toolkit is still in the trunk. I have the window sticker.

The Bad:

It needs a key. I only have the valet key, and I don’t want to live with just that, I’m gonna suck it up and get a fob.

The radio knob needs to be fixed. Changes volume, but doesn’t on/off. Very DIY, lots of tutorials since it’s a common issue

I’m pretty sure the two front window regulators are going. They make some noises, and they’re slow. This is going to be likely my largest headache (hopefully) and maybe, just maybe I can do the repair myself.

The A/C needs a fix too. The compressor clutch hooks in, and the compressor spins w/o and weird noises. I’m surprised the owner didn’t do this.

the A&C pillar fabric is sagging, also a known issue. I’ll just fix this myself.

More photos in the coming days, She needs a wash.

What the hell did I get my elf into?

DISCUSSION (16)

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > sefeing, actually bought an E46
01/03/2019 at 21:15

Very nice. The E46 is a great car, easy to work on and parts are fairly reasonable if you skip the dealer. Have fun with it.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!!
01/03/2019 at 21:18

I’m excited. Maybe this’ll finally get me to do more than oil changes.

Sovande > sefeing, actually bought an E46
01/03/2019 at 21:21

Probably didn’t fix the AC because it will cost $2200...

Looks like a nice car! Have fun!

Jayvincent > sefeing, actually bought an E46
01/03/2019 at 21:21

Nice car! great pr ice, I’m jealous!

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Sovande
01/03/2019 at 21:38

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Jayvincent
01/03/2019 at 21:38

Thanks :)

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > sefeing, actually bought an E46
01/03/2019 at 21:52

I see a PS4 controller....got GTA?

  > sefeing, actually bought an E46
01/03/2019 at 21:56

Very well bought! E46s can be reliable cars if maintained well, like this one. It has a lot of life left, enjoy it!

My window regulators needed doing too, I watched a bunch of DIY videos but I never plucked up the courage to start. L ooked like too much of a pain in the ass for a problem that didn’t bother me all that much.

WilliamsSW > sefeing, actually bought an E46
01/03/2019 at 22:02

Honestly, that’s a great buy. The meticulously m aintained 1 owner car is the one you want ( says the guy who has a 1 owner E46 with all records) They’re great cars if maintained. Low miles, too!

Do the cooling system if it hasn’t been done recently. Enjoy- it’s a great drivers car!

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute
01/03/2019 at 22:38

yep :)

sefeing, actually bought an E46 >
01/03/2019 at 22:39

Thanks man :)

Did you end up having them repaired? If so, what’s the cost like through a mechanic?

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > WilliamsSW
01/03/2019 at 22:39

Thanks :)

From what I can tell, he already did the cooling system, so that’s good. I’ll have to double check the records but fairly sure. Didn’t realize these things had mechanical fans!

  > sefeing, actually bought an E46
01/03/2019 at 23:07

Not yet. I have a coupe and the driver’s window doesn’t roll back up to seal into the frame when you shut the door . You have to pull the switch a second time. I’m already used to it so if it doesn’t get any worse than this I’ll probably leave it. Lazy :P

Can’t imagine it would be cheap through a good mechanic here though. It’s a bit of a fiddle. I’d give it at least 500AUD.

Future Heap Owner > sefeing, actually bought an E46
01/03/2019 at 23:07

Didn’t take our advice??

Kinja'd!!!

In seriousness, I hope the car works out well for you. Keep us posted

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Future Heap Owner
01/03/2019 at 23:11

Appreciate it :)

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > sefeing, actually bought an E46
01/04/2019 at 13:05

Well shiii, u tryna get on later today if not busy? My thing is GiAnT_MaN76