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Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,004
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2004 BMW 330ic Convertible
Hi guys. Just noticed a nice 04' BMW 330ic convertible for sale with about 110,000 miles in my town. Can some of you give me some input/insight on this model with this many miles?
Thank you! |
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07-27-2012, 10:40 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Docking Bay 94
Posts: 7,013
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They are great cars, I have an '04 325i but am not familiar with the converts.
The cooling systems on these cars are a weak point. Check to see if the expansion tank, water pump and thermostat have been changed by now. If not, plan on doing them soon. If the cooling system fails they overheat very quickly and will warp the head. Also, at around seven to eight years the fuel pumps start to fail. Do the fuel filter at the same time. Spark plugs should have been changed out by now as well. They drive very nice, are easy to work on (probably the last BMWs with easy DIY) and I think the E46 convertible is a gorgeous car.
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Kurt |
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07-27-2012, 11:47 AM
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Thanks, KNS. Appreciate the insight!
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07-27-2012, 12:05 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: PNW
Posts: 2,977
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I am in the market for one of these as well, preferably 2004-2006 but looking all the way back to 2000. Several nice ones on eBay. Yes I know, beware.
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07-27-2012, 12:15 PM
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Did you get the memo?
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 32,370
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At that mileage the suspension is due for a refresh as well, bushings and shocks if they haven't been done. If a test drive reveals clunks or speed-specific vibration, that's likely the issue.
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‘07 Mazda RX8-8 Past: 911T, 911SC, Carrera, 951s, 955, 996s, 987s, 986s, 997s, BMW 5x, C36, C63, XJR, S8, Maserati Coupe, GT500, etc |
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07-27-2012, 12:32 PM
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Location: VA
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FWIW, I had an '04 sedan and loved it. Very peppy, good mileage, comfortable, and could hold a surprising amount of stuff. But I sold it at 90k because it needed shocks, plus pretty much all the stuff the guys have mentioned. In hind sight, I should done the repairs and kept it a few more years.
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'06 Cayman S '16 Cayenne '08 Audi RS 4 |
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07-27-2012, 12:44 PM
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Run smooth, run fast
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 13,447
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Geoff, the Nov. 2011 issue of Bimmer has an extensive article on buying an E46 that is very good and would be very helpful to you... pages 53-57.
If I had a scanner, I'd send you copies. Check your local library... they may have it. Or maybe someone else around here has that issue and can scan it for you.
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- John "We had a band powerful enough to turn goat piss into gasoline." |
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07-27-2012, 01:04 PM
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MAGA
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 10,769
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Our '03 330i with about 100k mileage has been great thus far. I did replace the lower control arm rear bushings recently, but that was easy and cheap. I hope this E46 ends up being as reliable as my E36 325i that I sold when it had around 300k mileage.
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German autos: '79 911 SC, '87 951, '03 330i, '08 Cayenne, '13 Cayenne 0% Liberal Men do not quit playing because they get old.... They get old because they quit playing. |
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07-27-2012, 01:07 PM
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Wow, thanks guys! You guys are just the best!!!
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07-27-2012, 01:30 PM
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