E46 buying advise please :)

[bimmaman]

So I just noticed how cheap e46's are these days...

Can anyone give me some advise as to models to avoid, things to look for etc.

I've found a couple on ebay, can someone give their opinions please?

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Many thanks!

[lamby]

good cars (i,ve got 318ci)usual on engines headgaskets like most bm,s.due to rear heater platic pipe cracking so expect to change all plastic heater fittings.also they love a bush!make sure it don,t knock on bumps corners etc.coupe,s had a habit of back axle coming away from body so if it clonks on pull off walk away,starting to rust now mainly front arches,avoid lowered ones and aftermarket wheels in my experience they wander.very nice drive and with good michelins handle well in all weathers(except snow)get leather a/c standard later ones 2001 on had cruise etc

[Morat]

Look very carefully at the cooling system. They have plastic expansion tanks and pipes on the side of the rad which can go pop. Before that they can often leak for a while.
Front control arm bushes/arms are a favorite being alloy and exposed to crappy UK roads.

[fowler]

i have one for sale bloody good car PM for details not a cheap one but its had all the bits done that the ones you are looking at will need like rear beam bushes, new wheels
UK roads love
eating rear top mounts
and front bushes
cheers
Ben

[bimmaman]

Thanks guys

So any engines recommended, or worth avoiding?

Ben, you got a PM ;)

[Morat]

M54B30 is the one!

[ben9040]

also check rear springs as they have a habit of snapping and this is an MOT failure