Greetings & Good Day to all forumers,Having introduced myself and broken the ice at the newbies section, I thought I might drop by the 3 series section and enquire a couple of things I am eager to know.I am seriously contemplating about getting an E46 myself. And Yes - I have read the tons of advices, tips and extremely generous opinions posted by the pros in this forum and I must say they are extremely useful.And it has come to my conclusion that it is very likely I am going to go for a 2nd hand CKD unit, probably year 2004 onwards. And I have skimmed it down to the 318i, though I'd very much like to have the 320i but then again I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) there isn't much local CKDs 320i's around. And besides, my wallet doesn't permit to spend that much either.Anyway, I'm one who prefers to go all out for looks and the badge rather than performance so that's why the 318i will do just fine for me. I'm not so concerned about the regular servicing costs but rather how much do I need to prepare myself for the first "initial" service when I first get my hands on the car. It is advised by many forumers that one needs to standby some cash after taking delivery of the car to do some "first-hand" restoration and servicing first - (more cash if it's a CBU or Recon units).As such I'd like to enquire:1. What would be the current market price of a CKD E46 318i now?2. How much do I need to standby for its "first restoration" and servicing/maintenance?Thanking in advance to all out there. Cheerio!
An E46 purchase
- Thread starter jazz1011
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mbm8800
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bro...go for the 6 potter la (325@328)!!! lg syiok ooo:top: :top: !!!! for d price, u can check in motor trader @ ontheroad mag. if i not mistaken, u can get a 325i 04/05 b'ween 140k-155k la bro...(correct me if i'm wrong, agak2 je ni price!!)
Thanks guys for the infos.
Very much appreciated.
Now that you have mentioned it Aramis, my memory does jolt me back that there aren't any local 320i CKDs around - but thanks again for the clarification, bro.
Yup, I can't argue to the fact that the 6 potter does indeed brings out the spirit of the Beemer. But if I could really get a 325i 04/05 for 140K like you mentioned MBM8800 (and don't worry if you're not too sure about the price. Besides we're all here to share infos. There's no right or wrong answer) - I'm definitely going for it, man!!!
But I'd really like to ask:
**How much cash I need to put on standby once I get the car to do the first-hand nitty-gritty maintenance and "touch-up" servicing?**
Cheers to all ...
Very much appreciated.
Now that you have mentioned it Aramis, my memory does jolt me back that there aren't any local 320i CKDs around - but thanks again for the clarification, bro.
Yup, I can't argue to the fact that the 6 potter does indeed brings out the spirit of the Beemer. But if I could really get a 325i 04/05 for 140K like you mentioned MBM8800 (and don't worry if you're not too sure about the price. Besides we're all here to share infos. There's no right or wrong answer) - I'm definitely going for it, man!!!
But I'd really like to ask:
**How much cash I need to put on standby once I get the car to do the first-hand nitty-gritty maintenance and "touch-up" servicing?**
Cheers to all ...
okow
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jazz1011, how much $$$ you need for your 'first' hand over service really depends on the condition of the car. Its very subjective. It can vary from just the usual oil/filter change ($2++) to Inspection 1 or II (which can/will most probably be in a range of $1+++ to $3+++ or even more)
Do the necessary pre-purchase checks, take it to an authorised BMW mechanic 'friend' for a look over. The usual wear and tear stuff like brake pads, disc, tires, etc as well as the infamous 'expansion tank' might need replacement or if you are fortunate enough, all these may come newly replaced with your purchase....so, bottom line, it really depends on the condition of the car and how well kept it was by the previous owner.
Do the necessary pre-purchase checks, take it to an authorised BMW mechanic 'friend' for a look over. The usual wear and tear stuff like brake pads, disc, tires, etc as well as the infamous 'expansion tank' might need replacement or if you are fortunate enough, all these may come newly replaced with your purchase....so, bottom line, it really depends on the condition of the car and how well kept it was by the previous owner.
Thanks for the infos, okow.
Frankly speaking, money is not really a consideration as long as I can get the car "fixed-up". I am well prepared to part with the money since the day I decided to take the plunge to get a Bimmer.
1. By the way, would anyone be kind enough to enlighten me on what the infamous "Expansion Tank" is all about.
I have tried searching through the threads about it but couldn't find any explanation on it so far though (- or perhaps I must have mis-looked one way or another, that is). The only infos I have came across is that it needs periodic replacement (which is something I will worry about later when I get the car) - as what I need to know now is what is this "Exapansion Tank" is all about.
Care to enlighten me anyone?
2. I have also noted down some of the many independent BMW workshops which are recommended by the many forumers here - and I really appreciate that.
Having said that, are there any of them (those independent w/shops) which has their own WEBSITE - so that I could actually go in and surf what they can offer?
Though I know the chances of these w/shops of having their own URL is slim, but I'd really appreciate if any of you guys out there who knows one or two (w/shops) who does have one... (their own website).
Thanks and Cheers!
Frankly speaking, money is not really a consideration as long as I can get the car "fixed-up". I am well prepared to part with the money since the day I decided to take the plunge to get a Bimmer.
1. By the way, would anyone be kind enough to enlighten me on what the infamous "Expansion Tank" is all about.
I have tried searching through the threads about it but couldn't find any explanation on it so far though (- or perhaps I must have mis-looked one way or another, that is). The only infos I have came across is that it needs periodic replacement (which is something I will worry about later when I get the car) - as what I need to know now is what is this "Exapansion Tank" is all about.
Care to enlighten me anyone?
2. I have also noted down some of the many independent BMW workshops which are recommended by the many forumers here - and I really appreciate that.
Having said that, are there any of them (those independent w/shops) which has their own WEBSITE - so that I could actually go in and surf what they can offer?
Though I know the chances of these w/shops of having their own URL is slim, but I'd really appreciate if any of you guys out there who knows one or two (w/shops) who does have one... (their own website).
Thanks and Cheers!
Freedom@Merdeka
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jazz1011, my hubby got his new recond jap spec E46 320i in July'07 & spent about RM2k for the first hand over service, checking & changing of parts. He went to the workshop in PJ Old Town managed by an Indian mechanic previously working for AB for 10 years. This workshop is only meant for bimmers.:top:
expansion tank - its the plastic coolant bottle above the radiator - very prone to cracking after 5 to 6 years........its only RM250 odd so its cheap insurance........
also, change the water pump - RM300 - every 5 years or 100,000 km......
in terms of insurance on the car, the items that have to be changed periodically to prevent major issues are:
1) expansion tank - 5 years - 100,000km - RM250
2) water pump - 5 years - 100,000km - RM300
3) thermostat for coolant - 5 years - 100,000km - RM200
4) auto transmission fluid and trans filter- 2 years - 50,000km - RM700 (however, the transmission fluid must have been first changed before its 80,000km old, if done later, the potential of transmission failure after a fluid change is high).
Otherwise, nothing else required beside the oil changes and regular maintainance items.
also, change the water pump - RM300 - every 5 years or 100,000 km......
in terms of insurance on the car, the items that have to be changed periodically to prevent major issues are:
1) expansion tank - 5 years - 100,000km - RM250
2) water pump - 5 years - 100,000km - RM300
3) thermostat for coolant - 5 years - 100,000km - RM200
4) auto transmission fluid and trans filter- 2 years - 50,000km - RM700 (however, the transmission fluid must have been first changed before its 80,000km old, if done later, the potential of transmission failure after a fluid change is high).
Otherwise, nothing else required beside the oil changes and regular maintainance items.
Freedom@Merdeka, thanks for the info on the Bimmer workshop at PJ Old Town. Actually I am trying real hard to search for the location of the workshop as I live very near to PJ Old Town.
Mind telling me where the exact location is - and how to get there? Many thanks.
And BMWCAR, thanks a million on providing me with the checklist on the periodic maintenance of the car. It would certainly come in real handy when I finally get my set of wheels.
Come to think of it, it's really not that a nightmare maintaining the Bimmer.
Cheers to all!
Mind telling me where the exact location is - and how to get there? Many thanks.
And BMWCAR, thanks a million on providing me with the checklist on the periodic maintenance of the car. It would certainly come in real handy when I finally get my set of wheels.
Come to think of it, it's really not that a nightmare maintaining the Bimmer.
Cheers to all!
acidburn
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Hey jazz1011
You can't only look at year of manufactured, it will leads you to "Holand" instead.
Try to consider below factor for price comparison
1. Check on CKD, CBU, Recond unregisted or AB.
2. Bodykit attached either SMG, AC Schnitzer, Hamann, Breyton, ///M or Alpina
3. Version : Lifestyle, Executive or M-Sport
4. Rims package 16", 17", 18" or 19" standard
Please take note if you compare 2 cars with same year manufactured year and factor in the above mention items, you will find the selling price vary about RM30,000.
When you talk with bimmer dummies, they will always say...why u buy so expensive !, I see in motortraders only RM108K
You can't only look at year of manufactured, it will leads you to "Holand" instead.
Try to consider below factor for price comparison
1. Check on CKD, CBU, Recond unregisted or AB.
2. Bodykit attached either SMG, AC Schnitzer, Hamann, Breyton, ///M or Alpina
3. Version : Lifestyle, Executive or M-Sport
4. Rims package 16", 17", 18" or 19" standard
Please take note if you compare 2 cars with same year manufactured year and factor in the above mention items, you will find the selling price vary about RM30,000.
When you talk with bimmer dummies, they will always say...why u buy so expensive !, I see in motortraders only RM108K
guru
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good luck in your search for your new ride..if youre going for 04, not much need to be done if the mileage is around 60k. bmw's are cheaper than you think, just make sure you bought the right one.
i don't know what the fuss is about expansion tank as described by many forumers..my ride is a 02 and never changed it. but then again, my ride is a south african spec (maybe the build quality more suitable for malaysian weather?). my ride is from NAZA, so that's where they get their BM's.
personal opinion- buy a newer one 04-05. and buy it from a nice lady at stock condition. if you wanna sporty one, go for the sports package. if you gonna do recond, go for south african spec. do not go for jap(only my opinion)
i don't know what the fuss is about expansion tank as described by many forumers..my ride is a 02 and never changed it. but then again, my ride is a south african spec (maybe the build quality more suitable for malaysian weather?). my ride is from NAZA, so that's where they get their BM's.
personal opinion- buy a newer one 04-05. and buy it from a nice lady at stock condition. if you wanna sporty one, go for the sports package. if you gonna do recond, go for south african spec. do not go for jap(only my opinion)
Thanks for the advice, guys.
Very much appreciated.
Now all I need to do is compile the facts & figures all you guys have given me and then go hunting for the car. As most forumers adviced, don't rush and take all the time one can to choose the "perfect" ride.
Cheers & Have the Best Day Ahead!
Very much appreciated.
Now all I need to do is compile the facts & figures all you guys have given me and then go hunting for the car. As most forumers adviced, don't rush and take all the time one can to choose the "perfect" ride.
Cheers & Have the Best Day Ahead!
acidburn
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Hey Daniel
Hahahahaha..I totally 150 percents agree with you. But in this Bimmer world, I only have one friend who says Cheap hah only RM108K, got free 19" genuine Breyton rims, HID light with angle eyes, free ///M umbrella, vkool tinted and most of all the car had just out from service centre
ha ha ha ha !!
Hahahahaha..I totally 150 percents agree with you. But in this Bimmer world, I only have one friend who says Cheap hah only RM108K, got free 19" genuine Breyton rims, HID light with angle eyes, free ///M umbrella, vkool tinted and most of all the car had just out from service centre
ha ha ha ha !!
Freedom@Merdeka
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Hi Sushi & Jazz, sorry for the late reply as I don't log in regularly. The workshop is not at opposite EPF building, there is Jalan Gasing already if I'm not wrong. The one I mentioned is in PJ old town near the Chen Moh chinese primary school. If u come fr Assunta Hospital, round about turn 3 o'clock, go straight till u reach traffic light(the wet market is on your right) then go straight all the way until a dead end & turn left. Go straight & you will find the shop on your right hand side when you can see bimmers parking outside the road side. I don't know the name of the workshop & the outlook of the shop is not very impressive:wink: Look like "rumah atap" but many bimmers are there. Good luck!
