HMC Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 So I sold my mondeo st220 at the weekend and part of the deal was for me to deliver the car. One man's one way ticket on public transport is this man's opportunity to buy a new tub. Cos I needed a ride back you see. It was the only* logical* choice. My only non negotiables were that it ran and had an MOT and of course was very very cheap. All this saw me pedalling across Plymouth whilst ill, toward a grotty, partly documentless (read on) bodged and neglected and broken BMW. You know the sort- old, tatty, appealing to people on a shoestring after a cheap status symbol. The vendors were friendly but seemingly had not bothered to unearth any paperwork, and seemed confused and spaced out. Digging about the house produced the owners books and service history and a scribbled out and re written v5c/2 but nothing more. The car has- Rusty wheel arches x4Broken window regulator x1Broken door handle x1Broken temperature guageBroken radiator fanBroken secondary air pump Sticking OSF calliperSticking handbrakeTyres of brands I've never heard ofExhaust blowInterior smells funny Obviously I should have 'walked' but the cycling had all but finished me off. I Politely explained the various issues and a price was agreed. I can't help thinking had I been fitter I would probably have just got back on my bike and cycled the rest of the way home. Risking the need for medical intervention may well have been preferable. Dirk Diggler, D Spares & Tyres, AMC Rebel and 22 others 25 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FakeConcern Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Seems very good from that picture, of course you can't smell it though. chodweaver 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince70 Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 At least on that year it should have an M43 engine which is a big bonus to the later 4 pot offerings.. The Reverend Bluejeans and HMC 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Reverend Bluejeans Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 So I sold my mondeo st220 at the weekend and part of the deal was for me to deliver the car. One man's one way ticket on public transport is this man's opportunity to buy a new tub. Cos I needed a ride back you see. It was the only* logical* choice. My only non negotiables were that it ran and had an MOT and of course was very very cheap. All this saw me pedalling across Plymouth whilst ill, toward a grotty, partly documentless (read on) bodged and neglected and broken BMW. You know the sort- old, tatty, appealing to people on a shoestring after a cheap status symbol. The vendors were friendly but seemingly had not bothered to unearth any paperwork, and seemed confused and spaced out. Digging about the house produced the owners books and service history and a scribbled out and re written v5c/2 but nothing more.The car has- Rusty wheel arches x4Broken window regulator x1Broken door handle x1Broken temperature guageBroken radiator fanBroken secondary air pumpSticking OSF calliperSticking handbrakeTyres of brands I've never heard ofExhaust blowInterior smells funny Obviously I should have 'walked' but the cycling had all but finished me off. I Politely explained the various issues and a price was agreed. I can't help thinking had I been fitter I would probably have just got back on my bike and cycled the rest of the way home. Risking the need for medical intervention may well have been preferable. Sounds awful. When's the raffle? Just don't use the term 'Beemer' or 'Bimmer', an offence liable to prosecution in the Autoshite People's Court. Sigmund Fraud, Lacquer Peel, Shep Shepherd and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
320touring Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Funnily enough, I have found myself oblivious to the charms of these tubs after listening to the tales of joy* from my brother and Dome. Although you are much further south than their e46s were, so may have a chance of some bolts being bolt shaped rather than just crud. I hope the sticking Caliper is not a rear one:) Vince70 and CreepingJesus 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dome Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Funnily enough, I have found myself oblivious to the charms of these tubs after listening to the tales of joy* from my brother and Dome. Although you are much further south than their e46s were, so may have a chance of some bolts being bolt shaped rather than just crud. I hope the sticking Caliper is not a rear one:) Mine lived by the sea for 8 years before I got it. I still have nightmares. purplebargeken and Lacquer Peel 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PiperCub Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Doesn't look too bad from the pic! On the bright side, if it does turn out to be FUBAR then you can certainly get your money back and more by moving some of the parts on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 Funnily enough, I have found myself oblivious to the charms of these tubs after listening to the tales of joy* from my brother and Dome.Although you are much further south than their e46s were, so may have a chance of some bolts being bolt shaped rather than just crud.I hope the sticking Caliper is not a rear one:)I think it's just the OSF one. Just had it off the disc and cleaned up thecorroded piston and worked it a bit. Seems to be a lot better now but have also discovered the ARB drop link on that side has fallen apart... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
320touring Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I think it's just the OSF one. Just had it off the disc and cleaned up thecorroded piston and worked it a bit. Seems to be a lot better now but have also discovered the ARB drop link on that side has fallen apart...Welcome to the joy of e46s Sigmund Fraud, HMC, The Reverend Bluejeans and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorfolkNWeigh Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 It always amuses me that e46s vie with the PT Cruiser as the car that's too shit for Autoshite, although I've never owned one, I've driven a couple of 330s. An auto diesel saloon which was great and a manual petrol coupe which was a bit dissapointing, although my experience was somewhat clouded by some scrote nicking a wheel and leaving it on bricks. It cost me £300 for a refurbed MV2 and a tyre- I only borrowed it to save a £30 taxi fare! Lord Sterling, mk2_craig and HMC 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 Exactly, speaking as a former E28/34/39 owner I recognise enough DNA to keep me happy but I agree these days these e46s have got a hard to define but very definite presence and image that fascinates me but I know won't appeal to everyone on there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mk2_craig Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Nice drive but endless money pits at this age regardless of how well they've been looked after. My wife keeps making noises about having another one. I'm sure the thought of that is accelerating the rate at which my hair is greying! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PiperCub Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 ^^ That sort of sums up the E46. I talked to a local specialist BMW Indy a couple of years back when I was considering one and his (polite/diplomatic) assessment was along the lines of a really nice car when new and for the first 5-6 years, then pretty much anything/everything can go wrong (as said - almost regardless of how its been treated). Plus his assertion was that they'd cheapened alot of the parts, using cheap plastic where possible presumably to save weight and cost and they were not nice to work on especially for the DIY'er as there was often the need to resort to special tools for some normally straightforward jobs. Vince70 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Reverend Bluejeans Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I've had a few, starting in 2001 with a W plate 320d Touring which was a nice thing. I wouldn't touch one now though unless it was 100 quid and l could flog some parts from it. I turned down a free 2004 Compact 316Ti last month as it would have cost £120 to go and get it, and there weren't £120 worth of parts on it. Scrapyards are just full of them and at least 50% of owners are semi literate mongs - check out the E46 Arsebook pages. Do u drift 'em pal? They are a mini E39, inasmuch that every job on them is an utter cunt where you're combining stupid design with 15 years of ageing/neglect. Imagine an E36 redesigned by PSA and built by Ford, and that's about right. They're quite nice when they run and work properly but they're not a car to preserve for the future. 0ldCh0d, Vince70, dome and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Sterling Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Have to say, I used to hate them almost with as much passion as the Rev_Blue, but having got mine I'm converted, I really do like them now and admire them. Mine does exactly what I want it to do (mind you, so did the KV6) and doesn't (so far) cost a fortune to run. Whats the engine in yours? The Reverend Bluejeans and HMC 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 Well I've spent only a fairly short bit of time on this and the brakes are now behaving and after cleaning up and lubricating the passenger door lock mechanism and actuating cables, that door now opens from the outside. I also properly refitted the door card so now it doesn't half fall off when you try and close the door. So far just a bit of effort spent and it feels slightly less scabby now. I've also bought a replacement drop link off e bay (£5 so it may be shit will let you know) and a £5 coolant temp sensor, important as the radiator fan is broken. I've done a few diagnostic tests and a new assembly is needed- I've got my eye on a few second hand tested ones on e bay- new ones are not banger money. Sums up one aspect of the problem these cars face. Vince70, Dick Longbridge and Bucketeer 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 It's a 318, 2000 reg to apparently it's the "m43tu" Mo. Vince70 and Lord Sterling 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PiperCub Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I've had a few, starting in 2001 with a W plate 320d Touring which was a nice thing. I wouldn't touch one now though unless it was 100 quid and l could flog some parts from it. I turned down a free 2004 Compact 316Ti last month as it would have cost £120 to go and get it, and there weren't £120 worth of parts on it. Scrapyards are just full of them and at least 50% of owners are semi literate mongs - check out the E46 Arsebook pages. Do u drift 'em pal? They are a mini E39, inasmuch that every job on them is an utter cunt where you're combining stupid design with 15 years of ageing/neglect. Imagine an E36 redesigned by PSA and built by Ford, and that's about right. They're quite nice when they run and work properly but they're not a car to preserve for the future. That was the vibe I got when I was interested, was nice, now probably a bit of a liability. Plus they are now usually owned by those can can afford to buy but not to run them. If offered one locally for minimum money (as in sub £100) running and driving, I might have a punt for shits & giggles but otherwise, I'm oot. An E36 redesigned (pres. by committee if it's PSA) by PSA & built by Ford is a scary thought indeed! Vince70 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 Have a few more pics........ cpjitservices, Dirk Diggler, Vince70 and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six-cylinder Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I am surprised the engine starts without a badge! Vince70 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bezzabsa Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 nice looking motors......pity about the rust Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supernaut Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 You got rid of a Mondeo ST220, then went out and bought that?! Aye, ok then... *wanders off, shaking his head* cpjitservices, Exiled_Tat_Gatherer, alf892 and 3 others 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exiled_Tat_Gatherer Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 /\ but I take it this is a bring home, get rid asap type of affair from the notes above..... Or are you going to actually put time and (potentially) money into this? Plan Stan? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Reverend Bluejeans Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Have to say, I used to hate them almost with as much passion as the Rev_Blue, but having got mine I'm converted, I really do like them now and admire them. Mine does exactly what I want it to do (mind you, so did the KV6) and doesn't (so far) cost a fortune to run. Whats the engine in yours? You've been exceptionally lucky with yours though. Vince70 and Lord Sterling 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Reverend Bluejeans Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Have a few more pics........ IMG_2978.JPG IMG_2980.JPG IMG_2988.JPG IMG_2984.JPG IMG_2982.JPG IMG_2990.JPG IMG_2986.JPG That's pretty awful I must say. *shudders* However, a days fragging and: Scabby MV 'loyz £100Pair of door mirrors £80CD player £35Bonnet £50Diff £100Cylinder head £100ECU and lock set £50Bootlid £30Passenger wing £25 if decentRest of it £weighbridge You can't lose on that. You are probably the last owner before it has an appointment with a baler but run the shitbox thru the winter, frag it and ur kwidz in m8. Vince70, oldcars, Dave_Q and 3 others 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleon-Fonte Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 That is one of the most miserable things I've ever seen on Autoshite. Well done, 17.5/10. CreepingJesus, jumpingjehovahs, purplebargeken and 4 others 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sigmund Fraud Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 these days these e46s have got a hard to define but very definite presence and image that fascinates me but I know won't appeal to everyone on there. Does that mean you'll be turning it into a "poundland gangster" replica, with loud exhaust, bubbling tints and ebay ///M badges on every panel ? HMC, Vince70, The Reverend Bluejeans and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vulgalour Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 That's horrible enough to grace Billy's forecourt for at least two weeks. HMC, sporty-shite, dome and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PiperCub Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Does that mean you'll be turning it into a "poundland gangster" replica, with loud exhaust, bubbling tints and ebay ///M badges on every panel ? ^^ Ahhh, the late 90's - those were the days. M-Sport badges on pretty much every E30 (usually a 316 or 318) round my old neck of the woods and the air was full of: "S' em-free innit mate". Vince70, The Reverend Bluejeans, HMC and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shep Shepherd Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 German quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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