Author Topic: Talk me out of making an emotional purchase -2005 BMW E46 (Read 7537 times)

Dante · « **on:** May 25, 2020, 10:42:21 am »

While browsing Autotrader for cheap, used cars for my neighbor's teenage son yesterday, I came across this ad and it all started.....

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/bmw/3%20series/mississauga/ontario/19_11459295_?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&ursrc=hl&orup=2_2_2&pc=M3A%201T7&sprx=100

I don't NEED this car, but I WANT it.... The E46 has always been one of my all time favorites and this particular package is as good it gets - trim, interior/exterior color, powertrain, etc... all ideal. It's also original owner and seems meticulously maintained so again, as good as it gets in my opinion....

Now, the price is significantly higher than what these cars sell for in general ($4K-$5K for decent ones) and also well above my self imposed cap of $5K for such a car. I would probably be OK to throw in another grand for a really good, well maintained unit like this one, but having hard time to justify the $4K balance.

I'm still going to see the car in person tonight, but I will leave my cheque book at home.....

My main dilemma is if I should buy this particular unit at this price or close (let's say $9K) given the ideal package but despite being overpriced?

What do you say?

Great_Big_Abyss · « **Reply #1 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:43:23 am »

We are NOT here to talk you out of such a frivolous purchase, but rather to push you into it.

I would say $9k is a LOT for a car with 200k kms. I'm not suggesting you want to be that dick who lowballs, however in this case, having a talk with the guy about how expensive it is, and offering maybe $4500 would be in order. I mean the worst he can do is say no, right?

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #2 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:45:10 am »

If you were to buy a such a beast, older German car, that seems like the owner to buy it from. I doubt they are getting much interest at that price. Low ball and leave your phone number for when they come to their senses.

Fobroader · « **Reply #3 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:46:23 am »

I would have a really hard time talking you out of that. AWD, proper I6, manual.....its like a WRX for grownups.

ktm525 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:48:36 am »

Mr Dent provides good advice. If you want it bad then buy it. Then again the old saying: "If you want it bad then you will get it bad". Good luck and post pics.

Hannibalsmith · « **Reply #5 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:52:55 am »

Nice car...just FYI that is not a residential property, so don't make the connection that the owner of the car lives in that house.

Great_Big_Abyss · « **Reply #6 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:53:56 am »

Quote from: Arthur Dent on May 25, 2020, 10:45:10 am

If you were to buy a such a beast, older German car, that seems like the owner to buy it from. I doubt they are getting much interest at that price. Low ball and leave your phone number for when they come to their senses.

Look at how many wheelbarrows he has, though. What normal person who isn't a serial killer or a mobster needs that many wheelbarrows?

micha · « **Reply #7 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:54:18 am »

I have been looking at the same listing a few times. Perfect spec IMO. If it was local to me, I might have bought it. You should buy if you're okay with regular repair bills.

Ex-airbalancer · « **Reply #8 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:54:38 am »

over priced for an E46

Dante · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:55:15 am »

Quote from: Great_Big_Abyss on May 25, 2020, 10:53:56 am

Quote from: Arthur Dent on May 25, 2020, 10:45:10 am
If you were to buy a such a beast, older German car, that seems like the owner to buy it from. I doubt they are getting much interest at that price. Low ball and leave your phone number for when they come to their senses.

Look at how many wheelbarrows he has, though. What normal person who isn't a serial killer or a mobster needs that many wheelbarrows?

LOL!!! I noticed that.....

Dante · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:56:37 am »

Quote from: Hannibalsmith on May 25, 2020, 10:52:55 am

Nice car...just FYI that is not a residential property, so don't make the connection that the owner of the car lives in that house.

I already spoke with the owner and yes, he does not live in that house....

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:56:55 am »

Quote from: Great_Big_Abyss on May 25, 2020, 10:53:56 am

Quote from: Arthur Dent on May 25, 2020, 10:45:10 am
If you were to buy a such a beast, older German car, that seems like the owner to buy it from. I doubt they are getting much interest at that price. Low ball and leave your phone number for when they come to their senses.

Look at how many wheelbarrows he has, though. What normal person who isn't a serial killer or a mobster needs that many wheelbarrows?

A serial killer might keep it super clean ...

Dante · « **Reply #12 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:59:12 am »

Quote from: Arthur Dent on May 25, 2020, 10:45:10 am

If you were to buy a such a beast, older German car, that seems like the owner to buy it from. I doubt they are getting much interest at that price. Low ball and leave your phone number for when they come to their senses.

My thoughts exactly.... What should I offer though?

Great_Big_Abyss · « **Reply #13 on:** May 25, 2020, 10:59:52 am »

Quote from: carcrazy on May 25, 2020, 10:59:12 am

Quote from: Arthur Dent on May 25, 2020, 10:45:10 am
If you were to buy a such a beast, older German car, that seems like the owner to buy it from. I doubt they are getting much interest at that price. Low ball and leave your phone number for when they come to their senses.

My thoughts exactly.... What should I offer though?

$4500.

2JDM · « **Reply #14 on:** May 25, 2020, 11:04:25 am »

Asking too much. If it was that clean he'd post it on BAT.

Here is one, much more desirable ZHP package, 148k miles:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-bmw-330i-zhp-22/

Current bid is $9800 USD.

Fobroader · « **Reply #15 on:** May 25, 2020, 11:07:37 am »

Quote from: 1FGC on May 25, 2020, 11:04:25 am

Asking too much. If it was that clean he'd post it on BAT.

Here is one, much more desirable ZHP package, 148k miles:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-bmw-330i-zhp-22/

Current bid is $9800 USD.

148k miles is a hell of a lot more mileage than 199k kms. That white one is just as overpriced.

Dante · « **Reply #16 on:** May 25, 2020, 11:17:43 am »

Quote from: 1FGC on May 25, 2020, 11:04:25 am

Asking too much. If it was that clean he'd post it on BAT.

Here is one, much more desirable ZHP package, 148k miles:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-bmw-330i-zhp-22/

Current bid is $9800 USD.

Honestly I prefer the one I'm looking at...

I don't want the ZHP package, not to mention the condition. The owner sent me some additional interior pictures last night and the seats at least show much better - hardly any creases in the driver seat leather from the pictures....

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2020, 11:23:13 am »

I really am not up on BMW pricing but maybe an offer of between $6-7K is in line if the car is indeed a cream puff. I dunno.

Brig · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2020, 11:25:55 am »

We're about due for a fresh FGC Moan and Whine thread, so why not?

Dante · « **Reply #19 on:** May 25, 2020, 11:27:17 am »

Quote from: micha on May 25, 2020, 10:54:18 am

I have been looking at the same listing a few times. Perfect spec IMO. If it was local to me, I might have bought it. You should buy if you're okay with regular repair bills.

I did some reading on known issues for these cars and it seems some of the maintenance items have been addressed. Of course will check on other items that are not listed and most likely will take it to a shop for inspection if I decide to purchase.

The biggest concern is the possible rear subframe tear issue but being a late build and a regular E46 may not be an issue or so the Internet says..... Still will check to make sure....

As for the other common problems like windows regulators for example... well, I will deal with them when/if they come. I fully expect some repairs to be needed along the way - it's a 15 years old car after all and not a Lexus LS for that matter, but in general, this model seems like it was pretty solid at least by FGC standards.