should i buy this car 2004 330xi 270k

lsc4 · 02-26-2013, 01:31 PM

New to BMW and this forum, Mods if this is in the wrong place please move.

Friend is selling a 2004 330XI 270km. I know nothing about these cars, and can find very few for sale. Prices I found were around 8k in canada and up to 12k in states.The car is in vancouver bc. This car has high km but i know it was all hwy driving.
They are asking 6k. Blue

Not sure what the typical issues might be with this year?

Thanks for any assistance.

dbworld4k · 02-26-2013, 01:55 PM

These sorts of questions are asked frequently. Check the E46 3 Series section: http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=60

Searching for answers to commonly asked questions usually yields quicker results than waiting for people to reply one at a time.

Also, check on bimmerforums and E46Fanatics for more information.

lsc4 · 02-26-2013, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbworld4k

These sorts of questions are asked frequently. Check the E46 3 Series section: http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=60

Searching for answers to commonly asked questions usually yields quicker results than waiting for people to reply one at a time.

Also, check on bimmerforums and E46Fanatics for more information.

Thanks good to know which forums are good to go to, been searching since i posted and am learning that i have a lot to learn.

Found this post on E46Fanatics that is a really good summary

bmwm5lover · 02-26-2013, 01:55 PM

If it is any help, I sold my 330xi, 2003 with 240K for 6K last summer. It was blk on blk, premium pkg, 7/10 shape.

ac_2007 · 02-26-2013, 03:03 PM

Pass.

I'd pay 4k tops if it came with the sport pkg, 4.5k if its manual.
Most major wear/tear parts ought to have been replaced by 270k, but I don't want that much mileage on a drivetrain.

Corrosion would likely be an issue as well.

lsc4 · 02-26-2013, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ac_2007

Pass.

I'd pay 4k tops if it came with the sport pkg, 4.5k if its manual.
Most major wear/tear parts ought to have been replaced by 270k, but I don't want that much mileage on a drivetrain.

Corrosion would likely be an issue as well.

Thanks, don't believe the awd came in manual.

seems like bmw's have many issues, coming from a lexus/toyota i am just not used to major components going and recals etc. But this would be a second car while i take the lex off the road for some upgrades

Can't find any local ads for this model for sale, so went wide and there is a huge dif in price, US prices seem to be in the 10-12k range, and canada seems to be in 8k range.

This post indicates a 03 330xi is priced over 10k (from Aug 2012), so a bit confused as what the actual value in private sale is for this car.

ac_2007 · 02-26-2013, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsc4

Thanks, don't believe the awd came in manual.

It does, just more rare to find.

If you're looking for a commuter car buy something Japanese. Cheaper on gas, insurance, more reliable, and easy to sell once the upgrades on your main ride are completed.

Nobody pays a premium for high mileage E46's

cormier · 02-26-2013, 03:21 PM

Pictures would help. I don't think it's a terrible price if its in good shape

lsc4 · 02-26-2013, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cormier

Pictures would help. I don't think it's a terrible price if its in good shape

Car should be in great shape- no photos sorry (blue exterior if that helps)

Concern is that i am going to be able to
1) resell AND get what i paid for it when i get my other car back on the road in about 6 months (read probably a year)
2) not have any major expenses for the next year

I can't decide if not finding one same year local car on kijiji or CL for sale is a good thing or not.
I can find 01-03 for about 10k and 06 for 20k. As I am not yet familiar with the differences this seems like a large range. I know the e46 ended in 05 so i guess the 06 model must have had some significant upgrades.

windwagen · 02-26-2013, 06:48 PM

Can I make a suggestion? Check autotrader in other cities like Toronto to get a feel for the price of a comparable car. IMO, 270,000 km will scare away most Canadians in the auto market so the buyer of this car would be last owner before it's scrapped or parted out.

How does it drive? Does it feel solid?

JINT · 02-26-2013, 07:31 PM

with 270K on an M54 you're looking at 500ml of oil every month

dbworld4k · 02-26-2013, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JINT

with 270K on an M54 you're looking at 500ml of oil every month

Hahahaha, after reading that I literally forced out some air through my nostrils while smirking.

But in all seriousness, my M54 burned almost a full liter every 2K. It was nuts. Almost to the point that I didn't need to do oil changes because I burned so much so fast it was constantly being fed new oil in 1L increments (just kidding - sort of)!!!

Dr. Flyview · 02-28-2013, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JINT

with 270K on an M54 you're looking at 500ml of oil every month

Hmm didn't know that about M54s...Is it just the 330s?

My M50B25TU doesn't burn any oil.

cormier · 02-26-2013, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JINT

with 270K on an M54 you're looking at 500ml of oil every month

Lol minimum. I go through twice that much driving a lot at 250k

cormier · 02-26-2013, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbworld4k

Hahahaha, after reading that I literally forced out some air through my nostrils while smirking.

But in all seriousness, my M54 burned almost a full liter every 2K. It was nuts. Almost to the point that I didn't need to do oil changes because I burned so much so fast it was constantly being fed new oil in 1L increments (just kidding - sort of)!!!

Lol. ****in Beamer eh? And I'm told that's not out of spec either... I'm at around 1 litre / 2.75-3k