Looking to buy an E46 Coupe

[GavinS]

Looking at the 1999/2000/2001 models.

What sort of things should I be looking out for? Are there things that are commonly known to go wrong?

What's the best all round engine in terms of mpg/tax/reasonable(ish) performance?

Do the rear seats fold flat?

Ta.

[Konan555]

I do believe they have an appetite for front suspension components. I'd not lot a worn one put me off the right car, but I'd use it to knock the price down if it feels like it's going to be needed new parts.

[GoNz0]

rear seats fold nearly flat, front suspension parts do wear as they use lightweight parts with it being RWD to give very tactile driver feedback, get the brake lines checked as its a very expensive to get the rear lines changed (did my own along with suspension)

check for signs of coolant leakage around the head as they blow the plastic impeller water pumps and screw the block (always worth putting a new water pump with metal blades on when you buy it)

drive it and drive it hard, hit bumps to check all 4 wheels point the right way, check each wheel arch left to rights at the same height on a flat surface.

buy a peakes diagnostic tool to read engine codes and stop you getting ripped off.

they are VERY expensive cars to maintain unless you know how to use a spanner and do a lot of work yourself. your average garage will throw cheap ass parts on and it will soon fall to bits, buy your own OEM german bits from eurocarparts and fit then yourself or have the gargae do them

i love my 97 328 an also maintain dads 2001 325

both do 28mpg combined doing short stints all the time.

change the oil often, keep it clean buy good brakes and it will last you for years

if you live anywhere near nottingham./derby i would join you for a viewing and give it the once over

can take a wedge off the price if the old diagnostics pick a few things up along with things the eye can see