e36 330ci in need of some TLC

[wtwo3]

Visiting my in-laws, I took this beauty out of the garage. A not so well maintained 330ci that's been sitting in the garage for years. It still starts and presumably drives (I didn't get to drive more than simply taking it out of the garage because of a flat tire).

People who have these - do you think it's worth rehabbing it? I recall driving it way back when I first got married and it was a joy to drive, so I'd love to experience that again. But not sure if it's worth fixing up.

I'm not looking to really modify anything - perhaps just fixing all outlying issues and some cosmetic things (i.e. paint job, new wheels, interior rehab etc).

I have no experience with this sort of thing - mostly only driven new cars outside of my undergrad days.

[Josh-PA]

I'd be a lot more inclined to say yes if it was a stick. Other than a good cleaning and some fluid changes, I'd be surprised if it needed a whole lot to get it to a saleable condition beyond a parts car.

What is the mileage?

Its an E46, btw.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Josh-PA

I'd be a lot more inclined to say yes if it was a stick. Other than a good cleaning and some fluid changes, I'd be surprised if it needed a whole lot to get it to a saleable condition beyond a parts car.

What is the mileage?

Its an E46, btw.

I was thinking about more fixing it up to keep it rather than selling it. But I agree... I'd be much more motivated if it was stick.

I'll have to double check the mileage but I believe it was around 115k, so pretty high.

And you're correct, it's an E46 (stupid fat fingers)

[Almuliman]

Nice color, sports seats, paint and interior look decent from the pictures. I say give it a wash and see how it is cosmetically inside and out, see how much and from where it leaks (not if), then make a decision. Agree with stick making it a no-brainer, but even with an auto, I'd say yes, do change fluids and do any other reasonable maintenance due and get it up to daily driver, then sell or keep, depending on your need. The E46 330s are nice cars and 115K isn't really much. IMO

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Almuliman

Nice color, sports seats, paint and interior look decent from the pictures. I say give it a wash and see how it is cosmetically inside and out, see how much and from where it leaks (not if), then make a decision. Agree with stick making it a no-brainer, but even with an auto, I'd say yes, do change fluids and do any other reasonable maintenance due and get it up to daily driver, then sell or keep, depending on your need. The E46 330s are nice cars and 115K isn't really much. IMO

Thanks, sounds like a good starting point!

I'd say there is no need whatsoever... it's more just for fun. I have a G20 as my daily so if I was to rehab this it would just be for that feeling of "nostalgia" on occasional weekends (plus I've seen these E46's in good condition and they're beautiful cars).

[Tamers]

your car looks great

[Vivek.]

Nice car, nice colors. I'd fix it; I love the e46.

[swagon]

Oh, do it, 100%. It doesn't look bad, it just needs a big overhaul, especially the engine as it's been sat for years. Every DIY you can think of is on the forums. M539 Restorations on Youtube does this sort of thing, you can have a look.

[Mani59]

You must definitely refurbish it and get it back on the road! It looks lovely and that M54 engine is just sublime

As swagon mentioned above, Sreten at M539 Restorations on YouTube is a great place for a resource (and awesome channel).
There is also 50sKid on YouTube too who has a huge selection of awesome videos on the M54 engine and repairs / maintenance, etc.

[Almuliman]

Originally Posted by Mani59

You must definitely refurbish it and get it back on the road! It looks lovely and that M54 engine is just sublime

As swagon mentioned above, Sreten at M539 Restorations on YouTube is a great place for a resource (and awesome channel).
There is also 50sKid on YouTube too who has a huge selection of awesome videos on the M54 engine and repairs / maintenance, etc.

BMW Doctor on YouTube as well.

Careful with M539 Restorations, though: Sreten will give you all sorts of ideas. "That Shadowline trim sure looks nice." "The suspension could do with a refresh. Maybe I should address the ride height at the same time." "A manual swap doesn't look that difficult."

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Almuliman

BMW Doctor on YouTube as well.

Careful with M539 Restorations, though: Sreten will give you all sorts of ideas. "That Shadowline trim sure looks nice." "The suspension could do with a refresh. Maybe I should address the ride height at the same time." "A manual swap doesn't look that difficult."

Yeah let's not make this a $100k restomod

[Almuliman]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Yeah let's not make this a $100k restomod

Cheap daily driver

[dmanb2b]

Cooling system refresh, disa valve and PCV system...maybe vanos. Otheriwse bulletproof. My son beats the piss out of his 6speed with 157K on the clock. 115k is just broken in. Replace trans and rear diff fluid too.

[alpinec1984]

drop me a pm if you'd rather sell it outright. I have sons (4) and skills (many)

[Vivek.]

Originally Posted by swagon

Oh, do it, 100%. It doesn't look bad, it just needs a big overhaul, especially the engine as it's been sat for years. Every DIY you can think of is on the forums. M539 Restorations on Youtube does this sort of thing, you can have a look.

If our M54 wagon with over 2x the mileage can run to the ends of the earth every day (it does), I think his will be fine after sitting in a garage for a while.

Change the fluids, try to drain the tank and fill with fresh gas, run some injector cleaner since it was started with old gas.

[tom @ eas]

Manual swap would be one of the top things on the list for a really fun car.

[stein_325i]

I'm assuming its your in-law's car so a plus is that you know the history of this car versus the many E46's which are now on their 4th or 5th owner. That being said the worst thing for these cars it to let them sit, but doesn't look too bad from the photos though, however a good PPI can go a long way.

As long as the engine and cooling system are pretty good, along with the rear subframe, then you should be good to go outside of cosmetics. Car will undoubtedly be leaking oil (its not a BMW if it doesn't ) Hopefully no coolant issues though or cracked plastics under the hood from sitting. 115k on the dash as well isn't bad, I took my 330i to 200k+ miles before the cooling system had a meltdown, and my son's X3 3.0i is sitting pretty at 168k (although was meticulously kept after by the original owner).

The only downside I see with the car is that its an auto. As a fun weekend car, a manual E46 (or other manual BMW of that era) would be a lot more fun and desirable but manual swaps are very common as well and could greatly improve the experience. That being said, the overall platform is still great in all forms, you get a much lighter weight vehicle, the fantastic naturally-aspirated M54 engine, as well as beautifully communicative BMW hydraulic steering (RIP) and timeless design inside and out. Worse comes to worse you sell it for parts.

[Fritzer]

No it's junk, in fact, scrap metal. You know what, how much you want for me to just take that old heap off your hands - no one wants it anyway....

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Fritzer

No it's junk, in fact, scrap metal. You know what, how much you want for me to just take that old heap off your hands - no one wants it anyway....

Sold!

[wtwo3]

Thanks everyone for the input and motivation! I think I'll try to go ahead and rehab it and see where I come out.

It'll be a sloowwwww process, but over time I think it'll reward me tenfold. More to come!

[fiveohwblow]

My daily driver is an 03 e46 and if my count is correct this is my fourth….?

I have 151k on my clock and even have no leaking oil! That’s a feat! These will run upwards of 300k miles if treated right. My guess is to change fluids, new tires, clean it up and drive for a couple weeks. You’ll see what is needed. These cars are wicked easy to work on, and cheaper than most. These are a pleasure to drive and own, I too wish mine were a manual. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

[Mr Pete]

Maintain it! I wish I still had my E46 330ci. Such a fantastic car even with the steptronic, but sounded amazing. God I miss it…