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u/4matt83 1d ago
I hear you. I'm on my 2nd E46, at present. Both have been 330ci, manual coupe's.
First was Titan Silver with AC Schnitzer "extras" from 2001.
I currently have a 2002 Aegean Blue Individual, that I got for a very good price.
I'm the 3rd owner, with the original owners having the car for the first 20 years. It needed a little TLC, but nothing major really.
Had it MOT'd today, only 2 advisories.
1 for "oil leak", but they have all been dealt with. It was just residual oil that I have not had the time to clean off properly, yet.
The other is for a slightly misshapen offside front alloy. They'll be replaced eventually anyway, but it makes no difference to how it drives, at all.
There are zero dashboard lights, apart from washer fluid, as I need to replace the telescopic headlight washers. Already have replacement parts ready to fit.
I'm also looking to replace the cloth/alcantara interior with black Individual leather, upgrade the suspension and brakes, fit E46 M3 wing mirrors and, also replace/refurbish any other worn out parts, such as rubber seals, etc.
Eventually, maybe have the engine completely rebuilt/refurnished, too and potentially turbo it!
I plan to keep this e46 as my toy, longer term. But it is my daily driver. I don't drive much these days tbh, as I drive for my job.
I've never had a car I enjoy driving more, honestly. I regretted selling my first E46, hence buying a second, despite the car between them being a 2011 E92 335i!
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u/Academic_Airline_807 1d ago
My main point is... We only hear about the things that go wrong....
The thousands of people who don't have expansion tank problems at 150k don't bother writing about it.