Hi, new member (long time lurker) here
I've been wanting to get another E46 (owned new 320i and 320d previously) and the 330i and 330d appeal to me (but only the late model 6 speed, which appear to be unicorns). I'd go mad for an M3, but pricing seems to have gone crazy.
I know a guy who has a 2001-ish (non f/l) 330ci coupe that he brought back from the UK about 8 years ago, so I guess he can sell it now. It looks entirely original and well cared for. The concern that I have is that it's still on UK plates. I haven't asked him about that, but I think you're supposed to register your import immediately, so I don't know what gives there.
So here's my question (finally):
I read a few posts here about the desirability of the 330ci vs M3 and the consensus appeared to be at the time (2019-ish) that the M3 was the better choice for the money. However, given the current price of M3, is that argument still valid? For looks and performance, and at a reasonable price point, doesn't the 330ci makes sense now?
Also, what do you think a reasonable price would be for this car, given its rarity in SA? (auto, ~250k kms).
The to-do list for this car is probably going to be extensive - refurbish everything (bushes, hoses, coolant system, etc.) I'd probably also want to convert to 6-speed manual if I went with it. It's a car I want to keep and enjoy, not flip, so I think the cost of doing those things plus purchase price doesn't need to ensure a profit on resale. And I'd like to get my hands dirty with a project.
I've been wanting to get another E46 (owned new 320i and 320d previously) and the 330i and 330d appeal to me (but only the late model 6 speed, which appear to be unicorns). I'd go mad for an M3, but pricing seems to have gone crazy.
I know a guy who has a 2001-ish (non f/l) 330ci coupe that he brought back from the UK about 8 years ago, so I guess he can sell it now. It looks entirely original and well cared for. The concern that I have is that it's still on UK plates. I haven't asked him about that, but I think you're supposed to register your import immediately, so I don't know what gives there.
So here's my question (finally):
I read a few posts here about the desirability of the 330ci vs M3 and the consensus appeared to be at the time (2019-ish) that the M3 was the better choice for the money. However, given the current price of M3, is that argument still valid? For looks and performance, and at a reasonable price point, doesn't the 330ci makes sense now?
Also, what do you think a reasonable price would be for this car, given its rarity in SA? (auto, ~250k kms).
The to-do list for this car is probably going to be extensive - refurbish everything (bushes, hoses, coolant system, etc.) I'd probably also want to convert to 6-speed manual if I went with it. It's a car I want to keep and enjoy, not flip, so I think the cost of doing those things plus purchase price doesn't need to ensure a profit on resale. And I'd like to get my hands dirty with a project.
