S14LTR Posted August 24, 2018 Report Share Posted August 24, 2018 Hi all My name is Martin, a new E46 owner but no stranger to BMW (previously owned a few E30s and a V8 E39). Been driving Mercs for the past few years however following a 'downgrade' in jobs in order to get a better work-life balance I wanted a car that was sub-£4k that still interested me. This car came up locally to me and seemed to tick most boxes (except power!). The bodywork is immaculate, not a spot of rust anywhere and an inspection report from BMW dated 2017 as part of their 2-year bodywork warranty extension. Wheels could do with a refurb but I'm not desperate to get that done yet. Car has FSH but needs another doing so that's booked in for next week, plus a remap to squeeze a few more BHP and, more importantly, improve the throttle response. Has a nice alcantara interior which is in great condition. Original floor mats that have been covered by additional mats. Since I bought it last week, I have replaced the wheel centres and boot/bonnet badges for OEM versions as all were shot. Upon removing the boot/bonnet badges on the car I found they were aftermarket cheap versions anyway. Plans are to keep as clean as possible and as OEM as I can, although may upgrade to an OEM-looking android headunit as I'm not sure I can live without bluetooth audio playback. Private plates will be going on as soon as the logbook is back and the tired M-Sport gear shift will be replaced with a brand new OEM part. Few pics below, pretty pleased for £1800. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2clubsp Posted August 24, 2018 Report Share Posted August 24, 2018 Very nice. A lot of car for the money. Shame about the colour. 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evokid Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Lovely colour and spec 👍👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym3 Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 Very nice! Keep us posted with how you get on with the remap, bhp & torque difference etc I have a 320i convertible and as much as I love the car sometimes a bit more power would be nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benji83 Posted August 27, 2018 Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 Definitely one of the nicest colours available, great find. OEM+ is the best route to go down as well IMO, keen to see how you clean it up. 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S14LTR Posted August 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 Lots of comments on the colour! I assumed it was fairly rare as I have not seen many this colour. It almost glitters in the sunlight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo Posted August 27, 2018 Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 Nice! Although don't expect much from a remap on a petrol car.. Not sure if you'd feel an improved throttle either tbh? I think a 10-15bhp total increase if you also did induction/exhaust etc is the best you can hope for.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S14LTR Posted August 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 38 minutes ago, momo said: Nice! Although don't expect much from a remap on a petrol car.. Not sure if you'd feel an improved throttle either tbh? I think a 10-15bhp total increase if you also did induction/exhaust etc is the best you can hope for.. These were my initial thoughts, however my remap guy insists the throttle response will increase and, as he does it for me for free, I may as well find out! momo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo Posted August 27, 2018 Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 Yup, no harm in trying if it's £0! lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martauto Posted August 28, 2018 Report Share Posted August 28, 2018 If you wish a tiny bit more (could be all in the head you know) , check the exhaust pipe valve is woking correctly. It sounds sooooo much better as well. Hell of a colour mate. Mart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevehallone Posted August 30, 2018 Report Share Posted August 30, 2018 I like this a lot, big fan of the colour, looked at one very similar before buying mine (your interior is in far better shape than the one I looked at) Let us know if you make a decision on the Android head unit, I've been back and forth on that idea for some time but I think I'll be going for this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DNT7K9Q/?coliid=I2S7TVG9EXMSVP&colid=3M15M9UN14ZZ7&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S14LTR Posted August 31, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2018 Well the remap was done, certainly made a difference to throttle response and just seems to run a bit sweeter. Would I say it is worth the cost of a remap for the difference? Probably not. Certainly more pleasurable to drive though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...