Is a 2006 E46 330CI worth it?
Looking at a 2006 BMW 330Ci convertible at a used dealership for $9,400 with 37,843 miles. Wanted to get the community’s honest opinion before pulling the trigger.
The good:
∙ Exceptionally low miles for the year, 37k genuine per Carfax
∙ No accidents reported
∙ 21 service history records
∙ Second owner had it for 17 years and serviced consistently at BMW dealerships
∙ Cooling system serviced in November 2022
∙ Control arms replaced 2017
∙ Brakes replaced 2017
∙ Clean title, no damage brands
∙ Passed emissions October 2025.
The concerns:
∙ Went through auto auction in June 2024 after sitting at a PA dealer briefly
∙ Failed emissions inspection October 2024 when third owner bought it — passed two weeks later, unknown what was fixed
∙ Cooling system was serviced not replaced — original water pump, thermostat, expansion tank
∙ Has been sitting at current dealer since October 2024 unsold — 7 months
∙ Dealer bought it at auction
My usage:
∙ Weekend and occasional use only
∙ Roughly 2,500-3,000 miles per year
∙ Not a daily driver
Questions for the community:
∙ Does the auction history concern you?
∙ What would you expect the failed emissions fix was?
∙ What should the PPI specifically focus on for this car?
∙ Fair price or should I negotiate lower?
Getting a PPI done at an independent BMW specialist before committing. Any advice appreciated.