Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

An E46 320d estate is a lovely car tbh, you're not going to get much better than that in terms of drivability/usability/comfort.

You can get a car with more tech and toys or get a faster car, but in terms of useable engagement, an E46 is a fucking great car.

Car price +Nef
Could always go 330d
My 530d was more than quick enough.

Yeah I was just coming to recommend an E91 330d. It'll be a similar driving experience but a more modern car (compared to an E46) and more oomph.

335d would be nice but it'll be well out of budget.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111209784583

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111109432257

Do you want to live in constant anxiety?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111159584816

There. Is a petrol 2.7? Xf at 2k that needs the plastic inlet manifold replacing. Common issue.

Got to be worth a punt. Even to sell on.

Ha, been eying those. But alas I don’t have the disposition to handle Alfa ownership.

Would those e60 330d have m57tu in them - any idea what they’re like for reliability? Be a shame to drive an auto too (and aren’t they prone to their own issues?).

Seems like a 3l diesel is one way to get more poke and maintain some efficiency.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111119459462

I'd say if you want a sportier drive, don't go up to an E61. It'll be a big jump in size compared to an E46. Also, don't get fooled into thinking, "well they made an M5 so it must be pretty sporty", the M5 is very different to an SE estate.

Is there anything meaningful that could be done to the e46 to make it more fun? The suspension is getting a little tired, but is a meaningful upgrade gonna be north of a grand? And is it just throwing money in the bin for no noticeable benefit?

Because I'm an idiot I replaced the suspension on my 911 with brand new Bilstein B4 shocks all round, I then replaced them with Ohlins R/T and it was night and day - both brand new systems, but honestly there was no comparison between the two.

So there will be a change, especially if your current suspension is a bit tired, but £!

Are these just gonna be shit?
https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/vogtland-fixed-damping-coilover-kit-vog968393/

Yes.

Replacing the suspension and bushes with brand new OEM parts would make a huge difference on a car of that age.

100% waftobarge. the sport is on the radio only. comfy as fuck though

I'd just also say, as someone who has experienced this massively throughout my life. It's easy to get carried away and spend loads of money you really don't need to, just because other people online on forums are doing it.

Your E46 could be better, you could have a faster car, you could have a more luxurious car, but do you need it? Can you afford it? Or do you just want it?

It's OK to just want it and know you can't have it. What a wonderfully privileged thing for me to say, I know, just don't get caught up in some excitement and blow a wad of cash.

you've changed

Found a ring jump starter for €35 https://www.ringautomotive.com/en/product/RPPL200

Worth it?

I'm giving out advice I don't follow myself.

Do as I say not do as I do ;)

When I owned my Mercedes S124 I decided never to buy the top-of the range sporty version of an otherwise ordinary car again. The number of things that were cheap as chips to replace on any other model became an expensive mission on the 300TE-24. Driveshafts? Shared only with the 300SL-24. That'll be £1000 each please. Front ball joints? Oh no sir, because of the bigger vented front discs the normal lower arms with the £10 ball joints were replaced with ones with fixed-in ball joints. That will be a pair of new arms at £350 each.

So if not being shafted for relatively minor parts comes under "fun" it's best to research that stuff.

Counterpoint - no other E Class would give you the experience of the E63, which is what you're paying for.

I'm glad I ran mine for a year.

Now, do I want an E92 M3?

Jaguar x type is just a mondeo....some bits are the same but none of the suspension bushes are, nor shock and springs.

Lots of parts are jag dealer only.

This is where my dad’s inappropriate ‘replace e46 330’ ideas list has got to. I’m all for it, think they still look great. ‘09+, EDC, without any tacky shit stuck on it (bonus points for oem grille instead of double bar 4-series-alike eBay)

It would continue my series of V8's, although a lot smaller than the last one and no turbo-chargers, so it's bound to be very economical