btmaldon

This is a really difficult call. If it was me I would probably avoid the N47 engine and go for something else. However there are cars with this engine out there with 170k miles on the clock and I am sure they haven't paid the £1,600 to get the chain changed. Some have been fleet cars. Auto's appear to have been less of a problem due to the smoother gear changes not putting as much stress on the timing chain. I would like to know what the ratio of failures is to N47 cars on the road. I would have thought the failures probably only relate to a fraction of 1%. If you really like the car but find any indication of rattling around the engine, walk away. There are a lot of 320d's on the road and the majority of which I am sure will be fine.

Welcome to the club Paul

Welcome to the club Dan

Welcome Chris

Welcome Callum

Found this on another site. Hope it helps. remove the rear view mirror - it just twists out of its mount - the receiver should be attached to the inside of the roof above the windscreen just to the right of where the rear view mirror mount is. ps - a quick thought - check your actual mirror once you have removed it - if a later larger style mirror has been fitted by the previous owner the receiver is sitting inside the mirror mount.

Very nice and congratulations. By the way, I'm always the same when I buy another car and I'm 52 and am on car number 50 something. That's a lot of sleepless nights.

Try a bottle of cataclean in the engine when your tank is about a third full. Take it for an Italian Tuneup on the way to the garage. Should see the emissions drop right down. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cataclean-Catalytic-Converter-Cleaner-for-Petrol-Diesel-475ml-/301105565304?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item461b4a4e78

Try these Mintex Pads. Always found these to be good: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINTEX-REAR-BRAKE-PAD-SET-BMW-3-SERIES-COUPE-E46-1999-2007-MDB1888-/111036997082?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Plat_Gen%3AE46%7CCars+Type%3A325+Ci&hash=item19da521dda

Sorry, but without knowing the code, I cant help. The garage should have made a note of the code before they cleared it. If you cant get hold of a code reader I would take it back to the garage.

Limo black is around 5% and is so dark you cant see where your reversing at night. Factory Tints are around 30% so if you can get a 15 to 20% tint, it should be about right for what you want.

Great job. The car looks fantastic. A true classic that anyone would be proud of.

Welcome Paul

I have owned around 50 cars over the years, a few of which were auto's. This is my 1st BMW and it is an Auto, and I am so pleased with it. It is far better than any of the previous auto's I've had and I feel it suits the car better. Also with the Semi Auto mode you can still enjoy a bit of a more involved driving if you want. Not having driven a manual BMW does mean I haven't a true comparison to make however.

This might help: http://www.e46zone.com/forum/topic/35100-dipstick-stuck/

I love the step auto and although most of the cars I have owned have been manual, I would now be very reluctant to go back to a manual. If I want a bit more driver involvement I push it over to semi auto and change gear manually.

If its the Step Auto box like mine then you can always slide it across into semmi auto mode and change gear manually. I have had 4 auto cars previously against nearly 50 manual cars but I love the Auto Box on this thing.

You have day time running lights. Brighter than sidelights but not as powerful as your dipped or full beam.

Welcome to the club Rob. Glad your pleased with the motor. Im not aware of any common issues with the screen washers. There may be some gunk partially blocking the pipes or the motors are a little tired.

Welcome along Kirk. Always good to have a Techie about.

Welcome along Alan

Welcome along Gazz

Nice looking car Jamie. Welcome to the club

Welcome to the club Kit

I would start with the cheapest fix first. Try changing the expansion tank cap. If its not holding the pressure, it wont circulate the coolant. Also the stat may be stuck open and may need replacing.