Since August 1st, 2003 I have been a proud member of 2GNT due to meeting one of the most educated and well rounded Eclipse enthusiast I have met to this day, Matt Duncan (XtremeRS). A year or so prior to that date, I was already the proud owner of a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS. It wasent until a local gathering on a summer evening that I met Matt and his clean, low stanse sleeper. I immediately began to ask him many questions to which he patiently answered. The one thing that stood out the most was that he told me the car was equiped with a after market turbo kit. Until this time, I didn't know that was even possible! That same evening I asked if he could take me for a quick ride in it. I must say, the second I heard the whistle of the spool, the BOV after shifting and the instant power that could be felt, I was hooked! The rest is history! Witin a month, I placed my order w/ Hahn Racecraft. Since I was not very wise w/ the mechanic portion of the vehicle, Matt kindly installed my turbo over a three day weekend. It's been a little over 8 years now, and I am sad to say that I have departed w/ my RS-T.

Approx. three months ago she sold for a little over 3k. That included damage to the rear quarter panel from being hit, a falling headliner and a failed external fuel pump. Other than that, she was an absolute beauty. The purchaser agreed w/ me and looked as excited as I did the first day I layed eyes on it! He even called me a few days later saying he fixed all things that were wrong w/ it! I was glad to not only hear that it went to a great home, but it was far enough away from my hometown that I am sure to never see it again. That helps as I can't imagine another person driving it.

Since I sold her, I have been in the market for an entry level BMW or Mercedes as I wanted to step into something w/ a little more luxury then the eclipse. I had my options boiled down to a BMW 330XI or a Mercedes C230 Kompressor. However, fate jumped in and guided me down a different path! I instantly fell in love w/ a BMW 323Ci.

As of Wednesday, January 05, 2011 I am the proud owner of a BMW 323Ci. After many visits to the local BMW Dealership and plenty of patience, questions and research, I finally made my purchase. I am extremly satisfied w/ my choice and am looking forward to summer. I have not had much of a chance to get to know the vehicle or it's capabilities due to this winter weather. However, I have plenty of time for that. Until then, I have included photos below!

2GNT.COM is still my forum home. I will not leave it. Although I have not met most of you in person, this place is still my comfort zone. There is NO other forum like this one. So, if you guys dont mind, I am here to stay! 2GNT or not!

-CMS

The Inline 6 is a Very good Motor, I will tell you that repairs are not often cheap. WHEN you get that Vacuum leak replace all the tubes that goes to the oil separator valve. Another thing to look out for is the Oil leak that you WILL get, often shops that doesn't know better will think your oil pan is leaking, which almost never does. The leak will come from the Oil Filter Stand housing (its a rubber gasket)

Good Luck

Originally posted by Snail_GS
The Inline 6 is a Very good Motor, I will tell you that repairs are not often cheap. WHEN you get that Vacuum leak replace all the tubes that goes to the oil separator valve. Another thing to look out for is the Oil leak that you WILL get, often shops that doesn't know better will think your oil pan is leaking, which almost never does. The leak will come from the Oil Filter Stand housing (its a rubber gasket) Good Luck

Thanks, I really appreciate the info! I've done a lot of reading all over the web from multiple different angles and ppl's opinions. I was also able to come across common issues and a nice write up for proper preventative maitnance from E46 Fanatics (http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=595553)

I also took into consideration the maitnance cost factor w/ my purchase. Although not everything that goes wrong will be predicted, I plan to stay on top of my preventive maitnance to keep the unknown cost down as much as possible!

Again, thank you for your input! It's much appreciated.

-cms.

welcome to the club :)

later

Originally posted by shuwa29
welcome to the club :) later

Thanks, sir! I def. remember you from this board ... however, I dont recall much interaction. The sig def. rings a bell.

Do you have any input as far as things to keep an eye out based on your experience?

-CMS

let's see, that factory computer will tell you to change the oil every 15k miles. i'd recommend every 5 to 7.5k. when it's time for brakes, the sensor will trip, and you'll know to get new pads and whatever sensor tripped. i believe there is one on the left front and right rear. also, each wheel has a speed sensor. if one goes bad, you're dcs (traction control) will be disabled until you fix the tripped sensor (i currently have this issue). lots of oil! i have a 2.5 liter and it takes almost 7 quarts of mobile 1 with an oil / filter change. last thing i can think of is the windshield washer reservoir. i thought it was the plug / seal and used epoxy on it, didn't work. so it's the pump. 16 buck on ebay shipped so no worries.

maybe you remember my old car;



later

Although it looks familiar, I just can’t peg it. It’s ok though! Thanks a lot for the input! It seems as long as you do the preventative maintenance, the care will last as long as you want it to.

I will be taking it back to the dealer tomorrow though. I noticed that there is a sound similar to a buffering or something similar coming from the front driver's side wheel. The tempo of the sound increases w/ the speed, however the volume stays about the same. It doesn’t sound like a knock, screech or anything like that. I've also noticed that even when breaks are applied you can hear it. After reading a lot of articles, it seems like some ppl lean towards a wheel bearing.

In all honesty, I don't have a clue. It's most noticeable on the highway though.

-cms

Congrats Chris. That looks like a nice car, but you can fill an Olympic swimming pool with the things I don't know and BMWs.

I glad to see you are still thriving!

Originally posted by micyek
Congrats Chris. That looks like a nice car, but you can fill an Olympic swimming pool with the things I don't know and BMWs. I glad to see you are still thriving!

Thanks, Kent! Long time no talk!

-cms

I like the kraut cars. But they are stupidly expensive to maintain. A fact every new owner learns quickly. :P I'm still kicking around the idea of going with a 335i or an M3 in the next year or so.

Originally posted by Fallen4ng31
I like the kraut cars. But they are stupidly expensive to maintain. A fact every new owner learns quickly. :P I'm still kicking around the idea of going with a 335i or an M3 in the next year or so.

Granted this is my first BMW purchase and I am still learning so much about this vehicle, I must say I am satisifed. I am sure that is just part of the initial experience w/ any new vehicle.

You can learn a ton at www.e46fanatics.com There are also some great reference points to other BMW enthusiast sites as well.

Good luck on your purchase and make sure you do your homework when buying used. I was lucky enough to purchase mine directly from the BMW dealer after a lawyer traded her's in for the exact same model, just a 2011. Every service record kept!

-cms

How's the backseat compared to the eclipse? :thumbsup No pics of interior? I like BMW's good show sir.

Originally posted by Shake_Zulla
How's the backseat compared to the eclipse? :thumbsup No pics of interior? I like BMW's good show sir.

The backseat I have yet to sit in to be honest w/ you! However, it looks like a dream. I am not even sure it's been sat in before it looks so good. The remainder of the interior is great except for some reasonable wear on the driver's side leather. I will be taking that in to get taken care of promptly. Anything thing else is your basic wear that is easily replaceable w/ new parts if and when needed.

-cms