-
Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Most reliable E46 model?
- Thread starter MHN
- Start date
MHN said:
i did quite a bit of research on my 330 before i bought it... especially with regards to reliability, cost of ownership, common issues etc. i left the M3 out, as i wasnt looking at it at all.
in the end, i narrowed it down to the 325, and the 330 being the best ones. their engines are pretty similar and are quite solid if maintenance is done. 318's have valve stem leaking issues.. i have read about this in the 320 too.
325/330 also dont have issues with subframe cracking (which the 323 and 328 did). the auto gearbox's in the 325 and 330 are the ZF 5HP19's.. which are okay too.
as mentioned, i ended up going with the 330. but in general.. the 325 and 330 were the later cars in the E46 line, so i think they got most of the platform issues sorted out by the time they were brought to the showroom.
MHN said:
np, btw i have no idea about the E46 diesels, but hopefully someone else can chime in there about those.
around town, im getting between 11-14L/100 km's. i do drive pretty hard, and in a not so economical way. plus mine is an auto, where i have the A/C on most of the time :smilebounce:
i have read that the smaller straight 6's (320, 323, 325 and 328) are as heavy on fuel, but without the power or torque of a 3.0L engine.
msm
Well-known member
In all honesty if you're looking for a reliable car expecting low maintenance costs and low fuel consumption, a 15 year old BMW is not for you. Don't get me wrong - they are truly epic cars. Just be prepared to spend a bit to look after it properly.
Whilst the E46 was brilliantly well built and the 6 cylinder petrols will outlast most modern BMW engines, they are not cheap to keep on the road any longer. Anyone who says otherwise has been neglecting their car in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
However, if you plan on spending a relatively decent amount every year (estimate anything from R10k - R20k at least) on once off refurbishment on some items (E.g. cooling system, all engine gaskets, suspension parts, etc), you'll be driving one of the most reliable cars on the road that will take you to 1 million km's...
Whilst the E46 was brilliantly well built and the 6 cylinder petrols will outlast most modern BMW engines, they are not cheap to keep on the road any longer. Anyone who says otherwise has been neglecting their car in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
However, if you plan on spending a relatively decent amount every year (estimate anything from R10k - R20k at least) on once off refurbishment on some items (E.g. cooling system, all engine gaskets, suspension parts, etc), you'll be driving one of the most reliable cars on the road that will take you to 1 million km's...
None of the above choices would work for you. As stated, these cars are getting on in years and if fuel consumption alone worries you, basic maintenance is probably gonna set you back more than the autobox rebuild, that has you worried. From your myriad of posts, it seems that you are looking to spend the bare minimum on acquiring either car, so any examples in that price range will need work.
My advice would be to consider a solid Japanese car or a marque known for cheaper maintenance/running costs. BMW's are definitely more expensive when things go wrong, consider it teutonic tax.. ultimately, you will do what you desire so all the best. My only hope is you don't buy a lemon and complain BMW's are horrible, expensive, unreliable cars. You really do get what you pay for, mostly.
Oh, and a quick search on the forum would yield most of the answers you require, no need to make so many (repeated) threads.
My advice would be to consider a solid Japanese car or a marque known for cheaper maintenance/running costs. BMW's are definitely more expensive when things go wrong, consider it teutonic tax.. ultimately, you will do what you desire so all the best. My only hope is you don't buy a lemon and complain BMW's are horrible, expensive, unreliable cars. You really do get what you pay for, mostly.
Oh, and a quick search on the forum would yield most of the answers you require, no need to make so many (repeated) threads.
msm
Well-known member
MHN said:
E90 seems to have a different set of issues - so in some places it's more reliable, in others it's worse. However, by virtue of being newer, they are generally easier to find in good condition. Just avoid the 320i. There's quite a few old threads on the forum on the pros and cons of the E90s - you just need to search a bit.
As for the E46, would suggest sticking to the 6 cylinder models. Either petrol or diesel. The best car would one where you buy from a previous owner that can prove he spent some effort in terms of maintenance. A well kept 325i will be better than a neglected 330i or vice versa.
Auto gearboxes seem to be a hit and miss. Some don't have any issues at any mileage. Some need a rebuild before 150k KM. If you can, try to find a manual to avoid issues.
KPM_330 said:
I'm looking at getting a 318i that was well maintained and has decent mileage. The fuel consumption is fine on that model.
I really do love the car a lot. I've driven 3 of them. I really enjoy driving, so I don't mind maintaining it.
I've been looking for 2 months online for one, they range between 45 and 65k. The cleanest and lowest mileage ones go for 55-65k. I missed out on those because they get sold very very fast.
I think it's worth it considering those prices
msm said:
I've heard the 320d E90 is good?
It's hard to find the 325i's and 330i's
I don't mind fixing the gearbox though.
I was mainly looking at a 318i
msm said:
^^ This is the real advice!
That said, had a E46 318i with the N42 engine. Sure it had the valve stem issue (very easy fix nowadays), but it never gave me trouble. However, I spent enough on it each year to keep it in good standing. Good fuel economy for its time, considering its a 2003 car. Was reliable and a pleasure to drive.
The 330s just is so much more fun to drive...when they work! But I find they also a lot more expensive to maintain, even if i don't have to do valve stem seals on them, they have more expensive repairs required atm :fencelook:
Tinuva said:
i've had a 330 now for about 6 years. yes... it is expensive to maintain, BUT, i say its expensive = changing the usual things like shocks, tyres, servicing (filters, oil) and all the general stuff.
for specific 330 issues, i cant think of any.
besides the usual m52/M54 probs of redoing the vanos seals, changing the oil filter housing gasket, replacing power steering pump and replacing the intake boots. the M54 engines are pretty good, as long as the cooling systems are maintained and the oils+ filters changed on time.
the other most expensive job was getting all wheel bearings done + the subframe/diff bushings replaced along with the centre bearing and flex disk... though this will apply to even a 318 at some stage.
there's just so much more value in a E46 330 than a E46 318 if the price difference isnt much between the two.
Schalk94
Active member
yush1 said:
I agree,those are all great choices. The main thing would be to make sure that the car you buy has full service history,otherwise maintenance could get very expensive very quickly.
My e46 FL 320d made sure that I never overlook a full service history again:dunnoanymore:
Firstly 15-20y old BMW will not be cheap to run maintenance wise.
Secondly anything with a M52/M54 will be a the only place to start.
Autoboxes will fail and cost 20k to repair, a clutch and flywheel replacement will cost slightly less.
If you are intent on this, ensure you have more than the basic DIY skill level and a reasonably equiped toolbox. IE torx/breakerbars,wheel ramps etc etc.
My E46 320i (M52) i believe is now pushing 300 000km with it's 4th owner , me being the 3rd, my mates mom being the 2nd and some fella from KZN the first. It still runs sweet as a 6 last time i spoke to the owner. I rebuilt the cooling system in my time, and the shocks and the PVCC , owner 4 redid the control arms and a few other things. It cost in upkeep over 4 years probably 50k.
It was a well kept and neat example of the Breed. John from Leo Haese looked over it during it's tenure with owner 2. Was even reasonably economical even with the short ratio rear diff. I
Secondly anything with a M52/M54 will be a the only place to start.
Autoboxes will fail and cost 20k to repair, a clutch and flywheel replacement will cost slightly less.
If you are intent on this, ensure you have more than the basic DIY skill level and a reasonably equiped toolbox. IE torx/breakerbars,wheel ramps etc etc.
My E46 320i (M52) i believe is now pushing 300 000km with it's 4th owner , me being the 3rd, my mates mom being the 2nd and some fella from KZN the first. It still runs sweet as a 6 last time i spoke to the owner. I rebuilt the cooling system in my time, and the shocks and the PVCC , owner 4 redid the control arms and a few other things. It cost in upkeep over 4 years probably 50k.
It was a well kept and neat example of the Breed. John from Leo Haese looked over it during it's tenure with owner 2. Was even reasonably economical even with the short ratio rear diff. I
Similar threads
