2000 e46 318i vs 2000 e46 320i reliability? which is better?

[CRVVTECTURBO]

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum and would like to tap the minds of people who have a little more experience with e46's.

I'm looking to sell my '95 e46 316i (M43B18) and upgrade to a 320i e46. However I know from experience that the 4 cylinder in my car is very reliable but not sure about the 6 in the 320i? I'd prefer it to the 318i even though the performance is not very different but I'm concerned about the reliability.

Which would you say is more reliable? I know the 6 has less vibrations and having a shorter stroke it will have lower piston speeds at higher rpms than the 4 etc so I'm hoping it may be but you never know. The 4 is a relatively proven quantity for me as it is very similar to the motor in my e36.

 

[moranor@axis]

the e46 6cyl seem way more reliable than the 4cyl...

 

[CRVVTECTURBO]

the e46 6cyl seem way more reliable than the 4cyl...

thanks man, I see you have a 323i .... would you say it has been pretty reliable?

 

[P1000]

That engine will last 500kkm easily if you can keep it cooled and oiled. (The cooling system is a weak point, though, so replace it - new radiator, water pump, reservoir, pipes etc).

That said, there is no point in going for the smaller engine on account of fuel economy, since it is no more frugal than a 330i. So go for the biggest one you can afford.

 

[CRVVTECTURBO]

thanks for the advice...I know the radiators are weakpoints but waterpump? any idea how/ why they fail? please tell me its not a plastic impellar like on some e36's :nonono:

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

e46 6 cylinder is the best. Don't even bother with 4 cyl. My brother has one and it leaks oil so much, i'm not even kidding. We've serviced the car and still oil leaks... No idea where from. Car runs fine though, but I'd be worried about that oil.

My 6 cylinder has been great. Had it for 7 years, never had a problem with it.

 

[CRVVTECTURBO]

ah ok, thanks for the input, it makes going for the 6 which I really want to do a bit easier

 

[moranor@axis]

keep it cool and in good oil it will last a very long time random sensors and plastic bits will go if you looking at an older one but the engine is not a worry :rollsmile:

 

[freerider]

I would also go for the 6cylinder, I replaced the entire cooling sytem for just over R3000 on my e46 320i.

 

[TheMo]

6 Cylinder FTW!!! :thumbs:

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

Also... the sound of the 6 pot is just awesome...

 

[moranor@axis]

and they glow in the dark :rollsmile:

 

[Charlie Brown]

Hi there

I'd go and drive both and see which one you prefer, I have a 2000 model 318 with the M43TU motor and it's been an absolute jem. Whilst on paper it might appear really low down on the Kw stakes the motor has great torque, low fuel comsumption and is dirt cheap to maintain.

Like all BMW's cooling is very important so you have to wtach out for hoses, rad and resevoir. They do have 2 well known failures for the oil leaks - the valve cover rubber gasket and the oil filter o-ring. Both cheap and easy to do.

I can not comment on the E46 320 as I've owned one, but both the E30 and E36 320's were enough to put me off. From what I've heard if you go the 320 route try get the 2.2 litre engine.

I have done 230 000kms in my 318i and I swear that it just gets better, cruizes great on the freeway (it's not a robot to robot car by no means) gets great comsumption and costs polo money to run.

Just my 2 cents - use it, don't use it !

Happy hunting and drive as many as you can, before you decide.

 

[Dr Evil]

I have a 320i e46 and I love it. I always wanted a bmw 6 cylinder and I don't ever regret getting one.

 

[zaleonardz]

Here are the facts

Pre-fact 318's with the M43 motor in is good, they piss oil everywhere, but its a good engine

the 318 with the N42 motor, unless your brave, perahps a lil phycotic, dont buy one of these, gorgeous when it runs, when it breaks however...

So 320 it is then, but go do a bit of homework, fuel consumption on the 320 vs the 330 is not that differant, considering driving style and power to weight,

I'd go for a 330i, but then I would really go for a 330d, in manual, with a swedish chick in the passanger seat

 

[Philip Foglar]

BMW I6 engines FTW as said above. With the E46 always better to try and go for the larger capacity engines, and ideally the facelift engines. Bought my Wife the facelift 2.2l 320i - very nice car!! :thumbs:

 

[Tyza]

Good Morning guys I really need your advice on the step that I'm about to take in changing from a 4cylinder engine to a 6cylinder engine. I would like to find out if it's a good idea to change and if I do change what is it that will to be changed in order for the 320 engine to fit in there... Please if anyone knows could you please give me the full specs of what I'll need to buy and all that stuff... Thank you in advance