2001 318i 1.9L Exclusive

[[MANJ]PAPI]

Hi Guys!

I am really considering to buy a used 2001 318i Exclusive model with under 100 000 on the clock.

I would've posted the advert to the vehicle for more info, but I am unsure about me reviewing a vehicle that is still up for sale, so I will only give general info. I can however say that the price seems highly reasonable for the quality of the vehicle (Under 90k).

I went for an inspection and test drive a few days ago, and my findings are listed below:

PROS:

- Starts first time, idles quietly and consistently,
- No hesitation with acceleration, power is definitely present and also consistent,
- Didn't notice any oil leaks at the problem areas for this engine (M43TU)
- Gearbox and clutch operates as new,
- No body damage, rust or anything
- Accident free + full franchise service history.
- All electric windows work
- No interior damage/cracking of the dashboard or seats or gear lever.
- High quality Exclusive model interior.

CONS:

- Inside roof-lining started coming loose, so my head touches the material as I drive ( which is not perfect, but if the driver seat height is adjustable it will go unnoticed )
- 2 previous owners within 100 000km on the clock, which may be a suspicious factor.
- Only mechanical warranty for 2yrs can be arranged...

I have read that the M43TU is the most reliable and easiest to service compared to the other engine(s) of this era (N42 and so on.. dont know how many there are for the 318i).

I am still waiting to for the seller to send me the service history so that I can cross-reference all the important problem areas of the car to see which ones have been attended to etc.

My problem is that I will not be able to spend an extra 5k every time some important component fails between the service intervals that is not under warranty, since I will already be paying back the loan amount for the car.

I would appreciate any input from you guys about your experiences with these models in terms of repair and maintenance costs and reliability of this specific model.

Kind regards and thank you!
Emile

 

[DoctorJ]

How much under 90k is he asking?

cause sub 90k does not mean 45k.

Let's assume it is 85k. That is a LOT of money for a 2001 e46 318i.

Heck, you can buy a 330i for less money than that. I paid 65k for my 2001 e46 330i with 114k on the clock.

 

[AdiS]

My problem is that I will not be able to spend an extra 5k every time some important component fails between the service intervals that is not under warranty, since I will already be paying back the loan amount for the car.

If this is the case, then I think you need to carefully consider whether you can afford to own an old Bmw. It’s an old car and things will definitely go wrong between service intervals, and the chances are they won’t be fully covered by warranty.

If after financing and insurance costs you don’t have spare cash flow available for unplanned maintenance, I don’t think this is the car for you.



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[evnmopwr]

My problem is that I will not be able to spend an extra 5k every time some important component fails between the service intervals that is not under warranty, since I will already be paying back the loan amount for the car.

If this is the case, then I think you need to carefully consider whether you can afford to own an old Bmw. It’s an old car and things will definitely go wrong between service intervals, and the chances are they won’t be fully covered by warranty.

If after financing and insurance costs you don’t have spare cash flow available for unplanned maintenance, I don’t think this is the car for you.



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Well put. :thumbs:

 

[Charlie Brown]

Look at some of early threads, I sold mine in 2012 for like R52/3k iirc. I did very well and that car was mint.

Even with low mileage, it’s not worth more than R50k in my opinion.

Good car, but stuff will break, cooling, suspension, disa etc etc.

They are expensive to maintain.

 

[Darren12]

I have this same model car. I bought it in 2016 with 100 000km for 60k, wasn't a good deal but I was in a pickle and I had to settle for what I could get.
My experience so far. All your cooling hoses and connectors will have to be replaced, it doesn't matter how mint the car is, it is old and the rubber and plastics have perished. In the same line your vacuum hoses will also give in too.
Control arm bushings replaced. While driving now, I can feel my suspension needs a thorough run through because its not driving like it should or used to.
Serpentine belts will need replacing if not done fairly recently.
Oil filter housing gasket and cylinder head cover gasket will also need replacing.
If you are handy with a spanner, these are not big jobs, I did all these repairs myself with a socket set from Midas! On the other hand if you need a mechanic to do it, its going to cost you. As posted before if you can just afford the car, you are going to struggle because there is plenty extra you will need to spend to keep the car on the road.
Other than that she drives really well, and my wife and I use her daily. Price wise I wouldn't go over 50k.

 

[kilotango]

---------

If this is the case, then I think you need to carefully consider whether you can afford to own an old Bmw. It’s an old car and things will definitely go wrong between service intervals, and the chances are they won’t be fully covered by warranty.

If after financing and insurance costs you don’t have spare cash flow available for unplanned maintenance, I don’t think this is the car for you.
----------

OP, this is extremely good advice. old beemers are nice and cool and all, until things go wrong.. and believe us, they do go wrong when your wallet is at its thinnest. once you've spent enough cash to restore it mechanically.. then they can be reliable..but until you get to that, it can be a money pit.

i made this mistake, and it was pure love for the vehicle that allowed me to keep putting money into the car.

clearly you like the car, and are keen.. but put your heart aside and think with your head for a moment... because it will cost you money in the long run.

 

[Tinuva]

Don't buy a 318i on a loan!

If you can't afford it cash, and have spare cash for repairs, at least another R20k in my opinion, its a bad decision.

Old cars will have issues. It can happen as soon as you have made payment, and start driving the car back home for the first time.

So here is how I believe it is best:
1. If you can buy the car cash, good.
2. You need to have cash ready to repair.
3. Bonus, if you can do the work yourself. I literally nowadays do almost all the work on my E46s myself, with the exception of oil services. I send these to Garage808 who I know does a good job, saves me from having to get rid of oil, and I get a second opinion on things I might have missed.

 

[AdiS]

Don't buy a 318i on a loan!

If you can't afford it cash, and have spare cash for repairs, at least another R20k in my opinion, its a bad decision.

Old cars will have issues. It can happen as soon as you have made payment, and start driving the car back home for the first time.

So here is how I believe it is best:
1. If you can buy the car cash, good.
2. You need to have cash ready to repair.
3. Bonus, if you can do the work yourself. I literally nowadays do almost all the work on my E46s myself, with the exception of oil services. I send these to Garage808 who I know does a good job, saves me from having to get rid of oil, and I get a second opinion on things I might have missed.

Spot on.


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[Tjoppies]

i have a E46, although a 2004 330i and although nothing "broke" she has cost me some maintenance, about R15 - R18k in the last year...

that was 2 services + filters/plugs , noisy alternator , faulty injector - apart from that it's been a DREAM car

once you get to suspension bits the cost is gonna go up significantly.

look maybe at the Corsa C 1.6 or GSI - still got AC/PS/EW , light on fuel and more importantly maintenance is very low.

 

[Kyle]

Some good advice on this thread,

IMO, depending on general condition, I would not pay more than 55-65k.

Financing a car this age is also not a good idea, but let's assume you have already made your mind up (we all know this feeling).

The E46 is a great car, really solid and well built, however maintenance is key. If you could get some extra cash together and get the usual suspects sorted, you will have a great daily driver.

I would get the car to someone like Gizmo who could give you an accurate quote of what needs to be done so you can make an educated decision. If you are buying the car from a dealer, you could probably get them to pay for some of the repairs within reason.

It really all depends on the purchase price.

Personally, if I needed to take a loan to buy a car, I would look for something proven to be more reliable and lighter on maintenance costs.