323ci l6 engine reliability

[nirvash]

hi everyone, im new here

i currently drive a modified RB25DET powered nissan 200sx,(for sale to whoever may be interested) and am looking for something more practical, comfortable and reliable but still sporty (not that i have had ANY problems with my car,it just eats my cash with mods and always wanting more from it etc) and am looking at getting an e46 323ci.

ive read about all the most common failures or fault points of the e46 range, but just wanted to know more about the longevity and reliability of the 323ci's 2.5l l6. i am looking at getting one with less that 150k kms on the clock, how mcuh longer can i expect one of these engines to run strongly for (obviously with proper care and maintenance)? also are these engines prone to failure, are they generally reliable, what should i look out for with them? etc
also how do they respond to mods for eample basic breathing mods, ecu software like dinnan, cams etc

my dad had a 525i and that engine was running strong up till we sold it at 175000kms, just other things that went wrong with the car, i really like these l6 engines

sorry if this has been covered before i have tried the search

also i am in particular looking for a white, manual trans, 323ci with under 150 000kms in the western cape area or if anyone knows of a good one for sale

thanks, yours replies will be much appreciated

Andreas

 

[JustNN]

Welcome:wave:
Power wise i would go for a 325ci if you want a coupe to start with

These engines last very long, i have seen 318i's with over 500k km on clock still perfect.
If you take care and service well and on time there is no real life span timetable, people talk about doing 1 mil km's(havent seen thou).

i doubt mods like sw will harm the engine. But if you read around you will see many guys with mods and the power gains they get and its really good.

 

[zaleonardz]

I firmly believe that the distance a BMW engine can travel is infinate, provided it stays cool, and has decent lubrication.

I know of 330's with over 400 on the clock, E36 328's with over 600k on the clock.

Simply put, buy the car, budget to replace the water pump and pressure test the cooling system, change the oil regularly, and your good to go, BMW engines are frikken amazing, they really are.

Buy a manual though, their auto boxes tend to break...

 

[nirvash]

thanks for your responses, and good to hear.

ive heard particularly that heat is an issue with these engines, so a new water pump would definitly be in order to have peace of mind.

i would without a doubt go for a m/t, bmw's are drivers cars after all

so basically if you keep these engines cool and well lubed all should be fine then?
what about oil pump failure, or oil startvation, has this ever been an issue with these engines?

Andreas

 

[iifunky]

OIL OIL ; main thing; i just had a n expereince where there was sludge in my motor ; had to be cleaned and my cam got daamged coz of lac of oil; all my sensors were going mad.

Main thing is an oil change and oil filter.

otherwise i think these engines are very good.

You can also have the motor retuned to run like a 325ci but not a huge diff in down tuning.

enjoy!

 

[P1000]

There was one case on the forum of the oil pump bolt coming loose, causing engine failure (on a 330i). That said, the driver did not stop when the oil light came on, so it might have been preventable.

 

[Kisho135i]

Go for 325ci manual!

 

[JustNN]

Go for 325ci manual!

Lol Kisho didnt you have a really good one for sale, it looked hot with the rims

 

[Kisho135i]

ya trade it in on my e92 m3, bmw gave me some good bucks for it:thumbsup:

 

[nirvash]

just upping my post count