Buyers Advice Needed Please E46 318ti

[dyllindd]

Good Day Everyone,

So we are looking for my brother for a economical runaround for University. He has his heart set on an E46 3 Series like I had. However he has taken a liking to the E46 compact. In this case we are considering a 318ti. Due to not wanting it to be too fast as he only got his license recently and only starting varsity in January.

Can everyone please give me a few things to look out for when purchasing? I know of the obvious Vanos problems and will not consider a vehicle with such issues due to the fact that I will have to maintain the car for him.

We are currently considering the following vehicle:

http://www.cars.co.za/for-sale/used/2004-BMW-3-Series-318ti-At-e46-Gauteng-Randburg/2317552/

My biggest concern is the mileage however the vehicle does look good. I intend on test driving it in the week.

Everyone's input is appreciated.

Thanks guys.

 

[Peter@AEW]

Automatic=Asthmatic
He will soon tire of it and trying to sell an auto with that mileage will be a big ask.

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

My buddy from varsity had one, 325ti manual though.. Sapphire Black too. Nice little car with that setup though! Others might chip in but I don't think the 1.8 motor was the best ever from that era..

 

[Nick]

I had one, with alot lower mileage tho.

Not bad little cars to get from A to B.

 

[dyllindd]

Thanks guys, do you think it might be better to include the sedan in our search as well? I'm certain my parents won't go bigger than a 4 cylinder to the speed and insurance.

Also, their budget is set at R75k. Are dealers still inclined to negotiate with you when you are paying cash?

 

[FerdiBotha]

My 1st car was supposed to be a 318i, but I ended up getting a 320d. That was the best decision we ever made. Fuel consumption was awesome with good useable power without being too quick. I would buy a 320d over 318i, 320i, 323i any day.

 

[Gizmo]

Those engines (N42/N46) are expensive to fix and problematic to say the least. People who bought 318i's were budget conscious and maybe a little out of their depth when it comes to maintaining them, for this reason the 318i's don't get the upkeep and repairs that their bigger engine brothers who have owners with more coin in their pocket to maintain them. Most of the e46 318i models are completely shot by now from being owned by budget owners and you will be hard pressed to find a clean well maintained model or one with true low mileage. I suggest you look for a 320i/325i as the M54 is bullet proof and little to nothing goes wrong on them even with stupid high mileage.

 

[AdiS]

Those engines (N42/N46) are expensive to fix and problematic to say the least. People who bought 318i's were budget conscious and maybe a little out of their depth when it comes to maintaining them, for this reason the 318i's don't get the upkeep and repairs that their bigger engine brothers who have owners with more coin in their pocket to maintain them. Most of the e46 318i models are completely shot by now from being owned by budget owners and you will be hard pressed to find a clean well maintained model or one with true low mileage. I suggest you look for a 320i/325i as the M54 is bullet proof and little to nothing goes wrong on them even with stupid high mileage.

Yea, can't in good conscience recommend a 318i. I think the best option is to find a 320i sedan.

 

[Gizmo]

Stay well away from auto boxes as the cost to repair one is the value of the car.

 

[dyllindd]

Thanks guys. I have to admit, my 318i was quite costly to keep in good order. Unfortunately I'm one of those guys that jump at every odd tick, squeal and rattle and even though I do have a lot of knowledge on how to repair the issues, I do not look forward to the time and cost involved.

I will try to include the E46 320i and 320d but like I said it's difficult to find a good example within our budget.

I am also just keeping the 320d swirl flap issue in mind and will definitely need to do that as soon as the car is bought.

The increase lately in 2nd car prices have got me feeling like...:hammerhead::skit:

 

[Gizmo]

If you don't have a decent budget for one and don't have the money to fix and maintain one then don't buy one. Rather get a i10 or something until he has a job and can afford a better car.

 

[RAArmstrong]

Thanks guys. I have to admit, my 318i was quite costly to keep in good order. Unfortunately I'm one of those guys that jump at every odd tick, squeal and rattle and even though I do have a lot of knowledge on how to repair the issues, I do not look forward to the time and cost involved.

I will try to include the E46 320i and 320d but like I said it's difficult to find a good example within our budget.

I am also just keeping the 320d swirl flap issue in mind and will definitely need to do that as soon as the car is bought.

The increase lately in 2nd car prices have got me feeling like...:hammerhead::skit:

If you do go the 320d route. Please stay away from early models. Hugely problematic in the turbo department from what I've read

 

[dyllindd]

If you don't have a decent budget for one and don't have the money to fix and maintain one then don't buy one. Rather get a i10 or something until he has a job and can afford a better car.

Thanks Gizmo,

I also spoke about this with my parents. I used to do the maintenance on my 318i myself and I still do it on the CLK as well. That is where I think that my brother gets the idea that it isn't as costly to maintain a Beemer. Fact of the matter is, he is not car person. Wants to get everything done and repaired at a stealer. Honestly though, I am not in the mood to be his 24 hour on-call mechanic. And the fact that we live in Randburg and he will be studying in Pretoria and driving everyday doesn't rest well with me if he can't fix issues himself.

I am looking for a nice E46 330i project for myself as well so I wont have the time to keep up his car maintenance as well.