E46 318

[Lindo]

Fanatics a friend off mine is about to purchase a 2002 318 E46 A/T the car has 45k on the clock and obviously the motorplan has expired. The car was used as a run around hence the low mileage. Is this a good buy for 80k are there any common problems to look out for on an autmatic E46 and hoow is the fuel consumption compared to the manual. please advise

 

[Ricky318i]

I find the best place to read up on common E46 problems, is:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php?title=BMW_E46

then specifics on the 318i, i find are:

leaky brake vacuum pump seal leaking oil onto the exhaust, funny idling at times (sporadic), crank shaft sensor on the 09/2001 to 2003 engines, Bosch ignition coils failing.

Fuel consumption figures range from 5.5 on highways to 8l/100km in town.

 

[semaj]

I reckon R80k is a decent price for that car. You will probably never find another one with that mileage.

From personal experience, town fuel consumption for the 318i is more like 10l/100km and about 7 on the highway.

 

[koos12]

That's a good price. Low mileage as well. Problems as mentioned by Ricky318i and radiator and maybe arm control bushes.

 

[Lindo]

Thanks guys will let him know...

 

[Yulz9081]

ish i get like almost 12l/100km with normal town driving.
So far with my '02 318 auto I've replaced the crankshaft sensor, radiator, crank vent valve (breather valve), all brake pads and discs, all 4 coils to the newer modified ones. The older coils were rubbish, corode very easily.
That was about it.