E46 318i woes

Mohan

New member
Good day guys.
I've got a 2005 318i and been trying to get it sorted for a couple of years. It started about 3 years ago when it went in for a miss to a 'reputable' Mac who replaced the VVTI motor and somehow blew the computer box and a sensor on the autobox. No valid explanation was given on how the sensor and computer box was damaged.
We pulled the car from him and was able to replace the box but not the sensor. When in auto, the car/gearbox changes with a heavy jerk and to avoid this we drove it in manual mode.
Early last year we had to park it off again due to a bearing knock. We sent it to another Mac for a complete rebuild. All was well with the teardown and part replacement but he wasn't able to put it back together. After a year of today and tomorrow stories and alot of lost parts, we brought the car home. Oh and the engineer who worked on the block skimmed soo much that he took off the engine number.
Now my delimma is, how do I get my car back on the road. I've got an engine that's in pieces, missing parts, an engine block with no number and who knows what's its gonna take to get the gearbox issues sorted out.
My first thought is to part the car out to recoup some of the monies spent.
Sell the car as it is and fill in the rest to settle the bank.
Look for the parts and fix it as and when I can.
Look for another car and use it for a donor.
I'm leaning towards the latter as all the necessary parts will be there.
I've got this car for close to 4 years and would really like to drive it again.

Any ideas / help would be much appreciated.
 

Mohan

New member
husaindindar said:
My opinion.
Replace motor and get sensor for gearbox.

Easiest and quickest. Might not be cheapest tho.

Thought about that .
I've been looking at tv2 and other importers. The n42 motor sells for 20k plus.


Will a n46 engine fit without any wiring issues. Ie plug and start
 

Tinuva

Staff & Webmaster
Staff member
I want to know who those Macs are, so to be damn sure to stay away from them!

Its painful when a car has a minor issue, then get burned to the ground for no good reason.
 

Mohan

New member
Has anyone replaced a n42 engine with a n46 from the E90 320i .
What is needed for the swap.
Thinking of using the engine and gearbox.
 

Tinuva

Staff & Webmaster
Staff member
From what I hear the N46 in the E90 give more problems than N42 in the E46.

But as for doing what you asking, not sure. It goes that it should be possible, because the E46 318i did come out with a N46 just before the E46 series ended.
 

Mohan

New member
Did some digging .
Turns out that the n46 transfer will need the complete wiring harness as well ,as there are some components that works the head that's in the ECU . The n42 has a unit that's separate or runs indipendent.
The best option and maybe the cheapest option is to look for a complete running car with a vender bender and transfer the parts as needed.
So... I'm on the lookout for a 318i 2004 onwards running car which has the N42 engine and must be an auto.
If anyone comes across anything please let me know.


Thanks guys
 

KingZander

New member
Good day Fellow Fanatic

I'm heart broken to hear about your predicament. I've had a miss fire on my 2004 318i. Mac stripped the whole engine just to say I'll need a total overhaul. 25gs quote later I just paid the stripping fee and took my baby home. Currently saving up my finances but looking to rather just buy another engine aswell.

I came across a company located in PTA. They also do imports. LDR engines and gearbox. The owner of the company is Divan. I was told by another fellow fanatic he bought an engine from them and the swap was fast. He never had a problem since.

You'll be looking at 24gs for the engine. As well as a 3 month warranty on the engine. They also don't charge a lot for their fees if you chose to swap at their shop.

Best of luck man.

Sent From KingZander
 

dyllindd

Member
Hey Mohan,

Truly sorry to hear about your car. I am siding with everyone that suggests the engine replacement. I also agree that this is going to be a costly option.

It all comes down to affordability vs desirability. The engine swap will be costly, not to mention the police clearance and other admin in order to get the car back on the road legally. A colleague recently had to replace a seized engine on her 120i. R45000 later and the car still has gearbox and steering issues.

If you have a lot of sentimental value towards the car, keep it and fix it. If not buy another working model and use your current one as a donor car.

Just my 0.02c
 
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