E46 330d questions

[Nikhil]

Hey Guys

I’m posting on behalf of a friend who wants to buy an E46 330d 2004 Model:rollsmile:. What are the common issues with them? I know Osiris had a few problems with his turbo exploding and the auto gearbox exploding:fencelook:. The car in question has a 156 000 km on the clock, auto and Fsh with bmw . Other than that what should he look out for? what’s the cost for a major service? And average fuel consumption on it?

 

[Kish2604]

If the car is to remain stock then they absolutely lovely cars... Basic e46 issues to be dealt with like cooling system and suspension... However if a tune of some sort is In the pipeline and you got a cowboy driver then the auto gearbox might be a little worry some... The general condition of the car will tell you what you in for...

 

[Rayzor]

I would suggest saving a bit more and getting an E90 :thumbs:

 

[Nikhil]

The E90’s that he’s been looking at come out way more expensive than the E46 , the insurance quotes he got for the E90 was also about R800 more expensive than the quotes for the E46 because he’s only 20 . So I doubt it will be an option for now.

 

[Andy1GP]

There's quite a lot of differences between the '04 and earlier models. The engine for one has lots of differences.

The '04 being the 150kw M57N-TU however the stainless exhaust manifold is prone to cracking, this can be seen by soot build up in the engine bay, around the turbo area. The 135kw one has less power but more reliable in this aspect with a cast manifold.

The '04 has a more behaved viscous fan, it doesn't sound like a truck.

Without doing anything to the car you'll probably get around 700-800km on a tank combined.

There's lots of little niggles that can wear over time but the car will still work. Ideally this isn't a car you want to buy on the cheap. Fortunately there are a couple of DIY threads on here that shows how to do most of the jobs.

EGR delete, Swirl flap delete, Down pipe, lower control arm bushes, engine mounts, vacuum lines etc.

Vacuum lines being the biggest culprit to loss of power. It's a cheap and easy fix.

Ideally drive a couple to gauge what they should feel like. But Like Kish said, the condition tells you what you in for...

 

[Nikhil]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the feedback, this is the car that my friend is interested in, we have booked for a test drive tomorrow, your comments on the price will be appreciated http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca...iontype/steptronic/transmissiontype/tiptronic
:=):

 

[netercol]

would not buy a e46 330d in auto.. simple as that. seen too many e46 auto 330d's with gearbox issues.
turbo issues are minimal with the three litre turbo diesels.. unless some cowboy mechanic has already messed with the turbo.. (read replaced with china copy, reconned, ect)

also the price is a bit high, should be more in 100k-110k range imho..

 

[sash]

The insurance difference is quite a big difference for car that are quite similar in terms of price, power, risk.

Theres a fanatic selleing his 330d at a steal, i would check if there are other insurance companies willing to negotiate.

 

[samman325]

Theres a fanatic selleing his 330d at a steal.

+1

The car referred to above is really a great buy, well looked after and moves like a dream. Was about to purchase it myself but ran into issues with finances. It is being sold by Kishore on this forum.

Definitely give it a look as well, i can guarantee you wont go back to the e46.
:thumbs:

 

[Nikhil]

Hi All

Just test drove that 330d today, I’m in love with tractor power!!!!!!! The car is in pristine condition! I am concerned about the fact that there is a slight vibration when letting go of the accelerator and breaking, not too sure what that is tho, got it all the way upto 160 and its really smooth! You can’t even feel the shifts! Inspected all the mounts and they all good, no soot in the engine bay either, the bay was not washed and the car not valet beforehand so Ya Hopefully my friend decides to take the deal. I can’t stop smiling.
:rollsmile:Oh and one last thing, I just had the car in normal mode not tiptronic and I noticed that it boosts just before 3000rpm, is that normal?

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Anybody :fencelook:

 

[netercol]

I just had the car in normal mode not tiptronic and I noticed that it boosts just before 3000rpm, is that normal

torque peak is around 3000rpm on these engines, so if you mean it feels like it starts pulling at 3000rpm, thats about right..

boost should start building around 1300rpm, reaching peak boost around 3-3.5k rpm..

 

[Nikhil]

yeah it boosts just before 3000Rpm and then sucks you into the seat till about 4000rpm :inlove:

 

[Andy1GP]

Glad you like it Nikhil,

Tell us more about the vibration? Was it under braking or accel/decelrating? If I had to shoot form the hip I'd say centre bearing. But could be a buckled wheel or brakes.

Having the centre bearing replaced should be around a R2k job with labour. Goldwagen has the part for around R800.

 

[Nikhil]

It was a very light hum when letting go of the accelerator but you can only hear it when sitting in the back seat, there is also a vibration when breaking but that’s probably discs. I went under the car when it was parked to look at the diff bushes which were in good shape and there was no oil leaking from the diff. Hope this helps?

 

[Andy1GP]

Diff whine

 

[Nikhil]

Diff whine

FFS
:argh:
Cost to repair +-?

 

[Andy1GP]

Not necessarily a problem. My M3 had a slight whine in 6th. But you could get an open diff for say 3-4k and Gizmo can install it? It's his bread and butter. He should be able to give more accurate figures.

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All this being said is purely assumption that it is the diff. It might just be tyres. Cheap tyres can cause some crazy noises.

 

[Nikhil]

well its not even loud, I didnt even notice it till a guy that works with me made me sit in the back and listen carefully :=):