e46 query

[novio]

yo peeps.

sometime in the next few months, I might be in the market for an e46.

the 330's look delicious at the moment.

was just wondering what the maintenence costs are on such a car and if there are any 'trouble' pointers I should be looking out for.

any advice would be appreciated.

thanks all:rollsmile:

 

[Sankekur]

I am assuming your current car is an e36 328i? Well the 330i is not that much more in terms of maintenance than the 328i.

Things that you might have to look at doing on one when you get it is the bushes, shocks, clutch and a overhaul of the cooling system. All of these things would depend on the condition, but the cooling system is something really important to look at.

But like has been said many times before on this forum, these 6-cylinder engines are really reliable, and will serve you well if you look after it (keep it well cooled and oiled)

So doooo eeet

 

[novio]

yep, got me a 328i e36.

I WEEEEL DOOOO EEEEEET!

Shot man:=):

 

[Nuts_For_BM]

from an e36 328i, only way to go e46 is 330i.

i had a 320i (2.2, 125kw) was lots of fun but lacked torque for its weight, i imagine 325i wouldnt feel great in comparison to the torquey M52B28

things to look out for if you buying with higher mileage:
1. steering rack (+-150 000km)
2. ...

actually thats the only problem i had. E46 = great engines, great ride quality

 

[Doomsdaya]

E46 beemers are solid cars, im considering getting one in the near future.

Doing abit of research and common problems are similar if not fewer to the E36, only thing is parts are more expensive

 

[XMAX]

E46's are awesome cars. Im not trying to put you off them right now, but if you wait till the new 3 series comes you might get someone who will pay you to take the car instead of it being the otherway around.


They are super awesome cars and have not regretted my choice of german engineering. only sad thing is that theyre terrible resellers. So if youre buying, be sure that youre gonna hang onto it for a while.

 

[andrewbuch]

Going from a E30 to E36 I thought I was in heaven as it felt so much newer (less sueeks, clunks, better feeling on the road etc...) but then when I started driving the E46 its so much better as a daily drive as the E36.. much quieter & comfortable... and mine is a 11 year old one with 148K km's on it.

But the facelift rides much nicer than the pre...

I have noticed that the E36 & E46 are similar in the sense of parts that give trouble.. the usual stuffs (bushes, Cooling system (esp expansion tank), & power steering pumps do go when old ish (mine starting to whine a little))

If you can find a nice 330i (2004/2005) then you will be winning.. they are awesome cars, and those engines are solid (as long as its been kept oiled & cooled)

---

Also, we paid about R62k for my 318i a few years ago.. Last year My fiance got her self a 1999 Corsa 130i for R40k... for her its fine..

so the E46's are well priced..

And running costs etc would be more on a 330i compared to a corsa..

but compared to my 318i the corsa running costs is similar priced to my BMW..


so what I am trying to say, go for it

if you get a good one, you wont regret it

 

[CK4LIFE]

I have 320E46 and has problem of leaking Coolant.when i take it for a check up..they dont see anything.strangely it does nt leak everyday...any advice.?

 

[msm]

I have 320E46 and has problem of leaking Coolant.when i take it for a check up..they dont see anything.strangely it does nt leak everyday...any advice.?

What's your mileage and has your coolant expansion tank and related plumbing/pipes ever been replaced?

 

[XMAX]

320 i or d.


doesnt matter in terms of the cooling system.


O. Welcome to the forum.


you might be experiencing a leak onto the exhaust or some other hot component whereby you dont see the leak cos it evaporates.

 

[zaleonardz]

Avoid the N42 318

Other then that, cheap as chips to maintain, in the greater scheme of things, lots of aftermarket good quality spares, solid build cars.

While resale is sucky, and I agree with XMAX, mostly, your picking them up fairly cheap to begin with, and I recon this car is going to become an icon into the near future.

 

[novio]

what about fuel economy and performance difference?

i'm specifiacally talking about the 330 compared to the e36 328.

 

[msm]

what about fuel economy and performance difference?

i'm specifiacally talking about the 330 compared to the e36 328.

All depends on your right foot. My guess is that fuel consumption should be very similar to the E36 328i you have in similar driving conditions. Yes, the E36 is lighter, but the E46 engines are slightly more efficient (or supposed to be).

 

[Doomsdaya]

things to look out for if you buying with higher mileage:
1. steering rack (+-150 000km)

How much is a steering rack for an E46 ? the stealers quoted me 12K for an E36

 

[Sankekur]

Performance wise the 330i is a great improvement over the 328i, and in terms of fuel consumption, not sure about the e36 but the e46 328i is a slight bit better than the 330i, but it will largely depend on your driving style.

 

[CK4LIFE]

I have 320E46 and has problem of leaking Coolant.when i take it for a check up..they dont see anything.strangely it does nt leak everyday...any advice.?

What's your mileage and has your coolant expansion tank and related plumbing/pipes ever been replaced?

It has 93000km and the tank not replaced..do u think they could be the cause?

---

320 i or d.


doesnt matter in terms of the cooling system.


O. Welcome to the forum.


you might be experiencing a leak onto the exhaust or some other hot component whereby you dont see the leak cos it evaporates.

It's a 320i Auto.

 

[CK4LIFE]

My E46 320i goes sideways when driven. I have replaced the bushes and took it for two alignments. Then replaced control arms. do i need to take it for alignment again as it still doing same thing.pls assist.

 

[Andy1GP]

Try taking your right foot off the gas around the corners

Sorry just had to say that

Seriously now, if your alignment was out for a long time your tyres would have worn badly and that's probably the cause of your lingering alignment troubles...