E46

[XMAX]

Id say do a de sludge out of principle as well.

The facelift 318i's are awesome cars, but that VVT stuff can be tricky. So rather be proactive.

also, i am sure you have done the commentary from bmw. Check if the expansion tank was done under motor plan. If you cant find evidence, change it yourself.

 

[Taffs]

Like everything else on a 318i it is also pretty cheap, doing the water system out of principle on any e46 is always a good thing.

I concur Sank.

Looks very nice Zale, congrats :thumbsup:

 

[zaleonardz]

K...

I'll stop being cheap and just do it... :thumbsup:

 

[Fordkoppie]

will do so, maybe i just change it out of principle anyway...

Although I am getting mighty poor mighty quickly.. but new brakes and discs all round, control arms and bushes, 2 new tires,alignment, and got rid of the stupid exhaust tip and put something much more stylish on there. But I am now comfortable that the car is safe

So now lube service all round, and we shall see

You can always get a set of dices hanging over the rearview mirror to compliment that tailpiece:mmm:

 

[Hellas]

You can always get a set of dices hanging over the rearview mirror to compliment that tailpiece:mmm:

Can. Of. Worms.

 

[WyKiD]

will do so, maybe i just change it out of principle anyway...

Although I am getting mighty poor mighty quickly.. but new brakes and discs all round, control arms and bushes, 2 new tires,alignment, and got rid of the stupid exhaust tip and put something much more stylish on there. But I am now comfortable that the car is safe

So now lube service all round, and we shall see

You can always get a set of dices hanging over the rearview mirror to compliment that tailpiece:mmm:

and dont forget the fur on the dash and the high lift door handles...

 

[Peter Henning]

Be careful on the pullaway problem and get a full diagnostic check done from a BMW dealer. Most of the non authorized dealers have diagnostic computers, but they are not able to pick up everything. Mine has just come back with MAF and DSC sensors having to be replaced at R15 000. If the garage is going to pay, don't take a chance on this. The Vanos sensors and motor cost another R10 000 from the stealers, so do a full investigation. My car was only delivering this fault occasionally but sometimes would basically die on you with absolutely no power. It left me stranded one afternoon in the middle of a very busy 4 way crossing. With regard to the radiator expansion tank, mine developed a pin hole leak through which the water would squirt out at times. You cannot even visually see the hole, so do as the other guys say, watch this carefully. Easy job to replace yourself, but I was cautioned to fit only the genuine BMW part. Brake pads are cheap, but I only use the genuine ones as the brake response is far better with genuine pads. Good luck, nice looking car and I was also recommended to shorten the oil service intervals.

 

[DonovanPorter]

luckly the e46 318i 's dont have the Vanos system , i do agree with shortening the oil services 25k is way to much in my opinion.

 

[zaleonardz]

Heheh....

Tankies for the very detailed reply Peter, much appreciated... you clearly dont know me very well yet, but I really do appreciate the input.

Don, not only does the N42 motor in my car have Vanos, it also have valvetronic, which is a disaster waiting to happen, but all is not lost.

See the Maint thread http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=18554

 

[XMAX]

good morning.

yesterday, or was it the other day when i mentioned VVT motor and sensors, i meant the Valvetronic System. Be careful of these systems as they do fail, sometimes for unknown reasons, but mostly due to sludge or crappy oil.

I know that youre gonna do the oil service. So please, for your own good, do a de-sludge. I had this problem with my 318i, as did a few others on this forum. So its not a once off problem.

anyways, great driving.