freaking out

[jen87]

Hi all hope you are well,

just having a freak out session here and would love some advie

have a 2002 318i BM...love to death but been losing sleep over.

I've had the car for a few years ago and no problems...about a year ago i stupidly ran into the back of someone and then the issues have started.....about 6 months ago the coolant resovoir cracked and had to replace that ($$$)

THEN my bigger problem...the 'ABS/traction control mechanical fault light' came up when attempting to start the car....left the car for 15 mins then went to try again and it worked! no probs for a month then it happened again, then two weeks later again, then whilst driving the car just stopped and the same lights came up.

very lucky to have a friend who has the computer diagnostic thing and he plugged it up and it said that the 'crank shaft sensors' were faulty...anyway replacing them tomorrow.

I guess my issue is that although i love the car, i can't afford to keep fixing it and I'm so scared its gonna break everytime i start it- have I got a lemon? has anyone had similar issues and its all down hill or have i had some bad luck??

thanks for your time!!
Jen

 

[Spy007]

coolant resovoir cracked and had to replace that ($$$)
cost R750 for the part and did it myself and I am no Mechanic.



My 2c is that things go with time and you are replacing them, perhaps bad run as some things are going at the same time.

I do however feel your pain.

Best time to become DIY wizard as this will save you lots of money and also do not be scared to ask on the forum. Lots of guys are prepared to help if and when they can.

 

[blaze94]

What is the mileage?

 

[jen87]

Hi thanks so much will become a mechanic haha! i don't know where you're from but I live in Australia.....and very expensive cos it's an imported car....and they do milk that...thanks!!

 

[Spy007]

South Africa and dont worry they Milk us for everything here. But I am sure you have similar parts shops? also do you belong to the E46 forum as there are many Aussies on that and have read of similar shops Down under? or check with our local guys Im sure parts can be sent via postage?

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http://forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=48


Link to Down Under on E46. Might help.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Yep, they milk us plenty here too! But I reckon it's the same all over, if you search carefully you're bound to find better more affordable options than the agents... :thumbsup:

 

[jen87]

Hi wow thanks for that will become a member- it probably means nothing to you but the only bm shop in my town is so bloody expensive and they are so rude! they see me coming because I'm a girl! thanks

Jen

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Hi just hit 90000....dont do much driving and i'm a total grandma when driving and i still have problems not fair :s

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Hi thank you i will i'll have a look on that website i just got...call me a snob but i dont want to drive a holden because the parts are cheap lol

 

[andrewbuch]

Hi. My moms 2004 318i has had all those things(dsc module, expansion tank, and crank sensor) failed and replaced and the car only has 80000km on it. Lucky its still under motor plan.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Ah but that's always a problem, garages tend to try and take advantage of women because they assume that women don't know anything about cars which isn't necessarily the case, but unfortunately this happens often. In fact this has been happening to my neighbour with her VW - I've said to her that the next time she has to take her car in I want to tag along and see what they get up to. But I'd say join that E46 forum and see if there are some local members who can help suggest a better places than you are currently dealing with.

Hi. My moms 2004 318i has had all those things failed and replaced and the car only has 80000km on it. Lucky its still under motor plan.

Isn't the coolant reservoir bursting/leaking a common fault like the water pumps on the E46's? I know my father in law's 328i sprung a leak (or should I say steam explosion) and had to be transported to the agents for repair...

 

[Spy007]

My Reservoir (part called Expansion Tank) cracked after a skidpan day? might have been that or just time as it was 5 years old. (Gopher being a 2005 tourer) stealers wanted R1250 just for the part. Shopped around and got it for R750. Got DIY of the E46 forum and did it myself. Just depends on How dirty you want to get and how easily you follow instructions. But good luck and post a pic of your ride...

 

[andrewbuch]

Yip the Expansion tank seems to be a common fault, but after all it is plastic so gets hard & brittle with age

 

[jen87]

Hi thanks for that- apparently coolant tank is common, along with crank shaft sensors, and vacuum pump problems (which i also am lucky to have- i think its broken and has an oil leak- yay)