How reliable is your 318i?

[Preshen14]

Hi guys.

I always heard that certain cars are unreliable and you just stay away from them, but how true is it?

I have seen diesels break, but if maintained properly, they run strong. What about an E46 318i or E46 323i?

This car with the mileage below in the picture is a 2004 Model 318i E46 Mtech2. My girlfriends mums car. She has owned it from brand new, it has never missed a service and has only been to two workshops, BMW or Technospec.

The motor has not been opened at all. The only things that were replaced was clutch (recently), the Diff, Thermostat and a few wear and tears parts here and there.

It now needs shocks, control arm bushes and tierod ends, Other than that the car runs to perfection. It has went through 3 sets of tyres. 1 set being changed about 2000kms ago. The car has never been spun, I dont even think the stability control was ever turned off.

It just shows that if you take care of your car, it can get you your monies worth.

Just thought i would share this with everyone.

 

[Twinz]

I am currently doing service/repairs on an E46 318 2005 model. Car was extremely well looked after interior and exterior. The valvetronic motor needs replacement but other than that she has been running very well. Still a good looking car after so many years.
:thumbs:

 

[samman325]

I am currently doing service/repairs on an E46 318 2005 model. Car was extremely well looked after interior and exterior. The valvetronic motor needs replacement but other than that she has been running very well. Still a good looking car after so many years.
:thumbs:

BMW currently have the valvetronic motors marked down. May be worth a look if you havent got a replacement unit yet.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

 

[Twinz]

Thank you for the lead I am waiting for the quotes to come in. :thumbs:

 

[Ashiel]

I bought my one with 27k on the odo in 2006 and is now on 484k km - it has given me its fair share of problems, however not any to the point where i thought to myself 'F&^K this car is unreliable'.

I have had to replace the clutch a few times. The gearbox once and the dreadful cooling system lots of times but we all know that is a problem on the e46.

I have used it as a daily for about 10 years before i bought the E90 320i to use as a daily. I still use it atleast once a week, however it is a bit rough now. I am thinking as soon as it hits 500k km i will replace the motor with an M52 and boost it.

Does the car have the N46 or N42 motor?

 

[RAArmstrong]

Some epic mileage figures here!

 

[Nemo]

Geez Presh that mileage is amazing. Double the mileage of mine.

 

[SubLoaded]

Tanks :thumbs:

 

[MikeR]

:bravo::bravo: wow great numbers there guys, very impresive

 

[///Dees]

Still regret selling for 2005 318i MSport

 

[Jeremy.d]

If you take good care of anything it will last long...
Having said that, these mileage figures are still impressive.raise:

 

[Sheldon13]

My E90 320i is currently on 207k kms. Had it since 60k kms
Main items replaced was valvetronic motor , thermostat and radiator.
Rest was general maintenance which were control arms , shocks etc..

Other than that its been great
Never had an issue with the clutch like other people have experienced.

My mechanic who replaced the thermostat in December was quite complimentary on the condition of my car

 

[Preshen14]

I bought my one with 27k on the odo in 2006 and is now on 484k km - it has given me its fair share of problems, however not any to the point where i thought to myself 'F&^K this car is unreliable'.

I have had to replace the clutch a few times. The gearbox once and the dreadful cooling system lots of times but we all know that is a problem on the e46.

I have used it as a daily for about 10 years before i bought the E90 320i to use as a daily. I still use it atleast once a week, however it is a bit rough now. I am thinking as soon as it hits 500k km i will replace the motor with an M52 and boost it.

Does the car have the N46 or N42 motor?

That is impressive raise:

---

Geez Presh that mileage is amazing. Double the mileage of mine.

I can't wait to see her in flesh bru, Your car is going to turn out Epic :blowheart:

 

[Nikhil]

wow impressive, the Mxx series of engines have really stood the test of durability. would actually love to see what the inside of these high km engines look like from a clearance , wear and compression perspectiveraise:

 

[spiff]

My 1995 E36 my work car- still gets screwed every day of it's life. Never lets me down.

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

 

[Preshen14]

wow impressive, the Mxx series of engines have really stood the test of durability. would actually love to see what the inside of these high km engines look like from a clearance , wear and compression perspectiveraise:

This is what it looks like. Unbelievable really...

We haven't washed this engine from the time I remember. Probably last washed about 2 years ago. No joke. The interior is still very good for its age as well.

 

[Preshen14]

wow impressive, the Mxx series of engines have really stood the test of durability. would actually love to see what the inside of these high km engines look like from a clearance , wear and compression perspectiveraise:

Regarding physically inside the motor. I have no idea, it has not been opened. :smilebounce:

I would actually love to see it too

 

[Tinuva]

Well that looks like the N42/46 engine, which is seen as one of the worse of engines, but many of them seem to run fine. Once it gives issues though, thats when you want to get rid of it, but as long as they are maintained and give no issues, they are actually great running cars.