-
Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Things to look out for when buying 3 Series
- Thread starter SirSparky
- Start date
CheapnNasty
New member
Relating to the article some insight into costs on my E46 (2000 323Ci 160000km) thus far:
1) Radiator expansion tank (plastic). Blew out at about 140000km. +-R3000 at BMW (Joburg City Auto)
2) Power Steering pump. Pulley sheared off at about 130000km. +-R3500 at Canadian Motors Krugersdorp. BMW wanted R12k. Makes a buzzing sound for while before failure.
3) Front brake discs. Regular wear and tear 120000km. +-R3000 BMW (Joburg City Auto)
4) Control Arm bushes. Mediocre wear and tear. Quote +-R1200 at ex BMW technician.
5) Weird electrical problem. Indicator clicking sound not working, aircon not working, wipers not working etc. After some checking around apparently this is some sort of electrical overload with the K-Bus one of the serial signal cables. Cost to repair-free. Just disconnect battery and reconnect.
Some interesting reads I found for the E46 (FAQ's, Tips etc):
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=879887
1) Radiator expansion tank (plastic). Blew out at about 140000km. +-R3000 at BMW (Joburg City Auto)
2) Power Steering pump. Pulley sheared off at about 130000km. +-R3500 at Canadian Motors Krugersdorp. BMW wanted R12k. Makes a buzzing sound for while before failure.
3) Front brake discs. Regular wear and tear 120000km. +-R3000 BMW (Joburg City Auto)
4) Control Arm bushes. Mediocre wear and tear. Quote +-R1200 at ex BMW technician.
5) Weird electrical problem. Indicator clicking sound not working, aircon not working, wipers not working etc. After some checking around apparently this is some sort of electrical overload with the K-Bus one of the serial signal cables. Cost to repair-free. Just disconnect battery and reconnect.
Some interesting reads I found for the E46 (FAQ's, Tips etc):
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=879887
CheapnNasty
New member
freerider said::shocked: WOW were you ripped a new one on the expansion tank replacement, the tank itself costs R800 from BMW, so they effectively charged you R2200 labour
Yeah I know. About R200 for a pressure test as well and incl a bit for a radiator cap. But I was desperate. Was my only car at the time and was on my way to work when it popped.
STREETRACER
Active member
i found that the mounting bracket on the rear suspension which holds the diff tends to brake!!!
the 3.2 M3 also gives alot of Vanos trouble!
i changed my fuel pump and that was a shocking R10800 from agents!!:hammerhead:
I love the car but its a costy thing if you use it as a sunday night toy!!
the 3.2 M3 also gives alot of Vanos trouble!
i changed my fuel pump and that was a shocking R10800 from agents!!:hammerhead:
I love the car but its a costy thing if you use it as a sunday night toy!!
V
vince
Guest
any1 ever experienced the ABS indicator problem on E36?
lucian
Member
On E46 2000 320i manual
Replaced Power Steering pump approx 5k at agents, car was still under warranty
Replaced Aircon radiator R1500 at Aircon place
Replaced Lower conrol arm bushes at agents R1500
Replace expansion tank and bleeder at agents, think about 1.5k
Replaced Radiator, pvt mechanic, cost R1500
Replaced waterpump, pvt mechanic with coolant and flush, parts R600 at Masterparts and labour about R400
Replaced Fuel pump, R800 for imported and R350 for labour
Replaced Fuel filter, not needed but thought it a good idea when changed fuel pump R600 for filter R250 for labour
Replaced Exhuast sensor at agents (R2500 ripoff)
Replaced Waterpump at Agents (not needed, Agents stole my new one cos they heard a squeeky sound, that turned out to be from the belt, just some dust) R1000 i think, was included with service.
Replaced Engine Belt after it broke, and replaced Aircon belt at same time. Both belts R500 at Masterparts and R400 labour.
Welded support panels to secure subframe to chassis (Yes that does come loose) R1000 cos a family member did me the favour.
Brakes at Agents about R3000 just for front (pads and disks)
Brakes at pvt mechanic R1000 (pads and disks bought at Midas, no squeek)
Replace battery at agents for R1150.00
Replace rear window controller arm (the thing that makes the windoe go up and down cost parts R650.00, labour R300.00
Replace relays in GM5 module (central locking malfunction). Got it from a friend who imported it (cost would've been parts R400 labour about R250). A new GM5 unit cost about 5K
About to replace the Final stage resistor (controls air flow and aircon.) as it drains the battery. Imported unit (from UK) cost 50BP (about R600.00). No labour as I will replace it myself.
Still have the car, but bought a Golf V TDI as second family car.
BTW, will never take my car to the agents again. I know how to reset service and will ask a private mechanic to do service, brakes etc in future. Agents just replace with their overpriced parts.
Replaced Power Steering pump approx 5k at agents, car was still under warranty
Replaced Aircon radiator R1500 at Aircon place
Replaced Lower conrol arm bushes at agents R1500
Replace expansion tank and bleeder at agents, think about 1.5k
Replaced Radiator, pvt mechanic, cost R1500
Replaced waterpump, pvt mechanic with coolant and flush, parts R600 at Masterparts and labour about R400
Replaced Fuel pump, R800 for imported and R350 for labour
Replaced Fuel filter, not needed but thought it a good idea when changed fuel pump R600 for filter R250 for labour
Replaced Exhuast sensor at agents (R2500 ripoff)
Replaced Waterpump at Agents (not needed, Agents stole my new one cos they heard a squeeky sound, that turned out to be from the belt, just some dust) R1000 i think, was included with service.
Replaced Engine Belt after it broke, and replaced Aircon belt at same time. Both belts R500 at Masterparts and R400 labour.
Welded support panels to secure subframe to chassis (Yes that does come loose) R1000 cos a family member did me the favour.
Brakes at Agents about R3000 just for front (pads and disks)
Brakes at pvt mechanic R1000 (pads and disks bought at Midas, no squeek)
Replace battery at agents for R1150.00
Replace rear window controller arm (the thing that makes the windoe go up and down cost parts R650.00, labour R300.00
Replace relays in GM5 module (central locking malfunction). Got it from a friend who imported it (cost would've been parts R400 labour about R250). A new GM5 unit cost about 5K
About to replace the Final stage resistor (controls air flow and aircon.) as it drains the battery. Imported unit (from UK) cost 50BP (about R600.00). No labour as I will replace it myself.
Still have the car, but bought a Golf V TDI as second family car.
BTW, will never take my car to the agents again. I know how to reset service and will ask a private mechanic to do service, brakes etc in future. Agents just replace with their overpriced parts.
lucian
Member
238k on the clock of my E46 320i 2000 model
Replacing some bushes in the suspension, car got a good wash at the workshop and guess what:
PDC does not work anymore. When shift to reverse a 5 second beep and then silence.
Boot does not wanna open from inside switch and switch under lid. Only way to open it is with remote or physically inserting the key in the keyhole and unlock it like that.
No wonder you can now buy a similar car for about 50k. Problems....problems....and more
Replacing some bushes in the suspension, car got a good wash at the workshop and guess what:
PDC does not work anymore. When shift to reverse a 5 second beep and then silence.
Boot does not wanna open from inside switch and switch under lid. Only way to open it is with remote or physically inserting the key in the keyhole and unlock it like that.
No wonder you can now buy a similar car for about 50k. Problems....problems....and more
ive done most of the things on the list already
shaunnorth
@pump_upp - best crypto pumps on telegram !
on the boot lock turn the key right or left i cant remember my internal switch to open my boot also stoped working i turned the the key on the boot and it fixed itlucian said:
I phoned BMW Head office in Centurion (or Midrand, whichever) on their 0800 number and got the CIA report for my car. The mistake I made was only getting it after I had signed the paperwork. The turbo had been replaced 3 times on the car, vibration dampers had been replaced like 20 times... There were 15 pages of the report... Today, I have spent R80,000.00 repairing the piece of sh one t, where as it only cost me R90k to buy it. The turbo went in April 2009, caused serious damage to the engine. Eventually had to buy a second hand engine to replace the previous one. The engine was from an automatic that was a write off... even more problematic than the original engine. I've driven the car a total of 8 months in 3 years. I've replaced the turbo twice and had one repaired 3 times. My next step is to actually write the thing off. Worst BMW by far! Do yourself a favor before buying an E46 - get the CIA report, research the repairs done on the vehicle.
W
william
Guest
I am looking for a front bumber for E46, 320D facelift 2005 model and the round spot lights.
Similar threads
