Things to look out for when buying 3 Series

[ekseniks]

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.

What is a CIA report? can you get one for any BMW? and how?

 

[iifunky]

my goodness would never have thought the E46's have so may problems. these are some hectic problems. I think i'm experiencing all the suspension problems at once. Plus its doesnt sound like it ends there.:thumbdo:

i must ask this question now? why do i have a BMW?

So which one is the bestest?

 

[Doomsdaya]

Im in the same boat, before i bought my car was told shock towers need panel beating and 1 tyre got a bubble is the only serious problems to attend to

Well to date, i have replaced tie rod ends, ball joints, bushes and power steering pump. Still got brake disks, pads, rtab and shocks to change and i've yet to get the initial problems i was told about :biglol:

 

[moranor@axis]

wtf people you can buy and old car and expect not to have to fix it...

most of these things are minor and you dont have to fix them strait away...

even if the car does not handle the way is supposed to it still a damn side better than almost everything out there...

 

[iifunky]

you make a good argument; i was looking for a car for my wife. Cant believe what crap you get for 100k. KIA picanto; no thanks:thumbdo:

 

[moranor@axis]

if i look at what i spent on my 1st car (uno) to fix it up and look at what i have spent on this car the bmw is way cheaper to maintain... and i dont have to drive a f@king uno...

whats better is people love bmws so there is plenty of info around on how to keep it in perfect condition...

 

[just4kicks]

just a quick note on this, I know its an old post but, I'm shopping around now for an e46 320d 2000 - 2002 model and prices going around R55000 to R70000 and looking at other brands... Well all I can say u getting more bang for your buck...

 

[tarintino]

you guys are making me worried - I havent experienced major issues with my 2001, 325i touring at all which is now has 165K on the clock - to date all I have done is:

Clutch kit
Lower control arms left/right and bushes
Sway bar endlinks
Shocks
Steering rack recondition
Thermostat housing

Thats all I have had to do but looking at your posts it looks as if I will have sleepless nights:rollsmile:

 

[machielrey]

Hi there guys and girls

Is there a similar guide for E90's or are they still a little too young for such a guide to exist?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Jazzer]

wtf people you can buy and old car and expect not to have to fix it...

most of these things are minor and you dont have to fix them strait away...

even if the car does not handle the way is supposed to it still a damn side better than almost everything out there...

I have to say, you're definitely right about that. I myself am looking to get an E46 as my first car very soon. Its a fairly old car, so you can expect some problems (which can be fixed). At the end of the day we are all part of this forum because WE LOVE BMW's.

 

[Andy1GP]

Nice thread bump. People can still add to this.

I have a thread specifically on the facelift E46 330d 6spd manual here

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=30583

 

[lucian]

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.

Update:
After recent service
Replaced two tensioner pulleys on engine belt(about R200 at Masterparts and R250 for labour) also replaced tappetcover gasket (R550 at stealers)
Idling problem and sporadic loss of power.
Cleaned MAF sensor (R98 for CRC MAF cleaner at Masterparts). Did it myself
Also replaced Crank case valve sensor (R2100 part and labour). Fixed idling

Still well worth it if I see what other people spend on their cars for minor repairs

 

[Andy1GP]

Edit* Where is ChrisBrand with his list of E46 DIY's

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=50103

 

[MariusH]

I need some help with the control arm bushings, I bought an E46 325Ti the bushings where worn out I bought new ones from Midas (On someone's recommendation "just rubber he said") had them replaced and not even 3000km later its worn out again :argh:

 

[Nikhil]

I need some help with the control arm bushings, I bought an E46 325Ti the bushings where worn out I bought new ones from Midas (On someone's recommendation "just rubber he said") had them replaced and not even 3000km later its worn out again :argh:

The person who told you that is an idiot. Its like saying 93 octane and 100 octane fuel is the same. Go get yourself some meyle HD bushes which are stronger than the original Bmw part.

 

[ChrisBrand]

Contact moranor on the forum for proper Poly bushes. Or get some Meyle bushes.

 

[325tds]

Any one know where I can get hold of a E36 (323i, 325i or 328i) still in a reasonable condition inside and outside for a reasonable price in Cape Town, Southern or Northern Subs.

thanks

 

[minh]

Things i have had done to mine so far(2004 BMW E46 318i currently on 165,000km) :

-Replaced Radiator & expansion tank

-Oil leaks both from the tappet cover gasket and oil filter housing(all seals replaced)

-replaced control arms - this really seems to be a common thing

-crankshaft sensor replaced - most annoying problem ever

-tail light warnings kept coming on and sometimes the rear indicator lights would stop working even though the bulbs were fine - resolved this myself, looks like the earth wire and a couple of the other ones had corroded somehow in that black connector. i gave it a good cleaning with some pc board cleaner and secured the wires all in place and it has never given a problem since.

- replaced ignition coil

Still to be replaced:

- precat oxygen sensor
- window washer pump (due to leak in the housing)

this is it for now, i have no other issues with the car (holding thumbs), i have had the car for 3 years

 

[Jan BMW]

I want to buy the F30 3 series, would anyone recommend it? Why or why not?

 

[Wambi]

Things i have had done to mine so far(2004 BMW E46 318i currently on 165,000km) :

-Replaced Radiator & expansion tank

-Oil leaks both from the tappet cover gasket and oil filter housing(all seals replaced)

-replaced control arms - this really seems to be a common thing

-crankshaft sensor replaced - most annoying problem ever

-tail light warnings kept coming on and sometimes the rear indicator lights would stop working even though the bulbs were fine - resolved this myself, looks like the earth wire and a couple of the other ones had corroded somehow in that black connector. i gave it a good cleaning with some pc board cleaner and secured the wires all in place and it has never given a problem since.

- replaced ignition coil

Still to be replaced:

- precat oxygen sensor
- window washer pump (due to leak in the housing)

this is it for now, i have no other issues with the car (holding thumbs), i have had the car for 3 years

Hi Minh, do you have an approximation for how much you have spent so far? I am looking to buy a 2004 E46 also...