Discussion
Since my recent bargain basement E39 acquisition, Mrs Bikes has decided she fancies a BMW. She likes the E46 3 series and is looking to find a tidy 318 or 320 or maybe a compact.
Any problems to look out for on these? I've read bits and pieces about the cases of cracked boot floors, but I only recall seeing this about M3's and coupes - Does it just affect coupes or have I not been looking hard enough?
Any and all comments gratefully received, cheers all.
Darren.
Any problems to look out for on these? I've read bits and pieces about the cases of cracked boot floors, but I only recall seeing this about M3's and coupes - Does it just affect coupes or have I not been looking hard enough?
Any and all comments gratefully received, cheers all.
Darren.
Can affect any, but is more likely to affect pre 2001 (ish) cars. It looks like they changed the design of the floor around the rear mounts, adding four more spot welds in, as I've now got my 1999 car apart and seen the difference between it and pictures of later cars.
It seems to make practically bugger all difference, though, luck of the draw/whether the car was abused or not seems to be a stronger factor.
It seems to make practically bugger all difference, though, luck of the draw/whether the car was abused or not seems to be a stronger factor.
If they're just cracks, they're not amazingly easy to spot - if, like the car I've just bought, where one mount has pulled through it is a lot easier! You have to get the car on the ramps and inspect the mounting points very carefully with a lot of light. A clean/degrease will help also.
I actually think there's quite a reasonable market to doing the repair at a sensible price (i.e. a fair bit less than the £1500 that some places are charging). The dismantling to get to the mountings is relatively involved, but perfectly feasible..
I actually think there's quite a reasonable market to doing the repair at a sensible price (i.e. a fair bit less than the £1500 that some places are charging). The dismantling to get to the mountings is relatively involved, but perfectly feasible..
FWIW, my E46 has been the most reliable car I've ever had. I bought it on 106k a year ago as accident repaired (I know), without a Service History (I know, I know), it's just ticked past 133k without missing a beat. Only slight issues I've had are
- Rear light cluster failed due to dodgy ground connection, £2.50 in bits from Wickies and it was good as new
- Rear PDC sensor has failed - have the part to fix it but haven't got round to removing the bumper to fit it
- Slight smoke on start-up on cold mornings - it is a diesel after all.
According to internet folklore, I should be permanently parked on the hard shoulder of the M6 in a pile of swirl flaps, turbo innards and flywheel casings, with a massive big hole in the boot floor, but in reality its been fine. It's still a lovely drive, comfortable, swift, and able to pick its skirt up and dance if you are in the mood.
It's a 2003 330d SE for reference.
- Rear light cluster failed due to dodgy ground connection, £2.50 in bits from Wickies and it was good as new
- Rear PDC sensor has failed - have the part to fix it but haven't got round to removing the bumper to fit it
- Slight smoke on start-up on cold mornings - it is a diesel after all.
According to internet folklore, I should be permanently parked on the hard shoulder of the M6 in a pile of swirl flaps, turbo innards and flywheel casings, with a massive big hole in the boot floor, but in reality its been fine. It's still a lovely drive, comfortable, swift, and able to pick its skirt up and dance if you are in the mood.
It's a 2003 330d SE for reference.
seang83 said:
Don't get a 206cc whatever you do my Mrs had one for just over a year and it was in the garage at least every month for various problems including a new gearbox and clutch. Was the most unreliable car I've ever known!
Other than routine stuff my lasses 206 GTI (non CC) has only needed an abs sensor in 3 and a half years.. It sounds like yours was a rite lemon.philmots said:
Other than routine stuff my lasses 206 GTI (non CC) has only needed an abs sensor in 3 and a half years.. It sounds like yours was a rite lemon.
Yeah it was a nightmare exactly the same as the 306 i owned years ago. I know a few people that have had nothing but trouble with peugeots i would never ever own one againGassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff