New car/330i problems.

[justanother5tar]

So, i picked up my e46 330i yesterday. On the test drive everything seemed spot on. Looking over the car everything seemed fine and sorted. No rust. 1 owner. Full service history. 94k. Wonderful.

Or maybe not.


1- Gear stick stays under 5th, doesn't centre. As i understand it, this is a worn bush/bearing (can't remember which) that is best replaced when its having a clutch and the 'box is out already.

2- Rear passenger footwell is wet. Wasn't raining when i bought the car, so this came as a surprise after some rain this afternoon. I've read this could be any number of things, but my google wasn't very specific, so i got allsorts of possible problems. It looks as if it is coming from the holes from where the white trim clips go into the door, what is this most likely to be?

3- The oil light; When i start the car, it comes on and goes out just like every other car I've owned. But it comes back on for around 10 seconds afterwards. Whats this mean? Also, the dipstick on mine doesn't match the drawing on the handbook, can someone confirm that the oil should be between the 2 'missing' bits of the dipstick? They are above the pointed arrow head end thing.

4- This is the one that worries me the most. When I'm driving the car, the temperature needle is bang in the middle of the dial. When left idling, such as waiting outside a pizza shop for my tea, it shoots into the red and the engine feels very hot when you pop the bonnet. I turned it off straight away, so hopefully I've not damaged anything.

5- Considering the history and the fact it was just serviced 2k ago, the coolant float level doesn't rise up and the oil is on what i think is the minimum mark. Should i be worried or would this be considered 'normal' usage?


If anyone could help me out here, tell me whats wrong, point me towards some information regarding these things or anything i would be very appreciative. Ive posted this on e46zone too, any help would be great!


Thanks.

[V8forweekends]

4. The temp gauge uses similar electronics to my MG ZT - it's a "brill" (not) BMW idea that makes it point to the centre at anything from around 75 to 115 C - I think they do it so as not to alarm drivers by showing minor changes in temp. It's a bugger though as you don't get much warning of overheating.

The Overheating sounds as if it might be a fan issue if it's on idling after a run. I think there's a way to get a real time temp display in the instrument pack where the trip readout usually is.

[justanother5tar]

V8forweekends said:

4. The temp gauge uses similar electronics to my MG ZT - it's a "brill" (not) BMW idea that makes it point to the centre at anything from around 75 to 115 C - I think they do it so as not to alarm drivers by showing minor changes in temp. It's a bugger though as you don't get much warning of overheating.

The Overheating sounds as if it might be a fan issue if it's on idling after a run. I think there's a way to get a real time temp display in the instrument pack where the trip readout usually is.

Great. How do i check the fan? Without overheating it?

[mark.c]

justanother5tar said:

So, i picked up my e46 330i yesterday. On the test drive everything seemed spot on. Looking over the car everything seemed fine and sorted. No rust. 1 owner. Full service history. 94k. Wonderful.

Or maybe not.


1- Gear stick stays under 5th, doesn't centre. As i understand it, this is a worn bush/bearing (can't remember which) that is best replaced when its having a clutch and the 'box is out already.

2- Rear passenger footwell is wet. Wasn't raining when i bought the car, so this came as a surprise after some rain this afternoon. I've read this could be any number of things, but my google wasn't very specific, so i got allsorts of possible problems. It looks as if it is coming from the holes from where the white trim clips go into the door, what is this most likely to be?

3- The oil light; When i start the car, it comes on and goes out just like every other car I've owned. But it comes back on for around 10 seconds afterwards. Whats this mean? Also, the dipstick on mine doesn't match the drawing on the handbook, can someone confirm that the oil should be between the 2 'missing' bits of the dipstick? They are above the pointed arrow head end thing.

4- This is the one that worries me the most. When I'm driving the car, the temperature needle is bang in the middle of the dial. When left idling, such as waiting outside a pizza shop for my tea, it shoots into the red and the engine feels very hot when you pop the bonnet. I turned it off straight away, so hopefully I've not damaged anything.

5- Considering the history and the fact it was just serviced 2k ago, the coolant float level doesn't rise up and the oil is on what i think is the minimum mark. Should i be worried or would this be considered 'normal' usage?


If anyone could help me out here, tell me whats wrong, point me towards some information regarding these things or anything i would be very appreciative. Ive posted this on e46zone too, any help would be great!


Thanks.

Quickly reply but...

1. Common, live with it until the box has to come out

2. Common, my first port of call would be the membranes behind the door panels

3. Common, from what you have said it sounds like a duff oil level sensor, oil level shoul be between the two marks you describe ( roughly a litre between them) check the level with the engine at normal op temp, switched off and left for 5 mins.

4. Stop letting it get hot! It won't thank you. Check fan is working... Oh and stop letting it get hot!

5. They can use oil, again common. Google CCV to learn more but first get to know the car and find out how much it is actually using.

Someone will be along shortly with a more detailed response but this should get you started hopefully

[jb2410]

Regarding question 1, yes, it's a reasonably common issue and IIRC best done with the box out.

3 - your oil level sensor is broken. Another very common failure, often caused by leaving the ignition on when changing oil - the sensor works by heat, relying on the oil to cool it. Problem with this is when there's no oil present (such as during an oil change) it will burn itself out. Replacements are dear, over £100 from BMW. You may be able to get one off ECP or similar for less but generally them seem pretty poorly designed and short lived. I believe you can code them out as well and just rely on the dipstick. Oil will need drained to change it so if you go down the route of changing it probably best leaving it until the cars next service.

5 - Normal enough to use some oil. Wouldnt be unduly worried. Just top up and keep an eye on it.

[V8forweekends]

justanother5tar said:

Great. How do i check the fan? Without overheating it?

I am not an expert on the E46 - I just know a bit about the electrics because a lot of it (~80%) is the same as the Rover 75 MGZT, but on those - start the from cold, select the full demist option on the climate (the one with a pic of the windscreen) and make sure the aircon isn't off (i.e. not in "econ") then find the fan (I think it's in front of the rad on an E46) and look to see if it's turning. No movement = fan not working.

ETA - and here's the procedure for real time temp display - identical to Rover 75 -

http://www.e46zone.com/forum/topic/51602-330d-cool...

Edited by V8forweekends on Monday 2nd March 21:10

[Mave]

Re 5, top up the coolant and keep an eye on it. Not unknown to have coolant leaks / shot radiator at that mileage.

[V8forweekends]

Mave said:

Re 5, top up the coolant and keep an eye on it. Not unknown to have coolant leaks / shot radiator at that mileage.

Agreed, and/or possibly a split in the coolant expansion tank which aren't uncommon.

[justanother5tar]

mark.c said:

Quickly reply but...

1. Common, live with it until the box has to come out

2. Common, my first port of call would be the membranes behind the door panels

3. Common, from what you have said it sounds like a duff oil level sensor, oil level shoul be between the two marks you describe ( roughly a litre between them) check the level with the engine at normal op temp, switched off and left for 5 mins.

4. Stop letting it get hot! It won't thank you. Check fan is working... Oh and stop letting it get hot!

5. They can use oil, again common. Google CCV to learn more but first get to know the car and find out how much it is actually using.

Someone will be along shortly with a more detailed response but this should get you started hopefully

1- Yeah, that seems to be the general response...

2- That was my job for the weekend, ill stick em on with some better adhesive.

3- OK, ill have it changed next service, will top up as/when until then.

4 - i didn't let it get hot, i turned it off immediately.

5- Will keep an eye on levels.

[justanother5tar]

V8forweekends said:

Mave said:

Re 5, top up the coolant and keep an eye on it. Not unknown to have coolant leaks / shot radiator at that mileage.

Agreed, and/or possibly a split in the coolant expansion tank which aren't uncommon.

Ill have a look at the rad and expansion tank tomorrow then.

Thanks.

[justanother5tar]

V8forweekends said:

I am not an expert on the E46 - I just know a bit about the electrics because a lot of it (~80%) is the same as the Rover 75 MGZT, but on those - start the from cold, select the full demist option on the climate (the one with a pic of the windscreen) and make sure the aircon isn't off (i.e. not in "econ") then find the fan (I think it's in front of the rad on an E46) and look to see if it's turning. No movement = fan not working.

ETA - and here's the procedure for real time temp display - identical to Rover 75 -

http://www.e46zone.com/forum/topic/51602-330d-cool...

Edited by V8forweekends on Monday 2nd March 21:10

Awesome. Ill give that a go tomorrow too.

Thanks!

[mark.c]

justanother5tar said:

mark.c said:

Quickly reply but...

1. Common, live with it until the box has to come out

2. Common, my first port of call would be the membranes behind the door panels

3. Common, from what you have said it sounds like a duff oil level sensor, oil level shoul be between the two marks you describe ( roughly a litre between them) check the level with the engine at normal op temp, switched off and left for 5 mins.

4. Stop letting it get hot! It won't thank you. Check fan is working... Oh and stop letting it get hot!

5. They can use oil, again common. Google CCV to learn more but first get to know the car and find out how much it is actually using.

Someone will be along shortly with a more detailed response but this should get you started hopefully

1- Yeah, that seems to be the general response...

2- That was my job for the weekend, ill stick em on with some better adhesive.

3- OK, ill have it changed next service, will top up as/when until then.

4 - i didn't let it get hot, i turned it off immediately.

5- Will keep an eye on levels.

With regard 4, you said it went into the red, even if it's for a second, that's getting it hot. My advise would be until you get the fan checked/sorted I would avoid letting it idle unless absolutely necessary and don't take your eye of the gauge. Just for reference, an earlier straight six would crack it's head just for fun if it's allowed to get hot, these are more forgiving but not much more.

[justanother5tar]

mark.c said:

With regard 4, you said it went into the red, even if it's for a second, that's getting it hot. My advise would be until you get the fan checked/sorted I would avoid letting it idle unless absolutely necessary and don't take your eye of the gauge. Just for reference, an earlier straight six would crack it's head just for fun if it's allowed to get hot, these are more forgiving but not much more.

Right, thanks.

It wasn't completely into the red, it was between 12'oclock and the red.

[SuperPav]

Re 5: My TT exhibited similar symptoms... turned out to be a small leak in the radiator causing it get hot to as it wouldn't pressurise properly.

[JakeT]

I'm wondering here, are the last three digits of the number plate PSU, and was it from a dealer in Manc? Had my eye on a car very similar that sold this weekend.

[justanother5tar]

JakeT said:

I'm wondering here, are the last three digits of the number plate PSU, and was it from a dealer in Manc? Had my eye on a car very similar that sold this weekend.

Yep. Thats the one.

[JakeT]

Looked a properly lovely car, if it was nearer and I had the money available, would have snapped it up. The leather on it looks amazing, and xenons and memory seats make it a nice place to spend time. As others have mentioned they're not overly expensive or difficult to replace. It doesn't sound like it got too hot, so the head should be fine. Door membranes will have been off in the past as window regulators in the E46 are made of cheese. Also the cooling fan on this car is a viscous one, so take a look at this guide on the fan clutch. That could be it, but the electric fan to draw air through the A/C condenser should be working and I am guessing should cut in and out if the AC is on or off when the car is idling at temperature.

Again, lovely car. Am envious, even with these little niggles.

[justanother5tar]

JakeT said:

Looked a properly lovely car, if it was nearer and I had the money available, would have snapped it up. The leather on it looks amazing, and xenons and memory seats make it a nice place to spend time. As others have mentioned they're not overly expensive or difficult to replace. It doesn't sound like it got too hot, so the head should be fine. Door membranes will have been off in the past as window regulators in the E46 are made of cheese. Also the cooling fan on this car is a viscous one, so take a look at this guide on the fan clutch. That could be it, but the electric fan to draw air through the A/C condenser should be working and I am guessing should cut in and out if the AC is on or off when the car is idling at temperature.

Again, lovely car. Am envious, even with these little niggles.

Tbh, everything in the cabin works perfectly, and its in the great condition.

Its just these problems that are doing my nut in.

[JakeT]

justanother5tar said:

Tbh, everything in the cabin works perfectly, and its in the great condition.

Its just these problems that are doing my nut in.

Good to hear. Even if you paid full price for the car I think you got a bit of a deal on it The M54 lives forever, my dad has one in an X5 and is just south of 200k. never set a foot wrong in all those miles. Also out of curiosity does it have folding rear seats or not?

[justanother5tar]

JakeT said:

Good to hear. Even if you paid full price for the car I think you got a bit of a deal on it The M54 lives forever, my dad has one in an X5 and is just south of 200k. never set a foot wrong in all those miles. Also out of curiosity does it have folding rear seats or not?

Not a clue.

Thought they had a solid bulkhead with a ski flap tbh.