BMW E46 318i auto - anyone had one?

[ollyh1988]

Hello,

Has anyone owned an E46 318i or have any experience of them?

I'm looking for a car for daily driving duties and one of these has popped up with an auto gearbox.

I understand it's probably not going to be the best or most fun BMW I could own but should be good for what I'm after.

Anything to watch out for?

[ollyh1988]

helix402 said:

Which engine is it? M43 is ok, any N series, run away.

Hi - it's a 2004 car - so a 2.0 engine - is that the M43?

[ollyh1988]

Thanks for the posts.

Is the problem with the later engines really that bad, or is it just a small percentage that are affected? It seems like every car has its issues - like Porsches with the bore scoring or my last MINI where the timing chain failed just after I had sold it.

I really like the 318 for sale but haven't driven it yet.

[ollyh1988]

Update to this - not keen on the 318i auto, but have 2 possible options:

E90 320i auto or E46 330i auto - both similar miles and both similar price. Any advice on any of these? The specs and body types are different but would you go for a slightly newer but smaller engine, or go for the older 330? This is a car I will be using most days to keep miles off my other car. I don't do more than 5k a year so the fuel won't be too much of an issue, but I have heard auto 330i's don't do good mpg at all?

Any advice or thoughts appreciated!

[ollyh1988]

cerb4.5lee said:

ollyh1988 said:

Update to this - not keen on the 318i auto, but have 2 possible options:

E90 320i auto or E46 330i auto - both similar miles and both similar price. Any advice on any of these? The specs and body types are different but would you go for a slightly newer but smaller engine, or go for the older 330? This is a car I will be using most days to keep miles off my other car. I don't do more than 5k a year so the fuel won't be too much of an issue, but I have heard auto 330i's don't do good mpg at all?

Any advice or thoughts appreciated!

I have a E90 330i auto and it returns around 26/27 mpg, the gearbox is pretty lazy in drive and it can feel a little gutless on occasion(better in sport mode).

So I'd imagine the E90 320i auto to feel flatter than a pancake, so my pick would be the E46 330i auto and that's a highly regarded car too from what I read.

Thanks - still want it to be interesting to drive, so the 320i probably isn't the one for me. Just seen an E90 325i auto a bit over budget but might be worth it to get the newer model and keep for longer.

[ollyh1988]

cerb4.5lee said:

ollyh1988 said:

Just seen an E90 325i auto a bit over budget but might be worth it to get the newer model and keep for longer.

I've been happy with my E90 330i overall and had it four years this year, the E90 325i has the same smooth and free revving N52 engine(slightly detuned) so it could be a good shout for you.

You don't seem to get the same rust worries on the E90 compared to the E46 either.

Yep will go and see this 325i - the 330i is a coupe and this is an estate and if I'm going to be using this more as a daily I might as well go for the more practical version. And the not rusting is going to be a bonus!

[ollyh1988]

Thanks for all the advice - time for an update.

Took my car up to a main dealer for a service and the loan car for the two days was a new 420d. Really impressed with the car as a package - the 8 speed gearbox is fantastic - although the car had paddle shifters I tried them once then left the car to do everything for me. The diesel engine didn't appeal that much to me but, for a daily driver, I suppose it is exactly what you need. So, out of interest, I went to the local BMW dealer and they had a great looking nearly new 320d estate for sale. Had a talk over some numbers and went away for a think.
Meanwhile I went to view the 325i estate I mentioned on here earlier and realised that for the deposit required for the finance deal on the nearly new 320d, I could own this car outright. The car drove great, was in good condition for the age, and I really liked the smoothness of the engine, especially compared to the diesel. Anyway, a deal was done and it now sits on my drive. I'll post a picture if anyone is interested. It was a nice smooth journey back home and it returned about 32mpg according to the trip computer, so that's not too bad.

Thanks for the help again.