E46 320d - What to look for?
Discussion
Im sure this has been done a bajillion times, so forgive me if so.
Anyway, im going to look at one which has low miles. In fact, on average of 6k per year. Could this be a bad thing?
Secondly, will these have an Aux input as standard? It has the cd player (no nav) and is a 2004 build with a manual box.
I know about swirl flaps, but im assuming this is something i could do myself. I also heard about rust on the rear arches. Anything else?
Lastly, what are they like to drive? I'd much prefer a 330d, but it appears i may have to settle for a 320.
Anyway, im going to look at one which has low miles. In fact, on average of 6k per year. Could this be a bad thing?
Secondly, will these have an Aux input as standard? It has the cd player (no nav) and is a 2004 build with a manual box.
I know about swirl flaps, but im assuming this is something i could do myself. I also heard about rust on the rear arches. Anything else?
Lastly, what are they like to drive? I'd much prefer a 330d, but it appears i may have to settle for a 320.
2002 320d owner here
swirl flap removal
change to newer style vortex breather - to help turbo but can still have turbo problems
exhaust cat downpipe/flexi pipe weak
front lower arms replacement
rattling front windows
rust under arches
good service history recommended, regular oil change at 6k interval and use good diesel like shell v power
no dpf to worry about but for 6k miles per year your better off with petrol like the 330 which is same price. im down to 12k per year so looking at changing to something petrol
swirl flap removal
change to newer style vortex breather - to help turbo but can still have turbo problems
exhaust cat downpipe/flexi pipe weak
front lower arms replacement
rattling front windows
rust under arches
good service history recommended, regular oil change at 6k interval and use good diesel like shell v power
no dpf to worry about but for 6k miles per year your better off with petrol like the 330 which is same price. im down to 12k per year so looking at changing to something petrol
stevesingo said:
The above + the wishbone rear mounts are made of butter or chocolate or something.
Remaps give a good boost and it is worth while bypassing the EGR valve and ditching the cat. Drives much better that way.
What would be symptoms of a fault with these? Knocks over small bumps or something?Remaps give a good boost and it is worth while bypassing the EGR valve and ditching the cat. Drives much better that way.
BE57 TOY said:
Rear subframe
Shouldn't be an issue on a car of that year.Echoing everything above. And bushings. Plural. They bloody eat them. All of them.
Brake pipes are also made of bamboo so make sure they're not shot (ideally been replaced recently).
Rust can show up everywhere but arches (front and back), bootlid and jacking points are the more prone parts (mine collapsed onto my jack before I got the axle stand under one day).
t up. 
falkster said:
You'll regret the 320 if you really want the 330. For the few extra quid they're a ton better. Big punch of torque but can drive gingerly and get loads to the gallon.
Someone will be along soon to mention the thousands of BMW diesels littering the hard shoulders due to swirl flaps.
Yes, do go for a 330d by preference - the engine doesn't use up much more fuel, but is noticeably more powerful, with a sort of fatter power delivery. Also, it sounds massively better when it's going (and a bit better when it's idling). But then again, where does it end? If you'll just spend a bit more to get a 330d, what next? It's a slippery slope. The 320d is fine. Someone will be along soon to mention the thousands of BMW diesels littering the hard shoulders due to swirl flaps.
Anyway, stuff that happened to my 320d that hasn't been mentioned already and that I've heard other people mention:
- Rear window stopped working, needed something-or-other replacing, cost about £60
- Rear light cluster needed replacing due to burnt-out connection, causing slightly dim bulbs that occasionally didn't work at all, cost about £80 (see, e.g., http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f9/2003-318i-e...)
And to my 330d, under the assumption it might be a common E46 issue:
- front seat occupancy sensor broke, causing airbag light to remain illuminated, cost £80 to fix
Edited by to3m on Sunday 4th November 01:18
to3m said:
- Rear light cluster needed replacing due to burnt-out connection, causing slightly dim bulbs that occasionally didn't work at all, cost about £80 (see, e.g., http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f9/2003-318i-e...)
You don't need to replace the entire unit at all, just put in another earth conection. Google E46 rear light fix. 
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