330 Ci on 150k miles...

[kayzee]

Hi, maybe having a look at one of these at the weekend. Have asked around and talked about high mileage cars in general with people, but thought here I might get some replies from actual BMW owners

So... what is there to look out for? It seems these engines are bullet proof but the suspension can be an issue? I don't mind slightly modifying, so maybe some coilovers could go on, any recommendations? Also unfortunately it has horrible Lexus style lights on the rear, which will be changed straight away, is there any other decent looking alternatives or shall I just get the standard ones back on there? I think 150k means inspection 2 service? What's the average cost of these? I've read they start at £300-350, hopefully I can find a decent independant specialist nearby.

Also, what's the running cost in terms of mpg? I'm not that bothered in some respects, I'm coming from a 305bhp Impreza which returns 12mpg on average! But obviously I'd love to improve on that.

Any general tips and stuff to look out for would be much appreicated, cheers!

[dooosuk]

Don't think you need to replace the entire suspension...it's just the wishbone bushes which are a weak point as far as I know.

MPG...getting around 27/28mpg around town...34mpg on the motorway so can see between 350miles to 450miles per tank depending how/where I drive.

Does it have FSH? I'm not sure I'd bother with the Inspection 2 service at 150k miles. You're probably looking at around £250 at an independant (I think that's what I paid anyway).

[8Tech]

+1 on the suspension. If the balljoints are ok, then it could be that it needs the very common ailments of front lower arm rear bushes and rear trailing arm, front outer bushes. Try Powerflex urethane items, far superior to the OEM rubber items and warranted for life too.

Check the service history, invoices if possible because at that extended mileage, you should seriously consider transmission and diff oil changes as well as the normal brake fluid, coolant scheduled replacements.

A proper IN2 will include the fuel, cabin, oil and air filters as well as the plugs and oil so I would expect around £300-£350 from an independant using OEM quality parts.

If possible, check the rear upper strut mountings for cracking the bodyshell and rear suspension coil springs for breakage.

Good luck.

[custardkid]

fairly cheap and easy to get the car up to spec.

- front wishbone bushes c£35 pair powerflex
- rear trailing arm bush c£35 pair
- rear top mounts £13 each (x2)

- if ball joints gone then new arms are more c£120 a side

at 150k miles check the oil cooler and rad pack are in good nick, no chips, clogged with crap etc
as this could lead to over heating will give you problems.
these will be £200-£3000 a piece

get the engine pressure tested
(or £17 for a guage and 30-60min of time doing it)

BMWs do tend to be better built than some other stuff, talking to the local clutch people he said 90% of fords/pugs need a new flywheels with the clutch vs only about 20% of BMWs

Custard

[4rephill]

Find out if the Crankcase-Ventilation/oil separator(CCV), and pipes have been replaced. These tend to clog up with age and result in a high oil consumption.
(Also, be aware that even if these parts have been replaced the car may still drink oil. For the 3.0 engine BMW allow an oil consumption of up to 1 litre every 600 miles as being acceptable).

Check the front and rear wheel arches for corrosion, quite a common problem on the E46.