E46 320ci sport
Discussion
I just bought a 2004 (facelift) 320ci sport, automatic, and having previously worked in the motor trade I'm fairly confident I bought a decent enough car.
But I don't have a lot of experience with BMWs and would like to know if there are any specific things I should know, or bear in mind for future, i.e problems, faults, solutions, and just common knowledge (such as the 2 different services)...
My ex used to have one (pre facelift) and she mentioned wish bones and suspension problems...
One thing I noticed when I was cleaning it the other day was a load of rust behind the centre cap in the alloys.... should I be worried?
Any information would be greatly appreciated from the experienced folk!
But I don't have a lot of experience with BMWs and would like to know if there are any specific things I should know, or bear in mind for future, i.e problems, faults, solutions, and just common knowledge (such as the 2 different services)...
My ex used to have one (pre facelift) and she mentioned wish bones and suspension problems...
One thing I noticed when I was cleaning it the other day was a load of rust behind the centre cap in the alloys.... should I be worried?
Any information would be greatly appreciated from the experienced folk!
Servicing is: Oil Service, Inspection one, Oil service, Inspection two and then repeat.
Rear springs are a weakpoint - I had mine replaced with thicker 'tails' in order to prevent premature breaking again.
Passenger airbag sensor mats fail so when a passenger is sat in the passenger seat the airbag light records a not working fault.
Get any corrosion done asap as you should have a 12 year paint warranty like mine. I had the bootlid done on mine after bubbling was found where the bootlid handle meets the metal of the paintwork.
Weak bootlid floors you'll read about won't be a concern as this only affected earlier cars.
That's all that comes to mind for now. Will add to it if I come up with anything else.
Rear springs are a weakpoint - I had mine replaced with thicker 'tails' in order to prevent premature breaking again.
Passenger airbag sensor mats fail so when a passenger is sat in the passenger seat the airbag light records a not working fault.
Get any corrosion done asap as you should have a 12 year paint warranty like mine. I had the bootlid done on mine after bubbling was found where the bootlid handle meets the metal of the paintwork.
Weak bootlid floors you'll read about won't be a concern as this only affected earlier cars.
That's all that comes to mind for now. Will add to it if I come up with anything else.
Boot floors are a problem on all ages.
E46s love bushes front & rear control arm bushes are almost a service item poly bushing solves this.
Prop shaft bush (doughnut) is also a regular replacement
Front calipers can seize, rear handbrake shoes rarely get any maint but need some.
Fuel filters seem never to get changed my 160k FBMWSH car had never had one replace till I put the LS1 in it.
E46s love bushes front & rear control arm bushes are almost a service item poly bushing solves this.
Prop shaft bush (doughnut) is also a regular replacement
Front calipers can seize, rear handbrake shoes rarely get any maint but need some.
Fuel filters seem never to get changed my 160k FBMWSH car had never had one replace till I put the LS1 in it.
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