E46 reliability - tell me I'm wrong!
Discussion
Hi all
I am considering buying an E46 330i or Ci sport in the near future, most likely an auto although would consider a manual at the right price. Budget is around £4.5-5k which seems to get me something in the region of '02 - '03 with approx 70-85k miles, depending on spec.
I like to go into these things with my eyes open so I've been doing a fair bit of research into common faults and to be honest it's starting to scare me with the number of 'common' and pretty serious issues that I'm reading about! So far the list of known faults seems to stand at:
Track control bushes last approx. 60-80k miles
Cooling systems will fail suddenly and catastrophically at around 60-80k
Auto boxes have issues with not selecting gears - any more details here and how common is common?
Rust in wheel arches
Lesser issues including:
Window regulators failing leaving windows open/closed
Sunroof not operating correctly
A multitude of sensor problems
Are there any more that I've missed and need to look for?
I appreciate that all cars have their faults and will have issues if not looked after, so really what I need is for people with experience to tell me that if I find a well looked after car and continue to look after it then it won't be a ticking time bomb and won't leave me stranded and facing a hefty bill on a regular basis!
I am considering buying an E46 330i or Ci sport in the near future, most likely an auto although would consider a manual at the right price. Budget is around £4.5-5k which seems to get me something in the region of '02 - '03 with approx 70-85k miles, depending on spec.
I like to go into these things with my eyes open so I've been doing a fair bit of research into common faults and to be honest it's starting to scare me with the number of 'common' and pretty serious issues that I'm reading about! So far the list of known faults seems to stand at:
Track control bushes last approx. 60-80k miles
Cooling systems will fail suddenly and catastrophically at around 60-80k
Auto boxes have issues with not selecting gears - any more details here and how common is common?
Rust in wheel arches
Lesser issues including:
Window regulators failing leaving windows open/closed
Sunroof not operating correctly
A multitude of sensor problems
Are there any more that I've missed and need to look for?
I appreciate that all cars have their faults and will have issues if not looked after, so really what I need is for people with experience to tell me that if I find a well looked after car and continue to look after it then it won't be a ticking time bomb and won't leave me stranded and facing a hefty bill on a regular basis!
Don't be worried by any of this, take your time to find a nice and clean example. There are still quite a few around. I did quite a lot of preventive maintenance on mine, it's 10 years old, nearing 85k and lived outside it's whole life but never let me down, apart from a few electrical niggles but nothing serious. Absolutely cracking cars, I'd recommend them to anyone.
This is the problem with researching online. You're going to hear about the horror stories more than the unreported masses that are problem free.
I've had my auto 330ci for a year now and it's only needed wheel sensors. The bushes wearing at 80k is to be expected at that mileage on any car no? I can't imagine the auto boxes fail anymore than any other brand. The early cars do rust the front arches but your budget puts you way after that period.
The cooling system is fine as long as you give it a refresh which is cheap and diy'able.
They are great cars that have a certain level of scaremongering surrounding them, usually unjust.
For me BMW have been the most reliable brand that I have had, and I've been through the lot.
I've had my auto 330ci for a year now and it's only needed wheel sensors. The bushes wearing at 80k is to be expected at that mileage on any car no? I can't imagine the auto boxes fail anymore than any other brand. The early cars do rust the front arches but your budget puts you way after that period.
The cooling system is fine as long as you give it a refresh which is cheap and diy'able.
They are great cars that have a certain level of scaremongering surrounding them, usually unjust.
For me BMW have been the most reliable brand that I have had, and I've been through the lot.
Edited by mini1380cc on Thursday 17th January 23:06
Edited by mini1380cc on Thursday 17th January 23:09
Don't forget waterpump failure, vanos problems, split intake boots, cracked subframe mountings, heater resistors and rear trailing arm bushes either.
If you can DIY then they are not such a bad choice, there's no cambelt for a start so no chance of instant engine destruction. Waterpump and radiator aside none of the other faults will leave you at the side of the motorway.
You must have your wits about you when buying an E46, look for a service history or a bunch of receipts otherwise knock down the price.
Parts are not too dear,it's the labour that will cripple you. A neglected E46 will not be enjoyable to drive, worn chassis parts turn them into weaving darting horrors.However once all the jobs are done they are good for another 60,000 miles.
Good points are engine note, quiet cabin, decent fuel economy and quality interior. Autos need a fluid change with the proper oil at about 60,000 miles manuals can be clunky.
If you can DIY then they are not such a bad choice, there's no cambelt for a start so no chance of instant engine destruction. Waterpump and radiator aside none of the other faults will leave you at the side of the motorway.
You must have your wits about you when buying an E46, look for a service history or a bunch of receipts otherwise knock down the price.
Parts are not too dear,it's the labour that will cripple you. A neglected E46 will not be enjoyable to drive, worn chassis parts turn them into weaving darting horrors.However once all the jobs are done they are good for another 60,000 miles.
Good points are engine note, quiet cabin, decent fuel economy and quality interior. Autos need a fluid change with the proper oil at about 60,000 miles manuals can be clunky.
Mine's an early 55 but at 91k. I've had it or 24k. It's a manual, driven very hard. there's a note on file that with first owner an ignition coil was replaced under warranty, but other than that only wear and teat items such as bushes, discs, pads;
for a seven and a half year old car, I'm pleased.
go for it.
for a seven and a half year old car, I'm pleased.
go for it.
I have had mine a year. Bushings needed replacing when I bought it but this, and imminent oil service was builtninto the price. You can tell they are gone by driving over speed bumps.
Electrics in wing mirrors fully replaced by BMW by previous owner - 700 quid plus!
Having had this done, refreshed the aircon and given it a really good clean its a lovely car.
Plenty of lovely, cared for examples to choose from. Be patient and dont compromise on service history/condition because some greedy little chap feels his ropey 330 is 'mint'.
Electrics in wing mirrors fully replaced by BMW by previous owner - 700 quid plus!
Having had this done, refreshed the aircon and given it a really good clean its a lovely car.
Plenty of lovely, cared for examples to choose from. Be patient and dont compromise on service history/condition because some greedy little chap feels his ropey 330 is 'mint'.
Nobody mentioned the boot floor falling out yet?? Or the door seals?? Or......
As mentioned earlier in the thread if you search long enough you'll find fault with everything.
Great cars (I'm slightly biast tho I'm on my 3rd) you can visually see the rads bowing at the bottom, budget for a new water pump, expansion tank & poly bush front track control arms when you get it & you should have many years service from it.
As mentioned earlier in the thread if you search long enough you'll find fault with everything.
Great cars (I'm slightly biast tho I'm on my 3rd) you can visually see the rads bowing at the bottom, budget for a new water pump, expansion tank & poly bush front track control arms when you get it & you should have many years service from it.
The body control ECU failed on mine (2001 325i) which meant an intermittent failure of the central locking and the inability to open the passenger door, even from the inside. Same module caused intermittent operation of the rear windows. £250 + £50 for installation/coding to car. Brake pipes can corrode in wheel arch area so cleaning/greasing was advised by the MOT guy. Steering column got a bit rattly but it had done 105K. Rear springs broke but I replaced DIY so not expensive. Body/interior was excellent and stood up well to the age/miles. 325 was smooth, yes. Nice sounding, yes. But powerful feeling - no, not really.
I've had two manual 330ci sports over the last 4+ years. Don't be scared by everything you read. Just check the car thoroughly.
Track control bushes last approx. 60-80k miles - Correct, I replaced these on both my cars
Cooling systems will fail suddenly and catastrophically at around 60-80k - Never had a cooling system issue (goes to touch wood). One car I took from 67k to over 80k, the second from 107k to 120k.
Rust in wheel arches - Not an issue on either of mine but I think I've been lucky.
Window regulators failing leaving windows open/closed - never been a problem
Sunroof not operating correctly - My two coupes didn't have a sunroof, so no issues here
A multitude of sensor problems - I had one sensor issue in the ice/snow which just needed recalibration (DSC light came on with amber handbrake light)
Track control bushes last approx. 60-80k miles - Correct, I replaced these on both my cars
Cooling systems will fail suddenly and catastrophically at around 60-80k - Never had a cooling system issue (goes to touch wood). One car I took from 67k to over 80k, the second from 107k to 120k.
Rust in wheel arches - Not an issue on either of mine but I think I've been lucky.
Window regulators failing leaving windows open/closed - never been a problem
Sunroof not operating correctly - My two coupes didn't have a sunroof, so no issues here
A multitude of sensor problems - I had one sensor issue in the ice/snow which just needed recalibration (DSC light came on with amber handbrake light)
How many 10 year old cars don't have plenty of issues?
You wouldn't buy another car if you read every forum post about faults so I wouldn't get too hung up about the naysayers.
Sorting the cooling system will be the main cost I'd anticipate. The things I've sorted that aren't more common consumables-
Radiator
Water Pump
Coolant Expansion tank
Auxiliary belts
Rear bushes
Radiator hoses (x2)
Coolant temperature sensor
Rear wheel bearing
DISA valve
Rear spring (only one cracked but replaced both)
Bushes are no big deal, I never understand why people make it sound like they're a catastrophic issue. My radiator was bowed, I got the rest done as a precaution as the water pumps will go sooner or later and the coolant expansion tanks can have hairline cracks. Buy the parts yourself and you can save yourself a healthy sum.
I spent a fair amount on mine when I first got it (everything above bar the bearing) but if you take away the fact I bought 4 quality tyres and brakes all round it isn't really that bad.
I've used http://www.c3bmw.co.uk/ and http://www.bmminiparts.com/. Get brake components from eurocarparts and http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/. Especially with the latter two, know what part numbers to choose and you're getting OEM brake parts for a fraction of the price, don't ever go direct to BMW.
You wouldn't buy another car if you read every forum post about faults so I wouldn't get too hung up about the naysayers.
Sorting the cooling system will be the main cost I'd anticipate. The things I've sorted that aren't more common consumables-
Radiator
Water Pump
Coolant Expansion tank
Auxiliary belts
Rear bushes
Radiator hoses (x2)
Coolant temperature sensor
Rear wheel bearing
DISA valve
Rear spring (only one cracked but replaced both)
Bushes are no big deal, I never understand why people make it sound like they're a catastrophic issue. My radiator was bowed, I got the rest done as a precaution as the water pumps will go sooner or later and the coolant expansion tanks can have hairline cracks. Buy the parts yourself and you can save yourself a healthy sum.
I spent a fair amount on mine when I first got it (everything above bar the bearing) but if you take away the fact I bought 4 quality tyres and brakes all round it isn't really that bad.
I've used http://www.c3bmw.co.uk/ and http://www.bmminiparts.com/. Get brake components from eurocarparts and http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/. Especially with the latter two, know what part numbers to choose and you're getting OEM brake parts for a fraction of the price, don't ever go direct to BMW.
Edited by Patrick Bateman on Friday 18th January 19:28
Had 5 of them and all were reliable apart from a '00 330ci. It was one of the first models off the line apparently and had a lot of cooling/electronic issues.
In a year and a bit of ownership it cost me about £3k to put everything right.
The facelift model has these issues sorted out, and of the E46's I've owned they've been fault free. I'm currently driving a 325ci '03 sport with 123,000 miles on the clock that feels as tight as a nun's...well you get the picture.
In a year and a bit of ownership it cost me about £3k to put everything right.
The facelift model has these issues sorted out, and of the E46's I've owned they've been fault free. I'm currently driving a 325ci '03 sport with 123,000 miles on the clock that feels as tight as a nun's...well you get the picture.
We bought a mega spec 330i SE touring with 28,000 miles on it six years ago. It's now on 132,000 and in 100,000 miles it has proved totally reliable. We're now trying to sell the car, but folk seem (wrongly) frightened by the mileage. These cars are good for 200,000 miles if well maintained.
My 330 has clocked up 113,000 miles now and if I'm being honest it hasn't been the most reliable car I've ever had, though the only time it's actually let me down is 'catastrophic cooing system failure' in my case a burst expansion tank, though I subsequently replaced just about all the rest of the cooling system as well. It's a genuine thing to look out for this, think of the cooling system as a consumable and check that it's had work done on it and if not budget some money to do it yourself.
I've had most if not all of the common faults but I don't think anything has been horrendously expensive to fix so it wouldn't put me off recommending one on that basis. These are old(ish) cars now and all the faults are now well documented just like any other older car, in many cases there are upgraded items now that weren't available when new that sort some issues for good.
I've had most if not all of the common faults but I don't think anything has been horrendously expensive to fix so it wouldn't put me off recommending one on that basis. These are old(ish) cars now and all the faults are now well documented just like any other older car, in many cases there are upgraded items now that weren't available when new that sort some issues for good.
thought y'all might enjoy my recent chat with someone advertising one on ebay that is "stunning in every way" for 6400 ish
this is what i asked
Lovely looking example! some basic questions whenever you get some time
- has the rocker cover gasket been done recently?
- any replacements to major cooling system components ie rad, tank, water pump etc?
- are window regulators sound ie do the windows operate without issue?
- has the oil housing gasket been done?
- any VANOS rattles or rough idle or misfiring?
- front suspension bushes been replaced?
- any wheel arch corrosion or broken or bubbling paintwork?
- when and where was the last insp II done and do you have the invoice / receipt?
- have rear sub frame mounts been checked recently? any cracking?
- are the door check straps sound?
- when was last inspection 2 service done and when
- when is next service due
- what tyres and tread left
thats it for now realise its a long list but expect you've had them before!!
and this is what i got back
mate i am into my flash cars 997turbo rs4v8 i certanly know my cars when i say this is mint i meane mint i have had brand new bmws and this is like new and i meane new i am very confident about that its one of them rare cars that you could even sell to your best mate and not worry about any thing fsh up to date only bad points torch missing and space saver missing that is it hope this help
this is what i asked
Lovely looking example! some basic questions whenever you get some time
- has the rocker cover gasket been done recently?
- any replacements to major cooling system components ie rad, tank, water pump etc?
- are window regulators sound ie do the windows operate without issue?
- has the oil housing gasket been done?
- any VANOS rattles or rough idle or misfiring?
- front suspension bushes been replaced?
- any wheel arch corrosion or broken or bubbling paintwork?
- when and where was the last insp II done and do you have the invoice / receipt?
- have rear sub frame mounts been checked recently? any cracking?
- are the door check straps sound?
- when was last inspection 2 service done and when
- when is next service due
- what tyres and tread left
thats it for now realise its a long list but expect you've had them before!!
=
and this is what i got back
====
mate i am into my flash cars 997turbo rs4v8 i certanly know my cars when i say this is mint i meane mint i have had brand new bmws and this is like new and i meane new i am very confident about that its one of them rare cars that you could even sell to your best mate and not worry about any thing fsh up to date only bad points torch missing and space saver missing that is it hope this help
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